The Best Confined Space Entry Equipment Is Critical

By Leslie Ball


Since part of the definition of a confined space means people can fit in it, care and safety must be upper most in their minds. Another part of that definition requires some crouching or crawling, so that makes it an even more serious endeavor to enter or exit. Identifying and properly using confined space entry equipment is necessary for anyone working in these spaces.

In many industries, a storage tank is the perfect example of these spaces. It normally holds various contents and maintenance is required occasionally. The type of equipment necessary will be based on the size, condition of the container and what is or was in it before the need to enter. There may be flammable fumes that can explode or granulated material that can engulf you if not prepared.

A flashlight is a handy item to have on hand for just about any areas you are going to crawl into. Since many of these spaces are limited in height, this is a good call. Gloves are good unless you know, for a fact, there is nothing in there that can cut you. Anything to protect you from real or imagined dangers should be considered before attempting this work.

A large number of people, when these types of spaces are mentioned, think about sewer grates or man hole covers they have seen. Many people have actually seen city employees using a tripod to descend into them. This is a vital piece of equipment for a below floor surface entrance, although not the only types of equipment used.

Whenever gas is suspected, a gas detector must be employed to ascertain the level of exposure. Guidelines must be established for levels of exposure that can cause problems. These problems can be trouble breathing, irritation or flammability. Any concern must be monitored until it is safe to enter whether that means appropriate protective gear or evacuation of all bad air, positively.

Permit required spaces are those areas that have a demonstrated danger within them. A procedure has been established to help prevent problems and it must be followed to the letter to ensure safety for all entrants. A protocol, including a list of appropriate equipment, is formulated and all personnel affected must read, understand and sign off on it to gain entrance. That document will also proscribe certain activities within the spaces as well.

The major restrictions on some permit required spaces are that constant, often sight line contact, must be maintained with a required two or more person crew. Radios may be the only way to communicate and in other, more critical environments, hazard control patches must be worn and monitored. Detectors for anything from gas, liquids and other hazards will usually be in place.

Saving lives is the purpose for any equipment used to enter or exit these spaces. For dangers that are known, it is fairly simple. Use what was used last time. For new entrants and for those spaces that have not been explored before, plan for the worst and expect the best.




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