Employees working in tanks and similar storage areas must be equipped with what kind of equipment?

In environments where employees are working in tanks and similar storage areas, the use of personal fall-arrest equipment is essential due to the potential risks associated with falling from heights or into confined spaces. These areas often require workers to perform tasks at elevations or in places where they could lose their footing, thus a fall-arrest system helps ensure their safety by preventing falls and providing a means to safely work at height.

While personal safety gear, fire-fighting equipment, and respiratory protection are all important in various workplace settings, they do not specifically address the fall hazards inherent in working in tanks or similar structures. Personal safety gear might include items like gloves and helmets, fire-fighting equipment is crucial in the event of a fire, and respiratory protection is necessary in environments with airborne contaminants. However, the primary concern in the context of working at heights or in confined spaces like tanks is the risk of falling, which is why personal fall-arrest equipment is the most critical requirement in this scenario.