jeudi 5 mars 2015

The Best Confined Space Entry Equipment Is Critical

By Leslie Ball


Since part of the definition of a confined space means people can fit in it, care and safety must be upper most in their minds. Another part of that definition requires some crouching or crawling, so that makes it an even more serious endeavor to enter or exit. Identifying and properly using confined space entry equipment is necessary for anyone working in these spaces.

In many industries, a storage tank is the perfect example of these spaces. It normally holds various contents and maintenance is required occasionally. The type of equipment necessary will be based on the size, condition of the container and what is or was in it before the need to enter. There may be flammable fumes that can explode or granulated material that can engulf you if not prepared.

One of the first pieces of equipment to be considered is a good non flame light source, such as a flashlight. Most of these spaces do have limited heights, so this is the best thought. The presence of gasses, regardless of type will determine the source of light, however, a battery operated one is usually sufficient. A hard hat is also a good item to wear while inside for the lower ceilings.

Sewer grates or sewer man hole covers are what a lot of people think about when confined areas are discussed. This is not at all far from the point, however, not all entries must be facilitated with a tripod lowering the worker down. This type of tripod is definitely a piece of equipment to consider when entering a space below grade, however, anything that assists the worker in their entrance and exits is needed.

In any occasion where gas is present or suspected, a level of exposure must be known. This is the lowest level of exposure where health is affected. This could mean trouble seeing or breathing. It also might be an irritant that can cause some skin issue. When you are trying to get down into one of these, there really is no way of knowing what is in there unless this is a routine task you undertake frequently.

A type of entry that is more critical is called permit required. This protocol is set up because there definitely are known dangers and a procedure has been established to modify or ameliorate them with various steps and precautions. This is a rather formal process and must be followed to the letter for entry, any tasks within and exit from the spaces. This will help forestall dangers and provide a large measure of peace of mind.

The major restrictions on some permit required spaces are that constant, often sight line contact, must be maintained with a required two or more person crew. Radios may be the only way to communicate and in other, more critical environments, hazard control patches must be worn and monitored. Detectors for anything from gas, liquids and other hazards will usually be in place.

Each one of these spaces will need different equipment and it must be identified and implemented as the work becomes necessary. There may be small items, such as detectors for various substances or large tripods and even tools for removing a bolt to open the port. It all depends on what is needed to open, enter and move about in the space.




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