Workplace Safety 3220 Chapter Confined Space Entry

3.5 Confined Space Entry Students will learn what a confined space is in an occupational setting and the hazards associated with them. Students will also learn the procedures in place to ensure safe work in confined spaces.

What is a Confined Space? A confined Space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that: Is not designed or intended for human occupancy Has restricted means of access and egress Has poor ventilation May become hazardous due to ● Design, construction location or atmosphere ● Materials or chemicals in it

Examples of Confined Spaces Bins Boilers Tankers Pits Sewers Silos Attics Tunnels Pipes Trenches Ditches Mines Holds of ships Hoppers Furnaces Crawl spaces

Why enter a confined space? To perform maintenance work To conduct periodic cleaning of the space To check for blocked flow in lines leading to the space To complete electrical or plumbing hook-up To perform a rescue of other workers in the confined space

Confined Space Hazards Many serious and fatal injuries to workers occur each year due to confined spaces These accidents are often caused by lack of preparation in detecting and controlling hazards prior to entering the space

Confined Space Hazards Asphyxiation due to low oxygen levels Normal O 2 level is between 19.5% and 20.9% O 2 levels at 14-16% make the environment very dangerous.

Confined Space Hazards High oxygen levels There is an increased risk of fire in a confined space if the oxygen level is greater than 23.5% Oxygen is an oxidizing material, which means it can cause other materials to ignite

Confined Space Hazards Toxic Atmosphere Poisonous gas, vapors, fumes Determine what was originally in the confined space. Effects may show up immediately or take years to become apparent

Confined Space Hazards Flammability of explosive atmosphere Mechanical Hazards Equipment in a confined space suddenly starts Check on Lockouts

Confined Space Hazards Engulfment Worker is trapped or enveloped in the space Can be dry bulk or liquid Death from drowning or asphyxiation Caution required with toxic or corrosive materials

Confined Space Hazards Heat Surfaces of the space may be extremely hot, resulting in burns Animals Small animals such as rats, mice, insects, squirrels, raccoons, may be found in confined spaces.

Confined Space Hazards Hazardous entries and exits Risk of becoming stuck Radiation Ionizing radiation from radioactive sources Non-iodizing radiation from UV light given off by welding arc

Confined Space Hazards Extreme cold Chemical Burns Acids, bases, and other corrosives may be present in confined spaces Slips and falls Due to confined space being near a height, or a slippery surface in the space itself

Confined Space Hazards Electrocution Due to exposed energized conductors Due to electrical malfunction Follow lockout / tag out procedures

Confined Space Entry Requirements An employer will appoint a qualified person to verify that the concentration of any chemical hazard in not in excess of an appropriate value

Confined Space Entry Requirements Emergency Procedures will be established and followed in the event of an accident or other emergency in or near a confined space An alarm should indicate the presence of harmful chemicals in a confined space. ie, CO or CO 2 detectors

Confined Space Entry Requirements PPE must be provided for each person Full body harness Hard hats Two-way radios Lighting Air monitoring equip. etc.

Confined Space Entry Requirements The Employer will make sure that: There is a qualified attendant present at all times near the confined space There is two-way communication between the attendant and the worker in the confined space. There are 2 or more people in the immediate vicinity to assist in the event of an emergency

Confined Space Entry Requirements Employer must make sure that the worker wears a safety harness securely attached to a lifeline that is anchored outside and equipped with a mechanical lifting device

Confined Space Entry Safety gear Tripod Harness Lifting device controlled by a qualified person.

Confined Space Entry Requirements Hot work (welding, cutting or burning) must not be performed in a confined space containing flammable or explosive hazards or excess O 2 (>23.5%)

Confined Space Entry Requirements Ventilation equipment must have an alarm if the device fails It must be automatic and have audible and visible warnings

Confined Space Entry Permit The permit must be issued by a company before workers can be allowed to enter the confined space. One copy must be posted at the job site, and another is given to the supervisor Permits contain essential information about the potential hazards and what controls are in place

Confined Space Entry Permit

Information in the Permit Precautions to be taken before entering Characteristics of the space Purpose of the entry Date, time and duration of the entry Names of workers Names of the supervisor Names of the attendants supervising the entry

Information in the Permit Specific hazards associated with the space The acceptable entry conditions Results of tests performed (air quality, temperature, etc) Rescue services available Communication procedures in place (i.e., two-way radio) PPE to be used

Information in the Permit Any other information related to the particular space being entered Other permit required for the work being performed (i.e., hot work permit)

Testing for Hazards In many cases, testing for hazardous atmospheres is required Before Entry Test for toxic contaminants and the presence of an acceptable oxygen level During work Since the atmosphere could change, continue to monitor the air quality while work is being performed

Testing for Hazards After exiting the space Test again to make sure future entrants will not be in danger

Order for Testing 1. Oxygen (low or high levels) 2. Breathable atmosphere

Safety Precautions Lockout / Tag-out Double block and bleed Preventing hazardous fluids from spilling into the space using 2 line blocks and an open bleed valve

Safety Precautions Blanking or binding The process for closing a line of pipe with a solid cover or cap. Cap must be able to withstand full line pressure Draining, Flushing, and Cooling Confined spaces should be drained of their contents before entry. Hazardous residue should be flushed and rinsed Hot spaces must be allowed to cool.

General Safety Precautions Make sure there is adequate access Do an equipment check Test communications equipment Organize attendants and rescue teams

Confined Space Rescue A trained team must be in place to respond to any emergency This could consist of company personnel or an outside agency 60% of confined space fatalities are not the initial victim but a person who attempted a rescue.

Confined Space Rescue An effective confined space rescue plan should include the following: Team structure, membership criteria, and operating guidelines Proper training and equipment Schedule for regular practice drills and performance evaluations

External Rescue This is the safest form of confined space rescue because the rescuer does not enter the space The worker wears a full body harness attached to a lifeline and is rescued via a lifting device

Internal Rescue This is the most dangerous form of confined space rescue because the rescuer must enter the confined space This may be more difficult if there are: Multiple victims Entanglements Design of the space prevents simple removal Medical packaging of the victim is required