Silent Killer

Silent Killer

Confined Space Entry Specialists

CountyClean Environmental Services operatives have recently updated their City and Guilds combined space entry certification, allowing them to continue to provide support for contractors who have a need for the correct confined space entry procedure for work in oil tanks, sewers, underground chambers and other enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation.

Adding to the impressive list of accreditations already held by the company, every member of the team passed the course and attained the City and Guilds 6150-02 Level 2 certificate for combined space entry work.

What is a confined space entry ?

Confined space entry is where trained specialists access areas that are enclosed and where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or conditions that are dangerous, particularly lack of oxygen.

Some confined spaces can be identified fairly easily as enclosures with limited or restricted entry. Examples of these include storage tanks, silos enclosed drains, sewers, tanks, poorly ventilated rooms, ship’s cargo holds, duct-work and tunnels.

It isn’t possible to compile an exhaustive list of combined spaces as some working areas can become confined during construction or as circumstances change.

Confined space work can be deadly

Every year in the UK numerous people are killed in a confined space when they are overcome by carbon dioxide or other toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide.

In a recent case brought by the HSE, a farm owner and his businesses were fined for the death of two workers who opened an anaerobic digestion plant and were overcome by fumes.

Lack of oxygen will cause asphyxiation, which can happen instantly with little or no warning and the signs are not obvious. Rescuers who rush to the victims aid without the right equipment or training will also fall victim to the silent killer.

These major incidents happen due to lack of awareness from poor risk assessment for confined space and inadequate training for confined space entry. Deaths and injuries occur across a wide range of industries, from those involving complex plant to simple storage vessels.

Prosecution, prison sentences and fines are no compensation for the neglect that causes the loss of human life.

What are the dangers within a confined space?

There are many examples of danger within a confined space, which include:

  • A lack of oxygen caused by reactions of substances within the confined space causing poisonous gas, fumes or vapour including residues left in tanks etc.
  • Gasses and fumes, which build up in a confined space from actions such as welding or from the use of volatile or flammable solvents.
  •  Liquids and solids, which can suddenly fill a confined space, or release gas into it, when disturbed.
  •  High concentrations of dust, such as flour also present a danger from suffocation or even explosion.
  •  Hot conditions can lead to dangerous increases in body temperature.

Manage your risk for combined space entry

If you have a requirement for confined space entry work and would like to ensure your project is managed safely, talk to CountyClean about the comprehensive list of support services they available.

 

Confined Space Enquiry

About CountyClean

CountyClean Environmental Services Ltd was established in 2007 with a clear vision of accomplishing the highest quality of liquid waste management services and to provide the very best value for their customers

The company has grown from humble beginnings into a leader in effective liquid waste management solutions for the commercial and industrial, utility and domestic sectors in London and the South East.

To learn more about their environmental services call 0800 171 2204 for an immediate response.

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