Confined space accidents are a big concern in different industries because of the challenges and risks involved. A confined space is an area good enough for an individual to enter and exit with limited access but is not designed to be inhabited. Several businesses give importance to confined space entry training so that employees have the skills for safe entry and exit. Furthermore, the training also helps to understand the potential risks and hazards and abide the protocols to take necessary precautions and avoid accidents and mishaps.
Minimizing Risks And Hazards
Confined spaces include sewers, tunnels, pits, tanks, wells, boilers, pipes, silos, access shafts, aircraft wings, storage bins, manholes, utility vaults, and so on. Working in such restricted areas is complex and can cause serious injuries and even death. Supervisors, managers, and others must dedicate their time to inspecting the limited spaces and finding solutions to any problems.
Offers Relevant Industry Training
It is expected that anyone working in confined areas is aware of risks, detects potential hazards, and accordingly executes control measures. The employees who have the permits to work in confined spaces must undergo industry-specific confined space entry training to improve their skills and knowledge. List of industries that demand confined space training are:
- Construction workers, and employees who work in trenches, crawls, drainage pipes, etc.
- Mining is one of the most popular industrial sectors where employees need to undertake compulsory confined space entry training, starting from higher officials to lower.
- The manufacturing industry is also one that includes working in confined areas and involved with toxic chemicals and volatile products.
- The employees in the food and beverage industry are required to work in partially enclosed or completely closed spaces.
Learn to Operate Specialized Tools
When businesses want their employees to work and perform in confined areas, it is vital to enable them with required confined space training. This allows them to avert higher accident risks and learn the skills to use specialized equipment and tools. The employees or workers must be equipped with proper safety gear, like helmets, headlights, high-visibility clothing, and others, before entering the confined areas.
The trained employee will be able to utilize breathing apparatus and perform his/her duty. Henceforth, it is important to incorporate confined space training for employees and teach them to handle different equipment and safety gear. Some of the tools include:
- Oxygen monitors
- Lighting equipment, like headlights
- Ventilation fans
- Confined space ladders
Education About Emergencies
When employees are not trained in working and performing in confined spaces, they miss out on the signs of emergencies. For instance, oxygen levels dropping below 19.5% is dangerous as it causes rapid heart rate, clumsiness, and fatigue. Furthermore, with gradual oxygen level fall, one experiences nausea, dizziness, collapse, coma, and death. Exposure to toxic gases and lack of ventilation can cause grave situations that must be addressed immediately. When employees have proper confined space entry training, they are aware of the possibilities and undertake the necessary steps right away.
With training, an employee is aware of the emergencies and learns the following:
- Identify possible hazards in restricted spaces
- Execute risk control measures
- Utilize PPE or Personal Protective Equipment whenever required
- Implement emergency procedures and take control of the situation
Detect Potential Risks And Hazards
The employees educated with confined space training are aware of potential risks and hazards found in restricted spaces. This helps them to implement necessary safety steps and avoid any mishaps. Some of the instances of potential risks and hazards in restricted space include the following:
- Limited or lack of oxygen
There are several reasons why the oxygen level in a confined space is limited partly or completely.
- Toxic gases and fumes
Toxic gases and fumes easily develop in confined spaces because of the lack of proper ventilation. Furthermore, gas leaks, welding, paint fumes, and adhesives are also responsible for producing poisonous gases.
- Flooding
Without proper training, employees fail to handle a flood-like situation in confined spaces. Thus, with no time to escape, the employee will be trapped and might lose his/her life.
- Explosions and fire
Flammable products in confined spaces increase the risk of explosions and even fire. Employees with proper training will be able to manage the grave situation and come out of it.
Conclusion
From the above analysis, it is clear that confined space entry training is necessary and advantageous. Every business must mandate the employees working in restricted areas to undertake the course and train themselves.