In order to stay in line with the UK Occupational Health and
Safety Law and maintain the security and well-being of workers in
certain potentially hazardous environments, several important checks
have to be made before an employee uses confined space equipment.
Thankfully, for those employers and employees who work in industries that often operate in confined spaces - from the sewage industry to mining - there is ample information available in both online and offline form on how to adhere to regulations and guidelines to ensure optimal safety. Here are some of the things that must always be checked before entering such a space.
The first is the testing of air breathability before entering into a confined space. Atmospheric tests should be performed to check for oxygen deficiency, toxic substances and explosive concentrations before entry. In the first two cases, confined space equipment such as breathing apparatus may very likely be required to those working in the space.
In addition to this, a procedure needs to be instated with regards to the provision of respiratory equipment and lifelines in the case of an emergency. All respiratory enclosed space equipment should be approved and appropriately checked and fitted to the workforce if necessary.
Regardless of the confined space equipment and breathing apparatus supplied, a system for regular atmospheric tests throughout the duration of work should be implemented. In addition to this, it is critical to check whether ventilation - either natural or mechanical - is provided before entry.
As well as the initial and continuous monitoring of air quality inside the confined space, it is vital to check that the space in question has been cleared of other hazards, including corrosive or hazardous substances. Any lines to the enclosed space containing toxic, flammable, inert or corrosive substances should be valved off and blanked before entry into the area.
Equally, any hazardous equipment should be locked out if it presents a danger to workers. Items falling into this category include agitators, impellers and other moving parts that can cause injury to workers.
Illumination must also be verified as being at an acceptable level before entry into an enclosed space. Equipment dedicated to illuminating such spaces is sold or rented out by many confined space equipment companies, making this issue easily resolvable.
In addition to air quality, illumination and mechanical and chemical hazards in the confined space, all portable electrical equipment should be fully insulated or grounded to make sure that severe injury from this apparatus does not occur. In all cases, an attendant outside of the space should be appointed to sound the alarm and render assistance in an emergency.
As regarding equipment used by workers in enclosed spaces, hoses should be checked for leaks, compressed gascanisters forbidden and torches lit only at the exterior of the confined space. The enclosed space should be tested for an explosive environment before a lit torch is taken into the area, every time and without exception.
In the case where oxygen-consuming enclosed space equipment is used, it must be made sure that the use of these tools will not reduce the oxygen concentration of the air below a volume of 19.5%. Exhaust gases must also be vented to the exterior of the confined space.
These are some of the essential checks that must take place before entry into a confined space. By the careful testing and elimination of hazards, the right enclosed space equipment being selected and effective emergency procedures being put into place, confined space work can take place with a much smaller risk to the health and safety of the workforce in this dangerous environment.
Thankfully, for those employers and employees who work in industries that often operate in confined spaces - from the sewage industry to mining - there is ample information available in both online and offline form on how to adhere to regulations and guidelines to ensure optimal safety. Here are some of the things that must always be checked before entering such a space.
The first is the testing of air breathability before entering into a confined space. Atmospheric tests should be performed to check for oxygen deficiency, toxic substances and explosive concentrations before entry. In the first two cases, confined space equipment such as breathing apparatus may very likely be required to those working in the space.
In addition to this, a procedure needs to be instated with regards to the provision of respiratory equipment and lifelines in the case of an emergency. All respiratory enclosed space equipment should be approved and appropriately checked and fitted to the workforce if necessary.
Regardless of the confined space equipment and breathing apparatus supplied, a system for regular atmospheric tests throughout the duration of work should be implemented. In addition to this, it is critical to check whether ventilation - either natural or mechanical - is provided before entry.
As well as the initial and continuous monitoring of air quality inside the confined space, it is vital to check that the space in question has been cleared of other hazards, including corrosive or hazardous substances. Any lines to the enclosed space containing toxic, flammable, inert or corrosive substances should be valved off and blanked before entry into the area.
Equally, any hazardous equipment should be locked out if it presents a danger to workers. Items falling into this category include agitators, impellers and other moving parts that can cause injury to workers.
Illumination must also be verified as being at an acceptable level before entry into an enclosed space. Equipment dedicated to illuminating such spaces is sold or rented out by many confined space equipment companies, making this issue easily resolvable.
In addition to air quality, illumination and mechanical and chemical hazards in the confined space, all portable electrical equipment should be fully insulated or grounded to make sure that severe injury from this apparatus does not occur. In all cases, an attendant outside of the space should be appointed to sound the alarm and render assistance in an emergency.
As regarding equipment used by workers in enclosed spaces, hoses should be checked for leaks, compressed gascanisters forbidden and torches lit only at the exterior of the confined space. The enclosed space should be tested for an explosive environment before a lit torch is taken into the area, every time and without exception.
In the case where oxygen-consuming enclosed space equipment is used, it must be made sure that the use of these tools will not reduce the oxygen concentration of the air below a volume of 19.5%. Exhaust gases must also be vented to the exterior of the confined space.
These are some of the essential checks that must take place before entry into a confined space. By the careful testing and elimination of hazards, the right enclosed space equipment being selected and effective emergency procedures being put into place, confined space work can take place with a much smaller risk to the health and safety of the workforce in this dangerous environment.
Breathe Safety is a UK-basedteam of experts dedicated to the
provision of services relating to confined space training and the use of
respiratory equipment and breathing apparatus. Breathe Safety provides
total solutions in these areas including training programs, face fit
testing, consultancy and rescue services and the hire, sale and
servicing of equipment. Since the company's inception, the Breathe
Safety name has been synonymous with sustaining life in hazardous
environments and providing a quality service to clients in a variety of
industries, including oil and gas, turnaround and shutdown,
petrochemical, mining and tunnelling, pharmaceutical, energy and marine
industries. To find out more, please visit: http://www.breathesafety.com/
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