What are safe oxygen levels in a confined space?

Safe oxygen levels in a confined space are critical for ensuring the health and safety of personnel working in such environments. The correct answer indicates a safe oxygen range of 19.5% to 23.5%. This range is established based on guidelines provided by various occupational safety and health organizations.

An oxygen concentration below 19.5% is considered oxygen-deficient and can lead to serious health risks, including unconsciousness and death, as it may not support normal respiratory functions. Conversely, an oxygen concentration above 23.5% creates an oxygen-enriched atmosphere, which significantly increases the risk of fire and explosion.

Therefore, the specified range enhances the safety of workers by ensuring that there is enough oxygen available for breathing while avoiding the dangers associated with both low and high oxygen levels. Understanding these parameters is vital in the inspection and maintenance of confined spaces, thus reinforcing the importance of adhering to safety protocols in these environments.