Building Safely in Confined Spaces
Each year, numerous workers are injured or killed as a result of working in confined spaces without the proper safety measure in place. Confined spaces can pose numerous risks for workers, including the risk of being exposed to toxic and flammable gases, potential fires and the potential for suffocation due to a lack of oxygen. Despite the risks, confined spaces need to be entered in order to perform certain work, such as maintenance and construction. As such, it is important to ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place in order to ensure the safety of workers.
One of the first steps to ensure safety in confined spaces is to determine whether or not the space meets the requirements to be classified as a ‘confined space’. The main criteria to consider are whether or not the space is large enough for a person to enter, is designed or intended to hold or confine materials, or cannot be readily entered by an employee. If a space meets any of these criteria it must be classified as a confined space and the appropriate safety measures must be implemented.
Once a space is classified as a confined space, the next step is to ensure that all appropriate safety protocols are followed. These protocols include ensuring that all employees are aware of the safety protocols, as well as providing them with the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respirators, protective clothing and eye protection. Additionally, written safety plans should be created that detail the steps necessary to reduce the risk of injury while in the confined space. These plans should include the types of gases that are present, the ventilation requirements, the potential hazards that may be encountered, and the safety measures that must be taken in the event of an emergency.
It is also important to ensure that any workers entering the confined space are properly trained in the safety protocols that must be followed. This includes not only safety protocols for entering the space but also for using any equipment that may be necessary to perform the work. It is also important to ensure that any equipment required is properly inspected and maintained in order to reduce the risk of an accident or injury while in the confined space.
Finally, it is essential to ensure that all workers entering the confined space are properly monitored and supervised throughout their time in the space. This includes assigning a dedicated outside observer who will be responsible for monitoring the environment, as well as providing periodic checks to ensure that all workers are safe. The observers should also be trained in first aid and emergency response in order to provide assistance in the event that an accident or injury occurs.
By employing these steps, the risk of an accident or injury while working in a confined space can be greatly reduced. While it is impossible to completely eliminate risks, by implementing the correct safety measures, employers can ensure that their workers remain safe at all times.
