What does the oxygen indicator measure in a confined space?

The oxygen indicator is specifically designed to measure the amount of oxygen present in a confined space. This is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where atmospheric conditions can quickly become hazardous, such as in tanks or enclosed vessels. A proper level of oxygen is essential for human survival; typically, a concentration of around 19.5% to 23.5% is considered safe for breathing. If the oxygen level falls below this range, individuals may experience symptoms ranging from dizziness to unconsciousness, or even death in extreme cases.

Understanding the amount of oxygen is particularly important in confined spaces because they can easily become oxygen-deficient if gases displace the air, or due to decay processes or chemical reactions that consume oxygen. Thus, the ability to accurately measure the oxygen level helps responders assess the safety of a confined space before entering and provides critical information for implementing necessary safety measures.