Industrial confined spaces present unique challenges when it comes to maintenance and cleaning, as they are typically not designed with people in mind. A confined space has restricted entry or exit points, and it’s not intended for continuous occupancy. Trained personnel, specialty equipment, PPE, hazard and risk planning, and assessment aren’t just important parts of the confined space cleaning process; they are non-negotiable, critical components.
When it comes to industrial confined space cleaning in silos, vaults, tanks, or pipelines, the industrial facility must take extra precaution and follow all safety protocols and best practices to ensure worker safety. Additionally, there are strict safety and regulatory compliance protocols that must be adhered to in order to avoid fines, shutdowns, and, of course, unnecessary risk to workers.
Understanding Confined Spaces
Confined spaces in industrial settings come in various shapes, sizes, and with different risks. Examples of confined spaces can be found in tanks, silos, ducts, storage bins, hoppers, pits, pipelines, tunnels, and other similar areas that present limited entry and exit. These spaces, although challenging to access, maintain, and clean, are often critical components of an industrial operation.
There are several risks involved with a confined space, and some spaces require permits from OSHA. OSHA requires permits for confined spaces that have or have the potential to have a hazardous atmosphere, among other conditions. Permit-confined spaces require special entry procedures and safety mechanisms in place to protect the employee. It is imperative to follow these protocols to ensure that the employees are safe while conducting industrial confined space cleaning.
Challenges and Hazards
It is essential to acknowledge that both standard confined spaces and permitted confined spaces pose unique challenges and risks that must be thoroughly understood. Safety must be a priority when working within or implementing an industrial confined space cleaning plan, as numerous challenges and hazards are present in this line of work.
There are physical hazards, which could include entrapment, falls, and complications resulting from worker fatigue and stress. Working in such a tight space with low visibility can have a significant impact on workers’ mental health, and the stress of working in such an environment can take a toll over time. Atmospheric hazards can also be present in confined spaces, such as the accumulation of toxic gases and low oxygen levels.
Having a rescue plan in place can help mitigate the risk; however, workers must always be aware of the ever-present danger associated with industrial confined space cleaning.
Essential Safety Protocols
When implementing an industrial confined space cleaning plan, it is essential to adhere to compliance regulations. Regulatory bodies such as OSHA, the Department of Agriculture, and other local and state authorities may require licensure, permits, and training. These must be followed as they help to enforce the stringent safety regulations that keep workers safe. Failing to follow them could result in fines, shutdowns, and, of course, a negative impact on worker safety.
“Permitted confined spaces” require an OSHA permit and extensive training. Before entering a permitted confined space, all hazards need to be assessed. Additionally, oxygen levels, flammability, toxicity, or explosive hazards must be monitored before, during, and after entry. Measures must be taken to allow for as much ventilation as possible, with thorough air monitoring. Enacting Fall protection measures, such as appropriate harnessing, is essential. These spaces are often dark, and as such, lighting and communication equipment are also necessary.
Another essential safety protocol that must be in place is a specific lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure if equipment needs to be shut down in an emergency manner. Emergency response planning not only needs to be prepared but also practiced to ensure that things go smoothly should the unthinkable occur.
Best Practices for Effective Confined Space Cleaning
Industrial confined space cleaning best practices should put safety at the forefront of the industrial facility’s priorities. While some facilities are equipped with the right equipment, trained staff, and rescue on standby, not all have these capabilities. Companies should consider hiring an outside contractor if they are unable to conduct confined space cleaning safely and effectively. For those who can perform cleaning and maintenance internally, they should follow these best practices:
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Equipment for Industrial Confined Space Cleaning
When it comes to industrial confined space cleaning, a variety of equipment is required, ranging from cleaning equipment itself to safety equipment that keeps workers safe. This can include harnesses for fall protection, lighting, air quality monitors, PPE, respiratory equipment, communication equipment, sweepers, scrubbers, and more. Specialized cleaning equipment that works well in confined spaces could include robotic cleaners, vacuum systems, and pressure washers, among others.
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Training
Industrial confined space cleaning is nearly an industry in itself, with all the requirements that must be met to conduct the job safely. Proper training on how to enter and work in confined spaces requires extensive training, and in addition, there needs to be training on how to use specialized equipment, such as pressure washers. All personnel who enter a confined space must be properly trained and, in some cases, certified to do so safely. It takes a team to organize and conduct confined space cleaning.
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Planning and Assessment
Before any industrial confined space cleaning can take place, a thorough assessment and plan must be created to ensure that the work is done safely, efficiently, and without incident. All risks and potential hazards must be thoroughly assessed, with plans in place to mitigate them and handle worst-case scenario situations. All access and work done in a confined space must include ample documentation of pre- and post-cleaning inspections.
Industrial Confined Space Cleaning
Due to the safety hazards and inherent risks associated with industrial confined space cleaning, it is best practice to consult with an expert in the field who is knowledgeable about the dangers, can conduct a thorough hazardous risk assessment, and ensure that the job is completed safely and efficiently. Following protocols, compliance, and regulatory requirements is a necessary part of confined space cleaning.
At Environmental Remedies, our crews take safety seriously and are trained in confined space cleaning. Let us evaluate your space, its condition, and cleaning needs, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll have true professionals handling the job. Contact us today for a quote on your industrial confined space cleaning!