Looking for confined space in Ottawa tips? We’re here to help.
Most people are familiar with confined spaces. From man holes and crawl spaces to in-ground or above-ground tanks, confined spaces are a part of most people’s daily lives, even though they don’t necessarily realize it. What many people don’t recognize, however, is that confined spaces have their own unique set of safety needs. This safety needs require some advance preparation on the part of the individuals responsible for those confined spaces.
Know Your Space
Knowing your space is the first safety tip you should follow. A thorough familiarity is an important step in the process of keeping anyone who has to move in and out of the space safe. How big is the space? Is there the potential for any gas leakage or air restrictions? Is there a weight or size limit that the space can safely accommodate? Is special equipment required to get into or out of the space? Knowing these things will help you to prepare a safety plan for adverse events. Each space warrants its own evaluation and plan, as not all confined spaces have the same challenges and potential hazards.
Get In, Get Out
Getting in and out of a confined space are often the biggest challenges facing workers on entry. Getting in is often the easier of the two, although even that can be challenging. Depending on the nature of the space, it may require lifts or pulley systems. The key with any confined space is having both an entry and exit strategy. This will make things exponentially easier in the event a rescue is required, or an adverse event occurs.
Proper Signage
Clearly marking the confined space and applying appropriate hazard warnings can go a long way toward keeping people out of the space who should not be there. This signage should be clear, concise, and detailed enough to discourage unwarranted exploration. This helps protect both the owner of the space and the general public or workforce who is likely to encounter it. Proper signage is a very simple way to help keep people safe and out of spaces where they shouldn’t be. Confined spaces are no exception.
Test Runs
Designing an entry and exit strategy is only one part of the process. You must also test those entry and exit strategies to ensure success. Practice makes perfect, and safety precautions are no exception. Processes should be tested to ensure that they work as intended and frequently evaluated to ensure that they are the best and most practical solution.
If you need help making a confined space in Ottawa safe, these tips are a great place to start! Safety in confined spaces is important and not something that is always as simple as typical adverse event strategies such as a fire or flooding. Confined spaces present their own unique challenges and being prepared for those challenges in advance can go a long way toward preventing negative outcomes.