Confined
Space Injuries 2
From
Routine to Rescue to Retrieval…..A Cycle that can be avoided
By Shenaz Salim, Director FSE Safe
Posted on: 28 October 2020
‘Four minutes is all it takes for a
confined space "rescue" to turn into a "body retrieval"
exercise. After only four minutes without oxygen, it highly is likely that a
worker who is not wearing a respirator will experience brain damage or death.’
Note1
Just reading this gives us the
shivers down our spines. Confined space is such a dangerous place to be working
in. And there are several incidences reported for injuries and even deaths in
confined spaces.
In my earlier article (Confined Space Injuries Workers
Injuries and Real life experiences shared) I have
stated a case study and lessons learnt from the case study. One of the things
we discussed there were lightings and the importance of ATEX, Ex Proof lighting
in confined spaces. I have stated some good brands that
specialise in ATEX lighting icluding Wolf, Atexor, Raytec, Chalmit, Stahl, Adalit, NightSearcher
and many more.
And previously in my article ‘Confined Spaces: Claustrophobic
Terror Can Be Blown Away’ we discussed the importance of having confined spaces
ventilated. I highlighted ExStream Fans is the World’s
first manufacturer that provides both ATEX and IECEx certifications. There are
several brands for ATEX and Ex Proof fans, blowers, ventilators and a wide
range for us to choose from.
Today I want to discuss about Gas
Detection. In confined space, the supply of oxygen is very essential and the
ventilators/blowers/fans play an important role to ensure there is fresh air in
the space. However, most confined spaces are underground. Some are even exposed
to pipes. There is always danger of dangerous gases in such confined spaces.
This makes it even more hazardous.
Gas detectors and gas monitors are
essential preventive safety measures to check for a) Oxygen Content b)
Flammable Gases and Vapors c) Potential Toxic Air Contaminants. In the market
there are several brands with various functions that are required. Some of the
popular brands include BW, Crowcon, Draeger, Honeywell and MSA Safety.
Other related
products required include: linear
heat detection cable LHDC, ATEX Mobile phones, Ex cable glands, ex enclosures, hazardous
area ex rated enclosures, hazardous area cable glands clean joints, ATEX air
conditioners, portable hazardous area air conditioners, ATEX ex proof motors
and pumps. A wide range of ATEX and Ex Proof products are available in the
market. HSE officers should look for appropriate solutions for their
requirements.
In conclusion: While confined space working is not
something that can be avoided, there are mitigating solutions available for
safe working environment for our workers. I have highlighted the 3 of these
areas that need to be looked at: ATEX EX Proof Lighting, ATEX EX Proof
Ventilators, Blowers, Fans and Gas Detector and Gas Monitors. This is just a
start for those who are looking to create a safe environment when working in
Confined Spaces. There are many more areas that one needs to study and find
solutions for. I will continue to research and write more on this subject and I
hope you will visit me and give my work a read.
Safety is not only our business, it
is our passion. We strive to help create workplaces that are 100% injury free.
We get inspired when the companies we service Do Not make it to the news
channel for disasters. We rejoice when every
worker goes home to his family. Safety is not our job, it is our goal. It is
your goal. It is the goal of those who depend on us.
Be FSE Safe!
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