Saturday, September 29, 2012

What Confined Space Training Entails

Confined Space training is necessary for all employers and employees that are undertaking work under these conditions and can be a valuable investment to avoid accidents and injuries to your employees. This would be awful enough, but also lose you money and slow down productivity.

A confined space in this context is defined as any space that is enclosed and the person is exposed to hazardous substances or dangerous conditions. This can include lack of oxygen or exposure to substances that are harmful. Such places can be found as chambers, silos, trenches, pipes, sewer, wells, manholes, storage bins or tanks. The Confined Spaces Regulations Act of 1997 states that if there is any other way of performing the work that would have to be undertaken in a confined space, then the employer must ensure that this is done.

Performing work in these places can turn from safe to dangerous very quickly. This is why training is very important. By learning how to identify hazards early on as well as being able to use safety and protection equipment correctly can help save workers from accidents and subsequent injury. Many companies also provide their employees with measuring devices that can notify them of dangerous gasses and low oxygen levels. However, if the workers do not learn the appropriate use for the tool they are given, they are a waste of money and time. Notifying the training company beforehand of what equipment your workers have available will make it easier for them to incorporate this in their training schedule.


There are many companies offering this type of training and you should choose someone you feel identifies with your sector and understands the challenges facing your company and the type of work you do. Confined space training includes a whole range of topics. One of these is respiratory protection. This can be particularly important in spaces where there is a lack of oxygen or poisonous gas or fumes. In these instances you might need to know how to use oxygen supplies and how to calm your own respirations.

Access and egress is another important topic that is covered. Knowing how to safely get in and out of these confined spaces is vital. By providing the tools to do so through a training course, staff might feel more confident when approaching a task that involves these types of maneuverers. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, most training courses will brief the attendees on emergency procedures if an accident were to occur. This will go beyond general safety and hazard awareness and provide techniques that can help save lives and will make the course well worth the investment.

Britannia Safety and Training provides confined space training to companies in the Norfolk area.

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