Confined workspaces is a term motor carriers might associate solely with tanker operations, but in truth, confined spaces can be any area that is not necessarily designed for people but is large enough for workers to enter and perform certain jobs.
A confined space is not designed for continuous occupancy and has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, such as a service pit in the shop. In CFR Part 1910.146, OSHA defines a permit-required confined space as a contained space meeting one of these characteristics:
- Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere,
- Contains material that has the potential to engulf an entrant,
- Has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area, which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant, or
- Contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress.
Hazards of a confined space
Confined spaces can increase the risk of injury or death if a worker becomes trapped or incapacitated inside the space. Some of the hazards that may exist inside a confined space include:
- Poor ventilation due to the buildup of harmful gases, fumes, or vapors. Exposure to these substances can cause respiratory problems, dizziness, or even suffocation.
- Hazardous substances in the area such as fuel, oil, or cleaning chemicals. Exposure to these substances can result in skin irritation, chemical burns, or other serious health effects.
- Fire or explosion caused by sparks from tools or equipment, electrical malfunctions, or other ignition sources. These can ignite flammable vapors or gases, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
- Physical hazards, including moving parts of machinery, sharp edges, or uneven surfaces. These hazards can cause injuries such as cuts, bruises, or fractures if not properly managed.
- Engulfment caused by a worker being exposed to flowing liquids or loose materials. Engulfment can lead to suffocation or drowning, especially if the substance is difficult to escape from.
How motor carriers can mitigate hazards of confined spaces
Motor carriers should implement a comprehensive confined space entry program to mitigate these hazards. This can include:
- Identifying all confined spaces and assessing the risks associated with each space.
- Implementing safe work practices for entering, working in, and exiting confined spaces. These practices may include procedures for testing the atmosphere, using personal protective equipment, and communicating with workers inside the space.
- Providing training to workers exposed to the hazards of confined spaces, including awareness of symptoms and emergency response.
- Establishing rescue procedures by coordinating with local emergency services and ensuring rescue equipment is readily available.
- Monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining equipment used in confined spaces, such as ventilation systems, lighting, and communication devices, to ensure they are in good working condition.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
CALL TO ACTION
- Analyze your operations and implement a confined space program if needed.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent.
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