Confined Space Entry

Safety Reminders
by
OSHCOM
What is a Confined Space?

A Confined Space refers to a space which by design

has an enclosed or partially enclosed space which:
is not intended or designed primarily as a place of
work or continuous employee occupancy
have restricted means of entry and exit
have atmospheric contaminants or an unsafe oxygen
level
may cause engulfment

When Might Workers Encounter Confined Spaces?

Inspection, repair, maintenance
New construction
Emergency rescue
What is a Confined Space?

"Confined Space" include but are not limited to the following:

storage tanks
compartments of ships
process vessels
pits, silos and vats
digesters
reaction vessels
boilers
ventilation and exhaust ducts
sewers
tunnels
underground utility vaults
pipelines
Confined Space Hazards

I. Atmospheric Hazards
Flammable atmosphere
Toxic atmosphere
Oxygen deficient atmosphere
II. Physical Hazards
Hazardous energy (electrical/mechanical)
Engulfment
Communications problem
Other Hazards:
Falling object from top side of opening
Slip, trip, fall
Temperature extremes (too hot/too cold)
Noise level
Prevention and Control of the Hazards

Confined Space Guidelines

Know how to identify a confined space

When in doubt, never enter an area that could be a
confined space without first speaking with a supervisor or
safety representative.
Do not rely on your senses to determine if a confined
space has no hazards. A number of hazardous gases are
both colorless and odorless.
NEVER enter a confined space to try to rescue another
worker.

DO NOT RELY ON YOUR SENSES TO DETERMINE IF A

CONFINED SPACE IS SAFE!
Prevention and Control of the Hazards

Confined Space Guidelines

Evaluate hazards that may be faced during entry
including information on the type of exposure, signs
or symptoms and consequences through a Job
Hazard Analysis
Appoint a safety supervisor to oversee & ensure
necessary safety precautions are taken
Make sure entrants are trained and competent to
work at a confined space (especially if use of SCBA
is required)
Verify emergency plans and entry conditions such
as permits, tests, procedures, and equipment before
allowing entry
Verify that rescue services are available and that
the means for summoning them are operable
Prevention and Control of the Hazards

Confined Space Guidelines

Verify that acceptable conditions for entry exist

Terminate entry when operations are completed or
a prohibited condition arises
Take appropriate measures to remove unauthorized
entrants
Provide proper ventilation
Testing of air for oxygen level, flammable, and toxic
materials present inside the confined space
Assign a stand-by person to maintain visual or
verbal contact with the entrant and to initiate rescue
in case of an emergency.
Check Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of
materials to be used inside the confined space
Prevention and Control of the Hazards

Confines Space Guidelines

Determine at appropriate intervals that

acceptable entry conditions are maintained
Ensure that appropriate equipment for safe
entry is available including:
PPE
Testing, monitoring, ventilating,
communications, and lighting
equipment
Barriers and shields
Ladders
Retrieval devices (for trained
rescuers) e.g. harness, lifeline, SCBA,
etc
Proper Emergency Response

NEVER enter a confined space to try to

rescue another worker unless you are a
competent & trained personnel to do such
rescue.
Call for HELP to proper authorities such as
BFP-SRU to extricate the victim.
Use harness attached to the entrant to pull
him out of the confined space whenever
possible.
Give proper background when responding
rescue units arrives.
 By following these simple guidelines, the workers safety and well-being is maintained and protected.

Protect yourself!!! Be informed!!!

Be Safe!!!

Other references: APMC EHS Guidelines: EHS-G-22 General Guidelines for Confined Spaces
http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/uploaded_files/gs38i.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pdfs/87-113.pdf