Working in Confined Spaces: 4 Hazards That Make Confined Spaces Dangerous Places
Confined spaces refer to any small space that can’t occupy many people at a time and has limited entry and exit points. Areas that are considered confined spaces are wells, pipelines, manholes, vaults, water tanks, storage bins and pits. Individuals working in confined spaces are more to injuries and accidents. Here are four hazards that make confined spaces dangerous to work at.
Poor Air Quality And Suffocation
Enclosed places have an insufficient amount of oxygen for occupants to breathe. The lack of oxygen can be caused by various factors such as poor ventilation, rotting organic matter, rusting metals or other chemical reactions. Oxygen deficiency can lead to respiration issues, lack of focus, impaired judgment and even suffocation which can be deadly if breathing isn’t restored immediately. Ensure that there’s proper ventilation in the confined space you’re working in so you can easily access fresh air. We offer a CSA-guided confined spaces awareness program to teach you how to perform atmosphere testing and take necessary actions.
Flooding And Collapse
Individuals working in wells and pipelines are at high risk of flooding accidents. Confined spaces with weakened walls can collapse and injure any occupants inside. During such scenarios, confined space rescue can save the life of the person inside the confined space. Our confined spaces awareness program also includes a practical confined space rescue plan and equipment use to rescue staff stuck in confined spaces.
Gas Leakage
Due to the crew rarely entering and cleaning confined spaces, it’s no surprise that confined spaces dwell in a toxic atmosphere. Inhaling hazardous gases, fumes and vapors from broken pipes can cause severe respiratory issues and even death. You must always assess the environment of the confined space and wear the appropriate masks before entering it. The Regulation 632/05 compliant confined spaces awareness training involves hazard assessment and controls to prevent such unfortunate events.
High Temperature And Fire Hazards
Strenuous repairs in confined spaces will increase your body temperature, and without proper ventilation, the temperature of the surrounding environment will rise as well. Working in such high temperatures can lead to heat strokes. Furthermore, flammable substances and exposed electrical wiring are potential fire hazards. Our 1 ½ day theory and practical confined space course explains participants the dangers and responsibiities of working in confined spaces and can be offered onsite and mobile.
Premier Proactive Education is a certified health and safety consulting and training company based in Newmarket. Our certified instructors provide additional health and safety training programs such as forklift training, fall protection safety, first aid training and more to keep employees safe. Check out our training programs for more information.
Location
Office and Training Facility:
#12-580 Steven Crt.,
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 6Z2
Business Hours
Monday - Friday:
8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday:
By appointment
