Breathing Air

In some cases, it is impossible to vent away noxious gases or drain enough water from a work area. However, these locations still need to have work performed within them. In those cases, the workers must use supplied breathing air to get the job done.

As with regular diving, there are specific procedures and protocols to follow when using canisters of breathing air. These ensure that the air doesn't run out before the user leaves the hazardous area, prevent pressure-related health problems, and prevent issues such as backflow of exhaled air. Proper training also prevents physical problems such as banging the air canister against hard objects or breaking the breathing apparatus.

At work sites, the cans of air are often kept in a designated air trailer. This ensures that everyone knows where to get it. It also protects the canisters from weather, theft, and other dangers. The air trailer often carries other PPE (personal protective equipment) as well, such as suits and breathing masks. By keeping everything in one easy-to-find spot, you encourage your employees to use all of the equipment they need to do their jobs safely.

Companies like Western Allegiance Safety in Canada go beyond simply providing the trailers and PPE. They can also help keep your operations running efficiently by helping with the donning and doffing of the equipment. This can speed things up by a large degree since air equipment is often heavy and unwieldy. Having a helper there lets each person get fully dressed much faster than they could on their own.

If your operations involve sending people into areas without breathable air, be sure to bring in an air trailer with breathing air and PPE before work is to begin. Then, you won't encounter any unnecessary delays.