confined space safety

99
Confined Space Safety By - GSG

Upload: suresh-gopal

Post on 12-Feb-2017

1.477 views

Category:

Engineering


6 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Confined space safety

Confined Space Safety

By - GSG

Page 2: Confined space safety

Introduction Many workplaces contain spaces that are considered

to be "confined" because their configurations that

hinder the activities of employees who must enter to

work in or exit from them.

In many instances, employees who are bound to

work in confined spaces also face increased risk of

exposure to serious physical injury from hazards

such as entrapment, engulfment and hazardous

atmospheric conditions.

Page 3: Confined space safety

What is Confined Space ?

Is large enough for an employee to enter fully and

perform assigned work.

Is not designed for continuous occupancy by the worker.

Has a limited or restricted means of entry or exit.

Can represent a risk for the for the health and safety of

anyone who enters, due to one or more of the following

factors:

Its design, construction, location or atmosphere.

The materials or substances in it.

Work activities being carried out in it, or

the mechanical, process and safety hazards present.

Page 4: Confined space safety

Types of Confined Space

Confined spaces can be below or above

ground.

A confined space, despite its name, is not

necessarily small.

Confined spaces vary in size, shape and

location and there isn't a standard or typical

application.

A confined space safety system can usually be

divided into either a "vertical" entry type

system or a "horizontal" type.

Page 5: Confined space safety

Typical Confined Spaces

Boiler, Degreaser, Furnace

Pipeline, Pit, Pumping Station

Reaction or Process Vessel, Mills

Septic Tank, Sewage Digester

Silo, Storage Tank, Barges

Sewer, Utility Vault, Manhole

Trenches, Shafts, Caissons

Page 6: Confined space safety

Some Examples

Page 7: Confined space safety

Some Examples

Page 8: Confined space safety

Some Examples

Page 9: Confined space safety

Some Examples

Page 10: Confined space safety

Some Examples

Page 11: Confined space safety

Some Examples

Page 12: Confined space safety

Some Examples

Page 13: Confined space safety

Some Examples

Page 14: Confined space safety

Some Examples

Page 15: Confined space safety

Why Confined Space entry is required?

Entry into Confined Spaces may be necessary to

periodically perform the following functions:

Construction

Maintenance

Removal

Inspection

Cleaning

Repairing

Page 16: Confined space safety

Issues in Confined Space Entry into confined spaces can be very dangerous /

hazardous.

A worker is considered to have entered a confined space

just by putting his head across the plane of the opening.

If the confined space contains toxic gases, workers who

are simply near the opening may be at risk.

The concentration of toxic gases near the entrance to

the confined space can be high enough to cause death.

Unless proper training, tools & procedures are in place,

workers must not be allowed to enter such spaces.

Page 17: Confined space safety

Hazards associated with Confined Space Loss of consciousness or asphyxiation arising from

Toxic Atmosphere and Oxygen Deficiency.

Oxygen Enrichment

Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres

Flowing Liquid or Free Flowing Solids

Injuries arising from fire and explosion;

Electrocution

Falls from height.

Critters (Dangerous insects)

Psychological effect of person entering.

Other hazards due to fire injuries, excessive Heat,

Noise, Drowning arising from an increase in level of

liquid, Physical contact with moving parts; etc.

Page 18: Confined space safety

Hazards & Effects in Confined Space

Page 19: Confined space safety

Confined Space

Hazard Categories

Page 20: Confined space safety

Confined space hazard categories

Usually, confined space incidents are caused by

multiple factors.

There are two primary categories of hazards:

1. Atmospheric, or those that involve problems

with the air in the space (lack of oxygen, the

presence of other gases in the space, etc.)

2. Non-atmospheric, physical, or those hazards

that are caused either by equipment (rotors,

sparks, etc.) or by other dangerous conditions

(slippery surfaces, heat, etc.).

It is critical that you identify all the hazards in a space

and determine how they can impact the health and

safety of workers who enter this space.

Page 21: Confined space safety

Atmospheric

Hazard

Page 22: Confined space safety

What is Hazardous Atmosphere ?

A hazardous atmosphere is any atmosphere that

may pose a risk of death, physical disability to

self-rescue, or acute illness.

