A healthy work environment is indeed every worker's dream. But having a safe environment is also a big factor when choosing a workplace. Workers' life being put at risk in confined spaces is an issue that lacks awareness. 

It's alarming that these incidents aren't limited to workers who work in confined spaces but also those who attempt to rescue them. Protect workers from threats and casualties caused by Confined Spaces with proper confined space training. Investing in this type of training is a good investment for your business.

What is a Confined Space?

Its intimate and limited physical spaces don't just define a confined space. It's also defined by hazards and risks that may arise in a certain place. Given these definitions, examples of confined spaces are; tunnels, maintenance holes, ducts, gutters, storage, vaults, storage bins, vessels, pipelines, etc.

Other than enclosed space, here are other characteristics that describe a confined space:

• Possibly contain a hazardous atmosphere
• There are unstable materials that are poorly organized that could harm an entrant
• It has downward slope floors that lead to rigid spaces that could trap a person
• Any space that causes unconsciousness due to an increase of body heat and being unable to breathe or Asphyxiation
• It contains dangerous unguarded machines and exposed live wires
• Consists of limited entry and exit ways
• Not intended for human occupancy

If any of these characteristics are seen in the workplace, it is considered a confined space.

Managing Work in Confined Spaces

Although working in confined places should be avoided, there are instances when it is needed and unavoidable. Having personnel that is knowledgeable of the risks, competent, and trained enough to do the work efficiently and safely is needed. Other than these qualifications, any emergency equipment must undergo confined space training.

Here are the requirements that a confined space work should possess:

Good Entrance 

The path to the confined space must be wide enough for entrance and exit. This ensures that workers may go in and out of the space while equipped with safety wear.

Breathing apparatus 

Gasses, fumes, or vapors could lead to a lack of oxygen in closed spaces. This apparatus could prevent asphyxiation while inside.

Special Lighting tools 

Closed spaces are dark, but any lighting tool wouldn’t work. It’s best to use low-voltage protected lighting to prevent sparks, especially when working in metal tanks.

Conduct an air test 

Before entering a tight space, test if the air is flammable or toxic. Make sure always to monitor the gas with appropriate sensor equipment.

Appropriate Personnel 

Personnel fit enough to do the job must have the right experience and proper confined space training.

Experienced Inspector 

Someone informed about confined space training should supervise to ensure that work safety procedures are executed well.

Why is Confined Space Training Essential?

There's no need for someone claustrophobic to undergo confined space training. Every worker is entitled to their safety in the workplace. Make a difference by making staff competent and aware of possible risks to arise in the workplace with proper confined space training. Here are some factors why confined space training makes a difference:

Awareness of Risks and Hazards

A worker with proper confined space training can reduce possible dangers by identifying potential risks in advance. These hazards are::

• Lack of oxygen
• Toxic gasses
• Flammable materials that may lead to an explosion

Dealing with Emergencies

The difference between workers who underwent proper confined space training and those who didn’t is that they choose to solve the problem rather than panic. The right reaction can make a big difference in life and death-situations. People can only stay calm if trained to react and save themselves and others during accidents.

Boosts Teamwork and Communication

The main goal during emergencies is to survive or to lessen the damages and disasters they may cause. The value of teamwork and communication is often highlighted during training programs. With proper confined space training, workers can foster a safe working environment, alert to potential hazards, and communicate coordinated activities to respond to emergencies efficiently.

Cost-Effective

Hit two birds with one stone in saving money in your business with properly trained workers as you earn and take care of your employees. This training will save you from medical expenses and paid sick leaves from employees that could also slow down productivity.

Peace of Mind

Having a business will require a lot of attention from you, from sales, stocks, and even the tiniest inconvenience. These could keep you awake at night; imagine the effect of an accident on many people that you’ll have to shoulder financially. This will also affect your business’s reputation. Lighten off your load with properly trained workers.

Make a Difference with Confined Space Training

Set a goal to send your workers off to their homes safe and sound with confined space training. Protect your business from arising problems and save lives. Get the best training packages, help, and advice needed for training from qualified and experienced trainers.