What does the term 'engulfment' refer to in confined spaces?

The term 'engulfment' specifically refers to a scenario where an individual is surrounded and captured by a substance, which can result in severe injury or death. This could include being buried in materials like sand, grain, or a liquid that can cause a person to become trapped and potentially suffocated. Engulfment situations are particularly hazardous in confined spaces where escape routes may be limited, and the risk of being overwhelmed by the substance is high.

Understanding engulfment is crucial for safety training and rescue operations in confined spaces because it highlights the need for appropriate precautions, monitoring of environments, and rescue protocols to prevent fatalities associated with being overtaken by potentially hazardous materials. This knowledge helps responders recognize the dangers present and implement necessary measures to protect both workers in confined spaces and rescuers during an emergency.