An atmosphere is hazardous when:

It has too much or too little oxygen; or,

It contains flammable, combustible or explosive

agents; or,

It contains contaminants (for example, fumes, dusts,

mists) that could pose an immediate threat to life or

interfere with a person's ability to escape unaided from

a confined space.

Page 23: Confined space safety

What is Hazardous Atmosphere ?

The atmosphere is considered to be dangerous if;

Flammable gas, vapor or mist above 1% of LEL

(Lower Explosive Limit ).

Oxygen less than 19.5% or above 23.5%.

Airborne combustible dust that meets LFL (Lower

Flammability Limit).

Atmospheric concentration of substance in excess

of PELs (Permissible Exposure Limit).

Any other condition that is considered IDLH

(Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health).

Page 24: Confined space safety

Monitoring Hazardous Atmosphere

Atmospheric monitoring is necessary whenever:

A safe atmosphere cannot be ensured.

An existing hazardous atmosphere cannot be

removed.

The confined space cannot be physically

isolated from the penetration of hazardous

materials.

There is reason to suspect the development of

a hazardous atmosphere during work activity.

Page 25: Confined space safety

OFT order of testing Confined Space Always test for atmospheric hazards in the

following order:

1) Oxygen is tested first because both oxygen-deficient and

oxygen-enriched atmospheres are extremely hazardous to

workers’ health and safety. (Oxygen levels should be

between 19.5% - 23.5%).

2) Flammable or explosive gases & vapors are tested because

the threat of fire and explosion is both more immediate and

more life-threatening. Flammability limits should be less

than 10% of the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL).

3) Toxic atmospheres are tested last. Readings should be less

than recognized standards of exposure limits .

Page 26: Confined space safety

Physical Hazard

in Confined Space

Page 27: Confined space safety

Physical Hazards

Hazardous atmospheres are not the only hazards

within confined spaces.

There are many actual and potential non-

atmospheric hazards within confined spaces like:

Mechanical & Electrical Hazards

Skin Contact Hazards

Limited Access Hazards

Slip and Trip Hazards

Fall Hazards

Page 28: Confined space safety

Classes of Confined Space

Class A

Class B

Class C

The classification of any confined space

shall be determined only by Trained and

Authorized persons.

Page 29: Confined space safety

Classes of Confined Space

Class ”A” :- IDLH atmosphere (Immediately

Dangerous to Life or Health). May contain oxygen

deficiency, explosive or flammable atmospheres, and

/or concentrations of toxic substances.

Class “B”:- Space has potential for causing injury

if proper safety steps are not followed.

Class “C” :- Space has potential hazards, but

would not require any special modification of the work

procedures.

Page 30: Confined space safety

Characteristics of Confined Space

The space must be substantially enclosed.

There must be a risk of at least one of the

hazards (mentioned earlier) occurring within

the space.

The risk of serious injury from the hazard

must be created by virtue of the enclosed

nature of the space.

The potential injury must be serious and be

such as to require emergency action to rescue

the person involved.

Page 31: Confined space safety

The key elements to be considered when

drawing up a safe system of work are:

Competence, training,

supervision and

suitability

Permit-to-work procedure

Gas purging and

ventilation

Dangerous residues

Testing and monitoring of

the atmosphere

Mechanical, electrical and

process isolation

Respiratory protective

equipment

Other personal

protective equipment

Safe use of work

equipment

Communications

Access and egress

Flammable or explosive

atmospheres

Combustible materials

Page 32: Confined space safety

Risk Assessment in a confined space

When carrying out a risk assessment it is important to

ensure that all risks associated with the hazards are

evaluated and controlled.

When carrying out a risk assessment the following

questions should be asked:

What could be inside the space that would pose a risk?

What will be created due to the work carried out in the

space?

What‘s outside the space that might pose a risk during

the proposed work?

Page 33: Confined space safety

Risk Assessment in a confined space

What could be inside

the confined space that

would pose a risk?

Contents?

Oxygen Deficiency?

Previous Contents?

Oxygen Enrichment?

Residues?

Structure and Layout?

Contamination?

