Page 29 - OHS, June 2024

Compliance is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative to protect human life.
multi-gas monitors and area monitors that share not only real-time gas readings but also man-down alarms and panic alerts, both nearby peers and safety personnel can mitigate hazards before an evacuation is even needed. When combined with live monitoring software, users can also take advantage of a variety of sensor options that can be configured to cover any and every confined space hazard they may face.
Most importantly, shared readings can help eliminate up to 60 percent of confined space would-be rescuer deaths by inform- ing rescuers—before they enter—why their peer is in danger. This creates a safety cul- ture where workers know someone’s always got their back, even in the most dangerous working conditions.
However, this is all easier said than done. So how does one go about creating an effective safety culture around confined space entry?
Creating a Confined Space Entry Plan
A well-rounded confined space entry plan— including setting up the right confined space monitor—is critical to minimize risk.
Planning for confined spaces can help prevent unnecessary incidents and reduce the risk of injury or death. No two confined spaces are the same. So prior to entry, it is essential to examine each space for risk and hazard assessments, choose the right con- fined space monitor based on entry re- quirements and train workers.
Confined Space Testing Best Practices
Regulations generally require testing the atmosphere within a confined space with a direct-reading monitor before a person enters. This is commonly performed with a confined space monitor equipped with a remote sampling pump, which allows the user to see not only if the space is safe but
also how safe.
Although testing after that is only required
before re-entry, it’s safest to continuously monitor for atmospheric hazards because conditions can change within moments, leav- ing workers unaware of danger. Area moni- tors are helpful for continuous monitoring because of their long battery life and easy set- up. Simply turn the monitor on and place it in the confined space to ensure that you always have visibility into the gas readings.
Quickly Communicate
Working Conditions
Communication is a major factor in pro- tecting workers in confined spaces. At- tendants are required to monitor the areas and the status of the workers within them. However, because of ever-changing condi- tions and loud environments, it can be a challenge for attendants and peers to un- derstand the status of entrants.
For example, conditions within a con- fined space can change rapidly, and what was once a safe environment can quickly become hazardous due to the processes taking place within or near the space. With peer-to-peer connected gas monitors, alarms for gas haz- ards, immobility or other safety emergencies are instantly shared to peers and the atten- dant, enabling a quick and effective response.
Additionally, safety teams can take this a step further by implementing a live monitoring solution. Live monitoring al- lows anyone anywhere to be alerted when gas hazards put workers in danger so that everyone can respond accordingly.
Your Guardian Against the Unseen
Overall, the role of gas detection in con- fined space entry can’t be overemphasized. Each year, the technology and expertise provided by gas detection companies can help avert countless potential disasters, save lives and promote a culture of safety that resonates throughout the industry.
Personal, multi-gas monitors, area monitors and live monitoring software are not merely tools to get the job done; they’re guardians against the unseen. They allow your workers to enter confined spaces with confidence and emerge safely, ensuring ev- eryone goes home to their families at the end of the day and that everyone can breathe a little easier knowing they’re safe.
Dante Moore is an applications engineer at Industrial Scientific.
www.ohsonline.com
JUNE 2024 | Occupational Health & Safety 27