Why is Confined Space Training Critical to Construction Safety?
The confined space’s single point of entry/exit, poor ventilation, and possible atmosphere can create serious risks.
The Importance of Confined Space Training in Construction
Worker’s safety is key in the fast-paced changing construction industry. One that is missing in the discussion is confined space safety.
The limited access and egress points as well as poor ventilation and atmospheres in confined spaces represent different traps and hazards than are often found on scaffolding sites. This is where confined space training comes in, giving construction workers the tools and knowledge to remain safe in difficult working conditions.
Understanding Confined Spaces
Spaces that are not intended for continuous occupancy and that have restricted means for entrance and exit are referred to as confined spaces. These spaces could be tanks, tunnels, sewers, etc. They are limited, and if not handled appropriately can quickly become dangerous.
The Need for Training
Because serious injury or death can occur from confined space accidents, comprehensive confined space training is essential. Construction workers must be aware of the obvious inherent dangers of confined spaces such as oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, and engulfment hazards.
Through training they know how to identify, evaluate and minimize this kind of risks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that “confined spaces can expose workers to physical and atmospheric hazards that are preventable by recognizing and addressing the hazards before workers enter those spaces to perform work”.
Here you can find the OSHA’s FAQ’ confined space.
Key Training Components
- Risk Assessment: Workers are trained to assess a confined space before entering it to understand how to gauge the atmosphere, hazards, and requirements for entering a space.
- Safety in Entry and Exit: Training on safe entry and exit procedures with a specific emphasis on safety equipment such as harnesses, lifelines, and retrieval systems.
- Atmospheric Monitoring: Workers are trained to use gas detectors to monitor atmosphere in confined spaces to confirm that oxygen levels are acceptable and that no toxic gasses are present.
- Emergency Procedures: Confined space training informs workers on emergency communications, rescues, and first-aid procedures.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers are educated on the individual use of PPE in a confined space such as helmets, gloves, respirators and protective clothing.
Benefits of Confined Space Training:
Improved Safety Culture – The safety first mentality created through training teaches workers to think about their safety and the safety of their coworkers.
Reduced Risk: Comprehensive training lowers the risk for accidents and injuries, and thus decreases downtime and costs.
Legal Requirement: In many places confined space training is a legal requirement thereby ensuring that employers are adhering to the law.
More Efficient Working: Skilled workers, knowledgeable and trained, can perform work more efficiently in confined spaces, following safety procedures.
Proper confined space training is an investment that is vital within the construction industry.
But, through the process of informing workers of the dangers of confined spaces, teaching them important safety measures, and developing a culture of awareness in the workplace, construction companies can help ensure that workers in confined spaces do so with minimized risks and a safer workplace for everyone.
Safety Counselling offers continual safety training, confined space training, and OSHA level courses amongst others, for the well-being of construction workers and to keep you OSHA compliant.
For more information regarding our confined space training safety courses or to schedule a private class for your construction company or to register for one of our open classes call 505-881-1112.