Is Working In A Confined Space Is More Hazardous?

July 14, 2022 |

Working in a confined space is inherently dangerous and must be conducted by those who are suitably trained only. As every employer must be responsible for taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all their workers. If you need more information about the dangers of confined spaces, no need to look any further.

Identifying Confined Spaces

Did you know that a confined space does not necessarily have to be physically small? Defined as an area where the means of an entry and exit are restricted or limited, a confined space presents specific hazards and risks to workers because of its enclosed nature. This could be due to its contents, construction, design, or location. A few examples of confined places include pipelines, flues, sewers, silos, tunnels, tankers, tanks, vessels, sea containers, and plenty more. This is why large, confined spaces exist, although it is less obvious when it comes to certain spaces. The key industries associated with confined spaces include chemical processing and refining, collecting and treating industrial or agricultural waste, and food manufacturing, just to name a few.

The Dangers of Working in a Confined Space

Due to entry and exit barriers, confined spaces pose a multitude of safety hazards and risks. These concerns are amplified as the space decreases in size, gets more difficult to exit, or becomes less accessible to other workers. Two main types of dangers exist in such spaces – physical and atmospheric hazards. For those who work in small, confined areas, the close proximity of walls can amplify noise levels and the temperature quickly. Falls are another major risk that generally occurs as a result of workers losing their grip when climbing vertical spaces. Atmospheric hazards include toxic gases produced by chemicals, fires, explosions, and a low level of oxygen, all of which can lead to asphyxiation and even death.

Safety Precautions to Manage and Reduce Risks

There are plenty of unpredictable and variable factors to be evaluated when looking for hazards while working in a confined space since conditions within it can change rapidly and unexpectedly for the worse. The best way to prevent any emergencies is to hold essential, hands-on training sessions for the safety of your workers. Everyone involved in the project should be fully trained on the identification and recognition of potential hazards, evaluation and control procedures for the identified or potential hazards, usage of the necessary equipment required during an emergency, and donning of personal protective equipment, as a start. Regularly practicing rescue procedures and having refresher courses are key to maintaining a high level of proficiency during an emergency. If you require a confined space rescue team for training, why not take advantage of the best emergency response team at Rescue Solutions?

Why Choose Rescue Solutions?

With over 100 years of experience in rescue and safety training, Rescue Solutions is one of the most trusted names in the state of Kentucky. Team members are professionally trained and specialized in putting together equipment packages that meet the specific needs of a wide variety of industries.

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