What types of hazards must be assessed before entering a confined space?

Assessing hazards before entering a confined space is critical to ensuring the safety of workers. The correct answer focuses on air contamination, engulfment, and stored energy, which are all common and serious hazards associated with confined spaces.

Air contamination refers to the presence of harmful gases, vapors, or dust that can pose health risks to individuals inside the space. It is crucial to test the atmosphere for oxygen levels and the presence of toxic substances, as low oxygen levels or hazardous air quality can lead to suffocation or poisoning.

Engulfment is a risk that involves being surrounded or covered by materials such as liquids, grains, or loose aggregates, which can lead to drowning or being trapped. This necessitates careful assessment to avoid potentially fatal situations.

Stored energy hazards are related to equipment that may accidentally release energy during entry or work inside a confined space. Understanding these risks is vital, as they could result in crushing, hitting, or other serious injuries.

In contrast, while electrical and mechanical hazards (the first option) can also be important considerations, they are not the primary hazards specifically associated with confined spaces. Weather conditions and visibility (the third option) may be relevant for outdoor work but are less critical for entering typical confined spaces. Structural integrity and temperature (the