Depending on the work you do, you may find yourself having to work in some confined spaces. While these areas can be pretty narrow, they can also be quite dangerous. Therefore, it’s important to know how you can stay safe…
Confined Spaces: Keep Safe
Defining confined
In general, confined spaces are areas which are pretty narrow, and can’t keep people in them for a long period of time. Usually, these areas will also have limited access. There might also be some other substance which makes a space more confined than usual, such as water or dirt.
These spaces can also be above or below ground. For example, tunnels, wells, and manholes are all confined areas. So are silos, storage tanks, and ship holds. Even something like a vault or freezer can be considered confined! This is why you always have to be aware of the possible risks.
Potential hazards
Confined spaces come with a variety of different hazards. In fact, many of these hazards are ones you could encounter in other workplaces. However, due to how limited your working space is, the danger they present is amplified. That’s why you should be extra cautious when working.
Poor air quality or a lack of oxygen is one common hazard. Other common hazards include poor visibility, and limited maneuverability, which could cause a worker to get stuck. Drowning can also be a common hazard, as many confined spaces tend to be around or have water in them.
Safety procedures
Being safe in confined spaces requires a lot of planning ahead. First, you should check the air quality and overall size of the space. This will let you know if it’s safe to work in there, and how much room you’ll have to move around. Equipment like safety harnesses attached to anchors are also handy, in case you slip.
One of the more-common issues is a lack of an emergency plan. Not enough employers will develop a plan for how to recover their workers safely if something goes wrong. Therefore, before starting any work, make sure there’s a clear plan in place if something goes wrong.