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CONFINED SPACES

NOTICE BOARD SIGNAGE FOR CONFINED SPACES

 CONFINED SPACES


Many workplaces contain areas that are considered "confined spaces" because while they are not necessarily designed for people, they are large enough for workers to enter and perform certain jobs.

A confined space also has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Confined spaces include, but are not limited to, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, manholes, tunnels, equipment housings, ductwork, pipelines, etc.

 

 

OSHA uses the term "permit-required confined space" (permit space) to describe a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a

1) Hazardous atmosphere

 

2) Contains material that has the potential to engulf an entrant

 

3) Has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant

 

4) Contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress.

 

Workers who enter confined spaces must be aware of the potential hazards and take steps to protect themselves. Some important safety precautions include:

a) Using a permit-required confined space entry program

b) Ensuring that the atmosphere is safe to enter

c) Using personal protective equipment (PPE)

d) Having a rescue plan in place

Confined space entry is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. By following safety precautions, workers can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

TIPS:

a) Make sure you are familiar with the confined space and its hazards.

b) Never enter a confined space alone.

c) Always use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

d) Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid hazards.

c) If you have any concerns, do not enter the confined space.

 

 

 

The legislation regarding confined spaces varies from country to country. However, there are some general principles that are common to most jurisdictions.

1) Confined spaces must be identified and assessed for hazards.

2) Work in confined spaces must be planned and carried out in a safe manner.

3) Employees working in confined spaces must be trained and equipped to do so safely.

4) Emergency procedures must be in place in case of an accident.

Some specific examples of legislation regarding confined spaces include:

LEGISLATION IN DIFERENT COUNTRIES:

A)  South African law regarding confined spaces is set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 85 of 1993) and the General Safety Regulations (GSR). The law requires employers to take steps to ensure that confined spaces are safe for workers to enter. This includes:

B) United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations that govern work in confined spaces. These regulations can be found in 29 CFR 1910.146.

C) United Kingdom, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has regulations that govern work in confined spaces. These regulations can be found in HSE Guidance L52.

D) Australia, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004 and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 govern work in confined spaces.



WORK WITH BUDDY IN CONFINED SPACES


SAFETY TIPS:

 

1) Never enter a confined space alone.

2) Make sure that the confined space is properly ventilated.

3) Use a personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a hard hat, safety glasses, and a respirator.

4) Be aware of the potential hazards, such as oxygen deficiency, flammable or explosive atmospheres, and electrical hazards.

5) Have a rescue plan in place in case of an emergency.

6) Always have someone outside the space who can monitor your progress and call for help if necessary.

7) Make sure you have the proper training and equipment before entering a confined space.

8) Working with a buddy. It is always a good idea to work with a buddy when entering a confined space. This way, if one worker gets injured, the other worker can help.

 

9) Having a rescue plan. It is important to have a rescue plan in place in case of an accident in a confined space. This plan should include procedures for evacuating workers from the confined space and providing medical assistance.

 

 


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