The essence of confined space training for workers is safety. It is the number one objective that all employers need to always uphold due to the high risks workers face daily. With proper information and guidance coming from confined space training, it becomes possible for workers to uphold and maintain a safe work ethic while working.
This article will discuss what makes confined space training essential. To learn more, keep reading.
What is confined space training?
In very simple terms, confined space training means training needed to operate safely in confined spaces. Today, several jobs require workers to remain in spaces with limited entry and exit space to do their jobs properly.
The training covers areas the workers need to know about while working in such a limited space for short or longer periods. Before listing some types of jobs that require confined space training, here are some examples of confined spaces people work in:
- Boilers
- Tunnels
- Vaults
- Pits
- Tanks
- Scaffolds
- Maintenance holes
- Hoppers
- Storage Bins
List of Jobs that Require Confined Space Training
Confined space training is not unique to all jobs but only a select few. These are a list of jobs that require such training:
- Plumbers
- Construction Workers
- Rescue Personnel
- Oilfield Laborers
- Pump Truck Technicians
- Scaffolders
- Oilfield Medics
- Welders
- Electricians
- Vacuum Truck Operators
What an Ideal Confined Space Training Program Includes
Certain measures need to be covered in a confined space training program to ensure maximum safety for workers. These programs can be taught physically and are also available online. The training can take 1-3 days depending on the severity of the work to be done.
A thorough confined space training program should include:
- A detailed description of the work to be done
- Identification of potential hazards in a confined space
- Steps to follow in the event of a dangerous situation
- Practice safety work ethics always
- Safety evacuation and rescue measures
- First Aid
Importance of Confined Space Training
Many reasons point out just how important confined space training is and the numerous dangers to which workers who have not been trained would be exposed. Here are some of the reasons that highlight the importance:
1. Without adequate training on using specialized tools in a confined space, workers can put their lives and the lives of others in grave danger.
2. Improper understanding of the job to be done leads to a series of wrongdoings putting everyone in danger.
3. Injury, asphyxiation, flooding, and drowning are all unfortunate events that could happen to a worker in a confined space. With training, proper resuscitation and evacuation procedures that have been taught will come in handy to save the life of a worker experiencing such.
4. When workers know how to use the personal protective equipment in such an environment, the chances of any worker sustaining fatal injuries and death is prevented.
5. When these workers are trained and certified, everyone is safer and happy. They can complete their work projects faster and satisfy their employers, which gives them a good name in the market.
6. Confined space training not only saves lives but also enforces safety in the workplace, preventing damage to high-end machinery and equipment used. When dangers such as fires and flooding are prevented, the machines remain in good shape saving the employer a lot on avoidable expenses.
Conclusion
Confined space training exists because it has been proven to save countless lives, a program that any confined space worker should be aware of and enroll for. Common questions asked about this training is if the certification expires or not. Its validity period may vary across countries, but what matters most is that you have been thoroughly trained!
