Confined Space Rescue Services, Assessments and Training.
Call Us
Working in confined spaces can be dangerous, and it is important to be aware of the risks before you decide to take on this type of work. If you’ve been wondering, ‘what are the specific risks in confined space?’ You’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we will discuss some of the dangers that come with working in tight quarters, as well as some of the precautions that you can take to stay safe. If you are thinking about working in a confined space, make sure to read this article first!
Confined space means a fully or partially enclosed space, that is not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy, and. in which atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location or contents or because of work that is done in it.
It is important for employers to carefully consider the risks of sending workers into a confined workspace before implementing one.
Working in a confined space can be dangerous for a number of reasons, but one of the most serious dangers is exposure to poisonous gases and fumes. These gases can build up quickly in a small space, and they can be incredibly harmful to the lungs and other organs.
In some cases, just a few breaths of these fumes can be enough to cause death. That’s why it’s so important to have properly trained personnel onsite using calibrated gas detectors to monitor the confined space for gases and to be watching over the entrants in the space. In some cases, a rescue team may require that workers wear SCBA’s or have the space ventilated while workers are in the confined space. By taking these precautions, companies can feel protected knowing their workers are protected from the potentially deadly effects of poisonous gases and fumes.
As with poisonous gases, dangerously low oxygen levels are always a concern in confined spaces. A lack of oxygen can cause serious health problems, and in extreme cases, it can even be deadly. That’s why it’s so important for workers in confined spaces to be aware of the dangers and take steps to ensure that they are able to breathe safely.
One of the most serious risks posed by a lack of oxygen is asphyxiation. When oxygen levels drop, the body’s cells start to suffocate, and organs begin to shut down. Without immediate medical attention, a person can quickly become unconscious and even die. A lack of oxygen can also cause other health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In some cases, it can also lead to long-term damage to the brain or other organs.
Having trained rescue personnel onsite with calibrated equipment will ensure workers in the space won’t be exposed to low oxygen levels.
Workers in a confined space could experience a medical emergency while working in a confined space. A rescue plan needs to be planned prior to an entry and rescue personnel need to be onsite and prepared to implement the rescue procedures in the event an entrant experiences a medical emergency.
When workers are confined in a small space with little ventilation, the air can quickly become heated, leading to serious health risks such as heat stroke or dehydration. In extreme cases, this can even lead to death. That’s why it’s so important for employers to ensure that their workers are monitored, have access to breaks and provided with cooling vests when needed.
When working in a confined space, it is important to take safety precautions to protect yourself from hazards. First, always assess the risks before entering the space by reading the hazard assessment for the space. Make sure you are aware of potential hazards by consulting the onsite confined space rescue team in place to monitor the space during the entry.
A confined space risk assessment is one of the best ways to be proactive when it comes to workplace safety. At aht rescue, we’re here to help. In addition to assessments, we also offer confined space rescue services. Contact us today to learn more.
