Tips to Make Working in Confined Spaces Safer for Employees

Victorian industry training experts acknowledge the importance of employee safety at all times, particularly in confined spaces where there may be more hazards. The building, construction, transport, logistics, and many other industries all have confined spaces in certain scenarios. This is something for which employees and employers alike should be prepared. Here are some industry training tips for promoting employee safety in confined spaces.

Make a Safety Plan

First, employers need to undergo working in confined spaces training so they know enough to ensure their workers are being safe. Employers must also provide clear written procedures and ensure their employees follow guidance on entering confined spaces. Employees must be trained on this plan so they can complete the appropriate tests for confined space entry. This is especially important considering the vast majority of workplace fatalities in confined spaces involve workers who haven’t been properly trained.

Recognise the Hazards

Another tip for safe working in confined spaces is to understand all the possible gas hazards. Employers can reduce the risk by implementing a plan for detecting any potential hazards, which vary with each confined space. Recognising these hazards also helps workers respond appropriately and know the difference between a false alarm and something more serious.

Set Up Detectors & Pumps

After identifying the hazards, employers need the essential tools to detect them, including a gas detector and pump. Even with the right sensors, the bump test, zero, calibrate method should be used to ensure the monitor works effectively. Make sure the on-screen alerts and alarms appear correctly through calibration and set the baseline in clean air so the detector and pump perform reliably.

Always Monitor

Finally, to make confined spaces safer for employees, continuous monitoring should be a top priority. Workers shouldn’t consider a confined space safe just because a quick test said so. Conditions in tight spots and confined spaces may change unexpectedly, bringing up new hazards. That’s why constant monitoring is key to preventing accidents and keeping workers safe on the job. After all, the right confined space entry procedure and detection system will alert to the presence of rising gas levels so employees can evacuate in time.

Employee Safety and Industry Training Professionals

If you’re a business manager looking to enhance employee safety with confined spaces training, Intelligent Training Solutions can help. Contact us today to discuss your professional training needs.