Every year people die as a result of work in confined spaces.

In Norfolk, one welder was overcome by fumes, his colleague went in to rescue him and fell unconscious.

A crewman onboard a shipping vessel died from carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of the petrol engine running with no ventilation and little air circulation.

 

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act(1974) employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees and others; this is further reinforced by the Confined Spaces Regulations (1997).

Here are the key points to know.

 

What is a confined space?

confined space example

A confined space is a space with restricted means for entry or exit.

However, they are also spaces which have the potential to trap or asphyxiate workers.

Think vats and open-topped furnaces.

Confined spaces include some of the following scenarios:

  • Vessels
  • Tunnels
  • Manholes
  • Storage Bins

Before undergoing work in a confined space, you will need to carry out a suitable assessment of all the risks to the work involved.

For confined spaces, you will need to identify the hazards present, asses any risks and the proper precautions to take.

 

Why Do You Need Confined Spaces Training?

Competent, trained employees help in the long run when managing health and safety in a safe and practical way. You can’t always be on hand to know everything.

Which, is why proper training helps to spot workplace risks and implement safety controls found in the risk assessment.

 

The Confined Spaces Regulations (1997) apply when the risk assessment identifies a serious risk of injury.

When this happens, the regulations advise workers check to see if the work can be done another way to avoid entry or work in a confined space.

If this is unavoidable, then the regulations advise you to take the following precautions; for instance:

  1. A supervisor to remain alert through each safety stage.
  2. The air may need testing to see if it is free from toxicity and flammable vapours. If the air isn’t fit to breathe then utilising breathing apparatus is essential.
  3. Do your workers have the relevant training or sufficient experience?

This list is by no means exhaustive; for those who work in a confined space, the hazards are numerous.

 

Confined Space Hazards

confined space hazard training

The key hazards associated with confined spaces are:

  • Flammable vapours.
  • Loss of consciousness resulting from gas, fumes, or lack of oxygen;
  • Drowning;
  • Loss of consciousness arising from a change in body temperature;
  • Entrapment.

Employee injury, illness and death are real possibilities when working in confined spaces. That’s why proper training is so crucial to the safety of all workers.

Everyone should go home safe at the end of the day, which is why we’ve partnered with a leading provider of workplace safety for the very best in expert training.

See below for our comprehensive list of confined space training courses.

 

Direct365 Confined Space Training

high-risk-confined-space-training

The courses we offer:

  • Working in Confined Spaces – LOW Risk

This industry-leading one day course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills for safe working in a low-risk confined space.

Low risk means simple and unobstructed access with no risk of flooding (meter pits, valve chambers, booster pumping stations and PRV chambers). Partakers will learn about legislation, control measures like the permit to work checklist, gas detection and ventilation; all with expert practical training included.

 

  • Working in Confined Spaces – MEDIUM Risk

This two-day course designed for delegates to safely operate in a medium-risk confined environment.

The teachings are ideal for those who work in man entry sewers, utility service, subway tunnels, tanks, chambers, aqueducts and complex wet wells. The course covers safe entry/exit procedures, hazardous atmospheres, fall arrest systems, Weil’s Disease and sewage decontamination.

All training is conducted within our state of the art multi-use confined space training facility. This isn’t an ordinary classroom tutorial, they will be able to experience the real thing.

 

  • Working in Confined Spaces – HIGH Risk

Takes place over three days, delivering practical information to ensure participants are safe to work in a high-risk confined space.

This course deals with work activity where breathing apparatus is a necessity.

In the training, you’ll find practical training on self-contained breathing apparatus, non-standard entries, complex operations and additional risks requiring specific controls and arrangements. There will be theoretical and practical training on SCBA, Oxygen Resuscitation and BAECO procedures, along with everything covered in the lower risk courses.

Book yourself a course online today.

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