Confined Space Training May Save Your Life—Here is How
The word confined should send chills down your spine. It’s an enclosed space, like a room or tank, that may be dangerous for humans to enter. When you hear the term “confined space,” it usually means one of two things:
1) You are entering a confined area (like a sewer) at the risk of serious injury or death.
2) You need to train for confined spaces by learning how to perform a job in an enclosed tank.
Let’s be Clear…Confined spaces are dangerous. Every year, there are over 450 fatalities from entry into confined spaces. The question is…are you one of them? Don’t rely on luck to keep you safe, get proper training! Confined space entry is a skilled profession and simple awareness, and experience don’t cut it.
What Is a Confined Space?
A confined space is any area that has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation which could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants. Confined spaces can be trenches, tanks, storage bins, silos and more.
The dangers of having a confined space are many. Some risk factors include engulfment, hazardous atmospheres, drowning or submersion, chemical exposure, fall from height, electric shock potential and the possibility of being trapped. Many have been rescued after hours of being trapped as well as the following days.
Confined Space Training and How It Can Save Your Life
- Confined Space Training Raises Awareness
Training workers in confined spaces helps them become aware of their surroundings. This awareness can prevent accidents before they happen, saving lives and preventing major property damage.
- Confined Space Training Keeps You Clam In Confined Space-related Emergencies
Confined space workers are at a higher risk of emergencies because these spaces aren’t always stable and the conditions within them can change quickly. Trained workers know how to handle confined space-related emergencies with finesse, speed, and accuracy.
- Confined Space Training Helps New and Inexperienced Workers
There are workers who haven’t had the proper training and experience with confined spaces. Make sure your employees get this fresh training and help them brush up on their skills if they need it!
- Confined Space Training Ensures Worker Safety
Advanced Confined Space Training Your employees in confined space procedures can be the difference between life and death. The three R’s of emergency action are Recognize, Remove, and Retreat, but these steps can only be effective if you have a trained worker who can recognize the signs of a confined space-related emergency and know how to react properly.
Why is Confined Space Training Important?
Confined spaces aren’t easy to recognize. Employees who aren’t trained in or educated about confined spaces often don’t know the signs, symptoms and dangers associated with them.
This can lead to accidents and injuries. Incidents involving confined space rescues cost organizations over $15 million each year due to employee injuries, fatalities, and equipment damage. Training your employees in confined space identification keeps them safe.