Confined Space Safety Training Course

 

Training for confined space safety involves learning to identify common hazards found in close spaces and defining ways to eliminate, mitigate or deal with potential issues. Training includes both hands-on experiences and formal lessons using lectures, reading materials and class discussions to impart necessary information. Herc provides on-site training at your workplace or job site hosted by qualified professionals, so your confined space safety course can be tailored to your specific job circumstances.

 

 

Overview of Confined Space Safety Training

 

Confined spaces include any area large enough for a worker to enter the space but that features limited ways to enter and exit. These spaces are intended for temporary usage, not continuous occupation by the worker. Some examples of confined spaces include trenches, pipelines, manholes, ductwork, tunnels, storage bins, underground vaults and silos.

 

A confined space with specific identified hazardous conditions, such as a hazardous atmosphere or the potential to trap the worker, typically requires the acquisition of OSHA permits before worker entry. Non-permitted confined spaces are those without any identified hazards for the worker entering the space. 

 

A confined space safety course includes:

 

• Identifying and defining confined spaces
• Training workers to develop a confined space safety plan
• Outlining the duties of workers and supervisors in confined space workplaces
• Information on proper ventilation procedures in confined spaces
• Tips and techniques for reducing and eliminating hazards while working in confined spaces
• Learning and practicing standard communication methods between the worker in the confined space and the required attendant overseeing the work
• Practicing proper use of equipment and safety gear in enclosed spaces
• Learning rescue procedures for confined spaces, including both rescue by outside personnel and self-rescue techniques
• Identifying permitting requirements for confined space work

 

OSHA defines four separate types of workers involved in confined space jobs. Each of these may require tailored training specific to the role. 

 

• Authorized entrant: This individual goes into the confined space to perform the job duty.
• Attendant: This individual is outside the confined space and maintains contact with the worker inside the confined space to immediately identify and report hazards the authorized entrant encounters during the job.
• Entry supervisor: This member of the team assesses any hazards and verifies the safety of the confined space before the authorized entrant begins the job. This individual is also responsible for ensuring that safety conditions are maintained throughout the job and that rescue services are available and on call for the duration of the job.
• Rescue team: These individuals are trained specifically in rescue techniques applicable to enclosed spaces. They put rescue plans into place before a job and quickly enact those plans if necessary.

 

The training format involves three primary focus areas:

 

• Formal traditional instruction, including lectures, reading materials, group discussion and a review of training material provided by equipment manufacturers
• Practical training exercises performed by the trainee, such as mock rescue and simulated confined space work activity
• Ongoing and end-of-course evaluations to test the knowledge base and assess acquisition of necessary skills

 

Fill out the form at the right to get started with confined space training for your workforce today.

 

 

Why Is Confined Space Training Important?

 

Safety is the first concern when dealing with potentially dangerous or hazardous conditions. Proper training can reduce workplace accidents and injuries, and a safety-conscious work culture benefits all employees. Confined Space Safety Training gives employees the skills and strategies needed to use equipment correctly, identify potential hazards and prevent the development of potentially dangerous situations.

 

When it comes to injury reduction in the workplace, a safe work environment free of accidents boosts morale and helps control costs. Injuries affect the worker involved but can also halt or delay job activities and add to the time and cost of the project. Planning helps everyone in your organization respond quickly and efficiently to emergency situations, which reduces the likelihood of injuries.

 

Regular, effective safety training also keeps your company in compliance with federal and local regulations. Knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines is the first step to implementing processes and procedures required by OSHA and state agencies.

 

During confined space training, workers learn what types of permits are needed and the requirements for obtaining and posting those permits at the job site. Permitting typically involves testing and evaluating the site before worker entry, and course participants learn how to evaluate a site with standard testing equipment for this purpose.

 

Confined space safety training also covers the use of standard equipment in compact spaces. This can include exit and entry equipment, such as ladders, as well as personal protective equipment, such as face shields and ventilators. The use of lighting equipment, communication gear, air quality monitors and other tools are also covered in a confined safety training course.

 

Practicing rescue operations involving confined spaces ensures workers are trained to immediately take action in an emergency. Every second counts when something goes wrong, and proper training can make a huge difference in the outcome of a dangerous situation.

 

 

What You'll Get Out of Our Confined Space Safety Course

 

Safety training, including training for confined spaces, consists of both an overview of safety theory and hands-on practical instruction. This course delivers the applicable information and practice sessions in an organized way, and employees completing the training are considered certified under OSHA guidelines to complete work in confined spaces. 

 

OSHA mandates confined space safety for employers, and all workers required to complete job duties in confined spaces must undergo training for the task. Employers can provide or contract for this training, and the permit program should be reviewed annually by employers. Workers trained in confined space rescue must perform a practice rescue each year to remain up to date. 

 

Individuals who complete the Herc Confined Space Safety Course get a wallet-sized card certificate indicating the course name and completion date.

 

Fill out the form on the right to learn more about confined space training from Herc Rentals.