Enclosed and Confined Spaces (ECS)

Overview Level One Level Two Level Three Awareness Level Training Entrant Level Training Level Three Supervisor Training

Overview Level One Training How to recognize confined spaces. What are the dangers of confined spaces.

How To Recognize an ECS What exactly is an enclosed or confined space (ECS) “Confined space” means a space that: Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work and; Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, hoppers) and; Is not designed for continuous human occupancy.

How To Recognize an ECS Instructor should explain typical characteristics of confined spaced using the following images. Pictured are a large silo, and three smaller bins/silos, the image on the right is the exit duct for a large hot gas generator.

How To Recognize an ECS Large fan housing and silo access door.

How To Recognize an ECS A raw material feeder and a hydraulic oil tank, the opening is in actuality large enough for a man to at least enter partially and believe it or not ..they have in the past!

The Dangers of Confined Spaces Spaces that; Contain or have the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. Contains 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 slopes downward and tapers to a narrower cross-section. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

Exercise You are a utility worker and have been assigned to remove sludge from this equipment;

Exercise

Exercise Answer the following; Is this a confined or enclosed space? What characteristics make it a confined or enclosed space? What are the recognizable hazards? Are there any potential hazards? Students should recognize this is an enclosed or confined space. It has a restricted means of entry and exit. It is not designed for human occupancy but is large enough to enter and perform work activities. The space contains a recognizable serious safety and health hazard in that the agitator could start (moving machinery) which must be de-energized and if necessary blocked against hazardous motion. Not as readily recognizable is that this tank must be equipped with fill and discharge lines that need to be isolated to prevent inundation by a liquid. Notice the small line attached to the bracket in the foreground, this is a steam supply line with a solenoid control valve which is controlled by a remote timer. This too must be de-energized and the line properly isolated to prevent the possibility of steam inadvertently being introduced into the tank. In this real case scenario the worker failed to recognize this element of the risks and it resulted in his death when the timer activated, opening the valve allowing steam to be injected into the tank while he was working.

Exercise Answer the following; What would you do to ensure you are safe while working in this equipment? Students should recognize the need to; Understand the operation of the equipment process. De-energize the agitator drive motor (LOTO) and if required block it against hazardous motion as well as steam lines and other devices, systems, or processes which could introduce materials into the work space. Determine if there is the potential for a hazardous atmosphere by checking with a gas meter at the top, middle and bottom layers of the tank for O2, LEL and toxic gases in that order. How to eliminate unacceptable conditions and maintain a safe working atmosphere using natural or forced ventilation. Having adequate rescue equipment in position and functioning (tripod, full body harness). An attendant present with the capability of summoning help if required.

The Facts Enclosed and confined spaces can be very dangerous. Not all hazards easily recognized. Untrained personnel should never enter these spaces. You have entered a space when any part of your body crosses the plane of the opening.

Stay Out And Stay Alive ECS Awareness Level Training