Overall Aims
• The hazards and risks associated with confined space entry
• Need for risk assessment
• Control measures required before entry into a confined space
Learning Outcomes
• Assess the risks of confined space entry
• Provide guidance to project personnel of the dangers in confined spaces
• Assess the requirements for emergency response
To familiarize personnel with the procedures and safe working practices associated with a Confined Space Entry.
How can you identify a Confined Space?
We can define a confined space as one that, by design, has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation that could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, and is not intended for continuous employee occupancy
The hazards associated with confined spaces can cause serious injury and death to workers. Two major factors lead to fatal injuries in confined spaces:
Ø Failure to recognize and control the hazards associated with confined spaces and
Ø Inadequate or incorrect emergency response. The emergency response is usually a spontaneous reaction to an emergency situation and can lead to multiple fatalities.
Confined Space:
A confined space is large enough and configured so an employee can enter and perform assigned task which has limited space or restricted means for getting in and out and is not designed for continuous occupancy.
It may also deficient in oxygen and may contain hazardous materials such flammable and toxic atmosphere.
The employee who remains outside the confined space and:
Ø Monitors the entrants.
Ø Guards the space against unauthorized entry.
Ø Warns the entrants of unusual conditions.
Ø Summons the rescue personnel if needed.
Entrant:
The employee who will physically enter the confined space and perform the work.
Confined Example:
Hazards of Confined Spaces:
1-Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres < 19.5 % (When oxygen (O²) is present in concentrations less than 19.5% the atmosphere is said to be oxygen deficient)
Effects of Low Oxygen:
ü 15-19% -- Physical work difficult
ü 12-14% -- Poor Coordination
ü 9-11% ---- Fainting & Nausea
ü 6-8% ----- Death in 8 minutes
If you feel any Symptoms Leave Area Immediately!
2-Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres > 23.5 %
ü Oxygen level above 23.5 %.
ü Causes flammable and combustible materials to burn violently when ignited.
ü Oxygen level above 23.5 %.
ü Causes flammable and combustible materials to burn violently when ignited.
ü Hair, clothing, materials, etc.
ü Oil soaked clothing and materials.
ü Never uses pure oxygen to ventilate.
ü Never store or place compressed oxygen tanks in a confined space.
3-Flammable Atmospheres
2 Critical Factors:
ü Oxygen content in the air.
ü Presence of a flammable gas
Typical Ignition Sources:
ü Sparking or electric tool.
ü Welding / cutting operations.
ü Smoking
4-Toxic Atmospheres
a-Hazards: Toxic Gas Mixtures
b-Hazard: Flammable Gas Mixtures
Less than 10% LEL
required for Entry
5-Engulfment Hazards
6-Physical hazards: Noise, Wet surfaces, and Falling Objects.
ü Lack of proper access can lead to falls
ü Poor visibility creates confusion and increases potential hazards
ü Presence of dust leads to health problems
ü Lack of proper access can lead to falls
ü Poor visibility creates confusion and increases potential hazards
ü Presence of dust leads to health problems