Confined Space Entry and Noise

Confined Space Entry and Noise

Confined spaces and noise are two components of industrial hygiene out of a host of others that affect workplaces. They range from physical, ergonomic, sound, chemical, psychological, and biological hazards. Confined spaces increase risks of injuries because they limit access due to their sizes or poor arrangements. They pose breathing problems because of the congestion and possible stuffiness. Secondly, noise and vibration hazards affect productivity in the workplace. Noise affects human health and could sometimes leave long-term impacts such as loss of hearing ability for vulnerable groups. Confined spaces and noise and vibration hazards are the basis of the discourse, which covers the physical, psychological, and biological consequences of workplace risks.

Confined Spaces

Confined spaces can expose employees to hazardous conditions, including poisonous gases. Due to the congestion, they limit access to emergency response services during fires, among other incidents. Confined spaces also increase the risks of accidents because of the small sizes. Therefore, limited movement affects the quality of air. An increase in CO₂ levels poses serious health implications for employees. Others deal with biological problems while some develop trauma.  Hence, the consequences of confined spaces are physical, biological, and psychological.

Confined spaces, including poorly or unventilated rooms, storage tanks, vats, silos, open-topped chambers, ductwork, reaction vessels, and combustion chambers, are dangerous (McLoughlin, 2010). In confined spaces, toxic gases and liquids quickly build up in underground tunnels, trenches, and pits. Poisons increase the risks of diseases and various forms of cancers. In addition to oxygen insufficiency, employees could develop breathing problems. In confined spaces, congestion causes items to fall and dislodgment of solids, which could crash or trap employees. Other risks include the inability to escape or press the fire alarm during an accident (McLoughlin, 2010). Congestion also makes it difficult for the fire response and rescue teams to access the victims of the disaster.

Other confined spaces expose employees to hazardous substances, primarily when they work in mines or on groundwater. Suffocation is sometimes inevitable when exposed to chalk, dust, and limestone. The possibility of death is high, but on most occasions, the employees face serious chest problems and pains that have long-term impacts. Confined spaces also cause stress and depression when employees are forced to work in sweltering conditions (McLoughlin, 2010). They sweat and do not have protective gear, yet breathing is challenging. The process is exhausting, both physically and mentally. Hence, intervention from industrial hygienists, physicians, and psychologists is critical.

The intervention takes different shapes and forms. A colorimetric detector tube can be used in confined rooms and underground works to detect the presence of hazardous gases and liquids. According to Interscan (2012), the colorimetric detector tube has graduated markings and a color-changing behavior that determines the amount of poison in a space. The device will be critical in determining the toxicity of the workplace so that the organization can put in place measures to reduce harm. The proposals include preparation for evacuation, expansion of the workplace, and ceasing the production of toxic gases and liquids.

Alongside colorimetric detectors and heat stress index monitors, the company should use photoionization detectors (PIDs). PIDs can identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (Interscan, 2012). A company needs PIDs to determine the VOCs in air samples. In occupational safety, the organization will reduce activities that increase the production of greenhouse gases in areas that risk the lives of the workers. Besides, employees will need protective gear and clothing, including face masks that reduce the risk of exposure to chemicals. Also, Flame Ionization Detectors will assist in detecting VOCs and breaks electrons from organic molecules in hydrogen-air flames (Interscan, 2012). In the end, the company will reduce exposure to ultraviolet rays that are common causes of cancers. Employees need protection from hazards that cause physical and psychological harm. Besides confined spaces, noise and vibration hazards are equally common.

Noise and Vibration Hazards

            Sources of noise and vibration hazards include mechanical impacts, hitting surfaces, machines, high-impact objects, and high-velocity fluid flow (SafeWork, NSW, n.d). Poorly constructed work environments lack soundproofs, the walls could easily fall, and the iron sheets raft against the wind. Not distracts employees and, in some cases, causes tinnitus, which is the disablement of the ringing sensation in the ears. Also, noise can cause permanent hearing loss, yet the company might be incapable of compensating workers. Vibrations and ototoxic substances can be eliminated from work environments to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (SafeWork, NSW, n.d). Noise can trigger a heart attack among older workers suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Vibrations have gradual consequences, and they make work stressful.

Elimination of noise and vibration hazards has much to do with designing safe structures, the use of protective devices, and the establishment of work ethics to avoid noise from employees. Design involves the installation of soundproof and the securement or reinforcement of buildings to eliminate the possibility of sound or falling. Engineering works that include the installation of acoustic buffers reduce noise pollution and telling people to maintain silence while at work increase efficiency while lowering noise-related complications (SafeWork, NSW, n.d). Using the noise dosimeter, the company can know the sound levels to sample the noise types that require intervention. In essence, some noise levels do not require elimination, but control is necessary, especially when employees are talking or in the manufacturing sectors. Measurement of sound levels will determine whether the office needs reinforcement, the speaking culture should change, or if the workers should wear soundproofs.

To sum up, noise and vibration hazards, as well as confined space entry risks, affect the quality of life. Irrespective of the nature of the danger, immediate intervention is necessary because long-term effects are often irreversible. Employees and managers must work together to ensure that noise management occurs while confined space entry should remain a management’s responsibility.

References

Interscan. (2012). Detector Tubes and when to use them. Retrieved from http://www.gasdetection.com/knowledge-base/best-practices/detector-tubes-and-when-to-use-them/

McLoughlin, P.  (July 1, 2010). Confined Space Entry Requirements for Employers. The Journal of Employee Protection.

SafeWork NSW. (n.d). Controlling hazardous noise and vibration in the workplace. Retrieved from https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/hazardous-manual-tasks/controlling-hazardous-noise-and-vibration-in-the-workplace