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Confined Space Entry
Proper use of the right
equipment can help to ensure safe entries into confined spaces. For the
following equipment catagories, either scroll down the page or simply click on
the links.
Atmospheric Monitoring
The leading cause of
injury or death associated with confined spaces is unsafe atmospheric
conditions. Confined spaces should be tested before entry and continuously
throughout the duration of the entry.
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The BW GasAlertMicro
is a small, easy-to-use, affordable monitor for 1 - 4 channels (typically LEL, Oxygen, CO & H2S).
Two AA batteries last 16+ hours. We've had great success with this
instrument in municipalities and among contractors.
Chris likes it for our rental pool because it is very durable (rubberized
boot housing) and dependable.
Detachable battery-powered pump available for remote sampling. Accessories
to add may include calibration kit, pump, download kit and rechargeable NiMH
battery kit. |
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The BW
GasAlertMicro 5 is
slightly larger than the Micro, but has a built-in pump for those with a lot
of remote sampling needs.
It can be configured as a Photoionization detector (PID), as well as the
following:
H2S, CO, O2,
SO2, PH3, NH3, NO2, HCN, Cl2,
ClO2, O3 or LEL (combustibles).
I suspect that at some
point in the future we will see all confined space entry gas detectors
equipped with a PID in order to detect organic vapors that are toxic at
levels far lower than they would begin to show up on the LEL sensors of
traditional gas detectors.
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Ventilation
The solution to
pollution is dilution. A well-ventilated confined space can offer the
precious few necessary seconds of escape time should the atmosphere change
during a confined space entry.
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This 2-speed electric
blower offers greater flexibility by allowing workers to use high speed in
some applications such as purging an area, and the lower speed in other
sites such as very dusty environments. The 8" ports allow for positive or
negative ventilation and the steel construction is designed for durability. Comes complete with
in-line GFI. |
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Perfect for remote
locations where electricity is unavailable, this gasoline-powered, 3 1/2 hp
blower offers high flow rates. With steel-guarded, flanged 8" ports,
the unit can be used to blow in or exhaust out atmospheres. Durable
steel construction, four independent rubber anti-vibration engine mounts and
a steel handle make for a long-life and convenience. Blower includes 5-foot metal exhaust hose extension to
minimize re-entrainment of exhaust into intake.
Also available with
4 HP Honda engine. |
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Ventilation is meant
to be effective and continuous. The Saddle Vent is a contoured
durable plastic duct that allows a worker to enter/exit a confined space
without interruption of ventilation. A typical ventilation accessories
package includes:
- Duct, 8"
diameter x 6', 15' or 25'
- Durable duct
carrier -- holds up to 50'
- Saddle Vent Kit
-- includes saddle vent, elbow and universal mount plate
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Retrieval / Rescue
Permit-required confined
spaces are meant to have retrieval capability so that the attendant
(statistically, the worker at most risk) can rescue the entrant in trouble
without making an entry.
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A traditional tripod
with man-rated three-way retrieval winch is an effective means of rescuing a
down worker. The Miller tripod is available in 7' and 9' configurations. The
winch with integrated fall protection is available in 50' and 100' lengths
of galvanized steel, stainless steel and aramid fiber.
Non-man-rated utility
winches are also available for worker positioning and moving equipment. |
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Tripods are great if
the terrain is level and you can work with the obstructions of the three
legs. There is something better, however:
the UCL Davit Arm
System.
The 5-piece system
shown is the basis for an entire line of clever, versatile products.
Moreover, it's safer -- once a victim is raised out of the hole, simply
rotate the davit arm away from the danger zone before disconnecting the
retrieval line cable. Constructed of lightweight but extremely strong
aluminum alloy, the system is easy to handle and assembles quickly.
We rent several of
these systems exclusively for confined space retrieval. The feedback has
been very good.
Custom carts are
also available for easy storage and transport. |
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Versatile? The Vehicle
Mount makes manhole entry a snap. |
Respiratory Protection
If you are unable to
control your atmospheric hazards through detection and ventilation alone, you
may wish to provide respiratory protection for your confined space entrants and
potential rescuers.
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The Draeger ProAir®
evolution is an innovative high performance industrial breathing apparatus,
designed for use by those individuals who require protection from
respiratory hazards in the workplace. This NIOSH-certified SCBA offers
reliability, low maintenance and comfort – yet is cost effective to own. |
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More commonly,
respiratory protection for confined space entry involves a supplied air
respirator (SAR) with integrated 5- or 10-minute emergency escape. The
Draeger ALE Lite provides the highest level of respiratory protection
available -- for entry inot spaces that are immediately dangerous to life
and health (IDLH).
SAR's are to be used
with appropriate sources of Grade D breathing air -- either filtered
compressor air or stored compressed air cylinders. |
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The Air Systems
International Breather Box defines portable breathing air filtration with CO
monitoring. Highly portable, the Breather Box takes compressed air from an
on-site compressor, filters out particulates, liquids and organic vapors,
while continuously monitoring for the presence of carbon monoxide (CO).
Where a continued source Grade D breathing air is not assured, the Breather
Box can be configured to monitor oxygen as well as CO, and even switch to a
back-up supply of bottled air should the primary source fail or a hazard
detected! |
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It's difficult to keep
workers clean-shaven for the odd occasion when they 're called upon to wear
a respirator. The Survivair PUMA hood is designed for a worker to use with
facial hair and their own prescription glasses. The PUMA hood is
available for the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and supplied air
respirator (SAR), and is NIOSH-approved for use in atmospheres
immediately dangerous to life and health. |
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An emergency escape
breathing apparatus (EEBA) provides immediate breathing protection,
whenever an escape from a dangerous situation is necessary. It also can be a
critical means of isolating a victim from a hazardous atmosphere while a
rescue is being carried out. The Draeger QuickAir is available in 5- and 10-
configurations. |
Lighting
By definition, confined
spaces are predominantly dark places. Be sure to use lighting that is of
adequate strength, lightweight and intrinsically safe (ie: won't be the
ignition source should your confined space become explosive.)
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The Underwater
Kinetics UK4AA eLED has all the features that make it a tremendous work
light. The new 1-watt LED will never burn out and maintains constant
brightness for over 11 hours with fresh alkaline AA batteries. UL approved. |
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A multi-directional
light clamp fits either in your hard hat's universal slot or pinches the
brim. For greater illumination, mount one on each side. |
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