What will be created due to

the work carried out in the

space?

Sources of Ignition?

Flammable Substances?

What‘s outside the space

that might pose a risk

during the proposed work?

Inadequate Isolation?

Inadvertent Operation

Of Plant?

Nearby Work Activities?

Page 34: Confined space safety

Exemptions from Confined Space

The regulations do not

generally apply to :

Any place below ground in mines (as

this is covered under the Mines and

Quarries Act )

To any under water diving operations

(Normally in sports category and

covered under Fire Regulations.

Page 35: Confined space safety

Control of Confined Space Hazards

It is important to follow the steps in the

hierarchy of control measures to manage the

identified risks:

Elimination

Substitution

Engineering Control

Administrative Control

Personal Protective Equipment

Page 36: Confined space safety

Types of Confined Space

Non-Permitted

&

Permitted

Page 37: Confined space safety

Non-Permitted Confined Space This does NOT contain physical, chemical or

atmospheric hazards capable of causing death or

serious physical harm.

However, Non-permit confined spaces should also be

monitored regularly to determine if conditions within

the space changes.

Examples of non-permit required confined spaces

might include the interiors of HVAC units, certain air

plenums and pipe chases, attics, walk-in freezers or

refrigerators, and some building crawl spaces.

Page 38: Confined space safety
Page 39: Confined space safety

Permit-Required Confined Space

By definition, a permit-required confined space

has one or more of these characteristics:

Contains or has the potential to contain a

hazardous atmosphere;

Contains a material with the potential to engulf

someone who enters the space;

Has an internal configuration that might cause an

entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated and/or

Contains any other recognized serious safety or

health hazards.

Page 40: Confined space safety

Example -Permit-Required Confined Space

Workplace. Sewer entry.

Potential hazards.

Presence of toxic gases. (=) or (>) 1

ppm hydrogen sulfide measured as

an 8-hour time-weighted average.

Presence of explosive/flammable

gases. (=) or (>) 1% of the lower

flammable limit (LFL).

Oxygen Deficiency. A concentration

of oxygen in the atmosphere equal

to or less than 19.5% by volume.

Page 41: Confined space safety

Procedures for

Permitted

Confined Space Entry

Page 42: Confined space safety

Procedures for Permit-Required Confined Space

1. Written Programs

2. Controlling Hazards

3. Equipment for safe entry

4. Detection of hazardous conditions

5. Informing Contract Employees

6. Entry Permits

7. Worker Training

8. Assigned Duties

9. Emergencies

Page 43: Confined space safety

1). Written Program

Page 44: Confined space safety

Written Programs (Plan)

The written program (plan) is an important

element of the Confined Space Program because it

helps to clarify what everyone is supposed to do

and how to do it (a recurring theme).

If everyone understands their duties and

responsibilities, and is able to perform in a

professional manner, the likelihood of serious

accidents will decrease significantly.

Any employer who allows employee for entry into

a permit space must develop and implement an

effective written program.

Page 45: Confined space safety

Elements in Written Program (Plan)

Identification of confined spaces

Evaluation of permit spaces and

hazards

Development & implementation

of safe entry operations

Providing and maintaining all

necessary PPE equipment

Evaluating permit space

conditions before & during entry

operations

Confined space entry team duties

(Entrant, attendant, supervisor)

Procedures for multiple spaces

Confined space entry and rescue

training.

Rescue & emergency

procedures

Entry permit procedures

(issue, use, cancel)

Measures implemented to

prevent unauthorized entry

Multi-employer entry

procedures

Procedures for concluding the

entry (closing off the space)

Review & evaluation of entry

operations during the year.

Annual permit space program

review using the historic

permits

Page 46: Confined space safety

2). Controlling Hazards

Page 47: Confined space safety

Controlling Hazards

The employer's written program should establish the

means, procedures and practices to eliminate or control

hazards necessary for safe permit space entry operations.

These may include:

Specifying acceptable entry conditions;

Isolating the permit space;

Providing barriers;

Verifying acceptable entry conditions; and

Purging, making inert, flushing or ventilating the

permit space.

