Slide 1 : Confined Space Entry
What is a Confined Space? : What is a Confined Space? Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work.
-Has limited means or restricted means of entry or exit.
-Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
-Examples of confined spaces…
--Vaults
--Tanks
--Pits
--Ducts
--Sewers
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry Definitions:
The entrant is the person who enters a confined space.
The attendant is the person who stays with the entrant
outside the confined space, and is responsible for assisting
the entrant in exiting the confined space, and calling for
emergency assistance when required.
The safety representative is the qualified person who
evaluates the hazards, prescribes required equipment
and precautions and issues the Confined Space Entry Permit.
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards Both animal and plant life
require oxygen to live. One of the
primary hazards of entering
confined spaces is oxygen
deficiency. When oxygen is present in
concentrations less than 19.5%
the atmosphere is said to be
oxygen deficient. O2 O2
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards Oxygen can also be present
in concentrations that are
too high.
Oxygen in concentrations
greater than 23% is too
oxygen rich and can cause
combustible materials to
ignite very quickly.
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards Oxygen deficiency can be caused by several
processes:
Consumption: oxygen is used up by the person who is in the
confined space and turned into carbon
dioxide.
Displacement: denser materials push the oxygen out of
the occupied space.
Reaction: oxygen is reacted with other materials
to make other compounds.
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards CO2 O2 Given a fixed amount of oxygen
as you would have in a confined
space, respiration of oxygen
causes carbon dioxide to
increase. When oxygen
decreases to less than 19.5%.
the atmosphere is said to be oxygen
deficient, putting occupants of
the confined space at risk of
losing consciousness and death.
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards Processes which operate by the
principle of combustion use up
oxygen much faster than the
human respiration.
Products of combustion vary
with the fuel that is present and
the temperature of the combustion
reaction. Welding, burning natural
gas, propane, gasoline, and diesel
engines are examples of combustion
processes. CO2 H20 NOx CO O2 fuel
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards LEL – Lower Explosive Level is set at less than 10% for a safe working
environment. Levels higher than this require ventilation and retesting before entry into the space.
The chemical most commonly tested for is Methane, which is a hydrocarbon, found in most petroleum and decomposing organic materials. CH4 Methane
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards Manholes often remain
covered for long periods
of time. Naturally
occurring toxins, such
as hydrogen sulfide
can accumulate inside of
manholes. H2S Manholes may also
accumulate highly
flammable gasses
such as methane
and ethane. Unlike
the gas we receive at
home, we cannot detect
some of these gases with
our sense of smell. CH4
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards Toxic and flammable
materials are sometimes
illegally put into sanitary
and storm sewers.
Leaking tanks or spills
may migrate under
ground causing seepage
into manholes. ?? ?? ?? ?? Material can leach
through soil from
many miles
away. ??
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards Trenches, ravines and other
excavations may also
be considered confined
spaces, if there is a
potential for accumulation
of toxic gases, engulfment
and/or the depletion of
oxygen. ?
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry The entry of a confined space begins with a
Confined Space Entry Permit. Confined Space Entry Permit
Location and Description of Confined Space:
Reason for Entry:
Permit Issued to (Name of Company/Organization): The permit system requires
that a qualified safety
representative visit the
work location and evaluate
the conditions under which
entry will be made.
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry Each process hazard to which
the entrant may be exposed,
adjacent operations or processes,
and scheduled activity
are reviewed. For each hazard
identified, countermeasures
are detailed on the Confined
Space Entry Permit.
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry The safety representative
tests the space for hazardous concentrations of known harmful substances, such as hydrogen sulfide,
carbon monoxide, and flammable liquid or gas.
The concentration
of oxygen is measured
at the same time.
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards
Confined Space Entry - Hazards : Confined Space Entry - Hazards Should the concentration
of contaminants remain
at harmful levels,
respirators may have to
be worn to assure a safe
air supply. ?? ?? ?? Fresh Air O2 O2 O2 O2
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry Means of emergency rescue
must be readily available
to the confined space
entry attendant for
emergency
extrication of
entrants.
