A small sign on a hiking trail in the mountains of Colorado reads “abandoned mine shafts will kill you”. Mine safety experts make many trips into old mine shafts each year to rescue hikers who ventured in despite warnings of the many safety hazards-poisonous air, the possibility of collapse, and protruding objects that can stab and cut you. The same criteria applies to confined spaces in factories and warehouses nationwide. The fact is that confined spaces can kill you Precautions must be taken and the rules issued by OSHA (Occupational Safety Hazard Administration) are strict and specific.
A comprehensive video by Compliance and Safety summarizes the rules and types of confined spaces in the workplace where you, your coworkers or your employees can be subject to danger. It is easy to get hurt or killed in a confined space, so the cost of hiring a qualified professional to enter the confined space are small by comparison.
What defines a confined space?
Tanks and silos are two common types of confined spaces in factories. Silos may be used to sore solids, liquids or gases and are essentially large tanks. Some silos can’t be cleaned just with liquids via CIP. A CIP can require having technicians enter the space to do applied work on the interior surfaces. The same goes for repairing the surface or installing new sensors or other equipment.
Types of risks workers can face in confined spaces
Man holes and vent shafts are other examples of confined spaces where people often face serious risks. Noxious gases are a key cause of death or severe damage to the health of those who are exposed. Often, people enter confined spaces without properly evaluating the dangers they are about to face. They end up succumbing to poison and collapsing. Others may be eager to attempt rescues and end up succumbing to the same poisons because they are also not aware. Some may attempt to enter with breathing apparatuses that are not adequate for the situation.
Other issues with gases involve the displacement of oxygen from the immediate atmosphere inside, which can lead to asphyxiation. Some may enter and succumb to the lack of breathable air. Manholes are also subject to flooding, so if the worker inside does to have the proper equipment and the support of others who are qualified to provide the type of support that is necessary, death can occur.
Just falling and hitting your head can cause irreversible brain damage, paralysis and death. The inside of a tanker truck is a good example of a confined space where slipping hazards are very serious. One may not only need an adequate breathing apparatus to stay safe, he or she might also need a proper crash helmet! Shoes that can grip and minimize slippage are also needed.
Minimizing the danger
No matter how qualified a person is to enter a confined space, there will always be danger involved. Work in confined spaces should be left to professionals who are well-versed in every OSHA rule a regulation that is applicable.