Page 48: Confined space safety

3). Equipment for Safe Entry

Page 49: Confined space safety

Equipment for Safe Entry

In confined space entry and confined space rescue

situations, the safety equipment must operate

quickly and flawlessly.

In addition to personal protective equipment,

other equipment that employees may require for

safe entry into a permit space includes:

Testing, monitoring, ventilating,

communications and lighting equipment;

Barriers and shields;

Ladders; and

Retrieval devices.

Page 50: Confined space safety

Equipment for Safe Entry

Harness

First aid kit

Breathing apparatus

Life / rescue line

Basket stretcher

Oxygen resuscitation

equipment (Oxy-Viva)

Tripod / davit / anchor points

Roll-up stretcher

Lighting

Polycarbonate slide sheet

Rescue strop

Fire fighting equipment

Hazardous chemical suit

Satellite / mobile phone

Ventilation equipment

Crane

Gas detector

Defibrillator

Other rescue equipment

requirements:

Rescue equipment must be

available at the job location

prior to commencing the

work activity.

Page 51: Confined space safety

Safety Equipment for Confined Space

Page 52: Confined space safety

4). Detection of

hazardous conditions

Page 53: Confined space safety

Detection of hazardous conditions

If hazardous conditions are detected during entry,

employees must immediately leave the space.

The employer must evaluate the space to determine

the cause of the hazardous atmosphere and modify

the program as necessary.

When entry to permit spaces is prohibited, the

employer must take effective measures to prevent

unauthorized entry.

Non-permit confined spaces must be evaluated when

changes occur in their use or configuration & where

appropriate, must be reclassified as permit spaces.

A space with no potential to have atmospheric

hazards may be classified as a non-permit confined

space only when all hazards are eliminated in

accordance with the standard. If entry is required to

eliminate hazards and obtain data, the employer

must follow specific procedures in the standard.

Page 54: Confined space safety

5). Informing

Contract Employees

Page 55: Confined space safety

Informing Contract Employees

Employers must inform any contractors whom they

hire to enter permit spaces about:

The permit spaces and permit space entry requirements;

Any identified hazards & pertinent information regarding

hazards and operations in permit spaces ;

The employer's experience with the confined space, such

as knowledge of hazardous conditions;

Precautions or procedures to be followed when in or near

permit spaces.

When employees of multiple employers are conducting entry

operations, the employers must coordinate entry operations to

ensure that all the employees are protected from hazards.

Page 56: Confined space safety

6). Entry Permits

Page 57: Confined space safety

Entry Permits

An entry permit is a document prepared by the employer

and is designed to be used as a checklist to document the

completion of all steps necessary to prepare for safe entry

and work in a confined space.

A permit, signed by the entry supervisor, must be posted

at all entrances or otherwise made available to entrants

before they enter a permit space.

The permit must verify that pre-entry preparations

outlined in the standard have been completed.

The duration of entry permits must not exceed the time

required to complete an assignment.

Page 58: Confined space safety

Entry Permits must include: 1. The location of the

permit space to be entered.

2. Purpose of the entry. 3. The date and the

authorized duration of the entry permit.

4. The names of authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors.

5. The hazards of the permit space.

6. The measures used to eliminate, isolate, or control permit space hazards before entry.

7. The detailed report on tests conducted in the space with results.

8. The acceptable entry conditions.

9. Name, telephone numbers of rescue & emergency services.

10.Communication procedures and equipment to maintain contact during entry;

11.Additional permits, such as for hot work, that have been issued authorizing work in the permit space;

12.Special equipment and procedures, including personal protective equipment and alarm systems; and

13.Any other information needed to ensure employee safety.

Page 59: Confined space safety

Cancelled Entry Permits

The entry permit is valid once it has been signed by

the entry supervisor.

The entry supervisor must cancel entry permits

when an assignment is completed or when new

conditions exist.

New conditions must be noted on the cancelled

permit and used in revising the entry permit for

confined space program.

The standard requires that the employer keep all

cancelled entry permits for at least one year.

Page 60: Confined space safety
Page 61: Confined space safety
Page 62: Confined space safety

7).Worker Training

Page 63: Confined space safety

Worker Training

Before the initial work assignment begins, the employer

must provide proper training for all workers who are

required to work in permit spaces.

