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Embracing The Prep School Year

It is not unusual to be worried when your child heads off to school for their first year in Prep. I'm an older mum with only one child, so every experience my daughter has is a new experience for me too. She starts Prep this year, and I am both nervous and excited for her. I want to use this blog to help other mums whose children are either beginning Prep this year or in the coming years ahead. I will share tips for first day nerves, getting into the grove of schooling, and how to tackle relations with other children of this age group. It is going to be an exciting year of growth for us both.

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Embracing the Prep School Year

Roles of Attendants During Confined Space Work

by Marcia Wagner

People who are undergoing confined space training are told to always have an attendant (someone that stays outside the confined space as those within that space work) each time they have some work to do within a confined space, such as a silo or deep trench. That attendant takes care of the following.

Monitors Atmospheric Conditions

The attendant plays a vital role in ensuring that the atmospheric conditions don't change drastically to a level that will endanger those who are working within the confined space. For example, he or she will take air samples frequently for analysis so that those inside the confined space can be alerted in case hazardous gases, such as methane, accumulate to risky levels. This can save those workers from being harmed by the elevated gas levels.

Communicates With Entrants

The attendant also maintains frequent communication with those who are inside the confined space (the entrants). This regular communication helps to confirm that those in the confined space are safe. The attendant can quickly know when something is wrong with the entrants if they don't respond when contacted. The attendant can them summon help for the distressed entrants.

Controls Access

Confined spaces are usually restricted areas. The attendant stays outside to make sure that no one tries to access the confined space while the entrants are at work. Unauthorised access can endanger those who are working within the confined space. For example, the unauthorised person may damage the electrical lines providing lighting within the confined space. This can cause the people inside to be injured by the power tools that they were using when the lights went out. Attendants help prevent such eventualities.

Assesses Hazards

The attendant also continually scans the environment of the confined space for any potential hazards as the entrants are working. For example, they can prevent people from coming too close to the confined space since the ventilation can be affected by the obstructions created by those crowding around the entrance. The attendant can even call off the work if the risks identified cannot be controlled.

However, other important things have to be in place, such as an emergency response plan, if you are to work safely in a confined space. It is, therefore, necessary to undergo comprehensive confined space training so that you can be equipped with all the skills and knowledge that will enable you to avoid accidents while you work in such spaces.

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