Yunku Industrial Safety

Risks of Working in Confined Space

The risk of confined space operation refers to the accident that occur when working in a confined space, such as poisoning, suffocation, fire, explosion, etc. Confined space operation rescue refers to taking a series of measures and technical means in the event of confined space operation accident to rescue the trapped personnel and reduce the accident hazard.

Risks including:

1. Poisoning: Volatilization of toxic substances stored in a confined space, toxic gases generated by decomposition of organic matter, hazardous gases generated during welding, painting and other operations, and leakage of toxic substances in connected or similar equipment and pipelines may cause poisoning.

Toxic gases enter the human body mainly through the respiratory tract, and then through the blood circulation, causing serious damage to the human respiratory, nervous, blood and other systems as well as liver, lung, kidney and other organs.

Toxic substances may include hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, benzene and benzene series, hydrogen cyanide, phosphine, etc.

2. Hypoxia asphyxia: Oxygen in the confined space is excessively consumed, resulting in hypoxia asphyxia.

3. Ignition and explosion: Concentration of combustible gas in a confined space reaches the explosion limit, and it encounters open fire or high temperature conditions, which will cause ignition and explosion

Rescuers must be professionally trained and certified with relevant rescue skills and knowledge. They should understand the dangers of confined space operations and emergency rescue measures, and have the necessary protective and rescue equipment. Before entering a confined space, it is necessary to confirm the gas composition, temperature, humidity, pressure and other parameters in the space, and take corresponding ventilation measures.

Confined space work is a special type of work that is usually performed in enclosed, narrow, or unventilated spaces. Because the environmental conditions in this kind of space are more complex and there are many uncertainties, specific principles need to be observed to ensure the safety of operations.