Too many people are killed every year when working or rescuing from confined spaces. In many cases this is because operatives are not aware of the hazards and do not have the correct monitoring equipment to identify when hazards are present
HAZARDS
Lack of knowledge of the potential hazards
Low or High oxygen levels
Presence of toxic or flammable gases
The wrong type or uncallibrated monitoring equipment
HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS
Make sure that a risk assessment has been carried out and that the assessment has identified all relevant hazards and the controls needed, including the type of monitor needed
For any confined space or restricted area work appropriate training must be carried out
Be familiar with how the gas monitoring equipment operates
Ensure that the monitor has been calibrated and is fit for use
Do not rely on the monitor to respond to every toxic gas, it will only detect what it has been set for. Be alert for unusual odours or conditions
Some gases have definite odours a good example is Hydrogen Sulphide that smells its like bad eggs
Treat the equipment with respect and do not subject it to abuse of misuse which may effect is efficiency
The monitor must always be switched on whilst working in identified areas
The monitor should always be placed in a representative area of the working area
Methane has no color or odour and can layer in poorly ventilated areas
Too little oxygen will not sustain life too much becomes a fire risk
The normal oxygen % is 20.6%. The alarm will go off below 19% and above 23%
Don’t panic if an alarm goes off but DO evacuate the area
You must have full knowledge of the site emergency procedures
QUSTIONS
What is the effect of too little oxygen?
Are you fully aware of the monitor you are to use?
What are the site emergency procedures?
What smell is associated with Hydrogen Suphide?
What smell is associated with Methane?
SAFETY REMINDER
You have six senses but a monitor only has one. Be aware of your environment at all times and use your sixth sense common sense