Why Confined Space Training Is Critical and What It Involves

You get to the construction site, tool belt and tools in hand, ready to take on another day’s work. Your boss tells you that you’ll be entering a confined space today—maybe cleaning out a tank or doing maintenance in a cramped crawlspace.

You’ve heard about all the accidents that can happen in tight spaces—people passing out from lack of oxygen, getting trapped when water or debris fills up the space.

Working in close quarters can be seriously dangerous. Therefore, let’s look at what confined space work involves so you can get the job done and get home safe.

What Exactly is a Confined Space?

OSHA defines a confined space as any area that:

• Is big enough for a person to bodily enter
• Has limited ways to get in or out
• Isn’t designed for someone to continuously hang out in

The space could be any size or shape. All that matters is it checks off OSHA’s three requirements. Tanks, pipes, manholes, crawlspaces, furnaces—these are classic examples of confined spaces. When in doubt, treat any iffy area as a potential confined space. That cautious approach helps guarantee everyone’s safety.

The Dangers of Working in Confined Spaces

Going into a confined space exposes you to physical and atmospheric hazards. Toxic fumes, electrocutions, explosions, suffocation—these are all possible when working in tight quarters. That’s why OSHA says you need training before stepping foot in any confined space. Proper prep and knowledge substantially reduce the risks. But you’ve still gotta stay vigilant in restricted areas. Let’s look at what confined space training involves so you know how to keep yourself and your co-workers safe.

Required Confined Space Training for All Workers

Since 1993, OSHA’s Confined Space Standard has required training to protect people entering confined spaces in general industry work. Construction sites posed unique challenges, with constantly changing temporary spaces. So in 2015, OSHA rolled out a construction-specific confined spaces standard. Now workers in both general industry and construction get the tailored training they need for staying safe on the jobsite.

Who Needs Training?

Before any worker goes into a confined space, OSHA requires training by industrial hygienists or other safety and health specialists. Every member of your crew must take part—not just the ones entering the space. You’ll get hands-on training and have to show you’ve got the knowledge and skills. Here’s who needs to complete training:

• Entrants – Anyone going into the confined space needs to recognize potential hazards. You’ll learn how to use protective equipment and self-rescue techniques.
• Attendants – Stationed outside the space, attendants monitor conditions and coordinate rescues if needed. Attendants must know potential risks and how to safely perform their duties.
• Supervisors – Those authorizing entry must fully grasp the hazards inside. They ensure you and other workers are prepped before giving the green light to enter.
• Rescue Teams – Except for rescue training, teams stay outside the space. But they train for quickly getting anyone in distress out safely.

What’s Covered in Training

Training needs to be in language and terms you understand. It’s got to be provided free of charge and documented by your employer. Here are key topics covered:

Hazard identification – Know what dangers confined spaces pose, like lack of oxygen, toxic fumes, etc.

Use of protective equipment – Learn when and how to properly use respirators, gas monitors, ventilation equipment, and other gear.

Entrant responsibilities – Duties include recognizing and communicating hazards, wearing PPE right, and using self-rescue techniques.

Attendant duties – Maintaining a tally of entrants, monitoring conditions, overseeing entry and exit, and coordinating rescues.

Supervisor responsibilities – Assessing all hazards, verifying preparations are complete, authorizing qualified entrants, etc.

Rescue team protocols – How to quickly get entrants out while avoiding dangers that could harm rescuers.

Why Training is Essential

With training, you’ll recognize risks and know how to control them. Confined spaces accidents claim lives every year. But nearly every tragedy could’ve been prevented with proper prep. So take training seriously and use your knowledge. It could save your life or a co-worker’s someday. Entering a confined space doesn’t have to be scary with the right training. You’ll have the skills to work safely even in tight quarters.

Entry Permits and Atmospheric Testing

Before anyone enters a confined space, your supervisor’s gotta issue an entry permit verifying that preparations are complete. No one can go in until conditions are deemed safe. Here’s how you stay protected:

Atmospheric testing – Air quality is checked first with gas monitors. Oxygen levels must be 20.8% to 23.5%. Toxic or explosive gases can’t exceed exposure limits. Testing ensures breathable air.

Ventilation – Fans or blowers installed provide continuous airflow. This maintains safe oxygen and reduces dangerous fume buildup.

Isolation – All pipes or lines feeding the space are physically disconnected or blocked. This prevents leaks of hazardous materials.

Respiratory gear – Proper respirators protect against low oxygen, toxic fumes, and dust. Cartridge types must match the potential hazard.

Attendants – An attendant must be present at all times outside the space. They monitor conditions and can quickly call for help if you need rescuing.

Communication – Open lines of communication like voice, hand signals, or rope pulls maintain contact between you and attendants.

Lighting – Adequate lighting lets you see hazards and work safely. Explosion-proof lights are used where flammable vapors or gases could be present.

Performing Rescues Safely

Getting entrants out quickly during an emergency is critical. But rescuers can endanger themselves in the process. Here are key guidelines for safe rescues:

• Only technicians with proper confined space rescue training can enter risky areas to perform rescues. Untrained personnel must stay outside.
• Atmospheric testing and ventilation provide safe enough conditions for rescuers to work in.
• Proper PPE like harnesses, respirators, protective clothing, and lifelines safeguard rescuers.
• Specialized equipment like winches and litters help swiftly carry out entrants.

Most fatalities in confined spaces happen when untrained personnel rush in to help co-workers in trouble. Rescue teams prep extensively to get entrants out while protecting themselves.

Final Thoughts

Working in a confined space brings unique hazards. Understand the risks, take all precautions, and use your safety knowledge.

Your training equips you to stay safe even in cramped quarters. So, you can complete the job efficiently while making sure everyone goes home unharmed when the workday’s done.

Stay sharp out there, and you’ll do just fine working in confined spaces.