Confined Space

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Confined space

-limited space for entry and exit -unfavorable natural ventilation -not design for continuous occupancy of the employee

Hazards: -oxygen deficient atmosphere - Oxygen enriched -flammable atmosphere -toxic atmosphere -temperature extreme

3 important persons in confined space 1. Entrant 2. Attendant 3. Entrance supervisor

Typical confined space: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Boiler Septic tank Sewage digestor Trenches Shafts Mills Pipeline

Controlling hazards: Specifying acceptable entry conditions Providing barriers Verifying acceptable conditions Making inert, flushing or ventilating the space permit.

Equipment for safe entry Testing, monitoring, ventilation,, communication, and lighting equipment Barriers and shields Ladders and retrieval devices

Detection of hazardous condition If hazardous conditions are detected during entry, employees must immediately leave the space. The employer must evaluate the space to determine the cause of the hazardous atmosphere and modify the program as necessary. When entry to permit space is prohibited, the employer must take effective measures to prevent unauthorized entry. A space with no potential to have atmospheric hazards maybe classified as a non-permit confined space only when all hazards are eliminated in accordance with the standard. Entry permits A permit signed by the entry supervisors must be posted at all entrances or otherwise madew available to entrant before they enter a permit space. The permit must verify that pre-entry preparations outlined in the standards have been completed. The duration of entry permit must not exceed the time required to complete an assignment.

Entry permit must include: 1. Name of permit space to be entered, authorized entrant, authorized entrant(s) , eligible attendants and individuals to be entry supervisors. 2. Test results 3. Testers signature 4. Name and signature of supervisor who authorizes entry. 5. Purpose of entry and known space hazard. 6. Measures to be taken to isolate permit spaces and to eliminate or control space hazards.

Worker Training Before the initial work assignment begins, the employer must provide proper training to all workers who are required to work in permit spaces. After the training, employers must ensure that the employees have acquired understanding, knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform their duties. Additional training is required when: The job duties change. The permit space operation presents any new hazards. An employees job shows deficiency In addition to this training, rescue team members also require training in CPR and FIRST AID.

Authorized entrant: Authorized entrants are required to: Know space hazard, including information on the means of exposure such as inhalation or dermal absorption, sign of symptoms and consequences of the exposure. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) properly. Maintain communication with attendants Exit from the permit space as soon as possible when: -ordered by the authorized person -he or she recognizes the warning signs or symptoms of exposure -prohibited conditions exist -an automatic alarm activated Attendant: The attendant required to: Remain outside the space during entry operation unless relieved by another authorized attendant Perform non-entry rescues when specified by the employers rescue procedure. Know existing and potential hazards, including information on the mode of exposure, sign or symptoms and physiological effects. Maintain a communication with and keep an accurate account of those workers entering the permit space.

Order evacuation when a prohibited condition exist and worker shows sign of physiologic effects of hazard exposure.

Entry supervisor: Are required to: Know space hazard including information on the mode of exposure, signs or symptoms and consequences. Verify emergency plans and specified entry condition such as permit, tests, procedures, equipment before allowing entry. Terminate entry and cancel permits when entry operations are completed or if new conditions exist. Take appropriate measures to remove unauthorized entrants and ensure that entry conditioned are maintained.

Harness and retrieval lines: Authorized entrants who enter a permit space must wear a chest or full body harness with retrieval attached to the center of their backs near shoulder level or above their heads. The employer must ensure that the other end of the retrieval line is attached to a mechanical device or a fixed point outside the permit space. A mechanical must be available to retrieve someone from vertical type permit spaces more than 5ft. (1.524 meters) deep. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) If an injured entrant is exposed to a substance for which a MSDS or other similar written information is required to be kept at the worksite, that MSDS or other written information must be available to the medical facility personnel treating the exposed entrant.

Thank you!

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