FEELING CLAUSTROPHOBIC

Each year confined space entry results in numerous injuries and fatalities. Generally, these preventable incidents are caused by a lack of ability to recognize what a confined space is, lack of understanding the hazards associated with entry and the overall lack of proper training and safe work practices.

True Story and content courtesy of Danatec Confined Space Pre-Entry Training:

“Two workers were in the process of repairing a leak in the discharge pipe of leachate collection system at a pulp mill. To complete this task, one worker entered a 3.66m (12 foot) deep confined space to repair the leak, the other positioned himself at the entrance.

The worker inside the confined space was wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), but his partner at the entrance was not wearing SCBA equipment. An hour after commencing work both workers were discovered unconscious – one in the confined space, and the other leaning into it. They were pronounced dead on arrival at the local hospital.

An investigation revealed that they died from lethal exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas. Gas testing was not done prior to entry and the workers did not wear the appropriate PPE, even though it was available. The inside worker had removed his respirator when he ran out of air.”

Think this is a rare occurrence? A fluke or freak accident? Well, unfortunately that’s not the case. Although the vast majority of confined space entries are completed without incident, serious injuries and deaths continue to occur. It must be remembered that approximately half of all fatalities in a confined space are the intended rescuers themselves.

Not surprisingly the primary reasons for this trend are:

• rescuers are also working in a hazardous area
• the degree of emotion that can overcome someone in an emergency situation
• insufficient, inadequate, or complete lack of formal training
• lack of any form of pre-entry planning or standard operating procedures
• improper or misunderstood communications
• lack of proper analysis of the hazards that are present prior

Hmmmm I think I see another trend here… The above contributing factors are mirrored in almost all other workplace accidents, injuries and death. So how do you protect yourself? Easy, get trained, know how to recognize a confined space and assess the potential hazards and definitely know your rights as an employee. Need Confined Space training? Get the best, most cost effective and efficient training from Danatec.

by John Stephens