Page 47 - OHS, April 2020

Worker Training
All personnel involved in confined space entry, including super- visors, entrants, attendants, and rescue personnel should be well- trained. Individuals authorized for confined space entry must have complete knowledge of the space’s contents and hazards. All con- fined space workers also must fully understand their duties prior to entry and if changes occur in assigned duties or confined space applications. Training must be certified.
Specifically, employers should ensure that confined space en- trants are familiar with:
■ Signs of hazard(s) exposure
■ Procedures for maintaining outside contact
■ Warning signs, symptoms, and prohibited conditions
■ Donning, using, and maintaining personal protective equip-
ment (PPE)
■ Self-rescue techniques, including safe entry and exit
All confined space workers must be equipped with the proper
PPE. Under no circumstances should a worker enter a confined space without the proper equipment and the training to use it.
In addition, all equipment should be inspected carefully before each use and before entry into the confined space work environ- ment. Equipment showing signs of damage, or equipment that does not pass inspection should never be used.
For more information, visit OSHA’s “Confined Spaces in Construction” webpage.3
Worker Protection in Confined Space
Confined space workers can be at risk of several serious injuries or even death. To help ensure worker safety, worksite supervisors and safety managers are encouraged to identify confined spaces and determine whether or not the work area is a permit-required confined space. As a best practice, it is a good idea for those who are tasked with overseeing worker safety to also provide workers with the necessary education, training, and the correct PPE needed to enter, work and exit the confined space work area safely. Doing so could save lives.
Anne Osbourn is an industrial marketing professional at MSA Safe- ty, a global leader dedicated to helping keep people and places safe. She helps inform MSA’s product development strategies for the con- struction industry and specializes in fall protection solutions.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.osha.gov/confinedspaces.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/86-110/default.html 3. https://www.osha.gov/confinedspaces/faq.html
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