Safety in confined spaces
Confined spaces: what they are, regulations, products and training courses offered by Genesis Protection.

Confined spaces represent one of the most delicate topics in our field. Difficult to define and identify, they hide various dangers not only for those who operate within them but also at a regulatory level. With Genesi, you can count on a team of professionals ready to secure you from their hazards.

What are Confined Spaces?

Confined spaces are areas not designed for continuous occupancy but require entry under specific circumstances. In these environments, the risk of severe or fatal injuries is very high, mainly due to the difficulties of entry and exit. Additionally, these spaces can present further risk factors from the possible presence of toxic substances, flammable gases and/or vapors, or oxygen deficiency or excess.

The high risk associated with these environments has led to the creation of stringent regulations aimed at protecting workers required to operate within them. Our interventions start from these regulations to propose the best solutions to our clients.

Besides installing various equipment, it is essential that the company provides proper training to all employees, considering the type of environments they operate in, the solutions in place, and the specific needs.

At Genesi, through a partnership approach, we support our clients in defining all aspects of the process.

Confined Spaces, Training, and Necessary Courses

Genesi Academy Courses

Training is a fundamental requirement for safely operating within confined spaces. Anyone performing work activities in confined spaces and/or suspected of pollution and similar environments is required to receive appropriate training and instruction.

Through Genesi Academy, we can assist clients in organizing and delivering training courses aimed at educating employees both in-person, at our facilities or company premises, and remotely.

Specifically, we support companies required to operate within confined spaces through two different courses:

• Confined Spaces and Suspected Contaminated Environments: Consisting of a theoretical and a practical module, this course aims to educate on current regulations and safe practices for operating within confined spaces.
  
• PPE Category 3: An additional course dedicated to the knowledge and correct use of all Category 3 PPE.

Confined Spaces, Equipment, PPE, and Necessary DPCs

Depending on specific cases, the equipment required to effectively manage risk situations includes:

• Safety harnesses;
• Anchor points;
• Protective gloves;
• Filter masks or isolating respirators (depending on the chemicals present and oxygen concentration in the air);
• Protective helmets;
• Eye protection (if exposed to hazardous substances or debris);
• Protective clothing;
• Safety footwear.

Genesi’s products and equipment for confined spaces are designed to support clients operating in these environments not only by providing the most effective safety tools but through an integrated process that includes risk analysis, device design and installation, and after-sales services. At Genesi, we don’t just sell products; we also offer support to companies in selecting and supplying the Category 3 PPE required by regulations.

Genesi Systems for Confined Spaces

Genesi SC systems for confined spaces are the result of extensive experience in risk assessment, design, installation, use, and training in these environments.

Designed to ensure safety, ergonomics, and ease of use, Genesi SC solutions are distinguished by their special aluminum alloy construction, octagonal profile shapes, and unique blue anodization: these characteristics provide maximum lightness, strength, and protection.

The meticulous research and development work inherent in all Genesi solutions is also reflected in the wide and versatile range of supports, both mobile and fixed, designed to ensure maximum safety regardless of the confined space access geometry, whether vertical or horizontal.

• Genesi SC6NW – Vertical Access
• Genesi SC6F – Vertical Access
• Genesi SC3 – Vertical Access
• Genesi SCTY – Vertical Access
• Genesi SCPH – Horizontal Access
• Recovery slides
• Genesi ADAORI – Omnidirectional plate

Confined Spaces: Regulations

What They Require and How to Comply

To comply with and fulfill regulations, a confined space must have suitable and certified equipment to allow workers to enter and exit freely and work as safely as possible with Equipment and PPE.

Moreover, the employer must adequately train their employees through courses that qualify them to work in confined spaces. In these courses, workers will learn about the risks associated with working in confined spaces and be trained to operate safely within them and respond to potential emergency situations requiring rescue actions.

For example, a company working in the chemical sector, which needs to carry out maintenance and/or cleaning activities inside large tanks, mixers, or silos, must first inform its workers of the risks present on-site and how to avoid them, outlining the steps to perform the activities safely.

Furthermore, they must use appropriate and suitable devices to allow workers to access safely, equip operators with suitable tools to work without danger, and explain how to act and what procedures to follow in an emergency.

Therefore, to secure a confined space, it is essential first to assess the risk situation of the workplace, then proceed with the installation of suitable and certified safety devices.