Confined Spaces in Construction Identification Training

Identify confined spaces. Objectives Introduction Identify confined spaces. Identify permit-required confined spaces (PRCS). Recognize the differences between confined spaces and PRCS. Identify hazards associated with confined spaces. Identify the classifications of confined spaces.

Confined Spaces Introduction Evaluate a space based on definitions, not on whether you enter the space.

Confined Space Evaluation Before it begins work at a worksite, each employer must ensure that a competent person identifies all confined spaces in which one or more of the employers it directs may work, and identifies each space that is a permit space.

Confined Space Evaluation A competent person shall perform the following steps when evaluating potential confined spaces; anticipate all attics and crawl spaces will meet the definition of a confined space. The following equipment will be necessary to properly evaluate a potential confined space: 4-gas meter with extra tubing and flashlight Prior to entry into the space, perform remote atmospheric testing utilizing a 4-gas meter to test for, at a minimum, the following: oxygen, flammability, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide.

Confined Space Evaluation If the atmospheric testing results are negative for a dangerous atmosphere, proceed with the remainder of the confined space evaluation. Following the negative results from the atmospheric testing, it is safe to partially enter the confined space to complete the evaluation. Do not fully enter the space until it is determined that no hazards exist. With the upper half of your body in the space, proceed to evaluate the space. If it is safe to do so, fully enter the space to continue the evaluation without exposing yourself to potential hazards, including but not limited to falls, electrical hazards, and/or mechanical hazards.

Confined Space Evaluation During the space evaluation, take note of the potential hazards located in the space. Examples of hazards that may be found in a confined space that could cause it to be classified as a permit-required confined space (PRCS) are included in the following document: Identifying Permit-Required Confined Space Hazards All identified hazards will be annotated on the Entry Permit if it is determined to be a PRCS

Confined Space Evaluation The identified hazards may be able to be mitigated in order to reclassify the space as something other than a Permit-Required Confined Space. Mitigation strategies can be found in the following document: Strategies for Mitigating or Isolating Confined Space Hazards in Construction.

Confined Space Characteristics Large enough to enter Limited means for entry and exit Not designed for continuous occupancy

Confined Space Characteristics Large Enough to Enter A space is large enough to enter if an entrant is able to fit their ENTIRE body in the space. Average person. There must be a means of entry.

Confined Space Characteristics Limited Means for Entry and Exit A space has limited or restricted means of entry or exit if an entrant's ability to escape in an emergency would be hindered. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, trip hazards, poor illumination, slippery floors, inclining surfaces, and ladders.

Confined Space Characteristics Limited Means for Entry and Exit The dimensions of a door and its location are factors in determining whether an entrant can easily escape; however, the presence of a door does not in and of itself mean that the space is not a confined space. For example, a space such as a crawl space that has a door leading into it, but also has pipes, conduits, ducts, or equipment or materials that an employee would be required to crawl over or under or squeeze around in order to escape, has limited or restricted means of exit.

Confined Space Characteristics Limited Means for Entry and Exit An attic with an access door and swing down stairs will also be considered to have restricted means of entry or exit if an employee has to crawl to gain access to his or her intended work location. Similarly, an attic with a small access door or portal which is too small to allow an employee to walk upright and unimpeded through it will be considered to restrict an employee's ability to escape.

Confined Space Characteristics Not Designed for Continuous Occupancy Most confined spaces are not designed to enter and work on a regular basis. Not a workstation. May be designed to: Store a product. Enclose materials or processes. Transport products or substances. Allow for occasional worker entry for inspection, repair, cleanup, maintenance, etc.

Confined Space Characteristics Dangerous Combinations of Two or More Characteristics Presence of two or more of the confined space characteristics could complicate the situation, such as: Working in and around the space. Rescue operations during emergencies. Worsened conditions due to work activities, including but not limited to: Welding and cutting Installation of certain building materials Use of gas-powered equipment

Permit-Required Confined Space How does a confined space become a permit-required confined space?

Permit-Required Confined Spaces A permit-required confined space is any confined space with a serious safety or health hazard

Permit-Required Confined Spaces A permit-required confined space is a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which sloped downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

Permit-Required Confined Spaces You must analyze for hazards. Does the confined space contain any of the following: Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) Capable of causing death Capable of causing incapacitation Conditions that may create an impediment to self-rescue

Permit-Required Confined Spaces Some specific serious safety or health hazards include: Oxygen deficient (<19.5%) or oxygen enriched (>23.5%) atmospheres Flammable atmospheres (>10% of the lower explosive limit) Toxic atmospheres (greater than the established permissible exposure limit) Temperature extremes (hot or cold) Engulfment hazards Physical hazards

Permit-Required Confined Spaces Other serious hazards include: Exposed, live electrical wiring Unguarded mechanical hazards Animals or insects Slippery surfaces Noise Vibration Potential fall hazards Poor visibility Other hazards

Classification of Spaces Once you’ve identified the confined space, it must be classified based on its hazards.

Classification of Spaces There are four classifications of confined spaces: Non Permit-Required Confined Space There are no hazards in the space. Alternate Procedure The only hazards present are atmospheric in nature and can be controlled through additional ventilation. Reclassification to a non-permit space The hazards can be eliminated creating a temporary non- permit space. Full permit entry The hazards cannot be eliminated or controlled.

Conclusion IDENTIFY based on the space meeting all three parts of the confined space definition. CLASSIFY based on the hazards present and potentially present in the space. ENTER based on your ability to eliminate and/or control the hazards, preferably from outside the space, which defines your reclassification options.