Many workers are exposed to health and safety risks in confined spaces. Because of this, it is important to recognize and plan for working in confined spaces properly.
As a confined space, it is defined as a space that consists of:
- A large enough space for an employee to perform his/her job physically
- Entry or exit is restricted or limited
- Human occupancy cannot be sustained for a long time
- Risks of significant harm may exist
In order to decide which precautions to take in confined spaces, employers should identify and assess the hazards carefully. For confined spaces, OSHA's standard 29 CFR 1910.146 is highly regulated. Experts like industrial hygiene professionals are crucial to compliance.
Before any worker enters confined spaces, procedures must be followed to prevent serious injury, especially where an element of risk can be reasonably foreseeable.
Can Confined Spaces Be Protected with Fall Protection Equipment?
A confined space may require entry equipment as well as retrieval equipment in order to facilitate entry and exit. Retrieval equipment for both workers and equipment comprises:
- Harness with full-body coverage
- Using tripods or davits
- An appropriate means of connecting
It is advantageous to use retrieval equipment to lower workers into confined spaces because it can control the rate at which workers descend and prevents them from falling accidentally. The use of work hoists for lifting and lowering equipment and tools is extremely common. When entering from a horizontal position, a full-body harness is recommended. A lifeline should be attached to the harness. Using the lifeline, you can rescue someone who is unresponsive without entering the building.
Lifting equipment uses physics concepts to lift entrants out of work areas when removing workers from confined spaces without entering them (non-entry rescue). Without some form of mechanical advantage, pulling someone out of a deep manhole is very difficult.
What is the significance of Fall Protection Equipment?
It is necessary to have two mechanical devices for confined space entry on the tripod and on the davit arm. For hoisting and lowering materials and personnel, a self-retracting lanyard (SRL) provides backup fall protection and facilitates faster evacuation in the event of an emergency. Those entering confined spaces always have emergency rescuers with them.
In this configuration, entry and exit entrants are free to move around within the confined space without an attendant constantly running back and forth on a hoist to retract or unfold the cable line. Whenever the SRL emergency rescue feature is activated by a top-side attendant, the entrant can be retrieved without entering the confined space, where the SRL also activates the emergency rescue feature in case the entrant needs rescue.
Retrieval equipment can be used with a variety of harnesses approved for use with it. D-rings/loops can be attached to the chest, back, or shoulders to connect retriever lines. A spreader bar is the best solution for lowering and lifting workers in confined spaces that have very small openings. It provides both comfort and security.
Safety systems in the workplace
- To get the job done, you should possess all the necessary knowledge, experience, and information.
- An onsite method statement must be written and adhered to by all employees before any work can begin.
- It is possible that you will need a work permit system.
Airflow
- In your workplace, you should ensure that there is proper ventilation. It may be necessary for temporary ventilation to be installed.
- In areas that have limited or no natural air supply, breathing apparatus may be necessary to supply air to the user.
Being isolated
- To make sure that your employees can safely work, you may need to disconnect local utilities, such as
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Provide all your employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- When using personal protective equipment, it should be ensured that no additional hazards are introduced. Overheating, for example, or restrictions on movement or communication may occur.
Don't forget to provide your employees with proper protection such as:
- The head, hands, and feet must be protected
- Hearing and eye protection
- Clothing that is water-resistant and thermal
- Harnesses that are appropriate.
Training and inspection should be conducted properly
Each time equipment is used in restricted scaffolding spaces, it should be thoroughly inspected before entry. It is not advisable to use any equipment that has wear, damage, or does not pass the inspection. Training is essential for all personnel involved in entering confined spaces, including supervisors, entrants, attendants, and rescue personnel, due to various hazards and the numerous kinds of equipment that can be used. The authorized individuals entering confined spaces need to know about the hazards and contents of the space. Before entering confined spaces, workers need to be fully aware of their duties in case of changes in assigned duties.