# Analysis of Research Hotspots and Trends in Confined-Space Work Safety Based on CiteSpace
## 4 Discussion
### Analysis and Discussion of the Research Trends of Confined-Space Work Safety  
In recent years, driven by social, occupational health, and technical process factors, there has been a growing focus both domestically and internationally on controlling the risks of confined-space work at the source. This trend is moving towards intrinsically safe development, as shown in Figure 15. Regulations and standards now emphasize inherently safer design (ISD) for confined spaces. For example, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has proposed specific ISD plans for various confined spaces to guide enterprises [68]. Similarly, China has begun advocating for risk reductions in confined-space work through process improvements and the promotion of best practices [69] and experiences. Numerous regulations and guidelines have been issued in recent years to enhance confined-space work safety, such as the Five Regulations for Confined Space Work Safety [70], Safety Regulation for Working Under Hazardous Condition of the Oxygen Deficiency [71], Safety Rescue Guidelines for Accidents in Confined Space Work [72], and the Safety Guidance Manual for Working in Confined Spaces [73]. The implementation of the Regulations on Confined Space Work Safety in Industrial and Trade Enterprises in 2024 will further strengthen the management of confined-space work safety, improving operators' safety awareness and skills. At the same time, the growing public concern for safety has compelled companies to prioritize the practice and management of intrinsic safety to protect the health and safety of their personnel. Figure 14: Summary of hotspots in the research on confined-space work. Figure 15: Trends in the development of confined-space work safety. Under the guidance of policy, confined-space work safety has gradually gained the attention of scientific researchers. The research in this field is developing towards technological innovation, data-driven management, and interdisciplinary cooperation, and it can be categorized into five main directions, as shown in Figure 16: 1 Utilizing information technology and intelligent technology to enhance the safety management of confined-space work. This includes building a comprehensive intelligent monitoring and command platform with intelligent monitoring systems, big data analysis platforms, and remote monitoring. The aim is to achieve all-encompassing management from pre-emptive prevention to post-incident rescue, thereby improving the overall safety level of confined-space work. 2 Toxic and harmful gases: Investigating the generation and suppression mechanisms of toxic and harmful gases in confined spaces [74], their diffusion and distribution laws [16; 75], ventilation protection [50], and intelligent monitoring technology [76]. 3 Virtual reality and simulation: Exploring the use of virtual reality technology to simulate confined-space environments [77], establishing a realistic virtual space for safety training and emergency drills. This includes using simulation software to model gas diffusion in confined spaces [35; 42], as well as the processes of accidents. 4 Machinery and automation: Leveraging technologies such as image recognition to develop identification techniques for unsafe behaviors in confined-space work. This involves intelligent analysis and alarming of unsafe behaviors on-site [78], incorporating robot technology into gas detection and operation [61; 62; 63], and reducing the need for personnel entry. 5 Health and human factors engineering: Preventing fatigue-related risks by monitoring and studying physiological characteristics such as vision, muscle activity, and EEG to ensure personnel safety [38; 39; 40; 79]. In the future, the risk prevention and control of confined-space work will focus more on managing risks at their sources. Safety considerations for confined-space work will be integrated into the design phase, with the aim of reducing the need for confined spaces and operations through structural design optimization, process improvements, and other methods.