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For an oxygen-rich atmosphere, it's important to always make sure that gases expelled from the confined space through ventilation do not come into contact with internal combustion engines, flames or other sources of ignition that may cause an explosion or accelerate burning. While this might seem obvious, it is sometimes overlooked in the rush to clear a confined space and make it safe for entry. When sizing up a potential confined space for entry, also be aware of where you are p …

As a guy who has lost a fair amount of brain cells to paint and varnish vapors I know better than most that many projects aren't properly ventilated. (Yes I called them paint and varnish fumes in the title because that's what folks search for. Fumes are heated solid particles - think burning metal. Vapors are gaseous. I haven't lost all my brain cells.) That being said, there are some jobs that even I know have to have a fresh air source. Respirators are great, but in an environment wit …

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 …

Because of the speed with which a worker can become incapacitated, confined spaces require more safety considerations than typical work sites. Anyone entering a place without adequate ventilation must take precautions for their safety. This is especially true for confined spaces where pooling gases or lack of breathable atmosphere combined with difficult entry and exit can prove fatal. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has developed guidelines for safety before an …

Anyone regularly working in confined spaces knows they can be dangerous; yet confined space work is crucial to a wide variety of industries. When work is being performed in confined spaces, rescue plans must be in place in the event of an accident. Petrochemical sites such as oil rigs, refineries and drug manufacturers need regular site inspection and maintenance; wastewater treatment plants, or other businesses requiring workers to go down into the sewers or tanks also require frequent confi …

What happens when your small business grows, and you find yourself having to contend for the first time with confined space issues? There is quite a bit to do, and every aspect has a specific reason for being. Here is a basic primer for working in confined spaces for those who have not had these important responsibilities before. First, conduct an assessment of the on-site hazards. Describe the different roles and responsibilities of each of the parties involved in servicing these confi …

In this post we will look at a customer who was working with bleach and mold. This customer will need a respirator mask and filters to protect against both. We will look at what combinations do that: I am looking for a respirator and respirator cartridges to protect me while I apply a bleach solution to my entire attic to kill mold. What would be the correct combination of mask and filters for that application? This poses an interesting question. In looking at a mask and filter …

When working with dangerous chemicals, it is extremely important to have the right safety equipment. Many chemical products are available that have hidden problems. Here is a question I recently got from a customer working with dangerous vapors: What Paint Respirator should I use when spraying Urethane Paint? The information sheet I received about it says to use a NIOSH-approved activated Charcoal cartridge respirator. I would like to use a half mask if possible. You ask a …