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry A means must be provided
for both safe normal entry
or exit , and emergency
extrication. Tripods with hoist,
lifeline, and full body harness
are often used for emergency
extrication. Ladders may be
used for ordinary entry and
exit.
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry Barriers to prevent passers-by
and the curious from falling
into the opening must be put
in place.
Holes and openings must be
closed or guarded when not
attended.
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry Place warning signs where
pedestrians can see them.
Signs must state the hazard
and the required action. CAUTION
Opening in Ground
Keep Out !
Confined Space Entry : o
Danger
Do not use! Confined Space Entry Confined Space Entry Permit
Requirements
Ground Fault Interruption yes no
Lockout of Hazardous
Energy Sources yes no Required countermeasures also
include prevention of electrical
shock hazards due to loss of
earth ground for portable tools.
GFCI’s are required for portable
electric tooling.
There may also be a need to
lockout and tag equipment both
in the confined space and on
adjacent equipment and processes.
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry H2S HCN Entrants must leave the
confined space when the
monitor alarm is activated.
It is the attendant’s
responsibility to see that
the entrant leaves the
space during an alarm. CH4 CO CO2 O2 Entrants must constantly monitor
the confined space for toxic gases,
oxygen, and combustible gases.
Entrants will be issued a personal
monitor to wear
for this
purpose.
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry Should conditions develop
which require extrication,
and the entrant cannot
get out of the confined
space on their own,
the attendant must
call for emergency
assistance at once!
Confined Space Entry : Confined Space Entry The attendant should
attempt to remove the
entrant from the confined
space using tripods, hoist, and
lifelines. Attendants are NOT
TO ENTER CONFINED
SPACES. Lethal hazards may
be present within the confined
space. Only properly equipped
and trained emergency rescue
personnel may enter confined
spaces to make rescues.
Confined Space Entry - Summary : Confined Space Entry - Summary Confined space entry hazards can include:
- the presence of toxic substances
- insufficient oxygen, or too much oxygen
- engulfment
- presence of combustible gases and liquids
- process or equipment related hazards.
- conditions changing from nonhazardous
to hazardous.
Confined Space Entry - Summary : Confined Space Entry - Summary Confined Space Entry Permit
Location and description of confined space:
Reason for entry:
Permit issued to:
Supervisor’s Name:
Attendant’s name:
Permit issuer’s name:
% oxygen: % lower explosive limit: ppm CO: H2S:
Requirements
Emergency Rescuer yes no
Continuous Gas Monitor yes no
Barrier for ground openings yes no
Warning Signs yes no
Safety Harness with
life line yes no
Tripod / Hoist / Pulley yes no
Access (ladders/other) yes no
Eye protection yes no
Respiratory protection yes no
Continuous Ventilation yes no
Body Protection yes no
Hand Protection yes no
Foot Protection yes no
Weather Protection yes no
Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupters yes no
Lockout of Hazardous
Energy yes no Required countermeasures are
determined by a qualified safety
professional.
Once the required countermeasures
are in place, a permit is issued by
the safety representative and the
confined space may be safely
entered.
Should an emergency arise during
the entry, the attendant notifies
an emergency response team and
attempts to extricate the entrant.
Confined Space Entry -Summary : Confined Space Entry -Summary Confined spaces are required to be labeled. Some spaces
may have been overlooked. Contact your safety representative
when in doubt. It is up to you to obey signs and to follow
permit procedures before entry.
Where to Get Help? : Where to Get Help? The supervisor of a confined space entry should be contacted
for any equipment necessary to complete the task at hand.
Safety Representatives are responsible for answering questions
about the confined space entry permit, countermeasures,
sampling methods, and instrumentation.
References and Sources forMore Information : References and Sources forMore Information OSHA 29CFR 1910.146 Permit - Required Confined Spaces