There are many industries in Canada in which people are required to enter confined spaces on a daily basis. The types of spaces are varied, ranging from sewers to silos and tunnels, but one thing that they all have in common is the risk they pose to workers. Workers who enter confined spaces must be prepared for all scenarios, including the risk of toxic atmospheres, limited access and egress routes, and the potential for engulfment or entrapment.
Mitigating these hazards and ensuring that business is performed safely and efficiently across a wide range of industry sectors requires expert guidance, careful planning and compliance with regulations.
Understand the risks
Every individual space must be assessed on its own merits periodically and certainly, before any entry attempt is made. Common risks associated with confined spaces include:
– Insufficient oxygen – This is usually due to displacement by other gasses, chemical reactions or simply insufficient ventilation.
– Hazardous gasses – It is not uncommon to identify carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide in confined spaces, and these gasses can be lethal to unprotected workers, even in small concentrations.
– Engulfment and entrapment – There is always a risk that tunnels, sewers and silos can collapse, flooding the confined space with water, sand or grain, submerging and suffocating the worker.
– Heat – Many confined spaces are insufficiently ventilated, and workers are required to wear breathing apparatus and other PPE to protect themselves while in the space. Although this is essential, it can cause them to overheat.
The Role of Expert Confined Space Rescue Services
Enlisting expert rescue services before a confined space entry is needed allows the space to be risk-assessed by a professional who will help your business understand the specific risks your workers will encounter and propose measures to minimize these risks.
They will be able to provide training to help your staff understand the risks, learn how to use their PPE and safety equipment correctly, and understand how to communicate effectively with personnel situated outside of the space. By implementing a thorough training package, you can increase the likelihood of a successful evacuation should one become necessary
Finally, expert confined rescue services should always be on speed dial when a worker enters a confined space so they can be mobilized as quickly as possible should the worker encounter difficulties and need professional assistance to safely evacuate the space.
The importance of complying with confined space entry regulations
Businesses that need personnel to enter confined spaces must familiarize themselves with the laws surrounding these entries. Organizations that do not sufficiently prioritize staff safety can risk not only the lives of their workforce but also their reputation and financial position. If they are proven to be negligent when it comes to any employee injuries or deaths, they will face serious legal repercussions, which could include financial penalties and prison sentences.
By hiring professional confined space rescue services, businesses can safeguard themselves against this risk as the professionals that they hire will ensure that the procedures they put in place align with legal requirements while enhancing safety outcomes.