A lot of us strive to avoid "venting" when we're angry or frustrated. However, there's one time when it's essential to vent, in the original meaning of the word. When you're approaching a confined space, always make sure the atmosphere is properly vented with specialized ventilation equipment (such as a RamFan) before entering. Dangers in the air
Elements in the atmosphere that can harm you are not always detectable without special equipment, such as gas detectors. Carbon monoxide has no odor or color. Too much carbon monoxide in the air prevents your lungs from being able to take in oxygen. Carbon monoxide is also a combustible gas that gets into the air when machines do not completely burn gas, oil and other fossil fuels. Hydrogen sulfide has no color, but does have a strong "rotten egg" odor at low concentrations, and deadens your sense of smell at higher levels. It is also flammable and is created by the decay of organic matter that is found in sewers and sewage treatment plants. Methane has no color or odor, in addition to causing explosions. As these and any number of other gases build up, breathable air is displaced, which can lead to suffocation.
A simple lack of sufficient oxygen in a confined space can lead to tragedy. In one sad incident, both a worker and a would-be rescuer succumbed to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. A worker was entered a service chamber approximately 12 feet deep to perform some inspection and maintenance activities. Part way down the ladder, the worker began to feel disoriented and clumsy but he continued on to the bottom. By the time he realized that he was in mortal danger, he was too weak to go back up the ladder or to cry for help. He quickly lost consciousness.
A passerby above ground noticed the open chamber. He was surprised to see the worker sprawled at the bottom of the chamber. When the worker did not respond to his calls, the passerby decided to go down himself. He made it to the bottom of the chamber but collapsed shortly after on top of the worker.
When the worker did not report back at the end of his shift, the supervisor went to check out the job site. The bodies of the worker and the would-be rescuer were visible at the bottom, so the supervisor called for emergency help. The fire department pulled up the bodies, but they could not be resuscitated. The ensuing investigation revealed that rusting equipment had created an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Solution: good venting
Both OSHA and API standards state that good work practices in a confined space necessitate continuous ventilation before and during the work performed in a confined space. The objective of a good ventilation system is to first remove gas from the confined space and then to stabilize the space by providing continuous fresh air to the workers. When you need access to a confined space, be sure to ventilate the air with specialized equipment, such as a RamFan.
Some tips:
* Even if you see the space has a source of natural ventilation, you won't want to rely on it alone. Mechanical ventilation such as a RamFan is usually necessary to maintain air quality. * If mechanical ventilation is provided, there should be a warning system in place that immediately sounds an alert if air quality degrades even while venting. Consequently, any venting system should be used with a gas detector that constantly monitors the air. * Care should be taken to make sure the air being provided by the ventilation system to the confined space is safe. You don't want to be blowing unhealthy air into the area. * Even with ventilation, be alert to possible pockets of toxic gases still remaining. * Never substitute oxygen for fresh air. Increasing the oxygen content will significantly increase the risk of fire and explosion. * The use of mechanical ventilation should be noted on the entry permit
Safety is paramount whenever you're attempting to enter an unfamiliar environment. Consider the hazards before you start, and vent appropriately!
Hanoi, the capital city of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is located in the central part of the country on the Red River Delta banks, with the beautiful Haom Kiem Lake at its heart. The city is also the cultural, economic and political center of the country. Steeped in history, Hanoi is regarded as a sacred land of the country.
A visit to Hanoi is truly a great experience, with its tree-lined boulevard, ancient temples, gleaming lakes, and splendid French edifices. No wonder why Hanoi is sometimes referred to as the 'Paris of the East.' When comes to its history, Hanoi served as the capital and the seat of power of many empires, apart from being marked by a range of wars and natural calamities. Today, Hanoi has emerged into a modern city, al though still retaining its old world charm.
The city boasts of such a great number of attractions that it takes weeks to explore all of them. Among the attractions in Hanoi that deserve a special mention are ancient architectural splendors including more than 500 pagodas and temples.
Just few among them are the One Pillar Pagoda - erected in 1049 and which takes after a blooming lotus; Ambassadors Pagoda - the seat of Buddhism in the country; Tran Quoc Pagoda - the oldest of its kind in the city; pagoda in the region; Quan Thanh Temple - dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vo; the Temple of Literature - constructed in 1070 and devoted to the worship of Confucianism; and Ngoc Son Temple which located in the center of the Hoan Kiem Lake. Equally fabulous are the colonial structures seen here, all of which are an elegant mix of Chinese, Edwardian, French, neo-Persian, and a fusion of neo-Vietnamese and French.
For a peep into the history of the place, nothing would be better than taking a visit to its interesting museums such as Fine Arts Museum, with an exquisite collection of sculpture and paintings; Vietnam Army Museum, which has on display artifacts related to the armed forces of Vietnam; History Museum, exhibiting artifacts dating back to various periods of the history of the country; and Ho Chi Minh Museum exhibiting an array of art and artifacts ranging from press articles and pictures of the times of Ho Chi Minh to memorabilia of the 19th century.
Likewise, to discover the ethnicity of the place, a tour to Bat Trang pottery village, Ngu Xa bronze casting village, and Yen Thai glossy silk, where you can see artisans engaged in a variety of artistic works including bronze molding, embroidery works, and silver carving and lacquer, would be a great experience.
Other not to miss attractions in Hanoi are the Presidential Palace - a fantastic chateau located within the Ho Chi Minh's Relic area; Hanoi Cathedral constructed over the former Bao; Hanoi Flag Tower whose focal point is a three platforms and a military watch tower offering panoramic views of the city; Hanoi Opera House which hosts various performances; the mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh where you can find the body of Ho Chi Minh encased in a glass coffin; Co Lao Historical Site, containing remains dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, and the elegant French Quarter - a fine example of surviving colonial structure in the world, with beautiful boulevards enclosed by well-designed French style mansions.
Above all, superb are the more than 15 lakes in Hanoi, such as, Hoan Kiem Lake - the main leisure area in the city, West Lake - the largest lake in the city, and Truc Bach Lake, each of which are bounded by picturesque gardens and trees.
While your stay at Hanoi, you can savor the sumptuous specialties of the region such as pho or beef noodle soup, nem ran, gio lau or pork sausage, and cha ca. A variety of seafood and vegetable specialties are also available. Hanoi is also a shopper's paradise, with its teeming Old Quarter, boasting of vibrant, traditional narrow streets filled with market places and shops selling jade carvings, Russian Vodka, porcelain, and wickerwork.
With these gamuts of attractions, Hanoi draws holidaymakers from different parts of the world year-round. Hence, the city has accommodation choices to suit every taste and pocket. Dining choices available here are enticing, and one can savor refined French cuisine with the latest in fusion dishes from around the world.
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