Can You Enter Confined Space Without Training?

Every year several people are injured or killed in confined spaces that include both working in confined spaces and those rescuing them without any adequate training. The law requires employers to select suitable personnel to enter into confined spaces who are fully trained and competent to undertake the task safely.

So, it is clear that you cannot enter into a confined space without proper guidance and training. The potential hazards confronting workers in confined spaces are varied and may include:

• Atmospheric Hazards – Such as lack of oxygen, an excessive amount of oxygen, or toxic gases.
• Physical Hazards – Such as extreme heat, moving machinery, or poor visibility.
• Engulfment Hazards – Such as flowing liquid or solid materials that can cause suffocation or other injuries.

Therefore, to prepare employees for confined space work, comprehensive confined space training is required. It is also important to keep in mind that anyone assessing, managing, and supervising confined space work, also needs to be fully skilled to perform their part of safe confined space entry.

What Does the Law Say?

The Confined Spaces Legislation 1997 covers the following key duties:

• Avoid entry to confined spaces where possible by doing work from outside as much as possible
• If entry to a confined space is necessary, follow a safe system of work
• Put in place vital emergency arrangements before starting work

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states, ‘The employers must provide training so that all employees acquire an understanding and knowledge for the safe performance of their work’.

Summary

Confined space entry is hazardous and can lead an individual to death if adequate arrangements and proper training are not provided to those undertaking such work. This article explains some of the main confined space risks and what does the law says about them.