Confined Safety Entry

A report by: Mary Regine M. Calamba

INTRODUCTION
Entering and working in confined spaces pose serious and immediate threats to the
lives and wellbeing of employees. People die or are injured in confined spaces because:

 They are not familiar with confined and its hazards and dangers.
 They underestimate the danger of working in confined spaces and are often
unaware of how quickly they can be affected by toxic substances or exposed to
deadly situations.
 They try to rescue fellow workers without the necessary safety equipment and
appropriate training on rescue procedures.

The objective of this report is to ensure the safety of personnel required to enter and
work in confined spaces through:

 A better understanding of different confined spaces;

 Familiarization with its hazards;
 Knowledge in controlling the hazards.

DEFINITION
What are confined spaces?

Many workplaces contain areas that are considered "confined spaces" because
while they are not necessarily designed for people, they are large enough for workers to
enter and perform certain jobs. A confined space also has limited or restricted means
for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Confined spaces include,
but are not limited to, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits,
manholes, tunnels, equipment housings, ductwork, pipelines, etc. (OSHA, n.d.).

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States uses
the term "permit-required confined space" (permit space) to describe a confined space
that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to
contain a hazardous atmosphere; contains material that has the potential to engulf an
entrant; has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a
smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; or contains any other
recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires,
or heat stress (OSHA, n.d.).

OTHER EXAMPLES OF CONFINED SPACES

 1. Sewers
2. Vats
3. Sludge Digestion Systems
4. Pump wet wells
5. Ship Compartments
6. Lift Stations
7. Utility Vaults
8. Mechanical Rooms

Figure 1: Examples of Confined Space

*Images from Viado, A. M. (n.d.). Safety in Confined Space. Retrieved December 2, 2016, from
google.com: http://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/UserFiles/oshc2010/file/Brochure_Confined_Space.pdf

HAZARDS OF CONFINED SPACE

1. Oxygen Deficiency

Air is considered oxygen deficient when the oxygen content is less than
19.5% by volume. The oxygen level in a confined space can decrease as
a result of consumption or displacement by inert gases such as carbon
dioxide or nitrogen. Work processes such as welding, cutting or brazing,
and certain chemical reactions such as rusting and bacterial reaction
(fermentation) can also reduce oxygen concentration.
 2. Flammable atmospheres

Flammable or explosive atmosphere results from:

a. An oxygen enriched atmosphere exists where the oxygen in the air

is greater than 21%. An oxygen enriched atmosphere will cause
flammable materials such as clothing and hair to burn violently when
ignited.

b. Flammable gas, vapor or dust in proper proportion. Work being

conducted in a confined space can generate a flammable atmosphere.
Examples are spray painting, coating or use of flammable solvents for
cleaning. Welding or cutting operations using oxyacetylene equipment
can also cause explosion in confined space. Atmosphere is
considered unacceptable if a flammable gas, vapor or mist is in excess
of 10% of Lower Flammability Limit (LFL).Combustible airborne occur
when dust concentration meets or exceed its LFL.

3. Toxic atmospheres

Toxic atmospheres are those which contain toxic substances in a

concentration that exceeds the Threshold Limit Value (TLV), as specified
in the Occupational Safety and Health Standards or Material Safety Data
Sheet of that substance.

Toxic substances in atmosphere may come from the following:

a. Products stored in the confined space

Products stored in confined space can be absorbed in walls and let off
toxic vapors when removed or when cleaning residual materials.

b. Work being performed in a confined space

Ex. welding cutting, brazing, painting, scraping, sanding, degreasing,
etc.

c. Areas adjacent to the confined space

Toxic substances produced by work in a nearby area can enter and
accumulate in a confined space. Example: exhaust fumes from internal
combustion engines placed near the manhole.

Workers can be trapped and die of exposure or suffocation before anyone would
know they are missing.
Figure 2: During removal of sludge from a tank, decomposed material can let off deadly
hydrogen sulphide gas.

Figure 3: Fumes from welding works are very toxic in a confined space.

