Confined Space Training Got you Trapped?

OSHA is working on a new confined space standard for construction and the proposed standard will be a significant change in the way contractors have worked in confined spaces in the past. With the proposed construction rule a major change in the industry, the Associated General Contractors of Northwest Ohio developed a mobile confined space simulator to conduct employee trainings.  This simulator allows employees to receive hands on training with all of the equipment commonly used in a confined space entry and also teaches would-be rescuers how to perform needed rescues.  OSHA requires that employees receive training in the ability to recognize and avoid hazards associated with confined spaces. Typical training on confined spaces is often given in a classroom and doesn’t offer hands on training.  The simulator was developed from a need to teach students not only the OSHA requirements for working in confined spaces but to also allow them the ability to use all of the typical equipment hands on. “This is a very unique opportunity for training in OSHA’s Region V and the surrounding areas. Where else will a company come to your location, with this type of a setup and train your workers,” states Scott Goodwin, Director of Safety and Training for the AGC. Hands on training to educate workers about the hazards of confined spaces is critical to ensure they know how, why and when to use the equipment correctly. “Most businesses never perform hands on training like this,” says Doug Crowell, Ballville Township Fire Chief. “We used this simulator to train our firemen on how to enter confined spaces safely and perform rescues.” With an estimated two-thirds of all rescuers becoming victims themselves, training is an essential tool for survival. It isn’t always feasible to send workers to an out of town training center but with the confined space simulator that problem was solved, it comes to you. With the simulator students can practice in a safe and controlled setting thus reducing the costs significantly. This simulator is a great tool for everyone to receive hands on training. Factories, construction, manufacturing facilities, industrial sites, municipalities and fire departments can all benefit. For more information call Scott Goodwin at (419)241-3601, email him at sgoodwin@cccouncil.com or click on http://www.confinedspacetrainingservices.com.