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HEALTH & SAFETY


not be sufficient for safety. In this case, a winch will be necessary to enable safe lowering and raising of a suspended worker.


Is the legal mInImum enough?


There is no EU legislation specifically relating to work in confined spaces. However, the Framework Council Directive 89/391/EEC of June 1989 covers all aspects of safety and health at a workplace. It places a duty on employers to consider the specific characteristics of every workplace. Some European countries do have their


own local confined space regulations. The PPE used for such work is covered by EU-wide regulations, which are also adopted by the EU state members and UK. For tripod anchors, which provide an


economical and more portable alternative to davits, the relevant certification is EN 795. Importantly, if two workers are to be connected to the tripod, you must check its label to ensure it has been tested to take the weight of two people. For SRLs and rescuers, EU 360 certification requires testing for personnel weights up to 100kg. MSA goes beyond the legal requirement, by testing to 140kg, for an extra margin of safety. The worker inside the confined space must


be accompanied by another, positioned outside, who will be the first responder if a problem arises. There is a risk that this person could also fall into the space. They therefore require the same set of PPE, including fall protection. Erecting a safety fence around the space entrance is an option, but not always possible, so it is common that the second worker has to attach to the tripod.


expect the unexpected


Minutes and even seconds count when accidents strike in confined spaces. The injured and/or unconscious worker needs be rescued without delay by their team. In addition to any other danger, they are likely to face a rapidly diminishing and contaminated air supply. Given that both the inside worker and the


colleague above might potentially fall, at least one other fully trained teammate should ideally be available nearby to assist. Rescue plans for every conceivable situation must be established, understood and rehearsed to ensure rapid response to any emergency. Winches and other retrieval devices,


including rescuers when in rescue mode, are not treated as PPE in legislation. They should be tested to the standard required by EN 1496, but there is no actual certification. Under EN 1496, there are two classes: A and B. Class A devices only winch upward. Class B devices, like MSA’s rescuer, also allow downward manoeuvring, which is useful when negotiating obstacles and optimising the casualty’s body position. Ideally, the rescue should be executed from


outside. Sadly, many deaths have resulted from colleagues entering enclosed spaces to help teammates. According to US researchers,


InduStrIAl CoMplIAnCe | oCtoBer/noVeMBer 2022 17


around 60 per cent of CSE fatalities are rescuers. Where entry is unavoidable, the rescuing worker must be protected by PPE against all hazards. On reaching the injured worker, they will


attach a line to the casualty’s harness. Harnesses should be approved to EN 361 standard, while those for rescue should also be approved to EN 1497. MSA’s V-FORM harness is specially designed with shoulder- mounted D-rings which simplify attachment of a rescue line and keep the victim in a vertical position for easier lifting through narrow manholes. This product is certified to EN 361 and EN 1497 standards. The harness can be used in conjunction with


an MSA spreader bar, certified to EN 354:2010, which gives further flexibility. It features loops which may be fastened to secure the victim’s arms and maintain a compact posture for easier retrieval.


safe choIces


As the advice above emphasises, you should always think beyond the obvious when preparing for confined space entry. This means having plans and PPE in place to deal with all eventualities. Equipment tested and certified to the required standards is a must, but you should be prepared to go further than the legal minimum for greater certainty and safety. Remember, too, that certification of a product does not make it suitable for every situation. Always seek advice from an expert. When choosing fall protection PPE for


confined space entry, compare more than the prices. Will a cheap version really give the same level of performance and safety? Does it make any sense to buy high-quality gas detection equipment, for instance, but then skimp on fall protection? Choosing lower- priced PPE is also a false economy in many cases. Poorer-quality products have a higher whole- life cost of ownership in terms of


servicing, maintenance, repair and frequent replacement expense. For fall protection PPE users, there may be a


preference for the lightest kit available – which may not be the safest. This can be a dangerous distraction, as safety should be the top priority. Low weight should not be set above preserving lives. In the case of harnesses, comfort can be achieved without compromising on safety. Look for a design that avoids bulkiness, chafing, overheating or restriction of movement. Adjustability is essential too.


a partner that thInks of everythIng


Selecting the right supplier of PPE products and advice for confined space entry is a key to safety assurance. MSA’s long experience in this specialised area extends beyond fall protection to cover all aspects of PPE, including gas and vapour detection, respiratory equipment, head, eye, face and hearing protection, and more. In other words, MSA has the expertise to help you navigate CSE’s varying scenarios and hazards. Its products are highly compatible and are


increasingly connectable via MSA’s Connected Work Platform and the Internet of Things. Importantly, MSA tests its CSE fall protection products as complete kits, as well as individual components, for total confidence. There are wide-ranging issues to consider


when preparing to buy and deploy fall protection PPE for confined space entry. How can you be sure it will equip your team fully, not only to meet their obvious needs but to deal with worst-case emergency scenarios? Thankfully, MSA has done the out-of-the box thinking on your behalf, giving you the support you need to find the right equipment to keep your workers safe.


MSA Safety gb.msasafety.com


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