When A Worker In Confined Spaces Is Injured Or Trapped On The Job, The Last Thing Anyone Would Want Is For The Rescuers To Be Hurt As Well

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

When a worker in confined spaces is injured or trapped on the job, the last thing anyone would want is for the rescuers to be hurt as well. What is a confined space?

Yet, without the right training or specialized confined space equipment, the most well- intentioned hero could unfortunately make matters worse. Confined spaces are not necessarily small, or even closed. They could possibly only be accessed with a ladder, or they may have only one entry point. They are characterized by having a limited means of entry or exit. Just to give you an idea of the range, some examples of confined spaces are: maintenance holes( manholes) , sewers, tunnels, boilers, pipelines, fuel tanks, wells, storage tanks, tank cars and tank trucks, process vessels, vats, septic tanks, vaults, sewage lift stations, silos, and ventilation and, bins exhaust ducts. Each of these spaces is not necessarily hazardous in and of themselves. Confined spaces can even include deep empty swimming pools, deep open top, deep trenches tanks, pits and roof spaces.

However, shape and location, the size of the exit can increase the risk associated with occupying the space in the event of an emergency. It may be unexpectedly difficult to exit due to the nature of the construction of the tank, thus increasing the risk of harm. For example, a storage tank may for some reason rapidly take on water. These spaces are not regulated by general building codes for habitable structures, since there is no expectation that people will spend a lot of time there. But they re not. And, since most of us are accustomed to living and working in environments where exits are strictly regulated and hazards carefully foreseen and prevented, we may make the mistake of thinking all spaces are safe. Possible hazards.

There may be an oxygen deficiency that is undetectable at first, but becomes progressively worse the further you get into the structure. Many of the hazards of confined spaces can t be seen or smelt, so are especially dangerous. Some atmospheres are highly flammable through a mixture of dusts, gases or vapors that can explode or catch fire. Other hazards include the presence of toxic chemicals, becoming stuck in, slippery surfaces a tight spot, or being buried, falling by material stored in the space. Toxic gases may be unnoticeable at first as well. Biological hazards include diseases that can reside in water that stagnates in a confined space. Safety Tips.

It s important to be on the lookout for all these possibilities, since they do not occur in normally occupied spaces so they are especially unexpected. Everyone should be aware of the precautions to take before entering any structure that is not generally intended for human occupation. --Be aware of the confined spaces around you, and ask for specific training on the space before entering. --Obtain the correct permits before entering. Poisonous gases may be undetectable to the human senses. This is an instance where the laws are not devised to keep anyone from what they need to do, but rather to ensure that everyone using a potentially hazardous space is fully informed of the hazards. --Monitor the air in the confined space before entry. Use special confined space equipment such as a gas monitor to determine the safety of the space, both at the top, the middle and the bottom( since different gases have different weights) . --Be sure there is adequate ventilation, or use confined space equipment such as blowers to provide oxygen or get rid of harmful gases. Attendant should be in constant communication with the person in the confined space to make sure ventilation is working, and call for, monitor the air help. --Attendants should not, attempt to perform, however a rescue, unless they are fully trained on confined space rescue procedures and there is yet another attendant present. Ventilation should be continuous where possible, because in many confined spaces the hazardous atmosphere will form again when the flow of air is stopped. --Only enter the space if you are thoroughly trained about potential hazards and have the proper confined space equipment to work safely. --Assign someone else to be an attendant, and post that person outside the confined space to keep an eye on your status.

Confined space equipment. Retrieval systems such as tripods and winches can be used to rescue workers without having to enter the space. It s a good idea to have the proper training and rescue equipment nearby in the event of an emergency, just in case. Rescues that require entry should only be done by specially trained rescue workers. This includes a full body or chest harness and may also require respirators, goggles, hard hats, earplugs or muffs, boots, gloves, or other protective clothing. In addition to using ventilation and other measures, workers need protective gear.

In short, while it is a good instinct to want to be helpful when you can see someone else is in danger, you don t want to compound the problem by putting yourself in danger, too. You may be saving more than one life by doing so. Contact a qualified professional as quickly as possible, and use proper confined space equipment for rescue.

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