Companies whose employees work in confined spaces generally provide confined space training to their workers. Training may differ based on the type of space employees work in. Generally, there are two types of confined space training, entry training and rescue training. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States is responsible for setting the guidelines for certification to work in confined spaces.
There are several options for getting confined space training. There are companies that specialize in offering training materials, such as DVDs or manuals, that organizations can purchase and use to train new or existing employees. Another option is to hire a trainer to come to the place of business and conduct the training. There are also companies that have mobile confined space simulators, so if an organization hires this type of company, employees receive hands-on training by going through potential scenarios that can occur in confined spaces.
Construction, manufacturing, and municipal industries are examples where working in confined spaces can be part of the job. Specific examples of confined spaces could include tunnels, manholes, or pipelines, to name a few. A confined space is generally considered to be an area that is difficult to access, and often includes only one way in or out. Ventilation may be another consideration in a confined space, such as a tunnel, for example. Confined space training is necessary so that workers know how to assess hazards and control risks that may be associated within a confined space.
Additionally, confined space training typically teaches workers the use of equipment to monitor chemical levels such as gas, methods to ventilate the confined space, and the requirements for rescue, if necessary. In confined space entry training, supervisors learn how to monitor their employees as they enter spaces. The training also educates workers on other policies and procedures for working in confined spaces.
Some confined spaces require an entry permit. In general, these are spaces where hazardous materials may be present and the level of danger may be higher. In this case, workers are required to have completed confined space training before entering the area.
There are many companies that offer different types of confined space training. Searching the Internet or using OSHA as a resource are two ways to obtain confined space training. Although this training is mostly done on the job, people can also purchase training manuals and equipment.