Constraints often create a complex set of code-of-operations due to their limited nature. Working in confined spaces poses inherent risks that cannot be completely avoided, especially in intensive sectors such as construction, oil and gas, mining, and public works. Despite the dangers involved, confined space work is often necessary to perform critical tasks and operations.
Confined spaces are characterized by limited entry and exit routes, limited airflow, and potential hazards such as toxic gases, entrapment, or structural destruction. These spaces pose significant risks to the health and safety of workers, including the potential for suffocation, suffocation, or exposure to hazardous substances.
Here's a look at confined space operations and the risks associated with them in all fields.
Limited space work in construction
In the construction sector, confined space work is inevitable during operations such as tunneling, excavation, and building maintenance. Workers may need to enter enclosed spaces to install, repair, or inspect utilities. For example, workers may need to enter narrow underground tunnels or crawl spaces to lay pipes or cables. Despite the risks involved, such work is essential to the safe and efficient completion of construction projects.
Confined space work in the oil and gas industry
Similarly, in the oil and gas industry, closed spaces exist on drilling rigs, storage tanks, and pipelines. Workers may need to enter restricted areas to perform maintenance, inspection, or repair. These spaces may be contaminated with flammable gases or vapors, which may present a fire or explosion hazard. Such work is essential to maintain oil and gas infrastructure and ensure a continuous supply of energy resources despite inherent risks.
Confined space work in mining
In the mining sector, confined spaces are common in underground mines, shafts and tunnels. Miners may need to enter restricted areas to extract minerals, inspect, or repair equipment. These areas can be unstable and prone to falls, which can put workers at risk of entrapment or injury. Despite the risks involved, such work is necessary to extract valuable minerals and resources that drive economic growth and development.
Limited space work in public works
Additionally, in public works such as sewage maintenance, confined spaces are mandatory for works such as sewer line repair, maintenance and cleaning. Workers may need to enter underground sewer systems or manholes to access pipes or remove blockages.
These spaces may contain hazardous gases, pathogens, or asphyxiating atmospheres, which may pose a risk of drowning or exposure to harmful contaminants. Despite the risks, such work is critical to maintaining public infrastructure and ensuring the proper functioning of essential services.
Although these may seem part of the daily duties for workers in these fields, there is a constant underlying risk of them coming into contact with a hazardous situation. Let's decode a recent incident that proved fatal while working in a confined space.
“On April 2024During a routine job of draining a manhole in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, four workers complained of feeling unwell. Two of the workers were declared brought dead when they were shifted to the hospital. The cause of death was said to be inhalation of dangerous gas while working in a confined space.“
This makes the picture very clear – even in a technologically advanced age, risk Confined space protection Still intact!
What are the unavoidable hazards of working in a confined space?
1. Limited ventilation and poor air quality
These types of spaces often have restricted airflow, leading to air pollution and the accumulation of hazardous gases or airborne pollutants. Without adequate ventilation, workers may be exposed to toxic fumes, oxygen-depleted atmospheres, or flammable gases, increasing the risk of suffocation, respiratory problems, or fire hazards.
2. Entrapment and entrapment hazards
Entrapment or entrapment hazards are areas such as trenches, pits, or silos, where workers can become buried or trapped by materials such as soil, sand, or grain. A sudden fall or transfer of material may occur, resulting in injury or death due to crushing, suffocation, or drowning.
3. Physical hazards and restricted mobility
Confined spaces often have cramped or restricted quarters, which restrict worker movement and increase the risk of slips, trips and falls. Uneven surfaces, debris, or obstructions within the space can exacerbate these risks, resulting in injuries such as sprains, fractures, or head trauma.
4. Exposure to hazardous substances
Many such places contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, chemicals, or biological agents, which pose risks of exposure to toxic substances or harmful pollutants. Workers may inhale or come into contact with these substances, causing acute or chronic health effects, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, or occupational diseases.
