Why Confined Space Monitors Are Essential For Toxic Atmospheres

Even though legislation has been passed that requires confined space monitors in certain areas, a number of accidents and even fatalities are still occurring in such spaces each year. We feel it is important, then, to outline the dangers of being confined within a toxic atmosphere, as this will perhaps be the catalyst that workers need to ensure that monitors are always in place.

Firstly, what is a confined space? It is defined as an area that is large enough and so configured for a worker to bodily enter and perform work; has a limited or restricted means of entry or exit; is not designed for continuous employee occupancy; contains (or has the potential to contain) a hazardous atmosphere; and has an internal configuration that could trap or asphyxiate an occupant.

A toxic atmosphere might have severely harmful effects that might not manifest themselves until years after exposure has occurred. Others are known to kill quite quickly. The atmosphere can occur as a result of natural, accidental or purposeful actions. We have outlined some common toxic gases and their effects in a bid to show workers why confined space monitors are so important.

• Carbon Monoxide – colourless, tasteless and odorless. Workers can be exposed to 35ppm in an 8 hour day/40 hour week with no long-term effects. It can cause headaches, nausea and unconsciousness.
• Hydrogen Sulfide – colourless and has a rotten egg smell. Workers can be exposed to 10ppm in an 8 hour day/40 hour week with no long-term effects. It can cause eye irritation, coughing, respiratory tract irritation, loss of consciousness and even death.
• Chlorine – greenish-yellow in colour and a pungent odor. Workers can be exposed to 0.5ppm in an 8 hour day/40 hour week with no long-term effects. It can cause irritation of the mucous membrane, eyes and respiratory tract.
• Nitrogen Dioxide – yellowish-brown in colour with a pungent odor. Workers can be exposed to 1ppm in an 8 hour day/40 hour week with no long-term effects. It can cause irritation of the nose and throat, acute bronchitis, pulmonary edema and even death.
• Sulfur Dioxide – colourless and an irritating, pungent odor. Workers can be exposed to 2ppm in an 8 hour day/40 hour week with no long-term effects. It can cause irritation of the nose and throat.
• Ammonia – colourless and a pungent, suffocating odor. Workers can be exposed to 25ppm in an 8 hour day/40 hour week with no long-term effects. It can cause irritation of the eyes and throat, swelling of the eyelids, vomiting and even death.
• Nitric Oxide – colourless. Workers can be exposed to 25ppm in an 8 hour day/40 hour week with no long-term effects. It can cause irritation of the mucous membrane, coughing and burning of the throat.
• Hydrogen Chloride – colourless and corrosive. Workers can be exposed to 5ppm in an 8 hour day/40 hour week with no long-term effects. It can cause irritation of the mucous membrane, eyes, throat and respiratory tract.

We have only scraped the tip of the iceberg in regards to all of the dangers associated with exposure to a toxic atmosphere. Being stuck in the area for a much longer period, for example, could have even more disastrous effects. We hope that you now realise the importance of having confined space monitors in these areas, as keeping workers safe is essential.

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