The Confined Space Roundup - January 2016

Our January newsletter has hit the streets.  Click here to read and share!

Gas Detection in Confined Spaces

We were recently asked to contribute to an article dealing with best practices for working in Confined Spaces where there is a risk of exposure to SF6 gas.

Command Training teamed up with Thorne & Derrick (one of the largest specialist distributors and worldwide exporters of electrical, mechanical, process, instrumentation, safety, and load securing equipment) and Crowcon (manufacturers of exceptional gas detectors) to produce this article:

"SF6 Gas Detection for HV GIS Switchgear - Crowcon F-Gas Detector".

Enjoy!

ABB ELK-5 Gas Insulated Switchgear Up To 1200kV

 

SF6 Gas Detection For HV GIS Switchgear - Crowcon F-Gas Detector - See more at: http://www.cablejoints.co.uk/blog/article/sf6-gas-detector-crowcon-fgas?utm_content=buffer15c79&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer#sthash.aadLho27.dpuf

Thorne & Derrick was established in 1985 and are now one of largest specialist distributors and worldwide exporters of Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Instrumentation, Safety & Load Securing Equipment. - See more at: http://thorneandderrick.com/about/#sthash.oooVTBUA.dpuf

Thorne & Derrick was established in 1985 and are now one of largest specialist distributors and worldwide exporters of Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Instrumentation, Safety & Load Securing Equipment. - See more at: http://thorneandderrick.com/about/#sthash.oooVTBUA.dpuf

Thorne & Derrick was established in 1985 and are now one of largest specialist distributors and worldwide exporters of Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Instrumentation, Safety & Load Securing Equipment. - See more at: http://thorneandderrick.com/about/#sthash.oooVTBUA.dpuf

Thorne & Derrick was established in 1985 and are now one of largest specialist distributors and worldwide exporters of Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Instrumentation, Safety & Load Securing Equipment. - See more at: http://thorneandderrick.com/about/#sthash.oooVTBUA.dpuf

Thorne & Derrick was established in 1985 and are now one of largest specialist distributors and worldwide exporters of Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Instrumentation, Safety & Load Securing Equipment. - See more at: http://thorneandderrick.com/about/#sthash.oooVTBUA.dpuf

What Options Do I Have If I Can't Filter Or Purify The Air In My Confined Space?

The folks at PK Safety outline your 2 options.  ow.ly/MsSUb

At Command Training, you'll find our instructors and Confined Space specialists making entry with both SCBAs and supplied air from a Scott Air-Cart, depending on what the environment calls for.  What's in your cache?

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5 Life Safety Principles when working around Confined Spaces

Read Scott Goodwin's article, recently featured in Firehouse magazine, for a list of best practices when engaged in work around Confined Spaces.  We couldn't agree more, Scott!  ow.ly/LPytT

5 Things You Need To Know About Temporary Area Monitoring

Great article featured on the Occupational Health and Safety website about determining if your Confined Space operations would benefit from temporary area monitors.  ow.ly/LPw5p 

In the market for a new VOC portable gas detector?

Check out Crowcon’s Gas-Pro PID.  The optional pump, ideal for Confined Space work, has a user-friendly pre-entry check mode.  ow.ly/LvVhL

6 Causes of Oxygen Depletion in a Confined Space

Are you familiar with the MADCOW acronym?  Here's a helpful review of the dangers of low oxygen levels as well as flammable and toxic gases present in Confined Spaces.  ow.ly/LvSiM

Microbiological Action (bacteria) 
Absorbtion (chemical processes)
Displacement by other gases (eg, Nitrogen, CO2)
Combustion (fires, generators, etc)
Oxidation (rusting)
Work (respiration: people and animals)

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @Confined_Spaces

Are you asking the right questions when the O2 level is below 20.9%?

We're reaching way back for this article written by John Rekus in 1999, but it's worth taking it back off the shelf for another read.  Bottom line: if your O2 levels are lower than normal, something has caused that drop.  Better be on your toes!  ow.ly/Lha5z

Inert Gases? It's all about the Size-Up.

What would you do if you needed to make entry into a Confined Space that had been flooded with inert gas?  Better think hard before ventilating...  Great article from the folks at PK Safety.  ow.ly/LeekV

Ladders in tight spaces... does the angle really matter?

NIOSH thinks so.  Here's their incredibly easy-to-use Ladder Safety app, available in English and Spanish.  ow.ly/L6UU7

 

Is "Call 9-1-1" an acceptable Standby plan?

Relying on the local Fire Department for your Permit-Required Confined Space entries? Here are some things to consider before making your next entry.  ow.ly/KVR2u

Why baby face is the best face.

"... avoiding facial hair while wearing a respirator is more than a personal preference: it may help save your life."  ow.ly/KLp5s