Ventilation issues in confined spaces
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In the **standards for confined spaces**, there is a clause stating that \"where necessary, forced ventilation using fans or air supply through ducts should be employed.\" So let’s discuss what exactly is meant by \"where necessary\"
In my opinion, situations where it is necessary to do so include: 1) when there is an unpleasant odor in the confined space that causes discomfort to those who smell it, but tests show no abnormalities; 2) when tests show no abnormalities but welding work needs to be carried out in the confined space; 3) when the temperature inside the confined space is higher than the ambient temperature, but it is not high enough to prevent entry; 4) other situations where air circulation is required.
If necessary, it means at all times. It must be done under certain conditions.
It is one of the necessary conditions when using internal coatings for corrosion protection.
Ventilation is necessary at all times! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
When natural ventilation is insufficient or inadequate, the working conditions are not met, and forced ventilation is required, such as during painting operations on storage tanks
When necessary, this means that rules and regulations are fixed, while human factors are flexible; it is necessary to identify risks and conduct assessments based on the actual situation, and then adopt feasible safety measures with those standards as a reference. . . .
For example, when the working time is long, ventilation can continuously introduce fresh air； For example, the process of carrying out tasks can release toxic and harmful substances (such as those generated during welding or anti-corrosion coating), and ventilation can help reduce the concentration of these harmful substances.
It’s necessary, but it’s not mandatory.
In my personal opinion, whenever working in a confined space, forced ventilation using fans should be employed whenever possible, especially when carrying out maintenance on large equipment.
I agree with the view from the 3rd floor; forced ventilation should be considered a necessary condition. The reason is that gas detection may not be thorough enough; conditions can change during the operation, and people need to breathe.