Working in tight spaces can be tough and safety is always a priority. To work in such hazardous spaces, you must have safety compliance certificates, like OSHA 1910.146. As per OSHA, you need to have confined space air blowers for proper ventilation.
Ventilation is crucial for maintaining safe working conditions. In order to achieve it, ventilation blower(s) should be operated. However, before buying one, it’s important to understand what you need. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of confined space ventilation and what you should consider when selecting a ventilation blower.
- What Compromises Air Safety in Confined Spaces?
- Which Confined Spaces Need to be Ventilated?
- How Do You Ventilate Enclosed Spaces?
- Types of Confined Space Air Blowers
- Confined Space Ventilation FAQs
What Compromises Air Safety in Confined Spaces?
Confined spaces are places that are small, enclosed and difficult to get in & out of. They can be very dangerous if you’re not careful. Therefore, here are three main dangers you should be aware of:
Harmful Air
Confined spaces might have bad air with dangerous gases or fumes. They can make workers sick or unable to breathe. That’s why it is important to stay away from them.
Not Enough or Too Much Oxygen
Sometimes, there may not be enough oxygen in confined spaces. It can cause fainting or even death. On the other hand, too much oxygen can increase the risk of fires or explosions.
Fire and Explosions
Certain substances in confined spaces can catch fire or explode. This can lead to serious harm or death. Therefore, avoid using fire or other heat sources in these spaces.
Which Confined Spaces Need to be Ventilated?
Ventilation is crucial in places like tanks, silos, pits, tunnels, pipelines and chambers. These spots can be risky because they might not have enough fresh air. Good ventilation helps by bringing in fresh air and getting rid of any harmful gases or stuffy air. It makes these places safer for people to work in. So, if you’re in a tank, silo, pit, tunnel, pipeline or chamber, make sure there’s proper ventilation to keep the air clean and safe.
How Do You Ventilate Enclosed Spaces?
To ensure proper ventilation in confined spaces, it is important to use a ventilation blower. With so many types of blowers available, selecting the correct air blower is crucial.
If you want to get rid of bad odours and harmful gases, confined space fans and blowers can help you. These blowers are also portable and easy to manoeuvre. They can effectively circulate air and ensure a continuous supply of fresh air. Hence, they are ideal for use in confined spaces.
Types of Confined Space Air Blowers
Manhole Blowers
Manhole blowers are engineered to work in sewer systems and manhole entries. They feature explosion-proof motors and robust manhole ducts to maintain a secure atmosphere for workers. These confined space air blowers are especially useful in situations where there is a risk of hazardous gases.
Pneumatic Blowers
Pneumatic blowers are powered by compressed air. This air makes them suitable for spaces with limited electrical access. They are versatile & reliable and find utility in various industrial settings. They also provide efficient ventilation without relying on traditional power sources.
Venturi Blowers
Venturi blowers draw in and circulate air effectively by harnessing the Venturi effect. They are especially adept at removing hazardous gases from confined spaces. They are recognised for their energy efficiency. Moreover, venturi blowers can deliver substantial airflow, making them ideal for ventilation purposes.
Coppus Blowers
Coppus blowers ensure consistent airflow. They can also withstand harsh environments. These confined space air blowers play a vital role in petrochemical and marine sectors where confined space ventilation is of utmost importance.
Read More: Ventilation Calculation Formula for Confined Space
Now that you know which blower suits your application, order one today! Raptor Supplies is your one-stop destination for all kinds of ventilation equipment. We serve B2B customers in the UK & Ireland, Europe, GCC / Middle East, Africa as well as Asia. You can also contact us via phone, WhatsApp or email at any time with our 24×7.
Confined Space Ventilation FAQs
What Should be the Oxygen Levels in Confined Spaces?
Outside the confined space, 21% oxygen is necessary to sustain life. So try to maintain an oxygen level of around 20% at all costs. Oxygen levels in confined spaces tend to decrease due to rust, bacterial growth and other gases entering the space. Operations like heating also consume oxygen. If oxygen levels fall below 12–16%, workers may experience increased pulse and respiration, as well as loss of coordination. Oxygen levels below 6–10% can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and even death.
Which Gas is Used to Ventilate Confined Spaces?
Fresh air is the most common method for ventilating confined spaces. It has a higher concentration of oxygen than the potentially hazardous or depleted air within the confined space. Fresh air can help improve indoor temperatures and humidity levels.
How Does a Confined Space Air Blower Work?
A confined space blower creates a low-pressure area. This causes the air from the surroundings to be drawn into the blower The rotating fan then pushes this incoming air outward. As a result, airflow is created in the desired direction.
Read More: How to Attach a Blower to Ducts?
