This document defines a confined space and provides examples such as tanks, vaults, pipes, trenches, tunnels, and pits. It outlines hazards like oxygen deficiency, flammable or toxic atmospheres, and mechanical/electrical dangers. Proper procedures are described for testing the atmosphere, permitting entry, assigning roles to the entry supervisor, entrants, and attendant, and conducting rescue if needed. Personal protective equipment and communication are emphasized for safe confined space entry.
This document defines a confined space and provides examples such as tanks, vaults, pipes, trenches, tunnels, and pits. It outlines hazards like oxygen deficiency, flammable or toxic atmospheres, and mechanical/electrical dangers. Proper procedures are described for testing the atmosphere, permitting entry, assigning roles to the entry supervisor, entrants, and attendant, and conducting rescue if needed. Personal protective equipment and communication are emphasized for safe confined space entry.
This document defines a confined space and provides examples such as tanks, vaults, pipes, trenches, tunnels, and pits. It outlines hazards like oxygen deficiency, flammable or toxic atmospheres, and mechanical/electrical dangers. Proper procedures are described for testing the atmosphere, permitting entry, assigning roles to the entry supervisor, entrants, and attendant, and conducting rescue if needed. Personal protective equipment and communication are emphasized for safe confined space entry.
This document defines a confined space and provides examples such as tanks, vaults, pipes, trenches, tunnels, and pits. It outlines hazards like oxygen deficiency, flammable or toxic atmospheres, and mechanical/electrical dangers. Proper procedures are described for testing the atmosphere, permitting entry, assigning roles to the entry supervisor, entrants, and attendant, and conducting rescue if needed. Personal protective equipment and communication are emphasized for safe confined space entry.
• is big enough to work in. • has limited entry and exit. • is not designed for continuous worker occupation. • where there could be a lack of oxygen • where flammable or toxic vapours may be present.
Do not get into the confined space
unless all other options have been ruled out. Examples of Confined Spaces: • Tanks • Vaults • Manholes • Pipes • Boilers • Trenches (1.25m & more) • Furnaces • Tunnels • Sewers • Pits • Silos • Process Exchangers
3 Examples of Confined Spaces
PIPES; TANKS; VESSELS;
Hopper
always follow the company’s permit procedures,
even if you are going in for just a second. ANY entry and for ANY duration, so a “quick look” still requires all of the appropriate measures for confined space work
5 Hazards of Confined Spaces • Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres • Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres • Flammable Atmospheres • Toxic Atmospheres • Mechanical and Electrical Hazards • Temperature Extremes • Noise, Slick/Wet Surfaces, Falling Objects, rats and snakes.
6 How Air is Composed
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen 1% Other
Prepared by: Riad Lakhel
CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS Oxygen Level
23% Too much, oxygen enriched
Safe Zone - Minimum for safe entry 19.5% Impaired judgement & 16% breathing Faulty judgement, rapid 14% fatigue Difficult breathing, death in 6% minutes 8 CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS
SIGNS OF A PROBLEM
Lack of Oxygen:
• Shortness of breath • Disorientation •Weakness • Nausea and Vomiting Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres • Oxygen level above 23%. • Causes flammable and combustible materials to burn violently when ignited. • Hair, clothing, materials, etc. can easily catch fire. • Oil soaked clothing and materials. • Never use pure oxygen to ventilate. • Never store or place compressed GAS CYLINDERS in a confined space.
10 Flammable Atmospheres • Oxygen content in the air. • Presence of a flammable gas, or vapor • Presence of dust • Typical Ignition Sources: – Sparking or electric tool. – Welding / cutting operations. – Smoking
bacteria as it decomposes organic material. It may develop in low oxygen environments, such as, sewers, swamps and polluted water. Hydrogen Sulfide Gas is a toxic (poisonous) gas that can kill you the first time you breathe it! Target Organs
Nose Lungs Respiratory control center Liver Eyes 14 Physical characteristics
•Possibly no warning at high concentrations.
•Color – Clear/Transparent •Odor – Sweetish taste, unpleasant odor; described as rotten eggs. •Density – heavier than air PPM Effect Time 10 ppm Permissible Exposure Level 8 Hours 50–100 Mild Irritation - eyes, throat 1 Hour 200–300 Significant Irritation 1 Hour 500-700 Unconsciousness, Death 1/2 - 1 Hour >1000 Unconsciousness, Death Minutes
15 CONTROL TECHNIQUES Ventilation (OXYGEN DEFICIENCY)
Use mechanical ventilation
– Fans – Larger spaces require more ventilation Make sure air supply is not contaminated – Ventilation air supply must be from fresh air uncontaminated with flammables, toxins, etc.
