Confined space solutions
Get the know-how to navigate job sites with confined spaces.
Confined spaces. Unique challenges.
No two confined spaces are exactly alike. Type, size and hazards vary greatly, along with different standards, regulations and company policies that can apply to each working environment.
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Common types of confined spacesSafely handling entries and exits starts with identifying your work spaces:
Storage tanks
Culverts
Tunnels
Elevator shafts
Ductwork
Trench boxes
Utility vaults -
Where they are foundWorking safely in confined spaces is universal, but different industries present their own challenges:
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Chemical manufacturing
Food and beverage manufacturing
Oil and gas
Waste water treatment -
Hazards workers faceEach year, an average of 100 deaths occur within confined spaces in Canada alone:
Physical Hazards (50% of deaths):
Heat
Impact
Falls
Engulfment
Atmospheric Hazards (60% of deaths):
Oxygen deficiency
Toxic chemicals
Combustible dust(Source: rocorescue.com)
Confined space solutions
3M offers a wide range of products and training solutions for confined space entry.
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The 3M™ DBI-SALA® Advanced Series Hoist Systems are designed for manhole and confined space entry/retrieval applications. These units are constructed of lightweight materials including high-strength aluminum.
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The Ska-Pak AT is our most advanced supplied-air respirator with the added benefit of a patented, automatic, hands-free air transfer capability. Available with either a padded nylon or padded kevlar harness, or an integrated full-body harness for fall protection.
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Hearing protector with built-in analog and digital programmable two-way communication radio, level-dependent hearing protection, Bluetooth® functionality and a jack to connect to external devices.
Training
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CS
Confined Space IConfined Spaces Level 1
This one-day course addresses basic principles and concepts of confined space safety and the roles of the attendant and entrant in the process.
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CS
Confined Space IIConfined Spaces Level 2
This two-day course covers various aspects of an on-site confined space program. Participants will learn principles required to safely identify, assess, monitor, and/or enter the confined spaces they may encounter on their job site.
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CS
Rescue IConfined Spaces Rescue Level 1
This one-day course addresses basic principles and concepts of confined space entry rescue for standard confined space locations.
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CS
Rescue IIConfined Spaces Rescue Level 2
This two-day course addresses principles and concepts of confined space entry rescue for standard and complex confined space locations.
FAQ
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How important is it to label or have signs outside of a confined space?
Certain situations are required by law to have confined space signage. From a corporate perspective, if your corporate regimen requires workers to identify confined spaces that require internal permits (not necessarily ones that are legally required), it should be obvious where the confined space is. However, not all companies are knowledgeable enough to understand where this type of signage is required and where it should be applied, even if there is a legal requirement for it.
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When should a 3-Way self-retracting lifeline (SRL) be used vs. a winch in a confined space entry and retrieval situation?
An SRL with retrieval (3 way) is designed to be used for fall protection while entering and exiting a confined space. The emergency winch option is only to be used for the extraction of a worker in an emergency situation. The emergency winch is not designed to be used on a regular basis as a means of entering a confined space. If access is not available and a winch is the best option, then an advanced or digital winch is the ideal choice.
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Can two workers be on the same davit arm or tripod?
A davit arm or tripod entry system each has the capability to attach two separate systems, provided that you have the required additional mounting brackets. However, the system is only designed to accommodate one worker at a time. This means that worker A will need to enter the space and be off the system before worker B can enter. The same is true in the case of rescue where you would need to extract the first worker followed by the second.
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Does a worker need to always be attached to a rescue system while working in the confined space?
While it is always best to remain attached to a rescue system while in a confined space, practicality doesn’t always allow it. If a worker cannot perform the work while being attached, they can disconnect from the system. However, your rescue plan may have to be amended to accommodate this disconnection.
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Does the top side attendant need to be tied off?
Yes. The attendant should be tied off using a fall protection system while near the entry.
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Are all confined space rescues considered non-entry rescues?
While it is certainly preferred that a confined space rescue plan be a non-entry rescue, it is often not feasible. Each entry must be evaluated and then determined whether a non-entry rescue is possible or if a more detailed plan should be put into place. This evaluation needs to be done before entry in the confined space occurs.
Contact Form — General and Technical Questions