*Images from Viado, A. M. (n.d.). Safety in Confined Space. Retrieved December 2, 2016, from
google.com: http://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/UserFiles/oshc2010/file/Brochure_Confined_Space.pdf

4. Mechanical and Physical Hazards

a. Rotating or moving mechanical parts or energy sources can create hazards

within a confined space.

b. Physical factors such as heat, cold, noise, vibration and fatigue can contribute
to accidents.

c. Loose materials such as, fine coal, sawdust or grains can engulf and
suffocate the workers.
THE GOLDEN RULES OF CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
1. Monitor the atmosphere

Atmospheric monitoring is the first and most critical rule, as most fatalities in
confined spaces are the result of atmospheric problems. Remember, your nose is not a
gas detector — some hazards have characteristic odors and others do not. Even when
you can detect the presence of a hazard, you cannot determine the extent of that
hazard. Some materials may even deaden your sense of smell after short exposure,
which can deceive you into thinking the problem has gone away, when in fact your
ability to smell it is all that went away.

The only reliable method for accurate detection of atmospheric problems is

instrument monitoring. Basic confined space atmospheric monitoring should routinely
include oxygen concentration and flammable gases and vapors. OSHA regulations
require the oxygen concentration to be between 19.5 and 23.5 percent and flammable
vapors or gases to be below ten percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL).

But regulatory limits provide only minimal protection. Best practices dictate that
any variation from normal (20.9 percent oxygen and 0 percent LEL) should be
investigated and corrected prior to entering the space.

Toxic monitoring requires an evaluation of potential atmospheric contaminants

before you even determine how the monitoring will be performed. Simply put, this
means you must establish what you need to look for in order to determine what
equipment to use. The following digital instruments are available for common toxic
contaminants:

 Electrochemical sensors measure carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur

dioxide, ammonia, chlorine, and several other materials.
 Infrared sensors measure carbon dioxide and several other materials.
 Photo ionization and flame ionization detectors will measure volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) at the parts per million (ppm) level. This may be required if
solvent vapors are present. These vapors will exceed the limits for inhalation long
before they will be detected with most LEL meters.
 Colorimetric tubes can be used to determine if a toxic contaminant is present in
situations where no digital instrument is available.

A thorough assessment of the atmospheric conditions in the space must be completed

before entering the space, and should be continued during the entire entry.

2. Eliminate or control hazards

All hazards identified during the hazard assessment must be eliminated or

controlled prior to entering the space.
 Elimination, the preferred method for dealing with hazards, means that a hazard
has been handled in a way that it cannot possibly have an impact on the operation. For
example, a properly installed blank eliminates the hazard of material being introduced
through a pipe.

Control implies that the measures in place contain a hazard. If these measures
were to fail, the hazard could have an impact on the operation. Ventilation (see below)
is an example of a control, because if the ventilation setup quits, the atmospheric
hazard may return.

3. Ventilate the space

Your approach to atmospheric problems should be to correct the condition prior

to entry, and ventilation and related activities are the best options for correcting these
problems.

Forced-air ventilation is generally the most effective approach for confined space
entry operations. This technique dilutes and displaces the atmospheric contaminants in
the space. Exhaust ventilation works best when a single-point source, such as welding,
is the cause of the atmospheric contaminant.

Introduced air must be fresh. Use caution to avoid introducing hazards such as
having the inlet of the ventilation setup too near the exhaust of a vehicle. Sufficient
volume for the size of the space must be used. The length of duct and the number of
bends in the duct can significantly reduce airflow and must be considered.

4. Use proper personal protective equipment

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be the last line of defense.
Elimination and control of hazards should be done whenever possible. PPE is essential
when the hazards present cannot be eliminated or controlled through other means. PPE
that meets the specific hazard must be readily available to the work crew. And
personnel must be trained and competent in the proper use of the equipment. It is
equally important that supervisors insist on proper use.

5. Isolate the space

Isolation of the space should eliminate the opportunity for introducing additional
hazards through external connections. This includes lockout of all powered devices
associated with the space, such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and gaseous agent
fire control systems. Piping isolation may be completed with blanks, by disconnecting
piping, or with a double block-and-bleed arrangement. A single valve is not adequate
isolation.

6. Know the attendant’s role

An outside attendant must be present to monitor the safety of the entry operation,
to help during an emergency, and to call for assistance from outside if that becomes
necessary. The attendant’s role is primarily to help ensure that problems do not
escalate to the point where rescue is needed. If an entrant does get injured or
overcome, the attendant is to call for help and use external retrieval if available. This
attendant must never enter the space during emergencies — multiple fatality incidents
in confined spaces usually result from people attempting rescue.

