Houston, TX - October 2022 – Almost every industry has confined spaces. Because of their nature, it is essential that workers enter them with extreme caution and take extra precautions for safety reasons. It takes careful planning, knowledge of the potential risks present, and awareness of whether the area is an allowed or non-permitted place to work securely in a confined space. However, not everyone is fully aware of their situation. Maximum confined space accidents and deaths occur because employers and employees fail to identify, plan, and manage those risks. It is crucial to follow the protocols and use the appropriate tools and devices to ensure safety. Green Light Safety is a reputed safety company and one of the best industrial safety equipment suppliers in Houston. The following are a few things to consider before entering a confined space.
Entry and exit plan
It would seem obvious that a worker must enter and exit the area, but doing so isn't always simple. Having an entry and exit plan is crucial for confined places. Moving around in a confined space can be challenging. Therefore, employees must understand how they will enter the area safely and exit after the work is complete.
Lighting
Confined spaces typically lack overhead lighting, and moving around in unlit areas can raise the danger of slipping, misstepping, falling, and other mishaps. Ensure employees have access to light sources for restricted space conditions so they can avoid these types of accidents.
Equipment efficiency
Ineffective operation of damaged equipment could endanger personnel. Routine checks help find out if the equipment is in good condition or requires repair. Make an honest inspection of the equipment's condition because worker safety is the priority. If you are looking for gas detector repair in Houston, TX, Green Light Safety can help you with that.
Atmosphere
Due to their very nature, enclosed areas frequently have a distinct atmosphere from those found in ventilated environments for human comfort. Confined places are full of toxic vapors. Decomposing organic matter releases harmful gases, and chemical processes like rust can reduce the amount of oxygen that employees can safely breathe in.
It is essential to evaluate the atmosphere in confined spaces using industrial safety equipment to detect potential chemicals and gases before anyone enters. A person with training and experience should conduct these tests at all levels. Also, make sure to bump test and calibrate the equipment to get the correct measurements.
According to OSHA, atmosphere testing should be carried out in the following order:
- For oxygen
- For combustible gases
- For toxic gases and vapors
Communication
The importance of communication in a confined space safety strategy is sometimes underrated. It is essential to consider that people inside and outside the confined space communicate with emergency services. A trained attendant should stay outside the confined area when workers enter it. There should be communication between the attendant and entrants the till the time of exit.
Green Light Safety is a reliable safety company and a leading industrial safety equipment supplier in Houston. It specializes in rentals, sales, and service of gas Detection equipment as well as calibration of the equipment. They have over 15 years of experience in the industry and offer gas detector repair in Houston, TX. To learn more, call (832) 262-9931.