In the previous post, we were talking about what a confined space is, and the risks that exist working in them.
Today we are going to talk briefly about the preventive measures that must be taken by the operators who carry out their work inside them.
Authorization to the confined space
When starting an operation in a confined space, it is essential to have an authorization.
Those responsible for production and maintenance must ensure that they have adopted the necessary measures to carry out the intervention in the confined area.
It is recommended that this authorization includes:
- Review and control of installation points
- Specify the conditions under which the work must be performed
- The means to be used: stairs, platforms, PPE, ventilation, etc.
Of course, this authorization to enter the enclosure must be signed by those responsible.
Confined space atmosphere measurement work
This is another means of preventing confined spaces to reduce the risks we talked about in the previous post. Among these measurements we find:
Evolution of the indoor atmosphere
This is a task that must be carried out both before and during the work carried out in the confined area.
It must be done continuously, since at any time the inner atmosphere can suffer variations.
This measurement must be done from the outside or from a safe area.
If it cannot be done in this way, then it will have to advance gradually in the confined space, and with preventive from fully controlled areas.
In addition, special care must be taken in corners where air renewal is complicated, because polluting substance may have accumulated.
Oxygen
It is important that the minimum percentage is 20.5%, otherwise, the relevant work will have to be done in the confined space, with semi-autonomous or autonomous respiratory equipment.
Explosive atmospheres
These measurements are made with explosive meters, which are calibrated with the standard flammable substance.
Toxic atmospheres
For this work, specific detectors are used depending on the type of toxic gas or vapor that is expected to be found, depending on the type of installation or work to be performed.
Ventilation
It is very important to carry out this prevention work, since the safety of the indoor atmosphere must be ensured before entering work, if it is detected that the environment is contaminated or unbreathable.
This is a task that must be done continuously.
In addition, depending on the characteristics of the confined space, the type of contaminant and the level that exists of it, the air flow and the way of ventilating will vary.
Confined space isolation
It is important to ensure that the confined area is isolated and locked in front of:
- Unforeseen energy supplies that may occur, putting in place mechanical or high voltage elements that put at risk operators who are both outside and inside the confined space
- Loss or leakage of pollutants inpipes or pipes connected to the enclosure
Of course, clearly, and permanently signal that work is being carried out inside confined spaces.
Blocks must be placed that can only be manipulated by the person responsible for issuing the authorization.
Use special tools or wrenches.
Continuous external surveillance
It is very important that a person remains continuously outside watching the operators who are inside the confined area.
They are responsible for giving notice, in case of emergency, if you perceive something abnormal in the confined space.
In the meantime, personnel in the confined area shall be provided with adequate means of restraint and rescue, as well as respiratory protective equipment and first responders against fire if necessary.
Training
It is essential to train workers so that they can identify what a confined area is and the severity of the existing risks.
How can we help you work safely in a confined space?
We have a long experience in the design and manufacture of industrial tools, to perform work in areas where the risks of damage are high.
When it comes to serving the users of our tools, we have always wanted to understand their needs, which has allowed us to create a wide range of security tools.
Among them are:
- Non-sparking tools: Certified by BAM, a German laboratory accredited by the EU, they allow working in environments with a risk of explosion due to the presence of gases or dusts
- Intrinsic Safety: ATEX certified instruments to work safely in environments with explosion risks
- Antidrop® tools: To work safely at heights, with an innovative thermo-retractable system, and designed to comply with DROPS guidelines
Contact us for advice!
Sources:
NTP 223: Work in Confined Spaces
Image: "Confined Space Warning 01" by Joe Mabel licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