5. Communication and emergency response challenges
Communication with workers inside confined spaces can be difficult due to limited access, noise, or interference from machinery. In an emergency, such as a gas leak, collapse, or injury, quick communication and coordination of rescue efforts becomes critical. However, the limited nature of the space can hinder emergency response mechanisms, delaying rescue operations and increasing the risk of further harm to workers.
In case of monitoring system in such places, the role of communication establishment is very important. Difficulty in making connections at the right time can lead to fatal situations. Now the question here is that along with the implementation of AI based modules –
What more do we need to secure confined spaces?
Well, the answer here is simple – a hassle-free device that can pave the way for building communication in confined spaces without relying on electricity or internet services.
viAct has been able to recognize this difficult part of working in confined spaces and has developed an innovative solution to mitigate these risks. viMOV can be called the world's first mobile AI safety monitoring solution specifically designed for confined space operations.
It represents a significant advance in security technology, offering real-time monitoring, Risk detectionand appropriate safety measures for confined space environments. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), it provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities on a mobile platform, empowering workers and safety professionals with actionable insights to prevent accidents and ensure a safe work environment. Revolutionizes security protocols.
It is also recognized and approved by the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF), Hong Kong. This confirms the product's role in using the latest technology to improve site safety while continuously working to improve the industry.
Key features of viMOV that set it free from any other requirement and mark it as an innovative product in the field of confined space security are:
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Highly mobile with its simple design
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Direct plug and play option
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A wireless alert system
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50 hours of battery capacity
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High level of accuracy
gave Confined Space Monitoring System Equipped with the latest technological aspects provided by viAct such as inclusion of generative AI, integration of computer vision with video analytics and use of AIoT makes it highly accurate and efficient. The inclusion of viMOV further enhances the security potential due to its unique features that make the solution holistic in nature.
Here are 5 reasons. viAct's confined space surveillance system Best solution for power by viMOV Confined space protection
1. Detection of poisonous gas by gas meter
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The gas meter uses advanced sensors and AI algorithms to detect and monitor the presence of harmful gases within confined spaces.
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Real-time gas detection alerts enable immediate evacuation and mitigation measures to prevent potential health risks for workers.
2. Real-time alerts in IoT wearables for the individual worker
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IoT wearables equipped with AI-powered sensors provide real-time alerts to individual workers in case of dangerous situations or emergencies.
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Immediate notifications empower workers to take immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being.
3. Live monitoring of falls/slips/trips/near misses
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AI-powered video analytics Continuously monitor worker activities within such spaces to detect and prevent falls, slips, trips, and near misses.
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Live monitoring capabilities enable supervisors to quickly intervene and implement corrective actions to prevent accidents.
4. PPE detection and worker count
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AI algorithms analyze video feeds to determine if workers are wearing the required clothing. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Before entering enclosed spaces.
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Automated alerts notify supervisors of non-compliance, ensuring that all workers adhere to safety protocols.
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AI-powered cameras accurately count the number of workers inside such spaces at any given time.
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Real-time worker counts facilitate effective evacuation procedures and ensure that all personnel are safely accounted for during emergencies.
5. Smooth communication
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viMOV facilitates hassle-free communication within confined spaces by providing real-time alerts and notifications to security officers and other stakeholders through an intuitive dashboard. viHUB and IoT wearables.
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Workers are immediately notified of any hazardous conditions or emergencies, allowing immediate action to be taken to ensure their safety.
Finally, the challenges posed by confined spaces call for innovative solutions to ensure worker safety and well-being. With viMOV, establishing trouble-free communication in such environments becomes achievable. By providing real-time alerts and notifications through IoT wearables, it empowers workers to stay informed and respond quickly to potential threats or emergencies.
This not only enhances safety but also promotes greater confidence and efficiency among workers working in confined spaces. As industries continue to evolve, solutions like viMOV play an important role in mitigating risks and creating safer work environments for all.
Interested in learning more about viMOV and its applications?