What does the term "engulfment hazard" refer to?

The term "engulfment hazard" specifically refers to a condition in which an individual might be surrounded or entrapped by a substance that can completely envelop or engulf them. This is particularly relevant in confined space scenarios where materials such as grains, sand, or liquids can quickly fill the space and pose a significant risk to individuals who are unable to escape. Such hazards can lead to asphyxiation, drowning, or suffocation if a person is unable to get out of the engulfing material in time. Understanding engulfment hazards is crucial for safely working in environments where materials can accumulate unexpectedly or behave in a way that creates these dangerous conditions.