Have you been tasked with entering a confined space for inspection, cleaning, or other purposes? If so, it’s advisable to undergo confined spaces training with a reputable organization specializing in the field.
Every year, there are injuries and deaths involving confined space accidents. What are confined spaces, why are they dangerous, and how can confined spaces training benefit you?
What Are Confined Spaces?
According to the confined space code of practice, Safe Work Australia defines confined spaces as partially or completely enclosed areas not designed for continuous human occupation. Although confined spaces are usually small in size, they may also refer to large enclosed spaces like granaries and storehouses.
Confined spaces are typically associated with hazards that make them potentially dangerous to enter. Confined space training helps you enter, work and exit a confined space in a way that avoids putting yourself or your employee’s life in jeopardy.
Examples of confined spaces include pipes, sewers, pressure vessels, storage tanks, wet and dry wells, shafts, tunnels, wet and dry wells, ship cargo tanks, and ballast or oil tanks, among many more.
Hazards Associated with Confined Spaces
Confined spaces are associated with a number of potentially risky and even life-threatening hazards that may include:
Toxic Environment
The presence of sludge, noxious fumes, fire, or flames may cause impairment of judgment, unconsciousness, and in extreme cases, death.
Oxygen Deficiency
Oxygen may be displaced due to biological or chemical reactions such as rotting of organic matter, rusting of metal, and air absorption by damp surfaces.
Oxygen Enrichment
Some materials that may not burn in air combust spontaneously in an oxygen-enriched environment. This increases the risks of fire and explosion.
Free Flowing Solids and Liquids
Flowing liquids and free-flowing solids can cause drowning, suffocation, or burns. Vapours, gases and clouds of dust, and solids in powdered form may cause asphyxiation.
Excess Heat
Confined spaces often trap heat, resulting in increased risks of heat stroke.
It’s essential to signpost confined spaces to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Importance of Confined Spaces Training
Confined spaces can be silent killers, but there are ways to keep yourself and your employees safe.
Our in-depth training courses cover several crucial topics, including identification of confined spaces, risk assessments, workplace policy and procedures, PPE, confined space entry techniques, emergency rescue procedures and much more. After completing our training course, you receive a confined spaces ticket that certifies your eligibility to enter and exit confined spaces.
Please feel free to contact our team on 1300 88 55 30 to learn more about our tailor-made confined space training in every state and territory in Australia, or discuss your training requirements,
