Thursday, February 7, 2013
The Dangers of Working in a Confined Space
Working in a confined space is like putting your life in danger especially if you don’t have the right safety gears and the proper training in identifying and controlling the risks involved when you expose yourself to the hazardous elements inside the confined place. Generally, confined rooms or chambers offer restricted entry and exit. Examples of these are sewers, pits, silos, manholes, pipes and storage tanks. These places pose risk for workers because of its physical features and the hazardous elements present in them. Some of the risks are:
• Poor air circulation and ventilation
• Restricted entry and exit
• Presence of toxic chemicals
• Existence of fire hazard materials
• Toxic fumes, dust, and gases
Almost all companies have confined spaces. People may get inside a confined space every now and then. Without adequate training, they are in danger. The training should include assessment and monitoring of confined spaces, especially during the duration of occupation. For example, detection of oxygen inadequacy or the presence of toxic fumes and gases while inside a confined space should prompt wearing of appropriate breathing apparatus. Whereas enclosed spaces with flammable gases pose fire hazard when it reaches a certain concentration. Hence, it is important that appropriate fire resistant is worn while working inside in the area and at the same time fire safety equipment should be at hand.
This is the reason why managers and company owners should send their workers to various industrial safety training programs including confined space training. They should not ignore the value of safety training. Employees with adequate occupational safety training undeniably reduce the chances of accidents at work and with this training they would be an asset to your company.
Managers or company owners need to go through safety training as well. It is important that they also know the safety measures. They ought to motivate their employees to uphold safety and keep the workplace a safe place for everyone. Remember, it is not just the responsibility of some people to keep an occupational site safe but it is the responsibility of everyone.