The new name for ... Mines Rescue Service
About MRS Training and Rescue – the new name for Mines Rescue Service
MRS Training & Rescue offer first class practical training in state of the art confined space facilities to prepare and train anyone who works in confined spaces , with re-assessment courses also available if required . In addition , the company has launched a new Confined Space Management system called SaCCS ( Safe Control of Confined Spaces ) to provide a computerised database management system to identify , record and store all information on confined spaces by drawing together risk assessments and other safety related documentation .
EQUIPMENT
During our operations as a rescue organisation , we are constantly evaluating confined space equipment . As part of this evaluation , we meet with manufacturers , test equipment and have been influential in improving equipment design for specific industrial applications , thus ensuring it not only does what we want it to but that it is ‘ fit for purpose ’.
Consideration of confined space equipment should always include :
• Personal Protection ( PPE )
• Entry equipment
• Rescue equipment
TRAINING
Training is one of the most important preparatory aspects for working in confined spaces . No person should enter any space until they are ‘ adequately trained ’ and fully aware of all procedures associated with that entry . Much is made of the word competent , and in the instance of Confined Spaces , competence is exactly what personnel should have before entering the space . Competence is based on knowledge of :
• What procedures should be in place before entry
• What equipment should be taken into the space for personal safety
• How individuals should conduct themselves whilst in the space , and most importantly
• What to do in the event of something going wrong
CULTURE
Culture in the context of safety , and in particular , attitudes towards the confined space problem , often mean that action is taken before necessary safety systems are activated . Culture is like water - it flows downwards and the higher it starts , the faster it flows . Part of this culture is an appreciation of the requirement to manage the confined spaces for which management holds responsibility .
MANAGING YOUR SPACES
To be able to effectively manage confined spaces , we suggest an audit of what and where these spaces are , and to risk rate the spaces ( High , Medium or Low ) and any likely problems that may be caused by entry points and internal design features .
During a study of an array of differing industries , it became apparent that very few could readily identify or had compiled a sufficiently detailed audit of spaces that could be a potential hazard to those entering . Any such system should be able to provide a computerised database in order to identify , record and store all information on these spaces , by drawing together risk assessments and other safety related documentation . This system should also have the ability to :
• Define and categorise each space with the intention to be a ‘ living document ’
• Record and upload photographs , videos and company safety procedures relevant to the assessment and clearly indicate their presence on the system
• Allow the user to input condition reports
• Be implemented at any site regardless of disparity in size or type
• Provide instant and up to date information to both the site and any remote controlling offices ( such as an HQ function )
• Allow 3rd parties ( such as contractors ) to view information prior to entry , thereby pre planning the work
• Compile a definitive list of all confined spaces at the site
• Provide an ‘ output report ’ of the current status of the space
SUMMARY
This has been an all too brief summary of what is a complex problem in many industries today . Hopefully , we have introduced some thought provoking information that will inspire management to look at the ‘ confined space conundrum ’ in a different way .
See more at www . mrsl . co . uk
Written by Michael Lloyd , Consultant for MRS Training & Rescue
HSE INTERNATIONAL 33