Working in confined spaces comes with unique challenges and risks. Whether your employees are entering permit-required or non-permit confined spaces, proper training is crucial. Comprehensive confined space training can help your team handle emergencies and stay safe on the job.
Preparing for Confined Space Entry
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,030 fatal injuries related to confined spaces in the United States occurred between 2011 and 2018. During that time, occupations with the most fatal workplace injuries include:
Construction laborers (173)
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers (79)
First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers (63)
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (46)
Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse (40)
Dangers include oxygen deficiency and toxic atmospheres, engulfment hazards, and physical hazards such as structural collapses.
Prevention of these dangers requires a combination of compliance with Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS), proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as training and education.
When entering a confined space, employees may need equipment such as a respirator, hard hat, safety glasses, protective clothing, safety gloves, or safety shoes. All equipment requires proper inspection, and will vary based on the space being accessed.
It is important that all members of your team understand the specific environment and proper equipment necessary to enter confined spaces on the jobsite.
Confined Space Rescue Techniques
If an emergency happens within a confined space operation, it’s important to have a plan in place for a safe rescue that is specific to your worksite.
Non-entry: Rescue that is conducted without entry into the confined space. This can be conducted with equipment such as a rope or winch.
Entry by others: If your company does not have trained personnel for emergency rescue, you may rely on others to rescue, such as the Fire Department. An outside rescuer would need to be familiar with the types of confined spaces in your facility, hazards, entry means, and have access to the types of rescue equipment and PPE for the job.
Entry by Trained employees from the company: This entails training all members of your team in confined space rescue work, including the proper techniques and equipment for specific confined spaces. Additionally, at least one member must be certified in CPR and first aid.
What To Look For in Confined Space Training
At the core of confined space rescue training should be practical, hands-on knowledge that empowers your team to act quickly and effectively in emergencies. Key topics may include:
Permit-Required and Non-Permit Confined Space Entry: Understand the regulations and processes required for safe entry.
Self-Rescue Techniques: Learn essential skills like knot tying and patient packaging, designed to enable your team to rescue themselves or coworkers without waiting for external help.
Emergency Response Preparation: Prepare for what to expect if an emergency team arrives on-site, ensuring smooth collaboration during a crisis.
Advantages of In-Person Training
Confined Space Props: Train in environments tailored to your actual work conditions, making the training more relevant and effective.
Expert, Experienced Instructors: Get questions answered in real-time, providing a personalized learning experience. Unlike online courses, you won’t have to wait for responses or worry about unclear instructions.
Hands-On Learning: There’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Expert instructors provide real-time responses to questions and practical application of safety skills.
Employer Confidence: Ensure your team will not only meet OSHA requirements but will also learn essential skills, boosting overall workplace safety.
Confined space entry is a serious task that requires serious preparation. The training your team receives today could make all the difference in an emergency.
Source:
Rolly Walker, General Manager at Arnco Safety - rwalker@arncosafety.com