Appropriate PPE Used In Confined Space
Appropriate PPE Used In Confined Space
October 6, 2022 |
In almost every industry, confined spaces can be found somewhere. For workplace safety, they can pose a true challenge. For workers who enter them, serious risks are faced when confined spaces are presented. Those risks must be mitigated. Through better confined space comprehension – how to manage confined spaces and the hazards posed by them – tasks can be completed by workers efficiently and safely.
Whether your team works regularly in confined spaces or they are part of the area’s best emergency response team, proper protection is the name of the game.
To protect workers, the PPE (personal protective equipment) used in confined space must be high-quality and used correctly. But what sort of PPE and general confined space safety equipment is needed?
General PPE and Other Protective Gear
Workers must be ready for hazards like falling objects, loud noises, and more in confined spaces. A full safety suit should be worn by any worker entering a confined space. Irritating or toxic substances must be guarded against by the material that comprises the suit. Circumstances such as extreme temperatures must be guarded against with protection that lessens the risk of hazards presented by high or low confined space temperatures.
A safety helmet must be worn if falling objects present the risk of head injury. International standards must be complied with by these helmets. Face and eye protection must be worn by all workers, including safety goggles, if there is a risk of dust, vapors, or eye-irritating chemicals.
Suitable material must be used for the gloves worn by workers to protect against hazards in the space they are working in. To protect workers from extreme cold or heat, specialty gloves may be necessary when using specific tools.
On slippery surfaces, good traction should be offered by boots and shoes that comply with safety codes. In confined spaces, safety equipment will always be needed to protect workers against threats like sparks, chemicals, falling objects, electricity, and slip hazards.
Hearing protection must be worn if an exposure to excessive noise is a threat to workers. However, communication must also be considered. It must be easy for workers in a confined space to communicate with everyone necessary.
The Right PPE for the Job
Workers’ lives are saved every day by wearing the right type of confined space PPE. During their shift, wearing such equipment makes every worker safer. Though administrative and engineering control measures are crucial, the use of PPE is an important line of defense for workers. Here are some situations and required/appropriate protective gear to go with them.
Devices for Communication
Particularly in confined spaces, communication is absolutely vital to keep workers safe. The communication devices used in such instances must possess several factors including the following:
- Hearing protection integration
- Independently powered
- Full-duplex
- Wireless
- Hands-free
Obviously, cell phones are not sufficient for this purpose.
Respiratory Protection
Under OSHA rules, respiratory protection is required if the following conditions are not met by a space:
- 19.5 to 23.5% oxygen
- Toxic gases are not at the appropriate exposure limit level
- The proper flammable limit for combustible dust, mists, vapors, and gases is not met
Detecting Gas
Another type of PPE, gas detection equipment is crucial in confined space work situations. At no cost to the employees, gas detection equipment must be provided (as well as training on how to use the equipment, maintenance of the devices, etc.). The atmosphere must be tested for toxic air contaminants, flammable gases and vapors, and oxygen content before entering a space. It must be confirmed before entry that the space is safe.
Protecting Against Falls
Fall protection must be in place for all workers. Fall arrest lifelines or restraint lanyards should be worn by any employees working close to openings (manholes, drilling sites, and the like). In the case of emergency, the worker must be able to be removed successfully courtesy of a retrieval line-equipped full body or chest harness if they are working in a confined space.
Fact: Confined space fatalities occur roughly 60% of the time during botched rescue operations.
For the Best PPE Equipment: Rescue Solutions
Rescue Solutions is committed to the creation of safer work environments. As the most highly reviewed and rated training and emergency rescue equipment company in the region, we make working life better for your employees. We want everyone to go home to their friends and/or families at the end of the workday. For over 100 years, Kentuckians have used our solutions.
When you work with Rescue Solutions, you receive assistance that applies to real-world scenarios and meets any and all regulatory compliances. If your company needs rescue equipment, safety training, or rescue training – or safety and rescue services – you can count on us with complete peace of mind and assurance.
Got questions? Would you like to speak to a representative? Feel free to contact us using our convenient online form, or phone us at 859-412-1512. We look forward to speaking with you.