4 Tips for Working Safely in Confined Spaces
Confined spaces are dangerous places for construction workers.
Confined spaces are dangerous places for construction workers. These spaces are dark, tight, and could cause your workers to get stuck. Because these spaces are so often found near large concentrations of concrete, it’s essential that your employees know how to work safely and not endanger themselves or others.
Understand What They Are
By definition, confined spaces are going to be uncomfortably small. That said, they are still wider than you would expect. These enclosed spaces are dangerous to anyone who enters, regardless of how well-trained or equipped they are to deal with this situation. The small space is what makes it so dangerous, especially if they are other hazards; escaping is difficult in these circumstances.
You can recognize the presence of confined spaces in three ways:
- Most of it is enclosed and requires crawling, like through a crawlspace, to access.
- The enclosure makes the space more hazardous.
- In the event of an emergency, serious injuries are far more likely than in an open area of the construction zone, or above the concrete surface.
Secure the Area
The next safety tip we have to offer you is to secure the area. This does not only refer to preventing entry by unauthorized personnel. Your construction crew needs to indicate and isolate the areas where concrete work is happening in confined spaces. Place large, easy-to-see signs around this area, and post at least two lookouts close by – one to communicate with anyone inside and another one to keep people out who shouldn’t be there.
Provide PPE
Personal protective equipment will save your workers’ lives. Exploring confined spaces requires the use of this equipment just as they would when drilling through a concrete block or hauling away potentially hazardous waste from the site. Anyone inside a confined space will need a constant flow of oxygen to support them, but the oxygen must be kept to reasonable levels.
Use Reliable Means of Communication
Communication is key in case of an emergency. Choose means of communication, such as walkie-talkies or other short-range communications, where the signal can’t be interrupted or disrupted by the work your employees are completing.
Prioritize Employee Safety with G&M Services
G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meeting to ensure that all involved are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.
G&M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and FireStop. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
