Confined Space Safety An overview of the hazards and regulatory requirements associated with confined space work.

Confined Spaces Have the Following Characteristics:  Limited means of entrance and exit  Not designed for continuous occupancy  Adequate size for employees to enter

Some examples of Confined Spaces  Manholes  Silos  Storage Tanks  Pipelines

Hazards of confined space work  Toxic atmospheres  Low oxygen  Fires and explosions  Chemical exposures

Permits  Entry into confined spaces requires a permit  The permit must contain specific information and be approved by the site supervisor

Basic Rules of Confined Space Safety  Never enter a confined space without the proper authorization  Test the atmosphere before entering  Assure good ventilation  Use proper PPE

If Confined Space Entry is Necessary  Make sure that the space is safe  Make sure that a proper permit has been prepared and signed  Prepare for the worst - have a rescue plan

Over 50% of workers killed in confined spaces are trying to rescue other workers!  Prepare in advance  Don’t enter the space unless you are trained and have the proper PPE

Remember  Always have an attendant on the outside of the space who is in visual or audible contact with the confined space worker  If communication is lost, the job is over!

Summary Points  Confined spaces are, by nature, hazardous workplaces.  Permits are required to assure that the confined space work is conducted safely.  A well planned confined space entry will always include a rescue plan.  50% of confined space deaths result from rescue attempts.