Confined spaces in a workplace pose a real threat to the people who must work in and around them. As a business with a confined space in Toronto, the burden is on you to ensure everyone who goes near that space is safe at all times. You also must have a rescue plan in place in case the unexpected happens. Failure to do these things could result in serious injury or death, and your company will be held responsible.
While your exact confined space program details will vary by space and workplace, here are some general tips for crafting your own program. In addition, if you don’t have trained confined rescue workers on your staff, reach out to an experienced confined space rescue team provider so you have arrangements in place in the event of an emergency.
Prevent unauthorized entry
Make sure all of your employees are aware of your confined spaces, their exact location and the dangers they pose. Employees who have no training should never be in that space, so make sure you put measures in place to restrict entry to qualified personnel only.
Identify and evaluate confined space in Toronto hazards
No one should ever enter a confined space without evaluating it for potential dangers. This means testing to detect the presence of hazardous or flammable materials and inert gases. The air inside the space should also be tested so you can determine the oxygen levels within it and what needs to be done for air ventilation.
Set up training
All employees who might be a part of operations in the confined space or relating to it must be fully trained first. In addition, you should document the training so you have records showing who is certified to work within or near that space and what tasks they are allowed to perform.
Get the proper equipment
Your exact confined space in Toronto equipment needs will vary by project and space features, but these items often include hearing and eye protection, protective clothing, boots, gloves and respiratory equipment. Whoever enters the space should also have a communication system to those outside of the space and a harness with a lifeline attached.
Install continued monitoring
In addition to your evaluation of the space before anyone enters it, you should also have the means to monitor the space the entire time someone is in there. Hazards can make themselves known after someone has entered the space, including toxic vapours and gases.
Select a space attendant
There should be at least one person outside of your confined space with specific responsibilities. They may, for example, ensure ventilation fans needed to keep the air inside the space safe are working properly throughout a project within the area. This person also needs to be fully trained before they attend a project.
Make detailed rescue plans
You must have a set procedure in place for calling for rescue personnel. A confined space emergency can turn deadly quickly, so it’s vital your team knows how to contact rescue personnel.
An experienced confined space rescue provider such as Frontier Rescue can assist you with your confined space safety plans. Contact us today.