Confined Space Definition, Hazards & Safe Work Procedures | Gas Detector EDW500

A confined space is defined not by its structure but by its hazards — oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, fire, or explosion risk. Over 2015–2024, 298 workers were injured and 126 died (42.3% fatality rate) in confined space accidents in Korea. Pre-entry gas measurement and strict safety procedures are essential.

💡 3 Key Points

A confined space is defined by hazard, not structure.
The fatality rate in confined space accidents was 42.3% over 2015–2024.
Korean regulations now mandate gas detector provision and 3-year data record retention.

What Is a Confined Space? Legal Definition

Under Korea's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Rules, a confined space is any location where risks of asphyxiation, fire, or explosion due to oxygen deficiency or hazardous gases exist — regardless of physical enclosure.

Acceptable Air Quality Standards

Gas	Acceptable Range
O2 (Oxygen)	18% ≤ O2 < 23.5%
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)	Below 1.5%
CO (Carbon Monoxide)	Below 30 ppm
H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide)	Below 10 ppm
Flammable Gas (EX)	LEL 10% or below

Accident Statistics (2015–2024)

298

Total casualties (10 years)

126

Fatalities

42.3%

Fatality rate

Source: Ministry of Employment and Labor, announced May 2025.

Regulatory Update: Equipment & Data Retention Now Mandatory

#	Key Amendment
①	Mandatory provision of gas concentration measurement equipment
②	3-year retention of measurement and assessment records
③	Enhanced worker safety training requirements
④	Mandatory 119 reporting obligation for safety monitors

Recommended Gas Detector: EDW500

Simultaneous measurement of 5 gases: O2, CO, H2S, CO2, LEL
Built-in SIM — no separate Wi-Fi needed. SIM/data/cloud fees all free.
Auto-saves every 1 minute (adjustable 1 min to 1 hour); Excel/PDF export + auto email reporting
Real-time alarm to PC/smartphone on threshold exceedance
In-house calibration and A/S; within 5 business days after receipt
Applicable to manholes, septic tanks, water tanks, storage tanks, etc.; compatible with pump for pre-entry measurement

⚠️ Data Retention Notice

DCMS cloud storage retains data for 3 months. However, the automatic email reporting service sends measurement data to the registered administrator email every 3 months, so simply keeping those emails is sufficient to meet the legal 3-year data retention requirement — no manual download needed.

📞 EDW500 Inquiry & Quote

WANDI Korea — specialized gas detection with in-house calibration, domestic A/S, and 1-on-1 consulting.

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