Posted: Apr 18 '17

How Confined Space Ventilation Makes a Difference

How Confined Space Ventilation Makes a Difference

Confined spaces are deemed such because they're not normally spaces designed to be occupied by humans. One of the reasons for this is because there is often very little, if any ventilation. With all of the processes carried out during shutdown turnarounds, air quality becomes an even greater concern. Confined space ventilation makes a big difference during these critical projects.

Stabilizing the Atmosphere with Confined Space Ventilation

It may surprise you to learn that one of the most popular questions we're asked is why a confined space requires mechanical ventilation, or what the benefits are. When you consider the pollutants and contaminants that are found in the atmosphere in confined spaces, it's easy to understand why it's a necessity and not an "additional expenditure". Respirators alone are often not enough to remove all contaminants from your employees' air and they can make work more difficult, resulting in lowered production levels. Stabilizing the atmosphere in confined spaces can greatly reduce the need for respirators and other PPE. 

While reducing risk is a major difference confined space ventilation makes, here are a few others to consider:

  • Ventilation replaces contaminated air with fresh air, making it more breathable
  • Helps remove toxic vapours
  • Aids in regulating temperatures to make working conditions more favourable
  • Improves visibility by removing dust and smoke from the air
  • Increases production because working conditions are more comfortable and visibility is improved
  • Lowers costs associated to downtime due to poor air quality, injuries and accidents

As you can see, confined space ventilation makes a difference for your employees as well as your company's profits. Through a customized mechanical ventilation solution from SmogBuster, you can maintain OHS compliance and improve working conditions with equipment that is as unobtrusive as possible. Contact us to learn more about customized solutions for your confined space air quality needs.