Development of Wisdom in Solving of Confined Spaces in Wells: A Case Study of Confined Space in the Wells in Thung Yai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

In this study, we aim to raise community’s knowledge about increasing oxygen levels in wells and to develop the working procedures in confined spaces in order to protect workers’ live. To archive the objectives, we collected data in 98 wells by giving questionnaires to well owners and using an oxygen detector (the Ventis MX4 multi-gas monitor). Moreover, we conducted the experiment about increasing oxygen levels in 3 wells and using focus group discussion among 13 stakeholders. Additionally, we used descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression to analyze the collected data.

The results of this study show that almost all sample wells have aged more than 20 years (85.0%), 57.0% of sample wells have already been dredged once, well dredging done by owners is 51.79%, while that done by workers is 48.21%, and 78.57% of sample wells have no procedure applied before dredging. In addition, approximately 1 in 3 wells (29.59%) has an oxygen level lower than the standard. Dropping the branch into wells is a useful method to increase the oxygen level in wells to a safe level (>19.5%) within 3.5–4 minutes. Therefore, it can be help preliminary workers while waiting for rescuers and increase the oxygen level in wells. To protect the workers’ lives, this method must be used along with using a rope tied to the worker so that people at the surface can pull the workers up if they faint. Finally, the procedure for working in confined spaces is focused on communication, preparation, and practicing emergency response plans and define procedures and community rules in order to avoid loss of life.