After the training, employers must ensure that the

employees have acquired the understanding, knowledge

and skills necessary to safely perform their duties.

After completion of training, the employer must keep a

record of employee training and make it available for

inspection by employees & statutory authorities.

The record must include the employee's name, the

trainer's signature or initials and dates of the training.

Page 64: Confined space safety

Worker Training (Contd..)

Additional training is required when:

The job duties change;

A change occurs in the permit space program or the

permit space operation presents any new hazard;

An employee's job performance shows deficiencies.

In addition to this training, rescue team members

also require training in CPR and first aid.

Employers must certify that this training has been

provided.

Page 65: Confined space safety

8).Assigned Duties

Page 66: Confined space safety

Assigned Duties

For any confined space entry, there must be :

Entry supervisor.

Authorized entrant.

Attendant.

All these employees/ workers should have been

properly trained and also have thorough knowledge of

the job/ duties assigned for them.

Page 67: Confined space safety

Assigned Duties – (Authorized Entrant)

Authorized entrants are required to:

Know about confined space hazards, Read and

observe the entry permit requirements .

Stay alert to the hazards that could be encountered

in a confined space.

Use the protective equipment required by the

permit system.

Maintain frequent communication with attendants

to enable them to monitor the entrant's status and

alert the entrant to evacuate when necessary;

Page 68: Confined space safety

Assigned Duties :Authorized Entrant (Contd)

Confined space entrants must immediately exit

the confined space when:

Ordered to do so by the attendant or authorized person.

When he recognizes the warning signs or symptoms of

exposure and perceive that they are in danger .

A prohibited condition exists;

Activation of Automatic alarms sound.

They notice physiological stresses or changes in themselves

or co-workers (e.g., dizziness, blurred vision, breath issues).

Alert the attendant when a prohibited condition or when

warning signs or any other symptoms of exposure exists.

Page 69: Confined space safety

Assigned Duties – (Attendant) (Contd)

The attendant is required to:

Be knowledgeable of, and be able to recognize potential confined

space hazards;

Monitor surrounding activities to ensure the safety of personnel;

Remain outside the permit space during entry operations unless

relieved by another authorized attendant;

Maintain communication with and keep an accurate account of

permit space entrants.

Summon the Rescue Team, if crew rescue becomes necessary;

Ensure that unauthorized people stay away from permit spaces

or exit immediately if they have entered the permit space;

Perform no other duties that interfere with the attendant's

primary duties.

Page 70: Confined space safety

Assigned Duties : Attendant– (Contd..)

The attendant is required to order Entrant to

evacuate the confined space if he/she:

Notices a prohibited condition exists.

Notices the entrants shows signs of physiological effects of

hazard exposure.

An emergency outside the confined space exists.

Notices within the confined space, a hazard which has not

been previously recognized or taken into consideration.

The attendant cannot effectively and safely perform

required duties.

Must focus attention on the rescue of personnel in some

other confined space that he/she is monitoring;

Page 71: Confined space safety

Assigned Duties – (Entry Supervisor)

The Entry Supervisors are required to:

Know space hazards including information on the mode of

exposure, signs or symptoms and consequences;

Verify emergency plans and specified entry conditions such as

permits, tests, procedures & equipment before allowing entry;

Terminate entry and cancel permits when entry operations are

completed or if a new condition exists;

Verify that rescue services are available and that the means for

summoning them are operable;

Take appropriate measures to remove unauthorized entrants;

Ensure that entry operations remain consistent with the entry

permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.

Page 72: Confined space safety

Additional

Responsibilities

Page 73: Confined space safety

Management Responsibilities

Management Responsibility should include:

Ensure that a list of confined spaces is maintained.

Ensure that canceled permits are reviewed for lessons

learned.

Ensure training of entry team members (authorized

entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors) and other

affected persons are conducted.

Ensure coordination with outside emergency

responders.

Ensure personal protective equipment is in compliance

with permit space safety standards.

