Workplace and job site safety are of paramount importance for creating an environment that is comfortable and secure for all personnel. Creation World Safety provides safety consulting in the Los Angeles and Torrance, CA areas. One of our specialties is addressing issues that center on confined spaces. Our certification safety training in Torrance CA includes dispelling common myths about working in confined spaces. Here are five myths that are important to understand.
1. You Need a Permit for All Confined Spaces on Job Sites
It isn’t uncommon to encounter tight spaces on most job sites. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific definitions of confined spaces that require a permit. Some of these include:
- Has areas that contain a hazardous atmosphere
- Includes walls that converge inward or floors that taper downward
- Contains unguarded operating machinery
- Has exposed live wiring
If these conditions are present, the employer is required to provide a written safety plan that discusses methods, procedures, and practices to eliminate or control hazardous conditions. Our confined space training in Los Angeles covers OSHA permitting requirements and preventive measures to be taken for confined areas.
2. Permitted Confined Spaces Only Require Identification
Confined or hazardous spaces requiring permits must indeed be clearly marked as such. But it goes further than placing a permit on the entryway. In our certification safety training in Torrance CA, we walk you through OSHA’s standards for acceptable spaces program dictating that entry must be controlled and access limited to authorized personnel. The standards also require that such spaces be evaluated and tested for atmospheric hazards, toxins, flammability, and proper ventilation with fresh oxygen. Training includes emergency exit procedures and the use of communication devices.
3. Slips and Falls Are Considered Minor Issues
Just like working on scaffolds and roofs requires fall protection, those working in confined spaces must understand the dangers of falls and are required to wear protective gear and use safety equipment, such as harnesses. This is especially true for those working in below-grade environments, like manholes. These areas must have adequate entry and exit structures (ladders and such) and be well-illuminated to prevent accidents caused by falls.
4. Non-Entry Rescue Is the Preferred Method for Confined Areas
While it is best not to put additional workers in danger when the atmosphere is compromised inside a confined space, it is often necessary to bring in trained rescue specialists who can safely enter the space to extract those in danger. These emergency teams have the appropriate equipment and confined space training in Los Angeles to enter confined areas and bring those in danger to safety.
5. Being Confined Is the Biggest Hazard of Working in Smaller Enclosed Spaces
Entrapment is one of the most dangerous and anxiety-inducing aspects of working in confined spaces. However, there are other dangers, such as malfunctioning heavy equipment, electrical fires, and toxic fumes. Due to the nature of these spaces, asphyxiation, burns, and damage from moving parts are all possible.
Contact Us About Our Confined Space Rescue Teams and Certification and Training Programs
Training provided by Creation World Safety addresses all of the possible hazards of working in confined spaces. We are the best resource for certification safety training in Torrance and Los Angeles, CA. Fill out our contact form or call us, and we will assist you with all of your corporate safety training needs.
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