In the mining industry, confined spaces pose unique challenges and significant risks to workers. These environments, often characterised by limited entry and exit points, can quickly become life-threatening due to hazardous atmospheres and restricted access. Mine Training Australia is committed to providing essential safety training to address these risks, ensuring that every worker is able to perform their duties safely and effectively.
What is defined as a confined space?
A confined space refers to any enclosed or partially enclosed area in the context of mining that is not designed for continuous occupancy and may have restricted entry or exit. Examples in mining operations include tanks, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits. The nature of these spaces makes them inherently hazardous, and they require specialised knowledge and precautions to be managed safely.
What are the health hazards and risks associated with confined spaces?
Confined spaces in mines are fraught with health hazards and other dangers. Physically, these spaces are difficult to access and exit, especially in emergency situations. They may also have poor ventilation, which can lead the creation of a hazardous atmosphere filled with toxic gases, vapours, or insufficient oxygen levels.
Potential health risks include long-term effects from exposure to chemicals or acute dangers such as asphyxiation. Specific risks in confined spaces include heat stress, which requires protective clothing and gear.
Historical data on mining accidents often highlights confined spaces as critical points where increased risk of serious injury or even fatalities could have been prevented with better safety practices and training.
Toxic gases and vapours
Mining operations may result in toxic chemicals being released in the form of gases and vapours. One example of this is hydrogen sulfide, which is highly toxic and has the potential to be fatal at high concentrations. Certain solvents used in mining may also emit dangerous vapours, which lead to respiratory issues and other health problems when inhaled.
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment
Atmospheres with less than 19.5% oxygen are considered oxygen-deficient and may quickly lead to asphyxiation. Conversely, atmospheres enriched with over 23.5% oxygen heighten the risk of fires or explosions occurring, particularly in the presence of flammable materials.
Explosive atmospheres
Activities in confined spaces can release flammable gases or create dust clouds that are highly combustible. These explosive atmospheres run the risk of igniting and causing devastating explosions if not properly controlled.
Continuous monitoring of air quality is essential in these environments. It allows for the detection of hazardous conditions early so that appropriate safety measures may be taken.
Heat stress
The intense conditions within confined spaces also lead to heat stress, a condition exacerbated by high temperatures, strenuous physical activity, and inadequate ventilation. When someone experiences heat stress, their body has trouble cooling itself, leading to symptoms like dehydration, heat stroke, dizziness, and more.
High temperatures
The depths of a mine will often have a significantly higher temperature than the surface of land, due to geological factors. With the added heat from equipment and operations, the risk of heat stress is increased further.
Physical exertion
The demanding physical activities required in confined spaces have the potential to increase the risk of heat stress. Tasks such as operating heavy machinery or performing manual tasks can significantly increase body temperature if not managed appropriately.
Limited air flow
Poor ventilation in confined spaces often prevents the effective dissipation of heat. This tends to compound the risks associated with high temperature work environments and physical exertion.
What are the legal requirements and standards for working in confined spaces?
In Australia, working in confined spaces is subject to stringent safety regulations that help protect workers from these risks. Permit-required confined spaces are subject to even more stringent safety regulations due to their hazardous atmospheres which create serious safety and health hazards. Compliance with the Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2865:2009 – Safe working in confined spaces) is mandatory.
These standards provide a framework for identifying risks, preparing appropriate safety measures, and ensuring a consistent approach to safety in confined spaces across the mining industry. This includes any healthy and safety requirement necessary for a permit-required confined space.
What safety precautions should be taken with personal protective equipment?
Personal protective equipment has specific safety requirements that must be followed for it to work effectively. In the context of a confined space, mine sites are required to implement a range of comprehensive safety measures.
Risk assessment
It’s essential to identify potential hazards in confined spaces so that you can address them. Risks to look out for include both chemical and mechanical hazards. Once they have been identified, you are able to draw up a safe system of work.
Atmospheric testing
Before and during entry, you should test the atmosphere to ensure it is safe for workers. Specialised equipment is available to analyse the quality of the air and identify any harmful chemicals present.
Entry program
It’s important to develop and enforce a confined space entry program that includes permits, continuous monitoring, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all team members involved. The essential components of a permit-to-work system should be highlighted to ensure effective control of the system of work. The plan should conform to all of the relevant health and safety requirements.
Rescue procedures
Make sure you establish and practice effective rescue procedures for emergencies, and maintain the necessary equipment for first aid and rescue. There are specific qualifications for emergency rescue missions on mine sites.
What training is available for working in confined spaces?
In order to safely work in a confined space, you need to acquire the appropriate qualifications. Mine Training Australia offers the RIIWHS202E – Enter and Work in Confined Spaces Training course. This certificate is designed to equip workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely work in these high-risk environments.
The importance of first aid in emergency response training is also emphasised to ensure preparedness for any incidents. The course covers everything from risk assessment to emergency response. You will learn to navigate dangerous scenarios by doing practical exercises in controlled environments that simulate actual confined spaces in mines.
Additionally, the certificate focuses on the management and execution of safe work processes on a mine site. This is critical for preventing serious confined-space incidents and ensuring the safety of workers.
How has technology affected the safety of working in confined spaces?
Advancements in technology have significantly enhanced the safety of working in confined spaces. Modern monitoring equipment detects hazardous gases at lower levels, wearable technology tracks the health and physical location of workers inside confined spaces, and communication tools have improved to allow better coordination and faster response in emergencies.
Get prepared with Mine Training Australia
Understanding and managing the risks associated with confined spaces in mining is crucial. It requires not only adherence to legal standards and implementation of robust safety measures but also continuous training and vigilance.
By participating in professional training programs such as those offered by Mine Training Australia, workers can significantly reduce the risks associated with confined spaces and help create a safer mining environment.
If you’re interested in taking the next step, we have several options available, from our confined space training course, to combined courses that cover Confined Space Entry, Working at Heights, and Gas Testing Atmospheres. If you would like more information, contact us today for a chat.