16 CONTROL TECHNIQUES Inerting (FLAMMABLE GASES) The displacement of the atmosphere in a permit space by a noncombustible gas (such as nitrogen) to such an extent that the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible. NOTE: This procedure produces an IDLH oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Flushing (Pipework Purging by Water Flushing) Blowing through steam to purge debris, in a pipe for instance. Some confined spaces can contain mixing or crushing mechanisms or other hazards that can be turned on and injure a worker
Lockout/tagout is used on all hazardous items
Test the Atmosphere In this order: Check for Oxygen Content: At least 19.5% and less than 23% Check for Combustibles: 10% of the LLF max. Check for Toxic Gases: Most commonly: - carbon monoxide (PEL <35 ppm) - Hydrogen sulfide (PEL <10 ppm) or any other hazardous materials as determined by the use of the space.
19 Test the Atmosphere Don´t rely on your sense of smell; use a calibrated gas detector
20 Reading a gas detector
Check that the battery
atmospheric conditions may change is fully charged while you are in the confined space
periodically monitor the atmosphere within the confined space 21
Testing The Atmosphere • Verify presence of safe work atmosphere. • Test all areas of a confined space. – Top, Middle, Bottom • Methane is lighter than air. • Carbon Monoxide is the same as air. • Hydrogen Sulfide is heavier than air. • Oxygen Deficiency.
22 Temperature Extremes
Extreme Cold Extreme Heat
Prepared by: Riad Lakhel
Other Hazards • Noise • Amplified due to acoustics within the space. • Damaged hearing, affect communication. • Slick / Wet Surfaces • Slips and falls. • Increased chance of electric shock. • Falling Objects • Topside openings expose workers inside confined space to falling objects. • Presence of rodents, vipers, insects, scorpions.
24 Entry Teams • Confined Space Entry Persons – Entry Supervisor – Entrant – Attendant – Rescue Team (if necessary) Conduct a Toolbox Talk • Entire crew must attend – Entry supervisor, entrants, Attendants • Review hazards of entry and work • Review PPE • Review procedure for contacting rescue • Complete permit
26 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT •Area identified as Confined Space
• Scope of the work
• How long the work will take
•Names of all team members and
their duties Entry Crew (1/3)
ENTRY SUPERVISOR DUTIES (The worker responsible for
RESPONSIBILITIES OVERSEEING confined space entry operations, permit signing and safety conformance) Continued
Know the hazards associated with the space
Ensure all tests, procedures and equipment are used Verify that rescue services are available Remove unauthorized individuals attempting spaces Entry Crew (2/3) ENTRANT DUTIES (A worker authorized to enter a confined space)
Know the hazards associated with the space
RESPONSIBILITIES Follow the instructions on the permit Use required equipment properly Continually communicate with the attendant Alert the attendant when necessary Exit the space quickly when so required Leave any food, beverages, and cigarettes outside the space. All entrants shall sign the sign in log when entering the space and sign out when exiting. LIFELINES
• When the entrant must enter a confined space
through a manhole or other small opening, means shall be provided for quick removal in case of emergency. Entry Crew (3/3) ATTENDANT DUTIES (An observer stationed outside of a confined space)
Know the hazards associated with the space
RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain accountability of entrants through a log sheet Continued Remain on duty until properly relieved Communicate with the entrant as appropriate Monitor activities inside and outside the space Summon rescue assistance when needed Perform non-entry rescue HSE personnel should Check that:
PPE is properly worn
tools are inspected involved personnel is trained means of communication are in place warning signs are posted & barriers are erected No one to enter a confined space to rescue an unconscious person unless trained and wearing a breathing apparatus
Lone workers will not be allowed to enter confined spaces
If it is unsafe stop work
33 Equipment which may be needed Multi-gas monitors Body harnesses Extraction cables and lanyards Escape ladders Rescue tripod and winch system Ventilation equipment Hand tools First aid kits Intrinsically safe lighting Communications equipment Personal protective equipment Supplied Air / Air purifying respirators
Lanyard LIGHTING AND ELECTRICITY
Use 24 volt during situations where hydrocarbon, flammable,
and explosive atmospheres exists. When using portable electrical tools, be sure they are: Double-insulated Suspend all electric power cables so they do not create a trip hazard. Rescue Service Member Emergency rescue must be readily available to the confined space entry attendant for emergency extrication of entrants Rescue requires rescue training and practice drills. NEVER attempt a rescue you are not properly trained for. Rescuers Account for Over 60% of Confined Space Fatalities
36 37 When the Job is Done: • Remove all personnel, tools, and debris from the space. Sign off the log. • Close the space. Cancel the permit. If any thing has gone wrong, report it immediately.
38 SUMMARY
Entry only by:
1.Trained staff 2.Permit to work & watchman 3.Gas Testing 5.Ventilation system 4.Safe access and lighting 6.Rescue plan
