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#1 Posted : 16 October 2001 21:59:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter McClenaghan Is there an accredited training course for persons who carry out testing of atmospheres prior to confined space entry? Please also provide details of training providers.
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#2 Posted : 17 October 2001 10:20:00(UTC)
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Posted By Denis Hands Whitwell Training and Development (located on the edge of Rutland Water) teach the use of gas detection equipment as part of their confined spaces courses. Whether or not they teach only the use of the equipment without the practical aspects of confined space entry, I don't know. The training centre was previously the Anglia Water confined spaces training facility. They can be contacted on 01780 686555. Alternatively try the Construction Industry Training Board on 01485 577775. They also run courses on safe entry to confined spaces at their training centre near King's Lynn, but again I do not know whether or not they run courses solely on the use of gas detection equipment. I hope this helps. Denis
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#3 Posted : 17 October 2001 15:07:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Dowan We have used the supplier of our gas testing equipment to carry out intial training in the monitor operation and then when ever any of our guys go on confinded spaces entry course they use our gas monitors in the training.The training provider also gives refresher training on our monitors. Please email me for supplier and trainer info Dave Dowan
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#4 Posted : 19 October 2001 09:07:00(UTC)
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Posted By Stuart Nagle Peter. Whilst most gas monitors for confined spaces use are similar in type, use and range of detection of gases, it is important that training is undertaken on the specific type of monitor to be used. There are a number of monitors on the market, all usually have one button start, a self test system, visual and audible warning and a 'comfort' bleep, LCD panel and a two button switch-off system to prevent accidental switch-off. Most of the manufacturers of the various types of equipment have/run training courses for persons to become 'competent' in the use of their equipment. This may also include use of electronic testing and calibration systems that can be employed with their software on a PC, and also their suppliers, often equipment hire and/or training providers, are usually able to supply courses for the respective equipment. I suggest that initially you contact the manufacturers of the equipment and ask if they run training courses themselves, always the best bet, or for a list of their 'approved' suppliers of training on the equipment. Best reagrds... Stuart Nagle
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#5 Posted : 19 October 2001 10:46:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jeremy R. Manderson Peter, Input from Canadian and American HSE Industry. I have been in this business for many years. I have cut and pasted some data, including my personal input.I trust you will find this of interest. Post a note if you need further direction, I will arrange to send you some instruction data. Selecting or using a gas detector should be based on the hazard faced. Unfortunately far too many user/purchasers make one of the largest and most crucial single equipment expenditures without really understanding what they are buying or using. Sensors and their capabilities are the single most important factor when choosing a gas detector, yet more often than not, decisions are based on size, price, bells and whistles and other such features that have nothing to do with the instrument’s detecting abilities. There are two categories of gas detection instruments: indirect reading and direct reading. With indirect reading instruments, samples must be sent to the laboratory for analysis: direct reading instruments provide their information at the time of sampling. Since the primary objective of gas detection in confined space operations is to immediately warn the entry team of adverse atmospheric changes, direct reading instruments are the only safe source of sampling information. There are a number of direct reading portable gas detectors on the market today. Gas detectors come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours and sensor configurations. For confined space work, it is necessary to monitor for oxygen deficiency/enrichment, combustible gases and toxics. Therefore an instrument capable of dealing with these three issues is necessary. Gas detection manufacturers produce instruments with a variety of sensor configurations. One should be fully aware of the different sensor types and the capabilities. Just because catalogues or advertisements say that their instrument covers these three main parameters doesn’t mean that it will provide entry teams with the required protection. Never assume that instruments will work for specific applications without applying two important criteria: Confined Spaces Recognition Evaluation Control Compliance Training Other Confined Spaces Many workplaces contain spaces that are considered "confined" because their configurations hinder the activities of any employees who must e http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/confinedspaces Check out all categories including gas testing equipment. Links to confined space entry information on the web. http://www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/links/conspace.htm Atmospheric Testing Atmospheric test data is needed prior to entry into any confined space. Atmospheric testing is required for two distinct purposes: evaluation of the hazards of the permit space and verification that acceptable conditions exist for entry into that space. If a person must go into the space to obtain the needed data, then Standard Confined Space Entry Procedures should be followed (i.e., rescue team, attendant, entry supervisor). Before entry into a confined space, a qualified person should conduct testing for hazardous atmospheres. The internal atmosphere should be tested with a calibrated, direct-reading instrument for the following, in the order given: * Oxygen content, * Flammable gases and vapors, and * Potential toxic air contaminants. Testing equipment used in specialty areas should be listed or approved for use in such areas. This listing or approval should be from nationally recognized testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual Systems. Check out U.K. requirements Evaluation Testing The atmosphere of a confined space should be analyzed using equipment of sufficient sensitivity and specificity The analysis should identify and evaluate any hazardous atmospheres that may exist or arise, so that appropriate permit entry procedures can be developed and acceptable entry conditions stipulated for that space. Evaluation and interpretation of these data and development of the entry procedure should be done by, or reviewed by, a technically qualified professional (e.g., OSHA consultation service, certified industrial hygienist, registered safety engineer, certified safety professional). Verification Testing A confined space, which may contain a hazardous atmosphere, should be tested for residues of all identified or suspected contaminants. The evaluation testing should permit specified equipment to determine that residual concentrations at the time of testing and entry are within acceptable limits. Results of testing (i.e., actual concentration) should be recorded on the permit. The atmosphere should be periodically retested to verify that atmospheric conditions remain within acceptable entry parameters. Initial testing of atmospheric conditions and subsequent tests after a job has been stopped should be done with the ventilation systems shut down. If the confined space is vacated for any period of time, the atmosphere of the confined space should be retested before re-entry is permitted. Further testing should be conducted with ventilation systems turned on to ensure the contaminants are removed and that the ventilation system is not causing a hazardous condition. 13.9.3. Acceptable Limits The atmosphere of the confined spaces should be considered within acceptable limits whenever the following conditions are maintained: * Oxygen - 19.5% to 23.5%, * Flammability - less than 10% of the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL), and * Toxicity - less than recognized ACGIH exposure limits or other published exposure levels (e.g. OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs). Whenever testing of the atmosphere indicates levels of oxygen, flammability, or toxicity that are not within acceptable limits, entry should be prohibited until appropriate controls are implemented. If the source of the contaminant cannot be determined, precautions should be adequate to deal with the worst possible condition in the confined space. If there is the possibility that the confined space atmosphere can become unacceptable while the work is in progress, the atmosphere should be constantly monitored and procedures and equipment should be provided to allow the employees to quickly and safely exit the confined space. Jeremy R Manderson HSEQ Management Specialist
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