Confined Space Entry: Hazards And Equipment

If you want to be sure that you are able to prevent as many injuries and accidents in the workplace, particularly in the realm of confined space entry, then there are a number of things you need to do. You need to focus on the detection of hazardous conditions, focus on controlling hazards and focus on equipment necessary for safe entry in the confined space.

In relation to the detection of hazardous conditions, it is absolutely necessary that if any hazardous conditions are detected upon entry of the confined space, all workers must evacuate that space immediately. It is then the employer’s duty to evaluate the space in order to determine what is causing the hazardous. In the event that the space is prohibited, then the employer must take the measures necessary for preventing unauthorized employees from entering it.

In regards to controlling hazards, the employer’s written program needs to do a number of things, which include…

• Being able to specific acceptable entry conditions

• Isolation of the confined space

• Provision of barriers

• Verification of acceptable entry conditions

• Purging, making inert, flushing or ventilation of the confined entry space

In relation to the equipment necessary for entry in the confined space, there is the need for personal protective equipment/gear, as well as other equipment such as the following:

• Shields and barriers

• Equipment for monitoring, testing, ventilating, communications and lighting equipment

• Retrieval devices

• Ladders

A safe work place is crucial and ensuring that you have the right safety procedures and policies for things such as working at heights, first aid CPR, confined space entry, as well as things like WHMIS-GHS can create a great work environment that is safe and productive. Since Advanced Consulting and Training Ltd.’s founding, their diverse team of certified health and safety professionals have taken great pride in their ability to deliver prompt, cost-effective and relevant workplace health and safety solutions. As a CPO approved, TSSA accredited, and WSIB approved provider, we look forward to discussing how ACT can help with your company’s safety requirements. Contact us today.