Confined Spaces Can Pose A Serious Fire And Explosion Risk

July 14, 2022 |

There are specific industries and workplaces where the risk of fire and explosions in a confined space are exponentially higher than in others. If your company deals with flammable items and materials within an enclosed area in high concentrations, it is essential for you and your employees to understand the risks involved and know how to manage them for the safety of all workers.

Identifying Confined Spaces

Knowing whether your workspace is categorized as a confined space can be helpful in ensuring your employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills of what to do in the case of an emergency. A confined space does not necessarily have to be a small area. Any room with restricted or limited means for entry and exit, while not being designed for continuous occupancy, is classified as a confined space. Although a room is large enough for you to enter and conduct work, it can still be categorized as such. A few examples of such areas workers may need to work within include pipelines, ductwork, equipment housings, tunnels, manholes, pits, vaults, hoppers, storage bins, silos, vessels, and tanks.

The Risks of Fire and Explosions in Confined Spaces

While there is a long list of potential hazards and risks involved in working in confined spaces, fire and explosions are perhaps the deadliest and most dangerous. This is due to the nature of fire, which can continue to spread after an initial explosion. The response team working to resolve the situation and rescue those who are trapped often succumb to the environment, which is why prevention is key. Here are the most critical factors that can attribute to fires and explosions in confined spaces:

The use of flammable materials
Heat and radiation
Unsafe atmospheric conditions
Unsuitable equipment
Poor ventilation

Ways to Prevent Fire and Explosions in Confined Spaces

It is critical to remember that in order for an explosion or fire to occur, these three factors must be present at the same time – oxygen, a flammable fuel, and an ignition source. Companies that decide to have their employees enter confined spaces for work must be equipped and prepared for an emergency. Preventing such accidents is straightforward, with sufficient hazard awareness and confined spaces training, regular and comprehensive training for proficiency, as well as refresher courses. This way, you and your employees can avoid putting yourselves in harm’s way and mitigate the risk of a fire or explosion efficiently, reducing damage. If you’re looking for an experienced confined space rescue team to assist with training, why not engage the best emergency response team in Kentucky?

Why Choose Rescue Solutions?

Rescue Solutions is one of the most trusted names in Kentucky in the field of rescue and safety training. Members of the team are knowledgeable, experienced, and specialized in putting together equipment packages that meet the specific needs of different industries.

If you have any inquiries about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (859) 661-4246.