Due to the fact that the Ministry of Labor does not have a specific classification for work accidents occurring in confined spaces, there are no precise statistics regarding the figures of this type of accident. Nevertheless, there is a high number of accidents in this type of environment and, unfortunately, it has been increasing.
This number is alarming, because not only are work accidents in confined spaces frequent, but most of them are fatal. The most alarming of all is that the main reason for the high mortality rate in this type of accident is the lack of qualification and training of the professional.
The relevant standard is NR-33, entitled “Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces”. It deals with several items related to work in confined spaces and deems mandatory the training and qualification of workers who carry out activities in confined spaces.
NR-33, in subparagraph 33.1.2, defines Confined Space as:
“Any area or environment not designed for continuous human occupation, which has limited access for entry and exit, whose existing ventilation is insufficient to remove contaminants or where oxygen deficiency or enrichment may exist.”
To increase the protection to the physical integrity of the worker in confined spaces, there are some measures to be taken. Besides the use of appropriate equipment, a risk analysis of the work environment must be done, as follows:
Previous inspection of the site;
Work Permit (PET);
Preliminary Risk Analysis (APR);
Ventilation equipment;
Equipment for measuring oxygen, toxic and flammable gases and vapors;
Communication equipment, air and lighting measurement;
Access Equipment;
Rescue Equipment;
All the equipment used in this environment must be supplied by the company and appropriate for each existing risk situation. In addition, workers must always be trained in the correct use of their personal protection equipment (PPE).
For your company to work safely and with protection, measures must be taken before starting any work in confined spaces. Besides the use of the proper equipment and risk analysis, there are technical protection measures that must be adopted to avoid accidents in confined spaces. These are the following:
Avoid the entry of unauthorized people in Confined Spaces;
Anticipate, know, evaluate and control risks in Confined Spaces;
Monitoring the atmosphere in Confined Spaces before and during work;
Using equipment correctly for activities in Confined Spaces;
Besides specific products for operations in confined spaces, Hércules has a qualified team to assist you.