a) Based on the scenario only, explain why the walk-in spray room could be considered a confined
Question:
a) Based on the scenario only, explain why the walk-in spray room could be considered a confined space in its current condition.
Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant information from the scenario
This workshop has two main painting areas. The smaller models, figures and scenery pieces are spray and brush-painted in spray cabinets. Each cabinet sits on a work bench and is partially enclosed, leaving only a narrow, fixed opening at the front to allow workers to pass their hands through. Each spray cabinet is equipped with a fixed halogen lamp and a filtered extraction system exhaust outside. Each cabinet also contains handheld equipment, such as electrical curing heaters, electrical fans to assist drying, and other model making equipment.
There is also a walk-in enclosed spray room for painting and spraying larger items. This area also has its own filtered extraction system, that was last serviced at least three years ago. The floor covering within the room is worn and loose in places. During the summer months the workers have to take extra drink breaks, to stay hydrated. The spray rooms are cleaned once every two weeks using a solvent solution. Any remaining residue is then scraped off using a metal scraper.
Some of the paints used are water-based but many are solvent-based, most of which are labelled as ‘flammable’ and ‘toxic’. There are two, old metal cupboards used to store paint cans and cleaning solvents, each holding 100 litres. Each cupboard contains a small light that is wired into the mains electricity supply, and switches on when the door is opened. Both light fittings are brittle and cracked or broken in places. Much larger quantities of paints and cleaning solvents are in the workshop storeroom.
There are many partially-used spray cans scattered around the paint workshop and spray room. Almost every surface seems to be covered in spots of paint from the spraying process.
Recently, while painting in the spray room, a worker complained of feeling ill. They struggled to open the door to get out, and just after raising the alarm, they almost fainted. This door had been reported as being difficult to open on several previous occasions.
Intermediate Financial Management
ISBN: 978-1111530266
11th edition
Authors: Eugene F. Brigham, Phillip R. Daves