Entry Safety in Confined Spaces

 

The old cliche “it is better to be safe than sorry,” was made for confined spaces. Yet workers continue to make the mistake of entering deadly spaces without proper preparation. It is pretty much a given that you can go to your local library any day of the week and find a newspaper reporting on the latest victim of a confined space accident.

What is a confined or enclosed space?
The OSHA regulations for construction define a confined or enclosed space as any space having a limited means of getting out, and which can gather toxic or flammable gases, vapors, or has oxygen-deficient air. Examples of confined or enclosed spaces include storage tanks, process vessels, bins, boilers, ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers, underground utility vaults, excavations, manholes, tunnels, pipelines, and open top spaces more than four feet in depth, such as pits, tubs, vaults, and vessels.

Confined or enclosed space hazards
What makes a confined or enclosed space hazardous? Many situations and hazards can cause a confined space to become deadly. Materials being used such as cleaning or bonding liquids, work being done such as welding, or the effects of the environment can cause dangerous vapors, gases, and mists to accumulate in these spaces. The result can be fires, explosions, and physical hazards.

Entering confined spaces
If you are required to enter and work in a confined or enclosed space you must first receive instructions on what you might encounter. Your company will train you on:
• What kinds of hazards you might encounter and why those hazards are dangerous.
• The necessary precautions to take for each type of hazard.
• The use of any protective and/or emergency equipment and instruments required.

Often, the confined space you are entering will not appear to be hazardous. It may have been entered on the last shift with no problems, and may not give signs of being dangerous. At other times there may be indications of danger—the distinct odor of toxic atmospheres, arcing of electrical equipment, or the presence of loose material.

You should always follow your company’s confined space program and use protective equipment made available to you. If you follow the safety rules carefully, you will be able to work safely even in confined spaces.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com