Confined Space Entry Safety | Blackline Safety

Confined Space Safety: Ensuring Worker Protection

Oxygen deficiency, toxic and explosive gases, poor lighting, extreme temperatures—these are all potential working conditions in confined spaces.

See how our cloud-connected solutions enable real-time visibility during incidents, ongoing safety awareness and informed emergency response to protect your vulnerable workers.

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In the US alone, 2.1 million workers perform risky work in permit-required confined spaces (Occupational Health and Safety) with an average of 129 CSE deaths/year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Confined Space Entry: Know What You're Getting Into

According to OSHA, a confined space is defined as an area:

With limited or restricted means for entry or exit.
Large enough for workers to enter and conduct specific tasks.
Not designed for continuous occupancy.

Due to the nature of confined spaces, one or more of the following hazards can be present:

Oxygen deficiency—which is responsible for the majority of confined space fatalities.
Toxic gases—a build-up of airborne contaminants like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that may cause impairment or loss of consciousness.
Combustible gases—the presence of flammable airborne contaminants, like methane (CH4) that may cause fire or explosions.
Poor ventilation—that may lead to an oxygen (O2) deficiency.
Poor lighting – darkness increases the likelihood of slips, trips and falls.
Extreme temperatures—like heat stress caused by limited room and airflow resulting in fatigue, exhaustion and potential falls.

Of the 1030 confined space deaths recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2011-2018 , none of the confined spaces atmospheres were tested prior to entry.

Connected Safety Devices Reduce Risk

Blackline’s cloud-connected safety devices—the EXO area monitor and/or G7 multi-gas pump gas detector ensure confined spaces are safe prior to entry and during work.

Harness peace of mind and boost safety with these capabilities:

Pre-Entry and Continuous Gas Detection

Conduct pre-entry checks with the ability to simultaneously detect multiple gases with a G7 Multi-Gas or EXO.
Label data to distinguish between gas readings taken during pre-entry sampling or while work is conducted within the confined space.
Harness continuous monitoring at the entry point with a pumped gas detector.

With extended battery life, the EXO in pump mode can run for 30+ days for CSEs (100+ days in diffusion mode).

Personal Gas Detection

Access location information and gas readings from anywhere, from any Internet-connected device with direct-to-cloud data streaming.
Know if conditions change while work is being conducted with instant notifications and audible alarms.
Detect up to five (wearables) or eight gases (area monitors) simultaneously.

Over half (56%) of confined space deaths are from atmospheric hazards.

Greater Protection for First Responders

A G7 or EXO 8 located at the entry point can inform responders of the conditions within the confined space.
Make informed decisions by leveraging the data to ensure responders have the necessary equipment to conduct a rescue.
Geotagged data from Blackline Live confirms the precise location of the entry location for faster response time.

More than 60% of confined space deaths are would-be rescuers.

Layers of Communication

Communicate directly to the hole watch worker with text or Push-to-Talk (functionality like a walkie-talkie).
Data from EXO 8 integrates smoothly with industry-leading confined space monitoring technology to optimize safety and productivity.
Share real-time data and data history with multiple teams within your organization to improve safety today and in the future.

Stay connected with the safety of each confined space through alerts and notifications from devices at the entry point(s).

Connected Platform Improves Incident Response

The Blackline Live software portal delivers the real-time information you need to monitor and communicate with your fleet, respond to confined space alerts and save lives.

24/7 Live Monitoring

Device(s) at the entry point give remote visibility into the conditions within a confined space from any Internet-connected device.

Informed Action

Geo-stamped alert types (fall, toxic or combustible gas exposure, O2 deficiency, etc.) means you can know who had an incident, the type and where it occurred so your team can respond quickly and appropriately.

Know Who Else Is at Risk

GPS location technology means you can know who else is in the vicinity should an incident happen, or if an evacuation is required.

Robust Reporting

Automated analytics save time, eliminate manual errors, and help you see the historical and ongoing conditions within each confined space to ensure continuous compliance and safety.

