Confined Space Entry

Environmental, Health & Safety

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 Confined Space Entry

Why are we here?

OSHA and this company require that

all employees who must enter into
confined spaces receive training as to the
hazards, procedures and equipment required to do so safely.

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 What is a Confined Space?
A space that:
Is large enough and so configured that an
employee can enter bodily and perform work;
Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit;
Is not designed for continuous human occupancy.

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 Examples of Confined Spaces:

Tanks Vaults
Manholes Pipes
Boilers Trenches
Furnaces Tunnels
Sewers Ducts
Silos Bins
Hoppers Pits

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Potential Hazards in Confined Spaces

Oxygen Deficiency Toxic Materials

<19.5% or >23.5% Carbon Monoxide
oxygen concentration Hydrogen Sulfide
Combustibles Welding fumes
Methane Corrosives
Hydrogen Electricity
Acetylene Mechanical Hazards
Propane Mixers
Gasoline fumes Crushers

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 Confined Space Entry
Definitions:

The entrant is the person who enters a confined space.

The attendant is the person who stays with the entrant outside the confined
space, and is responsible for assisting the entrant in exiting the confined space,
and calling for
emergency assistance when required.

The safety representative is the qualified person whoevaluates the hazards,

prescribes required equipment and precautions and issues the Confined Space
Entry Permit.

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How to Identify Confined Spaces

Limited Openings for Entry and Exit

Unfavorable Natural Ventilation
Not Designed for Continuous Worker
Occupancy

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Limited Openings for Entry/Exit

Openings as small as 18 inches in diameter.

Difficult to enter with SCBA or other life-saving
equipment.
Difficult to remove downed worker in folded up or bent
over position.
Exit from large openings may be difficult due to presence
of ladders, hoists, etc.

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Unfavorable Natural Ventilation

Lack of air movement in and out of the space can create an

atmosphere much different than the outside atmosphere.
Deadly gases can be trapped inside.
Organic materials can decompose.
May not be enough oxygen due to presence of other gases
or chemical reactions such as rusting.

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 Not Designed for Continuous Worker
Occupancy
Most confined spaces are not designed to enter and
work in on a regular basis.
Designed to store a product.
Enclose materials or processes.
Transport products or substances.
Occasional worker entry for inspection, repair,
cleanup, maintenance, etc.

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 Hazards of Confined Spaces

Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres

Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
Flammable Atmospheres
Toxic Atmospheres
Temperature Extremes
Engulfment Hazards
Noise, Slick/Wet Surfaces, Falling Objects

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 Confined Space Entry - Hazards

O2 Both animal and plant life

require oxygen to live.
One of theprimary hazards
of enteringconfined spaces
is oxygen deficiency.

When oxygen is present in O2

concentrations less than 19.5% the
atmosphere is said to be oxygen deficient.

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 Confined Space Entry - Hazards
Oxygen can also be present in
concentrations that aretoo high.

Oxygen in concentrations
greater than 23% is toooxygen
rich and can cause
combustible materials to
ignite very quickly.

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 Confined Space Entry - Hazards
Oxygen deficiency can be caused by several processes:

Consumption: oxygen is used up by the person who is in the

confined space and turned into carbon dioxide.

Displacement: denser materials push the oxygen out of

the occupied space.

Reaction: oxygen is reacted with other materials

to make other compounds.

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 Confined Space Entry - Hazards
CO2
After oxygen is deliveredto body
O2
The human body requiresoxygen
organs and used
to carry out cellular metabolism.
by organ cells, it reacts with carbon Oxygen is
to makecarbon dioxide. Redblood brought in through the lungsand
cells carryingcarbon dioxide transported to cells of body organs
turnblue. Carbon dioxide is by the redblood cells. When blood
carried back to the lungs by the red is
blood cells rich in oxygen it turns red.
and exhaled into the
surrounding atmosphere.

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Confined Space Entry - Hazards
Given a fixed amount of oxygenas you would
O2 have in a confined
space, respiration of oxygencauses carbon
dioxide toincrease. When oxygen
decreases to less than 19.5%.the atmosphere is
said to be oxygen

CO2 deficient, putting occupants of the confined

space at risk of
losing consciousness and death.

