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often insufficient equipment hamper the rescue efforts. And every second counts when it comes to rescuing victims in confined spaces, especially in toxic or oxygen-poor atmospheres.5
How can accidents be better avoided?
Training is an important prerequisite for accident prevention in confined space work areas. This training should include both theory and practice and simulate a typical situation at work. The training should start with taking the necessary clearance measurements and putting on PPE, followed by entry and exit exercises. Participants should also receive training on how to evacuate unconscious and injured persons, as well as, how to behave under stress and in environments with poor visibility. Knowledge of the typical confined space entry procedure plan is also helpful in order to thoroughly prepare for a safe deployment.
A rescue plan must always be prepared.
Furthermore, specific emergency plans often don’t exist in practice, or the workers are unfamiliar with the plans. Outside rescuers may have insufficient training in confined space rescue, so they have to make time-consuming preparations in light of the high risks associated with these rescue attempts. This can significantly delay the start of rescue measures, with potentially fatal results since saving lives requires a fast response. Developing a “what-if” plan ahead of time is extremely important for this type of work. It is also necessary to have a trained rescue team at the ready, which can show up with breathing protection and other equipment.
As a rule, the in-house occupational health and safety staff is responsible for discussing and practicing specific rescue scenarios with the team onsite before starting the work. Therefore, this sort of rescue plan is always specific to the situation.
It is possible to permanently reduce the number of life-threatening and deadly accidents during work in confined spaces in wastewater treatment facilities. The way to achieve this is by observing the applicable safety guidelines, the list of hazards and measures within the plant, individual work instructions and the necessary training certificates. Whomever goes into these confined spaces must have the confidence that they can get back out again safely.
Mark Heuchert serves as marketing manager, ADM of the North American region, for Dräger, an international leader in
REFERENCES
the fields of medical and safety technology. Mark is a champion of CSE and Ammonia Life Safety best practices.
1. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/confinedspaces/
2. http://www.hsimagazine.com/article.php?article_id=507
3. http://www.healthresearchforaction.org/sph/occupational-health-and-safety-worker-hazards- confined-spaces
4. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/24/ca-workplace- fatalities_n_1542829.html?goback=. gmp_2246751.gde_2246751_member_260516403#!
5. http://coeh.berkeley.edu/docs/news/08_ucb_confined_space_rpt.pdf
www.ohsonline.com
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