![]() ![]() Under regulation, both rely on each other for their very existence, however, if the safety of Entrants is to be guaranteed both should understand and anticipate each other's needs. Each has a different reason for entering a space and each has a different set of priorities. The first is the worker Entrant Team and the second, the Rescue Team. The introduction of enforceable confined space regulations in the USA, created two separate entities. Liability is also a situation companies should try to avoid, especially when it involves the death of an employee, which could have been avoided. ![]() For this reason, understanding how a confined space rescue can be prepared for in advance, should be very important to all companies responsible for these activities which are essential for them to remain in business. According to current statistics, confined space workers are more likely to die in the event of an accident than in any other job, and could very well take one or two fellow employees with them. Unfortunately, like all important documents, the permit becomes more important after a problem occurs, as evidence that prescribed procedures were followed prior to the problem occurring. The Rescue Team must have been informed of the entry in advance and agree to be listed on the Permit. Among other essential items, the permit also records the name of the Rescue Team who will respond if a problem occurs, along with how to contact them. The Permit is used as a record that lockout and tag procedures have been followed and safe levels of oxygen and explosive gasses are present prior to worker entry. ![]() This document records every aspect of every entry and has to be completed each time someone enters a confined workspace, or as it is named in some countries, a "Permit Required Confined Space".Īs you can imagine, the Permit is a very important working document, which, if used correctly, guarantees safe entry for workers and the best possible chance of their being rescued in the event of a problem. The checks and balances needed to make this work in the millions of confined space entries done each year, became part of a Confined Space Entry Permit. They also mandate that workers understand the hazards of working in confined spaces, are properly trained and equipped to handle them and have access to a fully trained and fully equipped Rescue Team in the event of a problem. The regulations were introduced to improve statistics by mandating that companies not only recognize, but inventory and label all confined spaces within their operations. In a very short time frame, safety of workers in confined spaces has become a global issue, even though it has been a problem for generations. Since then many countries have followed suit including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain with other European Countries following soon. In 1993 the USA became the first country to enforce dedicated Confined Space Regulations on a national scale. In confined spaces, it is one in ten! Also, for every person dying in a confined space, almost two people die trying to execute a rescue. In normal work places, for every 1400 accidents reported, one results in a death or serious injury. ![]() Regulations for Confined Space entry fall into this category and you only have to look at the statistics to understand why. Any safety regulation that comes with a built-in plan for executing a rescue from the environment being regulated, speaks volumes about the dangers of working in that environment! ![]()
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