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Confined space 4-gas monitors need to be calibrated. We all know it, and the time is probably coming up soon. Just how often you are required to calibrate depends on you and the recommendations of the manufacturer. (See calibration intervals for more information.) There are several possible methods for tuning up your gas monitor, and whether you do manual calibrations, use an automated calibration and bump test device, or send it in for a professional calibration service is up to you. …

Ventilation is one of the central pillars of confined space safety. Fumes, vapors, and volatile organic compounds accumulate and create an atmosphere that is not conducive to breathing. And I think we can all agree that breathing is a central pillar of living. OSHA calls ventilation one of the most important engineering controls available to maintain a safe work environment. We agree. And we've got a number of smart ways to accomplish replacing the atmosphere of your toxic environme …

Flammable and toxic gas detection is a must for many oil refineries, offshore platforms, laboratories, chemical production plants, and public works facilities. If your work requires constant gas monitoring, you need a reliable, easy-to-maintain fixed gas sensor system that will warn you quickly if a problem arises. How complicated a fixed gas system depends largely on the use of the data provided by the sensors. For example, if a fixed gas detection system is used only for warning nearb …

Confined space entry is a complicated business. But buying the tools you need to perform regular, compliant entry of a permit-required confined space (PRCS) doesn't have to be difficult. We've been in business longer than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been around, and it's our business to know exactly what you need to be compliant with their most current regulations. We've put together two confined space entry kits together that fit the unique needs of the …

Setting up a tripod can be a pain in the neck so it's gratifying to use a product like the  French Creek 7' Tripod and 50' 3-Way Rescue Unit and Winch. It was made to withstand 5,000 lbs. of vertical load, yet is lightweight and portable, offering quick and easy single-person setup. Confined space entry is tricky enough with all the gear and the lifelines and the harness pinching you in places that you really don't want to be pinched. So it's helpful to have equipment that wo …

Just because you aren't entering a drainage system, silo, septic tank, or some other confined space every day, or even every week, doesn't mean you can avoid getting the equipment necessary to make you OSHA compliant. But it does mean that you will be perfectly satisfied with a basic confined space entry system. For folks working in city waste water treatment facilities or manufacturing which requires regular maintenance and inspection of confined spaces, it makes sense to have the m …

If a workspace contains hazardous permit-required spaces, OSHA mandates the employer must inform exposed employees of their existence, location, and the hazards they pose. This can be done by posting unambiguous warning signs such as "DANGER-CONFINED SPACE- AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY." And while signs like that are pretty clear, there will still be folks who assume it doesn't apply to them. So OSHA also requires physical barriers such as locks, chains, and other impediments to entr …

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 …

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 …