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!