Power of Data

Gas readings in Blackline Live are continuously updated, offering crucial information for permit writers.

Confined Space Monitoring

Further increase safety and reduce costs with remote (also known as digital) confined space monitoring. By integrating real-time gas monitoring, cameras, access control, ventilation equipment, and two-way communication, a remote confined system offers a complete solution to remotely monitor a greater number of confined spaces simultaneously with fewer operators.

Additional Resources

Making Confined Spaces Safe Spaces

Watch our webinar from November 6, 2024 to hear from a leading North American company in confined space management, Proveo —together with connected safety expert Blackline Safety—about the growing adoption of cloud-connected smart technology.

WATCH ON DEMAND

4 Advancements Shaping Confined Space Safety

This eBook explores how companies are using smart technology that enables cloud-connectivity, deep risk assessments, centralized monitoring, and robust analytics to keep their people safe in these dangerous places.

Read the e-Book

Critical Steps for Confined Space Entries with a Pumped Gas Monitor

In this episode of Safety Moment, learn the critical steps for ensuring accurate gas readings during confined space entries with a pumped gas monitor, by safety expert Justin Denson.

WATCH VIDEO

Pre-Entry Checks for Confined Space Entries Save Lives

In this episode of Safety Moment, Michelle Smith (Harris), Blackline Regional Sales Manager, explains the dangers of entering confined spaces without proper safety measures.

WATCH VIDEO

Safer and More Efficient Shutdowns and Turnarounds

Digital Confined Space Management (DCSM) system brings new levels of safety and efficiency.

Discover how Blackline Safety and InfoSignal’s integrated Digital Confined Space Management (DCSM) system brings new levels of safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness to industrial worksites.

Read the Case Study

CONNECTED SAFETY FOR CONFINED SPACE ENTRIES

In this episode of SafetyPod, Blackline's Todd Connelly explores the critical aspects of confined space safety, from understanding the risks to implementing connected safety solutions that protect workers. Join us as we discuss best practices and how innovative technology like Proveo's Remote Confined Space Monitoring system can ensure safer work environments.

Listen on Demand

Confined Space Safety: FAQs

What is a confined space?

A confined space is an area with limited entry and exit, not designed for continuous occupancy, such as tanks, manholes, or silos. These spaces pose risks like limited ventilation and hazardous atmospheres.

What are the main hazards in confined spaces?

Key hazards include oxygen deficiency, toxic or flammable gases, restricted movement, poor visibility, and physical dangers like falling or engulfment.

What precautions should be taken before entering a confined space?

Ensure proper ventilation, conduct atmospheric testing, use appropriate PPE, and have a confined space entry permit. Always have a trained attendant and rescue plan in place.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for confined space entry?

PPE may include respirators, harnesses, protective clothing, and gas detectors, depending on the specific hazards of the confined space.

What is a confined space entry permit, and why is it necessary?

This permit documents the hazards, required safety measures, and authorization to enter the space. It ensures all safety protocols are followed.

How often should atmospheric testing be conducted in confined spaces?

Testing should occur before entry and continuously during occupancy to monitor for hazardous gases or oxygen levels.

What is the role of ventilation in confined space safety?

Ventilation helps maintain safe oxygen levels and removes hazardous gases, ensuring a safer working environment.

What should a rescue plan for confined space entry include?

It should detail rescue procedures, the equipment required (e.g., retrieval systems), and designate a trained rescue team along with confined space gas monitors.

What are the legal requirements for confined space entry?

OSHA and other regulatory bodies mandate specific safety standards, including training, permits, and rescue provisions, tailored to confined space work. Consult with local regulations to ensure compliance.

What is Permit space entry operations?

When an operation involves permit space entry, employers must implement a comprehensive safety program. This includes identifying all permit spaces, developing entry procedures for each particular permit space, and ensuring that workers are trained to perform assigned rescue duties.

