7 tips for safety in confined spaces:
Safety in confined spaces is regulated by Labor and Employment. Workers are exposed to various risks during their activities and therefore it is necessary for the company to have a solid safety program.
So, check out these 7 tips for safety in confined spaces.
1. Check which confined spaces and risks exist:
Before initiating any measure, it is necessary to know what risks these workers will be exposed to. This analysis needs to be carried out individually in each location, activity or equipment. This is the most appropriate way to outline effective safety measures in confined spaces.
It is necessary to take into account physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and mechanical risks.
2. Designate a technical person responsible to ensure compliance with the standard:
This technical manager will be formally designated to identify the company’s confined spaces, develop technical administrative, personnel and rescue prevention measures and implement occupational health and safety management in these spaces.
Furthermore, it is within the responsibilities of this professional to guide workers who will participate in entering confined spaces. It is necessary to identify the duties of each person and provide the training required to carry out the work. Click here for confined space training in UAE
3. Restrict access to unauthorized People:
Access to this type of location may not be available to anyone. To ensure safety in confined spaces, it is essential that access is only permitted with the supervision and authorization of the responsible technical supervisor.
It provides for measures to block access to these spaces. In addition to restricting access, it is necessary to signpost, isolate the area and also prevent accidental reconnection of power sources with locks, locks, seals and identification labels.
Signage will need to be permanent, clear and fixed at the entrance to the site. Tagging and locking systems must be designed to ensure they work. Identification of the blocking points that will be necessary to isolate each confined space (valves, gates, switches and circuit breakers); the evaluation and survey of possible failures of each type of lock; and the creation of procedural rules for installing and removing padlocks and tags.
4. Require PET for all workers:
The Entry and Work Permit is a document that contains a set of safety and emergency measures planned for the development of safety in confined spaces.
Without exception, all professionals who need to work in confined spaces need this document. The person responsible for issuing the permit is the entry supervisor. It must be issued before activities begin. It is worth remembering that before entry it is necessary to test all required equipment and procedures. remember to end the PET after finishing the activity.
5. Supply of PPE and EPCs:
It’s no secret that any risky activity needs to have Individual Protection Equipment (PPE) and Collective Protection Equipment (EPC). They are part of the safety routine in confined spaces. Additionally, use respiratory protection and rescue equipment.
All equipment must be approved. Among them are:
- Helmets;
- Gloves;
- Safety boots and glasses;
- Lock falls;
- Seat belt;
- Locking and tagging devices;
- Initial sounding equipment and continuous monitoring of the atmosphere;
- Toxic gas meter sensors;
- Fuels and oxygen;
- Mechanical ventilation and communication equipment (radio transmitters).
6. Empower workers:
Every worker needs to receive adequate training. Training regarding risks, control, emergency and rescue measures must always be carried out. This not only for internal employees in the industry, but also for employees providing services from outsourced companies.
All training must have a certificate of completion with all pertinent information such as the participant’s name, program content, workload, date and location.
7. Form a rescue Team:
It is also the employer’s responsibility to implement emergency and rescue procedures appropriate to confined spaces, including a team responsible for first aid.