Engulfment
Being buried or drowned by free-flowing solids or liquids, such as grain, sand, soil, sludge or water, in a confined space, tank or excavation.
Also known as: Engulfed, Engulfment by free-flowing material
How to control engulfment
- Avoid entering silos, bins, tanks or hoppers; clear blockages from outside using poles, air lances or vibrators.
- Isolate and lock out conveyors, augers and inlets so no material can flow in or be drawn out during entry.
- Shore, bench or batter excavation walls, and keep spoil and plant back from the edge to prevent collapse.
- Never walk on bridged or crusted material, and do not work below material hung up on walls.
- Use a harness and lifeline attached to a fixed anchor, with a standby person and tested rescue equipment.
Typical controls, most effective first. Your SWMS sets the controls for your own job and site.
Templates that cover Engulfment
SWMS by trade
Hazards that come up alongside it
Legislation these templates cite
- Code of Practice: Confined spaces1 template
- Code of Practice: Construction work1 template
- Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace1 template
- Code of Practice: How to manage WHS risks1 template
- Code of Practice: Work environment and facilities1 template
- Compliance code: Confined spaces (Vic)1 template
- OHS Act 2004 (Vic)1 template
- OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic)1 template