Prevent Employee Hazards in Confined Spaces

A confined space incident is not very common, but it may be one of the deadliest worksite accidents. That’s because the hazards tend to be misunderstood and underestimated. Plus, many confined space fatalities involve not one but two victims: the worker and the rescuer. Each year, there are an average of 100 deaths within confined spaces in Canada, according to data reported by 3M Canada. Therefore, employees must be educated on the various risks and precautions of working in confined spaces.

Share these safety considerations with employees for working in confined spaces:

• Identify and eliminate any obvious physical hazards before entering a confined space.
• Monitor the area for oxygen content, flammability, toxicity and explosive hazards.
• Use fall protection, rescue, air monitoring, ventilation, communication and lighting equipment according to specific entry procedures.
• Maintain contact, visually or via phone or two-way radio, with a trained attendant at all times.
• Call for help immediately if assistance is needed.
• Utilize proper personal protective equipment for entering the space.
• Do not bring fuel or fuel containers into the confined space.
• Never close a confined space until a qualified person verifies that there is no person inside.
• Avoid using pure oxygen to ventilate a confined space. Areas with high oxygen levels are more at risk for fires and explosions.

As an employer, it is vital to ensure that all employees are properly trained before beginning any task.

For more information on risk management or to find out how to reduce your insurance costs call CMB at 780.424.2727 or click here to get a quote.