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The second in a two-part series on confined space gas monitoring: They say that knowledge is power. This is certainly the case when it comes to safety in confined spaces. It is only after we are aware of the potential dangers of confined spaces that we can recognize a seemingly empty space as containing life-threatening possibilities. BW Honeywell GasAlert Micro Clip XL 4-Gas Monitor In the first part of our Gas Monitoring discussion, we talked about Oxygen (O2) levels and Lower Explosi …

There are plenty of companies out there who only do the occasional confined space entry. Their definition of the best tripod will likely be very different from a company, utility, or facility that uses their tripod on a daily or weekly basis. For the first type of buyer, they likely just want something that meets OSHA requirements. They want something they know is going to be safe, and they aren't looking for all the bells and whistles because it's mostly sitting in the shed out back. These f …

While we sell just about every bit of safety equipment under the sun nothing is more popular at PK Safety than our gas monitors. We've been selling gas monitors since they were the size of a shoe box (some of them still are). Over the past few years one monitor - the GasAlert Micro Clip XL - has emerged over the years as the clear favorite for personal 4-gas monitoring. The XL is actually the latest version of the Micro Clip XT. BW continues to improve the functions and battery life …

Large job sites have so many projects and workers operating at once, it can be difficult to maintain communication with all of them. Many accidents happen because one set of workers is unaware of the harm their actions may cause to another team. Confined spaces entrants are already putting themselves into an area with known dangers. But it can get even more dangerous if machinery unexpectedly gets turned on, or tons of grain begins to fall on the head of you or your team. The key to con …

The first of a two-part series on confined space gas monitoring: Unlike a raging river or pounding surf, the dangers of confined spaces are often silent and unseen. Unless a dangerous atmosphere creates a visible cloud of vapor, there isn’t any way for you to see what hazards lurk within a confined space. This is precisely the reason monitoring equipment is so vital to confined space entry. While it isn’t possible within this format to provide a comprehensive guide for the use of …

Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS) entry requires specialized equipment. That equipment needs to be on-site and close at hand in case of an emergency. Creating checklists of all the items that need to be included for workers to enter confined spaces can be as lifesaving as the equipment they itemize. Don’t trust your entry team’s lives to your memory of all the pieces of PPE required for entry. A simple checklist can create the types of routine surrounding PRCS entry that will avo …

When isolating or ventilating a permit-required confined space, it is critical that a competent person on your team take meter readings with a 4-gas monitor for oxygen (O2), toxic gases and if applicable, combustible gases (VOCs) with a PID to determine if the processes have been effective. Of course you already know this if you or your company are performing this type of work. But are you measuring for the correct PEL levels? PEL limits change with some regularity, and what may be r …

For safe entry of a permit-required confined space (PRCS), OSHA designates roles for key persons involved in the procedure.  Workers trained in these responsibilities are the only ones who should be involved in these potentially hazardous tasks. Workers' roles vary depending on the amount of training and experience they have working in confined spaces.  The first role we will discuss is that of the Attendant.  The duties described in OSHA standard 1910.146 require an Attendan …

The simple definition of a confined space is an area that is large enough for a worker to enter and work, but that is tough to get in and out of and isn’t designed for regular occupancy. With a definition like that, there are so many spaces that would qualify - under the sink, an attic crawl space, the shed that houses an air compressor. While all of them qualify as a confined space, not all of them will be classified as a permit-required confined space (PRCS). OSHA has copious files re …

Nearly every type of industrial site has confined spaces - manholes with plumbing, or sheds that house pumps or generators.  These are areas where the atmosphere may become toxic or oxygen-depleted and unsafe for entry.  If you or your crew don't do much work in these areas you may not be aware of the dangers or the regulations surrounding them. Here are a few things that you will need if you are preparing to enter a confined space.  They are all important, most of th …