What are permit required confined space?

Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS) are areas that pose significant hazards to workers and require specific safety protocols. When an operation involves permit space entry, employers must implement a comprehensive safety program. This written permit space program includes identifying all permit spaces, developing entry procedures for each particular permit space, and ensuring that workers are trained to perform assigned rescue duties. It's crucial to evaluate the prospective rescue service's ability to respond effectively to permit space rescues. While permit-required confined spaces demand stringent safety measures, non-permit confined space may have fewer hazards but still require caution.

Why are permit required confined spaces dangerous?

PRCS can contain hazardous atmospheres, such as toxic gases (like hydrogen sulfide) or oxygen-deficient atmospheres, which can be deadly. Additionally, the confined nature of these spaces can make it difficult to escape in case of an emergency.

What safety measures should be in place for permit required confined spaces?

To mitigate the risks associated with PRCS, organizations must implement comprehensive permit space programs. These programs should include:

Identification of permit spaces: Clearly identifying all permit spaces within the facility.
Atmospheric testing: Regularly testing the atmosphere for hazardous gases and oxygen levels.
Emergency response planning: Developing detailed emergency response plans, including procedures for rescue and evacuation.
Worker training: Ensuring that workers are trained in safe entry and exit procedures, as well as in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gas detectors and respiratory protection.
Qualified rescue teams: Having qualified rescue teams available to respond to emergencies.

What is the difference between permit required confined spaces and non-permit confined spaces?

While permit-required confined spaces pose significant hazards and require strict safety protocols, non-permit confined spaces may have fewer hazards but still require caution. However, even in non-permit spaces, the presence of hazards like carbon monoxide can quickly create a dangerous atmosphere. Therefore, proper gas detection and ventilation are essential in all confined space operations, regardless of their classification.

Unquestionable safety

Never rely on historical data to know if your fleet is compliant and that your teams’ safety is accounted for. All alert and situational data stream directly from your devices to Blackline Live in real time where it fuels professional emergency responses and intelligent efficiency studies. Access full visibility of your fleet from anywhere and trust that your teams are always covered.

Intelligent analytics

Blackline Analytics Essentials deliver a complete view of your fleet's operations. Easily identify how equipment is being used, where hazards are being encountered and even determine which devices are performing well and which can be leveraged better.

Every bump test, calibration, gas exposure and usage session is automatically recorded for hassle-free reporting. By leveraging out-of-the-box integrated connectivity and automated device log collection, your devices build a body of data today, providing measurable performance for tomorrow.

And that’s not where it ends. When you’re ready, premium analytics, powered by Blackline Vision , help you reveal efficiency opportunities on your worksite, proactively find gas leaks and more.

Ready when you are

Quickly assign shared devices between workers. Using a barcode scanner, on-the-fly device assignments are easy, changing from one user in a few seconds, making shift-changes a seamless operation.

Help is always on the line

Rest easy knowing the safety of your teams in the field is covered. Blackline’s Safety Operations Center (SOC) is the critical link between your employees and the help they need during an emergency, health event, dangerous situation and more.

With Blackline's optional 24/7 Live Monitoring service, 99% of calls for help are answered in under 60 seconds. From receipt through to resolution, responses are executed according to your custom emergency response protocol. The SOC team is even Five-Diamond Certified , meaning they are empowered to escalate responses to dispatch local emergency services to the employee’s exact location.

Always ahead of the curve

Blackline futureproofs your connected safety system, protecting your investment. Your G7 device is completely customizable and can be configured to accommodate diverse gas detection and safety monitoring needs, including no-gas lone worker, single-gas, multi-gas and multi-gas pump options. G7 can start life as a connected single-gas detector and be updated over time to support multiple gas sensors, walkie-talkie functionality and advanced lone worker monitoring. And because each unit connects directly to the Blackline Live, there’s no limit on the number of devices in your network.

Connected Confidence in Confined Spaces

Get in and out safely—every time.