Working in confined spaces can be extremely dangerous. There are many different hazards and risks that may exist. For instance, workers may be exposed to mechanical and atmospheric hazards. In certain situations, the temperature cannot be controlled and workers can be exposed to conditions that can cause heat stress. The good thing is, many accidents and injuries can be avoided during confined space work through the correct application of thorough planning and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
We invite you to check out our article in the August 2020 issue of Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Magazine, “Addressing Confined Spaces and Heat Stress Concerns”, by Steve Kosch and Carly Engels Johnston of the 3M Personal Safety Division, where you can learn more about:
- What a confined space is
- The importance of conducting thorough hazard and risk assessments before entering these spaces
- The signs of heat stress and why identifying it is especially critical when engaging in confined space work
- How selecting the right personal protective equipment can help prevent heat stress, including proper monitoring devices
- Understanding, given the type of confined space and the work you are doing, how to select and use confined space/fall protection equipment properly is critically important should a rescue become necessary
- Why training and working as a team is essential when facing these condition
To learn more about how to work in confined space environments and all the kinds of personal protective equipment you may need for this type of work, please do not hesitate to reach out to our safety specialists for assistance.
Read the OH&S article here.