Confined space entry

Dräger offers solutions and support for working in confined spaces. Guidance for confined space entry risk assessments helps prepare you with the procedures, permits to work and equipment necessary for confined space safety.Our experts offer professional tips and practical confined space training to help you follow correct procedures for working in confined spaces – or calmly deal with confined space rescue scenarios.Products, such as confined space monitoring equipment – including reliable confined space gas detectors and confined space entry equipment for personal protection – help provide confidence and security for site managers and plant workers alike.

Accidents in confined spaces – why do they happen?

A confined space is among the potentially most dangerous workplaces and confined space entry presents many challenges. Despite high safety precautions, too many accidents still happen worldwide, such as predominantly asphyxiation, exposure to hazardous substances or traumatic injuries to name just a few. Thus, when working in confined spaces, safety always comes first. Regarding the questions as to what causes an accident, there is more than one answer to that.

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Frequent causes of accidents in confined spaces
  • Missing or insufficient hazard identification and risk assessment
  • Insufficient threat awareness
  • No selection or the incorrect selection of gas detection instruments
  • The use of unsuitable personal protective equipment or
  • The lack of training of workers who are designated for Confined Space Entry
How to avoid confined space accidents
  • Which legal regulations apply for this specific work assignment?
  • Are certified workers and proper devices available?
  • Does everyone know their responsibilities?
  • Is the necessary operating instruction available?
  • Have your workers been trained regarding their individual activities?
  • Have they been trained regarding the use of personal protective equipment?
  • Do you have an alarm and rescue plan for this specific mission?
  • Have the recommended measures been consistently thought through?

Some companies are not even aware that their plants include confined spaces. This means that there is no risk assessment because a hazard has not been recognised. Information and consultation should be the first step. Once this has been addressed, there comes the confined space entry training. A proper training is an important prerequisite for avoiding accidents and to ensure the worker’s safety. Training sessions simulate a real work scenario and start, for example, by demonstrating the correct way to take clearance measurements and the use of personal protective equipment followed by entry and exit exercises.

Danger or risk: what is the difference?

When addressing workplace safety hazards it seems necessary to draw a distinction between “danger” and “risk”.  “Dangers” are all aspects and framework conditions that could have a threatening influence on people, the environment, and plant safety with regard to a specific work situation. Such as entering a confined space.  “Risks” are understood by workplace safety experts as the evaluation of the probability that this danger will occur in this exact situation and describes the specific potential of a hazard.

Clearance measurement of confined spaces – a job for experts

Standard confined space safety precautions like clearance measurements must be followed prior to entry into these potentially hazardous work environments. The atmosphere must be measured and monitored for hazardous substances with a dedicated confined space gas detector. Comprehensive knowledge and practical skills are necessary to ensure safety for workers.

Downloads

Work permit sample
What are the most important aspects of a clearance measurement job? Which facts have to be checked? Our sample CSE work permit can make your job a lot easier.
Risk Assessment Matrix
A matrix is a helpful instrument for risk assessment. It facilitates the systematic naming and evaluation of dangers and risks. Our example shows you how this might look.
More strength in the tank
Tank cleaning – a case study for PPE selection.

Products

Dräger helps you to bring clearance measurement to the next level

Innovative CSE gas detectors and software solutions interface seamlessly with one another.