Confined space training is provided to workers who may be required to enter confined spaces while on the job. People may be exposed to hazards such as gas accumulations, difficulty turning around, falls, floods, and fires in confined spaces with limited entrances and exits. People who work in such spaces, ranging from well maintenance personnel to utility workers, are required many countries’ labor laws to receive confined space training before being allowed to work, and in some cases, special permits for specific types of spaces may be required.
Storage tanks and vats, pits, manholes, utility access rooms, and other confined spaces are examples. People are given information on how to safely enter and work in confined spaces during confined space training, including how to set up signs and flares to alert others that there is a worker inside. Workers may also be given training on how to use sniffer devices for gas, radiation, and other hazards so that they can detect dangerous conditions and evacuate.
Labor laws may make a distinction between permitted and prohibited confined spaces. A permitted space is a location with unique hazards that must be entered with special training and certification. A common example of a permitted confined space is storage tanks used at refineries. Firefighters also have permits that allow them to enter confined spaces in the event of a fire or a chemical spill, allowing them to respond to emergencies safely. Unpermitted confined spaces can be dangerous, and people should be given safety training, but no special certifications are required.
Confined space training usually consists of a classroom component covering risks and procedures, as well as practical experience in a confined space under simulated conditions under the supervision of instructors. The amount of time it takes to train varies. Instructors certified regulatory agencies are required for permitted confined space training, while supervisors with sufficient training and experience can provide more basic training. People may also be required to renew their licenses on a regular basis in order to demonstrate their abilities.
People looking for confined space training can often find listings through fire departments and emergency services agencies in their area. If training is required for safety, it will be provided on the job or people will be sent to an appropriate training facility. Employers should foot the bill for training expenses. When applying for a job, some employers require prospective employees to have certifications, but they will pay for continuing education and renewals to keep the workplace safe.