Page 74: Confined space safety

Confined Space Rescue Team Responsibilities

The Rescue Team members should:

Complete a training drill using mannequins or personnel in

a simulation of the confined space prior to the issuance of

an entry permit for any confined space and at least

annually thereafter;

Respond immediately to rescue calls from the Attendant

or any other person recognizing a need for rescue from

the confined space;

In addition to emergency response training, receive the

same training as that required of the authorized entrants;

Have certification in first-aid and CPR.

Page 75: Confined space safety

9).Emergencies

Page 76: Confined space safety

Emergencies

A confined space emergency is any occurrence inside or

outside the space, including failure of hazard control or

monitoring equipment, that may endanger authorized

confined space entrants.

A person shall not enter a confined space unless there is

a suitable emergency arrangements have been made

which are appropriate to the confined space in question.

It is important to know that the period of time for

successful rescue is very limited. Otherwise, a rescue

attempt will become body retrieval.

Page 77: Confined space safety

Emergencies

The emergency arrangements shall include:

All practical measures necessary to ensure the health and

safety of those taking part in the rest.

The provision of a suitable and reliable means of raising the

alarm in the event of an emergency.

Having all necessary rescue equipment nearby and in a well

maintained, good condition.

The provision of information, instruction and training to all

involved in rescue procedures

A rescue drill in a confined space shall be held at least once in

a year.

Page 78: Confined space safety
Page 79: Confined space safety

Confined Space Rescue

Two-thirds of all confined space fatalities occur

among would-be rescuers.

Remember, even a well-planned rescue can end up

as a body retrieval.

Rescues can be performed by any employee or a

professional rescuer so long as he has been fully

trained and qualified to act as a rescuer.

Qualifications include knowledge and experience of

working with all hazards associated with rescue and

confined space entry operations.

Page 80: Confined space safety

The Rescue Plan

A barricade area for crowd control.

Additional ventilation options.

Control of other hazards (cave-ins, traffic, etc.).

Protective clothing and equipment.

Appropriate lighting equipment (explosion-proof).

Methods of communication.

A standby rescue team.

Victim removal procedures and devices.

Available emergency vehicles.

Medically trained personnel.

Page 81: Confined space safety

At a minimum, training must include:

Recognition of permit space hazards.

Control of permit space hazards.

Use of atmospheric monitoring equipment.

Use & maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment.

Use and maintenance of rescue equipment.

Annual practice of permit space rescues.

Proficiency in first aid training and Cardiopulmonary

Resuscitation (CPR).

Documentation of training.

Confined Space Rescue Training

Page 82: Confined space safety

Rescue strategies

Depending on the severity of the emergency,

different rescue strategies or methods can be used.

There are three types of emergency rescue

techniques:

1. Self-Rescue

2. Non-entry Rescue

3. Entry Rescue

On site Rescue

Off site Rescue

Page 83: Confined space safety

Rescue Techniques (Self Rescue)

When the emergency is minor, self-rescue is often

the best approach;

The self-rescue plan provides entrants with the best

chance of escaping a permit space when hazards

are present.

Whenever authorized entrants recognize their own

symptoms of exposure to a dangerous atmosphere,

or when a prohibited condition is detected, entrants

are still able to escape from the space unaided and

as quickly as possible.

Page 84: Confined space safety

Rescue Techniques (Self Rescue)

Self-rescue is vitally important because

the entrant is:

Conscious and alert.

Able to recognize his or her own signs and

symptoms.

Still physically able to evacuate space more rapidly

than waiting for someone else to rescue him or her.

Able to alert fellow workers of impending dangers.

Not endangering anyone else.

Page 85: Confined space safety

Rescue Techniques (Non-Entry)

Rescue that is conducted without entry into the

confined space.

when self-rescue is not possible, non-entry rescue

can be started right away and prevents additional

personnel from being exposed to unidentified and

uncontrolled confined space hazards.

Usually, equipment and other rescue aids are

employed to assist in removing endangered

entrants.

Page 86: Confined space safety

Entry rescue involves rescuers entering the space to

retrieve the entrant and provide the victim with

emergency assistance.

An entry rescue plan needs to be developed ahead

of time in the event of an emergency.

