Tool Box Talk

Confined Space
November 24, 24, 2007 Working in a confined space poses unique safety risks. Many workplaces contain areas that are considered "confined" because configurations hinder the activities of the employee who must enter, work in, and exit them. A Confined Space A space (a pipe, duct, tank, excavation, pit, or recess) that has the following characteristics: Is large enough and configured such that an employee can enter and perform assigned work; May contain hazardous materials, be oxygendeficient, have a flammable atmosphere, or have the potential for such conditions; Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; Is designed such that entrapment and/or crushing could occur; Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Confined spaces include but are not limited to, sewers, pipelines, septic tanks, vessels, bins, ventilation and exhaust ducts, underground utility vaults and manholes, tunnels, excavations and trenches more than 1.2 mts (4 feet) in depth, water towers and some Controlled Equipment Vaults (CEV) depending on configuration. Hazards associated with confined spaces 1. Not enough oxygen exits because of oxidation or chemicals. Even if there is enough oxygen to breath initially, you can use it up doing your work faster than you think. 2. Fire and explosion can use oxygen quickly enough to prevent your escape and cause death within minutes. Chemicals, gases, and powders suspended in air (e.g. coal, dust, flour) can explode if exposed to flame, heat, sparks, or static electricity. 3. Confined spaces are notorious for trapping toxic and poisonous elements, many of which you cannot see or smell. Some can burn or smother you quickly; others have less obvious but long lasting health effects. 4. Confined spaces can intensify factors such as heat and noise and can result in related injuries. To provide a safe work environment and prevent employees from accidentally entering a confined space, the following should be used to inform employees of the existence, location, and danger posed by confined spaces. Warning signs to inform employees of the existence of a confined space. JSA to plan and communicate the hazards and control measures to be taken while working in any confined space. A completed and approved confined space entry permit prior to entering a confined space. Training and toolbox talks to inform and train employees on the dangers and procedures associated with a confined space.

Written Entry Permit: The Contractor or Bechtel supervisor shall complete and sign the Confined Space Entry Permit before employees are allowed to enter a confined space. Permits expire at the end of shift or if any pre-entry conditions change. Permits must be available at the time of entry for authorized entrants and must be posted at the entrance of the confined space to confirm pre-entry preparations have been completed. The Entry Supervisor: Is responsible for conducting an assessment in the field of the space to be entered, completing the Entry Permit and obtaining approval. The supervisor is also responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the entry permit are in place before approving the permit as well as ensuring the JSA has been completed and discussed with the Authorized Entrants, verifying the air monitor is calibrated and ensuring preentry air monitoring is being performed. The supervisor must also remain on site while any work is being performed in a confined space. The Authorized Entrants: Will review the permit and sign prior to entry, follow the requirements of the entry permit including ventilation etc., and evacuate the confined space when conditions warrant or when directed by the Attendant. The Attendant: Is responsible for standing by the entrance, ensuring communication with the authorized entrants while the space is occupied. The attendant shall never enter the confined space even during and emergency. Help activate the rescue plan but stay outside the space. Training: Any successful program requires proper training. Bechtel and contractors need to make sure all involved personnel are trained and know what the hazards are, how to work in them, and what rescue plans are in place. They must identify all of these items prior to entering a confined space.

N O O N E G E T S H U R T

Tool Box Talk

Safety Notes
November 24, 24, 2007

RECENT INCIDENT 19 November 2007 Near Miss - The nylon rope, holding a load of 100mm fire water pipes on a truck, failed allowing some of the pipes to fall to the roadway. On 25 October 2007 the Project had a lost time incident when an employee who was assisting in loading pipes, fell from the truck when the load shifted. A length of pipe then rolled from the truck striking the employee on the face. The employee suffered a broken nose and had numerous sutures to close the laceration on his face. This incident was discussed at a site-wide Safety Standdown on 28 October 2007. In both of these incidents, the supervisor and employees did not recognize the potential hazard with loading, transporting and securing the material, i.e. pipe on a truck. If your task involves shifting material from one place to another using a vehicle, never think that this is just a simple task. There are many hazards associated with each step of loading, transporting and unloading material and these shall be detailed in the Work Method Statement and covered in the STARRT card meeting.

PORTABLE LADDER USAGE As previously advised in ES&H Project Bulletin 48, from 15 December 2007, the use of metal portable ladders is prohibited on the Project. No extensions or variations will be allowed.

N O O N E G E T S H U R T