Confined Space and Gas Detection Training - why is it important?

Confined spaces, such as tanks, silos, and cargo holds, pose significant risks to workers due to limited entry and exit points, poor ventilation, and the potential presence of hazardous substances.

Over the past five years, New Zealand has witnessed several confined space incidents, highlighting the critical need for stringent safety measures and awareness.

Notable Incidents:

  • Nelson, 2019 – 19 year old apprentice collapses in an engine bay; no permit, inadequate ventilation, no observer, no gas monitor. The apprentice was eventually pulled out of the space and suffered severe brain damage.
  • North Shore Auckland, 2020 – workers are found to have been acutely poisoned from Methyl Bromide; they were instructed to use Vaseline when using RPE.
  • Te Kuiti, 2021 - 3 metre trench collapsed in the Waikato where no shoring, benching, shields or stability testing had been used. Worker survived with a collapsed lung, a broken rib cage, a broken sternum, a broken collarbone and now lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Downtown Auckland, 2022 – a barbecue gas bottle was left open when put into a ship container. Five workers went inside the container the following morning, smelt the gas, made a joke about lighting up and then did so. The air was ignited which turned into an explosion that left all five with severe burn injuries.
  • Wairau Valley Auckland, 2023 – two workers and three firefighters were hospitalised after collapsing inside a hopper.


These incidents and more highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in our confined spaces. By learning from past incidents and continuously improving safety measures, we can protect workers and prevent future tragedies.


Safety Measures and Recommendations

To mitigate the risks associated with confined spaces, it is essential to implement comprehensive safety protocols:

  • Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough risk assessments before entry to identify potential hazards.
  • Training: Ensure all workers are adequately trained in confined space entry and emergency procedures.
  • Ventilation: Provide proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of hazardous gases.
  • Monitoring: Use gas detectors and other monitoring equipment to continuously assess the environment.
  • Rescue Plans: Develop and practice emergency rescue plans to ensure quick and effective responses in case of an incident.


+IMPAC has developed Confined Space Training that will help equip your team with the skills and behaviors needed to help keep themselves and those around them, safe at work.

 

References and additional information links:

Search confined space | WorkSafe
Confined spaces: planning entry and working safely in a confined space | WorkSafe
Explosion at mine site when pre-heating an inspection hatch on box section prior to welding | WorkSafe