7. Be prepared for rescues

Any equipment required for rescue must be available to those who are
designated to use it. External retrieval equipment that may be used by the attendant
must be in place when appropriate. More advanced rescue equipment for entry-type
rescues must be available to the designated rescue crew.

You must ensure that the rescue crew is properly equipped to handle rescue for
the particular situation. For example, if the rescue crew for your facility has self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and your spaces do not have large enough
openings for the SCBA to pass through, the rescue crew will not be able to perform
effectively. In this case, they should be equipped with airline breathing apparatus with
escape cylinders.

8. Use good lighting

Lighting is important for two primary reasons: You cannot safely perform in
environments where you cannot see adequately, and lighting failure can cause fear.
Anyone who is uncomfortable inside a well-lit confined space may become afraid if the
lighting fails, and fear can cause people to behave irrationally and injure themselves or
others.

The entrant should always have at least one backup source of lighting, so if cord
lights are used, the entrant should also carry a flashlight.

9. Plan for emergencies

You must assume you will have emergencies. While your efforts to prevent them
need to be constant, odds are good that you will have to deal with at least a minor
emergency if you engage in confined space entry over a long enough period.
 Emergencies may not even have anything to do with the confined space, but if
the entrant is in the space at the time of the emergency, prompt and effective action is
required. If your entry crew is prepared for this emergency, it may be handled without a
problem. If preparations are not adequate, the emergency may easily turn into a fatal
incident.

10. Emphasize constant communication

Effective communications are critical to safe operation and are the string that ties
all the other activities together. Communication must be maintained between entrants
and the attendant. The attendant must also be able to contact the entry supervisor and
call for emergency help.

None of these steps is complex or difficult, but they still provide the layout for a
basic, safe approach to confined space entry. Be aware that the next time you read
about a confined space fatality, at least one of these general rules was probably
violated. And do your best to ensure that I won’t ever read about one of your entries.

PERSONNEL AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Management

 Ensure proper training for entry & rescue teams.

 Provide proper equipment for entry & rescue teams.
 Ensure confined space assessments have been conducted.
 Ensure all permit required confined spaces are posted.
 Annually review this program and all Entry Permits.
 Evaluate Rescue Teams / Services to ensure they are adequately trained and
prepared.
 Ensure rescue team at access during entry into spaces with IDLH (Immediately
Danger to Life and Health) atmosphere.

b. Employees

 Follow program requirements.

 Report any previously un-identified hazards associated with confined space.

c. Entry Supervisor

 Responsible for the overall permit space entry. Coordinate all entry procedures,
tests, permits, equipment and other relevant activities.
 Know the hazard that may be faced during entry.
 Terminate the entry and cancel the permit when the entry is complete and there
is a need for terminating the permit.
 d. Stand-by Personnel

 To know the hazards that may be faced during entry.

 To be aware of the possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure on entrants.
 To continuously maintain an accurate count of entrants inside the space.
 To remain outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by
another attendant.
 To monitor entrants status and alert him of the need to evacuate.
 To monitor activities inside and outside the confined space.
 Know the hazards that may be faced during entry including information on the
mode of the signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure.
 To summon rescue and other emergency services as escape the confined
space.
 Not to perform duties that might interfere the stand-by personnel’s primary
duty.

e. Entrants

 Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the
mode of the signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure.
 Properly use the protective equipment required for safe entry.
 Communicate with the stand-by personnel as necessary to enable the stand-by
personnel monitor his status.
 Alert the attendant of any symptoms of dangerous situation or prohibited
condition.
 Exit the confined space as quickly as possible whenever the attendant or
entry supervisor gives an order to evacuate the confined space.

RESCUE PROCEDURES
A. Attempt to remove the victim by the use of retrieval line from outside the
confined space if this can be accomplished without creating further hazard
for the entrant or the attendant.

B. If the standby person is able to remove the victim with the retrieval line,
he/she should administer first aid within the limits of his/her training until
emergency medical services arrive.

C. If the standby person is unable to remove the victim by using the retrieval line,
he or she must wait for help to arrive. The standby person(s) is not allowed to
enter the confined space for any reason.