HCS 3000

 A confined space is a place that is hard to get in and out of. It also is a place that is not in regular or normal use.  Examples Tanks Process Vessels Septic tanks & sewers Trenches Granaries

 A confined space may be hazardous due to: Design Construction Location Lack of clean air  If a worker is injured, limited access makes escape or rescue harder

 Corrosive – the eating or wearing down of a surface  Excavation – A hole or hollow made by digging  Process Vessel – A container that is used to treat and prepare chemicals  Safe Work Procedure/Code of Practice – A written plan for doing a task safely

 Workers in confined spaces: Need safety training May need special equipment May require a Code of Practice to be developed  Recognizing confined spaces An open pit is a confined space. A full granary is also a confined space. Most have:  A small opening for entry/exit  Hazardous air conditions  A risk of burying or trapping workers

 Hazards may include: Lack of oxygen, making it hard to breathe Flammable gas vapors and liquids that could cause fire/explosion Toxic vapors – causing fainting/death Very hot or cold temperatures Electrical hazards Equipment that moves or rotates Chemicals Uncontrolled movement of liquids or solids (trenches, cave-ins, etc.) Items that block movement (pipes, walls, etc.) Limited vision (smoke, fog, mists, darkness, etc.)

 Testing the air for gases and oxygen level is very important. The person doing the testing must: Be qualified Know about confined space hazards Know how to test for confined space hazards  Excavations, trenches, tunnels, and underground shafts must be tested to see if they are safe from cave-ins.

 The Occupational Health & safety (OH&S) Act contains laws about how employers and workers must deal with confined spaces. Employer is responsible for safety of workers Each worker must be trained and be aware of the hazards Each worker must carry out the work without risk to other workers The worker must cooperate with the employer by following safe work procedures A safe work procedure (Code of Practice) must be developed by the employer for each confined space