ASSURANCE Hazards of Confined Spaces

ASSURANCE You Can’t Afford to Make a Mistake Every year people die in confined spaces. It doesn’t have to happen. Identify hazards. Establish safe entry procedures.

ASSURANCE What is a confined space? Limited or restricted means of entry or exit. Unfavorable natural ventilation. Not designed for continuous human occupancy.

ASSURANCE Reasons for Entering a Confined Space Perform a necessary function. New construction. Unauthorized entry. Emergency Rescue.

ASSURANCE What are the hazards? Flammable atmospheres. Toxic atmospheres. Irritant (Corrosive) atmospheres. Asphyxiating atmospheres. General safety hazards. Physical hazards.

ASSURANCE Flammable Atmospheres A concentration of a chemical in excess of 10 percent of its lower explosive limit, flammable, or combustible limit is considered hazardous.

ASSURANCE Toxic Atmospheres Any chemical exposure in excess of its exposure limit is considered hazardous.

ASSURANCE Irritant (Corrosive) Atmospheres Primary irritants exert no systemic toxic effects (effects the entire body). Secondary irritant is one that may produce systemic toxic effects in addition to surface irritation.

ASSURANCE Asphyxiating Atmospheres

ASSURANCE Asphyxiating Atmospheres The normal atmosphere is composed approximately of 20.9% oxygen, 78.1% nitrogen, and 1% argon with small amounts of various other gases. Reduction of oxygen in a confined space may be the result of either consumption or displacement.

ASSURANCE General Safety Hazards Mechanical Communication Entry and exit

ASSURANCE Physical Hazards Thermal effects Noise Vibration General Physical

ASSURANCE How can confined space hazards by controlled? Identify all confined spaces. Identify existing and potential hazard(s) of each confined space. Develop and implement a written Confined Space Entry Program. Audit your program.

ASSURANCE A written Confined Space Entry Program A permit form. A method for preventing unauthorized entry. Identification and evaluation of hazards. Specs for acceptable entry. Isolation of space (LOTO).

ASSURANCE Confined Space Entry Program…. Elimination or control of atmospheric hazards. Protection against external hazards. Keeping conditions in the space acceptable throughout the entry. Rescue procedures. Employee training.

ASSURANCE Confined Space Entry Program…. Necessary equipment for entry. Atmospheric testing of the space. Designation of and duties of: entrants, attendants, entry supervisor, and atmospheric testers. Coordination of entries involving more than one employer.

ASSURANCE Confined Space Entry Program…. Informing contractors of the presence of confined spaces, their hazards, and your program for controlling the hazards.

ASSURANCE Duties of the Entrant Know hazards. Know equipment. Maintain communication with attendant. Alert attendant of changes. Exit!

ASSURANCE Duties of Attendant Know hazards, behavioral effects. Maintain counts and remain outside. Communicate and evacuate if necessary. Monitor inside and out. Summon rescue/perform non-entry rescue.

ASSURANCE Duties of Entry Supervisor Know the hazards. Verify entry permit is complete and conditions acceptable (before sign off). Terminate work if not acceptable. Verify rescue services. Monitor area.

ASSURANCE The Permit Form Written checklist of space and hazards. Completed by entry supervisor. Posted. Record of entry, should be kept for at least one year.

ASSURANCE Rescue Plan Determine methods of rescue for all identified spaces and establish written procedures. If outside agency - provide information and provide access.

ASSURANCE Training Train all employees on hazard awareness. Additional training for employees responsible for supervising, planning, entering, or participating in rescue operations. Document and offer annual refresher.

ASSURANCE Training Content Explanation of hazards (specific and general). PPE and safety equipment. Explanation of permit system and other requirements of entry. Emergency response procedures. Team responsibilities.

ASSURANCE Training Content Air contaminants & symptoms of overexposure. Operation of testing & communication equipment. Rescue drills and equipment. Evaluation of training.

ASSURANCE Atmospheric testing Before entry. Periodically or continuously as long as occupied. Retest after vacated. Record results on permit.

ASSURANCE Atmospheric testing order Oxygen Flammability Toxicity

ASSURANCE TO DO LIST Identify Confined Spaces Evaluate Space Hazards Inform Employees Develop Written Program Design a Permit Form

ASSURANCE TO DO LIST Purchase Equipment Plan for Rescue Provide Training Inform Contractors of Confined Spaces and Requirements for Entry