When you work in a confined space, you’re usually concerned with the safety of your own body and, to some extent, that of your colleagues. Still, it’s important to remember that many hazards are associated with working in these conditions. One of the most dangerous things you can do when working in a confined space is entered without proper training—confined spaces have their own unique set of hazards that are different from those found in other areas of your workplace. Without formal confined space training, you risk severe injury or even death.
What are confined spaces?
A confined space is a space that has any one of the following characteristics:
• limited openings for entry and exit
• unfavorable natural ventilation
• not designed for continuous worker occupancy
Most often, confined spaces are found on construction sites or industrial environments. They’re also common on ships; some include cargo holds and fuel tanks where workers store items such as flammable liquids. Other examples include house crawl spaces, storage bins, maintenance holes, and sewers. There are many hazards associated with working in these areas—some more obvious than others—and it’s essential to take precautions before entering one.
What should you consider before entering one?
Before entering a confined space, you must ensure that it is safe to enter. To do so, be sure you are trained on all proper entry methods. This can save your life in some situations.
You must also know how long you will be spending in a confined space before entering it. If it is going to be longer than 15 minutes, take oxygen with you or prepare an oxygen tank in advance if one will not fit when making entry. Then, once you have determined that everything is safe and prepared, enter into a space only if necessary.
Never enter a confined space just because someone tells you to; always consider what could go wrong and what precautions are needed before taking action because, without any protection, there may not be another opportunity for an escape!
An example is an entry into a confined space.
A man working in a ventilation shaft was electrocuted after coming into contact with a high-voltage cable. The victim was part of a team installing an air handling unit within a building’s ductwork. While working, they encountered an unexpected electrical hazard, resulting in his death.
After talking with family members and employees, we learned that he was not adequately trained to deal with these issues before beginning work at the site. For example, he wasn’t aware that there could be live wires inside of large ductwork pieces or what danger signs to look for when entering one, like discoloration or small openings in plastic conduit casings where cables might enter.
What do you need in order to stay safe there?
It’s no surprise that not all confined spaces are created equal. You’ll need breathing apparatus; with others, a simple mask will do. Having even just one item not on your list can put you at risk of contracting an illness or injury. So what items should you have to be safe in there?
Before venturing into a confined space, make sure you have these five things:
- breathing equipment
- a hard hat
- a harness or ropes
- backup alarms
- a first aid kit
Of course, depending on its specific hazards, your work site may require additional items, but these are some essential must-haves for any confined space environment.
Things to remember while inside the confined space
It would be best if you were trained for certain activities in a confined space required by Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), and it is always best to consider safety measures. It’s important to remember that a confined space should only be entered if it can be proven safe.
The air quality must be tested using reliable testing equipment to ensure no contaminants are inside the atmosphere. It’s essential to have a buddy or other contact person outside that can monitor conditions in real-time while help is on its way.
Leave if you don’t feel comfortable.
If you do not feel comfortable in a confined space, you must leave. If you are working in a confined space with other people, don’t hesitate to call for help if there is an emergency. The danger of leaving a confined space without proper training is that accidents could occur.
You could get trapped or fall victim to an illness or toxic gas exposure, causing further harm or loss of life. When exiting, follow your employer’s protocol for safe entry into and exit from confined spaces. For example, wearing protective equipment can make entering and exiting easier without increasing risk by limiting your visibility or access to tools needed for escape should an emergency occur.
Do it right, or don’t do it at all!
Confined spaces can be dangerous. Many hazards are associated with fires and toxic gases to machinery moving at high speeds. If you work in one, you need to understand these dangers well so that you don’t end up hurting yourself or someone else. To ensure your safety and that of your co-workers, get confined space training from a certified provider in your area.
Whether you work for a commercial contractor or an industrial business, confined space training is essential—it’s the clear way how things are done right. You may not realize it, but training sessions provide the knowledge that will keep you out of harm’s way both on the job and off.
Conclusion
Confined space hazards are common and can easily be avoided. That’s why it’s so crucial for employers to provide proper training for workers who will be entering these spaces. A quick online search for confined space training will reveal several different standards, regulations, and laws that must be adhered to. Employers must understand which restrictions apply in their area. Furthermore, they must pick a training provider who understands these requirements to provide proper training. Failing to do so can put workers at risk.
