A Closer Look at Fall Protection: Confined Spaces
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Confined space training is an important aspect of fall protection. Take a closer look at the risk of confined spaces and how to train workers properly. Learn more at http://blog.empiresafety.com/
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A Closer Look at Fall Protection: Confined Spaces
- 1. CONFINEDSPACES A CLOSER LOOK AT FALL PROTECTION:
- 2. When it comes to hazards on a job site, confined spaces are a big concern. When you mix in additional risks like fall hazards, you end up with a monumental danger zone.
- 3. Tanks Crawl ways Vessels Storage bins Hoppers Manholes Tunnels Pipelines Ductwork Confined spaces can include:
- 4. Not meant for long term human occupancy Has limited entry or egress Often contains hazardous elements Some elements that define a confined space are:
- 5. Confined spaces could also be termed “HazMat in a Box” due to the potential for hazardous gases, fumes and vapors to be found within. These areas exist in almost every industry, so the likelihood that a worker will come into contact with one is substantial.
- 7. Inadequate ventilation Fire Limited visibility Falling objects Sudden release of vapors, liquids or solids
- 8. A huge concern is when a worker is hurt, or otherwise in need to assistance, while in a confined space; many times attempted rescuers become victims themselves. In fact, one study found that more than 40% of confined space rescue fatalities involved would-be rescuers!
- 9. By having the right personal protective equipment and rescue plans in place, these fatalities may have been preventable!
- 10. One way to address these risks is by having fall protection and rescue devices in place for work in these areas. DOYOUKNOWWHERETOSTART?
- 11. Hazardous atmosphere Engulfment hazard such as grain Could worker be trapped or asphyxiated? Serious safety or health hazard such as a fall hazard First, you need to identify if a work area is a permit-required confined space. Does it have one or more of the following?
- 13. *https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9797&p_table=STANDARDS OSHA 1910.146* briefly touches on fall protection requirement in confined spaces and states: 1910.146(k)(3)(i) Each authorized entrant shall use a chest or full body harness, with a retrieval line attached at the center of the entrant's back near shoulder level, above the entrant's head, or at another point which the employer can establish presents a profile small enough for the successful removal of the entrant. Wristlets may be used in lieu of the chest or full body harness if the employer can demonstrate that the use of a chest or full body harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and that the use of wristlets is the safest and most effective alternative.
- 14. Regardless if OSHA addresses the risk or not, the reality is that certain measures must be taken when working in these dangerous situations.
- 15. Types of fall protection you can use to ensure your workers are safe and tragedy is prevented: Anchorage Connectors Portable Fall Arrest Post Confined Space Rescue Equipment Body Wear Self-Retracting Lifelines
- 16. First off, make sure you have the right anchor for the job. Anchorage connectors also must be chosen based on the type of work being done, where they need to connect and what they need to connect to. Choosing the wrong anchor and anchorage connector can put workers at risk of serious injury or death. Anchorage Connectors
- 17. Full body harness that connects worker to anchor and has the ability to distribute fall force through shoulders, thighs and pelvic region to reduce the risk of orthostatic intolerance. Body Wear
- 18. Thought to be the safest and most effective part of a fall protection system. Combined with a retrieval system, this device allows non-entry rescue which also reduces the risk of injury or fatalities in other workers Self-Retracting Lifelines
- 19. This post has the Davit Arm option which expands the functions of your existing anchor. Can be used for many tasks such as confined space entry and work support from the top of a work platform. Portable Fall Arrest Post
- 20. For emergency evacuation only, this lightweight hoist system combines the reliability of a self-retracting lifeline with a quick acting retrieval mechanism. Confined Space Rescue Equipment
- 21. Guard the entrance to prevent accidental falls All workers in the vicinity of a confined space need to wear fall protection gear, not just the worker entering the area. TIPSONWORKINGSAFELY INCONFINEDSPACES
- 22. Use ladders or Davit arm posts that have a winching mechanism Employ backup fall protection, for example using a PFAS made up of harness, self-retracting lifeline and davit arm TIPSONWORKINGSAFELY INCONFINEDSPACES
- 23. Train and retrain workers (at least every 12 months) Evaluate ability of designated rescue worker Use non-entry retrieval when possible TIPSONWORKINGSAFELY INCONFINEDSPACES
- 24. When it comes to fall hazards and keeping your workers safe, assessing the risks, providing the right PPE and having a rescue plan in place are the only ways to make sure every worker goes home safely.
- 25. Make sure you provide fall protection training annually and stress the importance of evaluating the many risks that are present on any given construction site.