Maintaining a safe workplace can only begin with training the very people who will be carrying out the work.
Working in confined spaces can be one of the most serious OHS hazards in New Zealand today. According to WorkSafe NZ, confined space work is up to 150 times more hazardous than the same work being conducted in the open. It is imperative that all personnel required to enter confined spaces understand the hazards and associated risks of this environment.
What is a confined space?
Although it may seem like a rather obvious question, a confined space is basically any area that is ‘not intended for human occupancy’; areas in which work is not intended to be carried out on a regular basis.
These might include confined spaces such as tanks, vats, silos, trenches, mines, sewers, tunnels and large containers.
What makes confined spaces particularly hazardous to work in?
These spaces are either completely or partially enclosed. With the limited entry and exit, there is a high possibility of people getting trapped. Confined spaces also have the potential to contain an oxygen deficient atmosphere; oxygen supply in a confined area can gradually wear thin over time.
Sealed environments can also contain harmful toxic gases. People entering a confined space, need to be able operate an atmospheric testing device to determine whether the atmosphere is safe.
Training is key
How tasks are performed can be vastly different depending on whether it is done in a confined space or out in the open, so training on the best work procedures to operate safely is needed. This can also include emergency procedures that are specific to confined spaces.
One of the main reasons behind just about any work-related injury or death is a lack of proper education and training. The hazards posed by confined spaces are numerous. To effectively mitigate the risks posed to safety and lives, certified training to anyone entering these areas must be provided.
Access should only given to trained individuals such as supervisors, stand-by-people, specific workers and rescue personnel. As an employer or employee in any industry that involves working in a confined space environment, having an in-depth knowledge of confined space best practices it is absolutely crucial.
The importance of confined spaces training
Employers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure their workers are kept safe in the workplace. In addition to identifying, managing and eliminating physical risks, employers must provide information and training to ensure employees have the knowledge and skill needed to work in hazardous environments.
What confined spaces training involves
Our confined spaces training courses are run by specially trained experts and are available online or delivered in the classroom. The interactive sessions provide deal with all aspects of safely working in these areas. We ensure our training meets specific learning and industry needs of students in a safe and supported environment. Knowledge of how to best deal with the hazards involved with working in confined spaces will ensure your staff has the confidence and knowledge to head into a confined space and make it back out alive.
Confined spaces training
At BeSafe Training we offer six specific confined space training courses:
- Confined Space Infrastructure Industry – NZQA: 19207
- Confined Space Stage 1
- Confined Space Stage 2 – NZQA: 18426, 17599
- Confined Space Stage 3 – NZQA: 18426, 17599, 25510
- Confined Space Refresher
- Confined Space Rescue
These confines spaces training courses cover:
- Defining confined spaces
- Permit to work
- Hazard identification/Risk assessment
- Atmospheric testing
- Safety observer/communication
- Planning confined space entry
- Practical
- Using gas monitors
- Taking/interpreting gas readings
- Entering confined spaces
- Completing documentation
- Emergency plans and rescue techniques.
Why choose Besafe Training?
Besafe Training is a category 1 education provider. In our review by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), we received the highest possible grade. We were found to be:
- Highly confident in educational performance
- Highly confident in capability in self-assessment
Besafe Training Ltd is a Private Training Establishment (PTE) based in Rosedale, on Auckland’s North Shore. To organise our excavator driver courses call us on 0800 333 899.
