Confined space is the place where the available air space is less than the volume of the enclosed space.
An example of a confined space would be a small room with no windows and little or no ventilation. These types of spaces are usually found in industrial settings such as laboratories, factories, and mines.
Confined spaces are called so, because of their enclosed nature like tanks, vessels, manholes etc and only trained personnel with sufficient protection should enter these spaces because of the high risk of accidents or injury. Confined spaces can be extremely dangerous. Unsafe systems and practices are common in construction and manufacturing, but they can also happen within the workplace.
The frequency of confined space incidents is increasing due to changes in technology and innovation. On the other hand, people have a natural aversion to certain types of hazards because they endanger health or safety, which makes it difficult to tackle this issue.
The personnel must be trained thoroughly and Risk Management methods cannot be taken lightly. Some of the hazards surrounding confined spaces are:
1. Toxic chemicals:
Hazardous substances in confined places are a major threat for workers. These substances can cause clouding of judgement, visual impairment etc. and in serious cases, they can cause unconsciousness, asphyxiation or death.
2. Lack of oxygen:
Given that the entire space is substantially small, the quality and level of oxygen dip drastically and other gases like carbon-di-oxide and nitrogen take their place.
3. Flammable atmospheres:
A flammable atmosphere means chances of fire or explosion. This can be caused by the presence of flammable liquids or gases or in the form of combustible dust in the air. If any of these substances ignite, then an explosion will occur, resulting in the destruction of the surface.
4. Oxygen enrichment:
Just like a lack of oxygen, an excess of oxygen in the place of combustible substances can cause an explosion. Some substances which do not burn in air, can ignite quickly in concentrated oxygen atmospheres.
Because of all these risks, only personnel equipped with the highest protective gear and strenuous training are permitted to work in these confined spaces. Confined space training is a must for all workers.
The training should include:
a. Identifying potential hazards and dangers in the confined space.
b. If hazards are identified, then personnel must be trained on how to evaluate and take a quick yet fully thought-out decision on controlling the danger.
c. Their equipment and uses must be well-known by the workers. They must know the set-up, use and limitations of equipment inside the confined space like ventilation equipment, emergency equipment, energy control equipment etc and they should also be aware of their own protective gear like respirators, body harnesses, gas masks etc.
d. Awareness about the safe work procedures by the Confined Space Hazard Assessment Program.
e. Must know the safety procedures to follow when an emergency occurs.
f. Work responsibly, so as to not harm others and themselves.
The learning results of confined space training are as follows:
- Space entry procedures.
- Handling of equipment
- Importance of ventilation
- Atmosphere testing for any substantial risk
- Monitoring the space, constantly.
- Space preparation for entry, in case of danger.
- Arrangements for rescue and resuscitation equipment at the entrance.
- Supervisory control
- Communication and codes between the workers and the supervisor.
- Safe access and strong illumination.
- State-of-the-art equipment and how to use them.
- Permit to work
- Training drills
- How to follow emergency procedures
Hands-on training is compulsory for all workers and additional support will be provided by the supervisory team that will be stationed at the entrance of the confined space. This training will ensure legal compliance when your job is in the confined space vicinity. Training builds competence and proficiency and confidence to handle emergencies. The responsible organizations should maintain records of all confined space training.
Permit to work:
According to HSA, “A permit to work procedure is a means of achieving effective control of a system of work through formal written documentation known as the permit to work form. The following are included in the permit to work form:
- A written procedure, which talks about how the system operates and defines the responsible officers for designation of jobs like dividing of particular jobs and specifying and implementing safety and necessary procedures.
- The permit to work is a written and signed document which ensures the establishment of safety procedures for the work to start and the maintenance of the safe conditions of the spaces, including the provision of emergency arrangements.