Rescue by entry can be classified into:

On Site Rescue

Off Site Rescue

Rescue Techniques (By Entry)

Page 87: Confined space safety

Because most rescue service providers are unable to

rescue within the four-minute time limit, most

employers develop their own rescue teams.

All the rescue team members should be trained to:

Properly use and maintain PPE and rescue

equipment.

Act as a rescuer in annual simulated emergencies.

Assume individual roles and take on any

emergency.

Rescue By Entry (ON - Site Rescue)

Page 88: Confined space safety

If the company do not have trained personnel for

emergency rescue, then they must hire a third-party

rescue service to conduct emergency rescues.

The window of opportunity for a rescue is very brief—only

four minutes—the response time for an off-site rescue

team may be considerably longer.

To make sure the confined rescue plan is effective,

organise local rescue/fire departments prior to the job.

Provide access to the space so that they can familiarize

themselves with the site, develop a rescue plan in

advance, and practice rescue operations.

Rescue By Entry (OFF - Site Rescue)

Page 89: Confined space safety

Re-evaluate the plan whenever:

Conditions change within the space.

Workers discover any new hazards.

There are changes in the rescue personnel and/or

personnel availability.

New equipment is purchased.

Routine proficiency training results are

unsatisfactory.

A rescue plan is found to be deficient (e.g., a failed

simulated rescue).

Re-evaluating rescue plans

Page 90: Confined space safety

Other tips on

Confined Space

Safety

Page 91: Confined space safety

Natural ventilation is usually not reliable and not

sufficient to maintain the air quality.

Mechanical ventilation (blowers, fans) is usually

necessary to maintain air quality.

Ease of air movement throughout the confined space

should be considered because of the danger of pockets of

toxic gases still remaining even with the use of

mechanical ventilation.

Do not substitute oxygen for fresh air. Increasing the

oxygen content will significantly increase the risk of fire

and explosion.

Maintaining Air Quality

Page 92: Confined space safety

Hot work should not normally be performed in a confined

space unless:

All flammable gases, liquids and vapors are removed

before the start of any hot work.

Surfaces coated with combustible material should be

cleaned or shielded to prevent ignition.

Where appropriate, use spark resistant tools, and make

sure all equipment is bonded or grounded.

If possible, avoid bringing fuel or fuel containers into

the confined space (e.g., gasoline, propane).

While doing the hot work, the concentrations of oxygen

and combustible materials must be monitored regularly.

How are fire and explosion prevented?

Page 93: Confined space safety

Prcautions for welding in Confined Space

Page 94: Confined space safety

All potentially hazardous

energy sources such as

electrical, mechanical,

hydraulic, pneumatic,

chemical, or thermal

must be de-energized

and locked out prior to

entry to the confined

space so that equipment

cannot be turned on

accidentally.

How are energy sources controlled?

Page 95: Confined space safety

Many other situations or hazards may be present

in a confined space. Be sure that all hazards are

controlled including:

Any liquids or free-flowing solids are removed from the confined

space to eliminate the risk of drowning or suffocation.

All pipes should be physically disconnected or isolation blanks

bolted in place. Closing valves is not sufficient.

A barrier is present to prevent any liquids or free-flowing solids

from entering the confined space.

The opening for entry into and exit from the confined space

must be large enough to allow the passage of a person using

protective equipment.

Other Safety Precautions

Page 96: Confined space safety

Do’s and Don’ts in Confined Space

Do…

Be aware of the risks

that may occur within a

confined space.

Make sure the person

doing the work is

capable and trained in

both the work and the

use of any emergency

equipment.

Don’t…

Work in confined spaces

unless it’s essential to do so.

Ignore the risks – just

because a confined space is

safe one day doesn’t mean it

will always be.

Let others enter a confined

space until you are sure it’s

safe to do so.

Page 97: Confined space safety

Conclusion

Page 98: Confined space safety

Many factors need to be evaluated when looking for

hazards in a confined space.

There is smaller margin for error. An error in

identifying or evaluating potential hazards can have

more serious consequences.

The conditions in a confined space are always

extremely hazardous and sometimes are life

threatening too.

This variability & unpredictability is why the hazard

assessment is extremely important and must be

taken very seriously every time.

To Conclude

Page 99: Confined space safety