Confined Spaces Remain an EHS Challenge

Confined Space Entry Regulation

This spring is the twenty-fifth anniversary of the genesis of a regulation listed as 29 CFR 1910.146, otherwise known as the Confined Space Entry Regulation. You probably won’t read about any celebrations of this milestone. No one is planning a Confined Space Safety parade, as far as we know. But, at the All Hazards Training Center, we think the regulation deserves renewed consideration by EHS managers in all industries. There’s no doubt that this legislation has saved many lives and prevented countless injuries – at least when the rule is properly followed.

Confined space incidents continue to cause physical harm, even to the worst degree. In January, a firefighter working to save three underground utility workers lost consciousness after removing his air-pack in a drainage hole that was rich with hydrogen sulfide and methane. And sadly, all three of the utility workers lost their lives.

Dangerous confined spaces are almost everywhere. A walk down any city street will take you past sewer manholes and storm water drains. On the other side of their protective covers is a workspace that is a risk by its very nature, and can become even more hazardous thanks to decay. Confined spaces demand adherence to 29 CFR 1910.146 even before entry, as well as proper training and practice. Anyone expected to perform the duties of an entrant, attendant, supervisor, or rescuer must have comprehensive training that meets and exceeds the competencies needed to perform those duties, and that’s Findlay’s forte.

Findlay All Hazards has trained general industry and construction workers, first responders, and environmental contractors in Confined Space Entry and Rescue for over thirty years. Experienced Findlay trainers provide participants with hands-on entry instruction and proven rescue theory and techniques. Findlay focuses on worker safety in and around restrictive spaces, including awareness and identification of such areas.

Findlay’s indoor Confined Space Simulator includes both vertical and horizontal entry points, crawl spaces, piping and other configurations that allow actual entries and rescues to be performed, both in and out of constricted spaces. Findlay workshops include demonstrations of the latest in both entry and retrieval equipment. Participants can practice with equipment such as ventilators, air monitors, personal protective equipment, winches, tripods, fall protection devices, and more.  The training curriculum is designed to ensure safe entry into tight spaces, and to help you limit the need for entry rescues whenever possible. Findlay All Hazards has also developed several working-from-heights scenarios at our five-acre outdoor training facility.

And ‘Confined Space Training’ no longer means ‘Confined Location’. In 2016, Findlay designed and introduced a custom-built Mobile Confined Space Training Simulator that brings the training to our clients.  This trailered unit has several entry points on both the top and side, allowing numerous scenarios and hands-on drills.  Bringing the training on-site helps Findlay custom-tailor a confined space program just for you, in line with your written program, permits, spaces and the equipment available to you.

Findlay’s three decades of experience in developing written programs, conducting Confined Space Audits, and delivering Entry and Rescue training is your safeguard against the kind of extreme hazards that have already cost American workers their lives this year.  Contact Findlay today to discuss your Confined Space Program and learn how Findlay trainers can help you.

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