Safety on site is not negotiable. Every site we work on follows strict safety requirements…
Toolbox Talk – Confined Spaces
Working at heights is one of the most problematic high-risk activities on site but working in confined spaces is one that is often overlooked. According to Protekta, working in confined spaces is one of the highest risk environments with large fatality rates alongside working at heights.
This toolbox talk discusses some of the characteristics of confined spaces. A confined space has limited openings for entry and exits, and the space is not suitable for continuous human occupancy. It may also contain a hazard that could injure or cause illness to the person working in the space. Not being able to access emergency services are also another characteristic.
Multi-Level Classification System of Confined Spaces:
There are 4 levels of confined spaces, with level 4 being the highest:
- Level 1 – Do not have potential hazards capable of causing harm or death
- Level 2 – Minimal hazards capable of causing harm or death
- Level 3 – One or more hazards, can cause greater harm if not mitigated
- Level 4 – Pose significant harm to the entrant
Requirements:
- Any employee or person entering the confined space is using a safety harness or other similar equipment, to which a rope is securely attached which reaches beyond access to the confined space.
- At least 1 other person trained in resuscitation is and remains in attendance immediately outside the entrance of the confined space in order to assist or remove any person from the space if necessary.
- An employer or user of machinery shall take steps to ensure that all persons vacate a confined space on completion of work in the space.
- A confined space must be evaluated, and the air therein has been tested and evaluated by a competent person and pronounced the safety thereof.
- Effective apparatus for breathing and resuscitation of a type approved by the chief inspector is available immediately outside of the space.
- All confined spaces should be clearly marked.
Why is it so dangerous?
- Failure to identify a confined space
- Lack of personal protective equipment
- No rescue plan in place
It Takes less than 1 minute to survive with less than 5% oxygen. To get the full document of confined spaces, download the toolbox talk.
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