Request Your Free Confined-Space Safety Poster

Following a confined-space safety program protects employees from hazards

This content is sponsored by Envirosight. Sponsored content is authorized by the client and does not necessarily reflect the views of COLE Publishing. View our privacy policy.
Request Your Free Confined-Space Safety Poster

Interested in Safety?

Get Safety articles, news and videos right in your inbox! Sign up now.

Safety + Get Alerts

Personal safety precautions are vital in any sort of construction and maintenance setting, but even more so when the work requires entry into confined spaces, which often contain hazards that can be fatal. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 50 workers die every year due to hazards in permit-required confined spaces, and hundreds more are seriously injured. Many of these casualties can be prevented by following established confined-space entry protocols.

There are three main types of confined-space hazard: atmospheric, engulfment or trapping. A hazardous atmosphere can be one that’s depleted of oxygen, one with toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide, or one with flammable gases like methane. Engulfment is when a substance like water or sand can inundate workers, suffocating or crushing them. Trapping occurs when the configuration in a confined space allows for workers to be stuck within the space. All these hazards can be controlled and avoided through proper procedure and personal protection equipment.

Following a confined-space safety program keeps employees protected from hazards. To help sewer inspection crews recognize the extreme risks of confined-space entry, and to acquaint them with all the prerequisites for safe and legal confined-space entry, Envirosight is offering a free Confined-Space Safety Poster.



Discussion

Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. Comments are moderated before being posted.