Confined Space Hazards

I. Training Materials

  1. Confined Space Entry & Rescue Training Manual (1 for each trainee)
  2. Entry Equipment
  3. Ventilation Equipment
  4. Monitoring Equipment

Ii. Introduction

    1. Purpose
    2. Objective

 

III. Definition of Confined Spaces

    1. Confined Spaces
      1. Is large enough or so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform work.
      2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (i.e. tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry).
      3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
    2. Permit Required Confined Spaces
      1. Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.
      2. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant.
      3. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly covering walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section.
      4. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

IV. Typical Hazards in Confined Spaces

A. Atmospheric Hazards

1. Oxygen Deficiency

2. Combustible

3. Flammable

4. Explosive

5. Toxic Gases / Vapors / Dust / Mists

B. Physical Hazards in confined spaces
      1. Unguarded Machine Parts
      2. Thermal Hazards
      3. Exposed Electrical Circuits
      4. Slip/Fall Hazards
      5. Engulfment
      6. Entrapment
      7. Hazardous Chemicals
      8. Biological Agents
      9. Noise
      10. Vibration

C. Other Possible Hazards in Confined Spaces

1. Rodents / Snakes / Spiders

2. Poor Lighting

3. Wind

4. Weather

VI. Controlling Hazards of Confined Spaces

    1. Lockout – Tagout
    2. Disconnecting Pipes
    3. Ventilation
    4. Cooling
    5. Dumping
    6. Rinsing - Flushing
    7. Fall Arrest Gear
    8. Air Sampling

VII. Confined Space Permit Program - review form procedure

VIII. Ventilation Requirements

    1. Purge if necessary
    2. 20 air changes per hour

IX. Atmospheric Monitoring

X. Acceptable Entry Conditions

    1. Company Confined Space Entry permit posted
    2. Oxygen 19.5 – 23.5%
    3. Lower Explosive Level0%
    4. Toxic fumes/vapors less than PEL
    5. No engulfing material in space
    6. No hazardous chemicals or material
    7. Drained - Flushed
    8. Rescue Team Available on Site
    9. Attendant is present and equipment in place
    10. Space Temperature <100 degrees F.
    11. LOTO Electrical components in space
    12. LOTO Mechanical Components in space
    13. LOTO All pipes to and from space
    14. Ventilation Established & Maintained
    15. Additional conditions required on permit
    16. Additional conditions required by Entry Supervisor

XI. Duties

    1. Entry Supervisor
    2. Attendant
    3. Entrant
    4. Rescue Team

XII. Entry & Rescue Equipment

    1. Air Monitor
    2. Fall Arrest System
    3. Ventilation Equipment
    4. Lighting Systems
    5. Communication Equipment
    6. Body Harnesses & Life Lines
    7. Working (man) Winch

XIII. Entry Procedures

    1. Conduct Pre-Entry Briefing
    2. Assemble and check equipment
    3. Establish Acceptable Entry Conditions
    4. Conduct initial air
    5. Execute & Complete Entry Permit
    6. Station Entry Attendant
    7. Establish Monitoring of Atmosphere
    8. Establish Communication
    9. Execute Hot Work Permit if applicable
    10. Post Confined Space Entry Permit
    11. Enter Space
    12. Post–entry debrief if problems were encountered
XIV.  Rescue Procedures
  1. Rescue team required at access during entry to IDLH environments
  2. Rescue Team must be trained on specific type confined spaces
  3. Self Rescue
  4. Non-entry Rescue
XV.  Equipment & Usage (Hands on Training)