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 Confined Space Entry - Hazards
Processes which operate by theprinciple of
CO2 NOx combustion use upoxygen much faster than the
human respiration.
H20
CO Products of combustion vary
with the fuel that is present andthe temperature of
the combustion
reaction. Welding, burning natural
gas, propane, gasoline, and diesel
engines are examples of combustion
O2 processes.
fuel
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 Confined Space Entry - Hazards

Manholes often remain Manholes may also

covered for long periods
of time. Naturally
occurring toxins, such H2S
as hydrogen sulfide
can accumulate inside of
manholes.
CH4
accumulate highly
flammable gasses
such as methane
and ethane. Unlike
the gas we receive at
home, we cannot detect
some of these gases with
our sense of smell.

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 Confined Space Entry - Hazards
Material can leach
Toxic and flammable through soil from
materials are sometimes many miles
illegally put into sanitary away.
and storm sewers. ??
Leaking tanks or spills
may migrate under
ground causing seepage ??
into manholes.
??

??
??

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 Confined Space Entry - Hazards

Sudden releases of fluid solids,

such as granulated salt, sugar,
or sand, liquids, anddense
gases can cause
engulfment of persons
inside underground
tanks, or pits.
When torrential forces
are suddenly released,
people may be struck
by moving objects , or
be pushed helplessly
downstream.

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 Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres
19.5 % Minimum acceptable oxygen level.
15 19%Decreased ability to work strenuously.Impair coordination.
Early symptoms.
12-14% Respiration increases. Poor judgment.
10-12% Respiration increases. Lips blue.
8-10% Mental failure. Fainting. Nausea
Unconsciousness. Vomiting.
6-8% 8 minutes - fatal, 6 minutes - 50% fatal 4-5 minutes -
possible recovery.
4-6% Coma in 40 seconds. Death

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 Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres

Oxygen level above 21%.

Causes flammable and combustible
materials to burn violently when ignited.
Hair, clothing, materials, etc.
Oil soaked clothing and materials.
Never use pure oxygen to ventilate.
Never store or place compressed tanks in a
confined space.
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 Flammable Atmospheres
2 Critical Factors:
Oxygen content in the air.
Presence of a flammable gas, or vapor
Presence of dust (visibility of 5 or less)
Proper air/gas mixture can lead to explosion
Typical Ignition Sources:
Sparking or electric tool.
Welding / cutting operations.
Smoking
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 Toxic Atmospheres

Product stored in a confined space:

Gases released when cleaning.
Materials absorbed into walls of confined space.
Decomposition of materials in the confined space.
Work performed in a confined space:
Welding, cutting, brazing, soldering.
Painting, scraping, sanding, degreasing.
Sealing, bonding, melting.
Areas adjacent to a confined space.
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 Hydrogen Sulfide

Decomposition of materials. Human waste.

Rotten egg odor at low concentrations.
Possibly no warning at high concentrations.
PPM Effect Time
10 ppm Permissible Exposure Level 8 Hours
50 - 100 Mild Irritation - eyes, throat 1 Hour
200 - 300
500 -700
Significant Irritation
Unconsciousness, Death
?
1 Hour
1/2 - 1 Hour
>1000 Unconsciousness, Death Minutes

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 Carbon Monoxide

Odorless, Colorless Gas.

Combustion By-Product.
Quickly collapse at high concentrations.
PPM Effect Time
50 Permissible Exposure Level 8 Hours
200 Slight headache, discomfort 3 Hours
600 Headache, discomfort 1 Hour
1000-2000 Confusion, nausea, headache 2 Hours
1000-2000 Tendency to stagger ?
1 1/2 Hours
1000-2000 Slight heart palpitation 30 Min.
2000-2500 Unconsciousness 30 Min.
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 Temperature Extremes

Extremely hot or cold temperatures.

Steam cleaning of confined spaces.
Humidity factors.
Extremely cold liquids.
Work processes inside the confined space
can increase temperature extremes.
?
Personal protective equipment.
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 Engulfment Hazards

Loose, granular materials stored in bins and

hoppers - grain, sand, coal, etc.
Crusting and bridging below a worker.
Flooding of confined space.
Water or sewage flow.
?
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Confined Space Entry - Hazards

Trenches, ravines and other

excavations may also
be considered confined
spaces, if there is a
potential for accumulation
of toxic gases, engulfment ?
and/or the depletion of
oxygen.
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Confined Space Entry - Hazards
Many confined space
entries involve a
complex set of exposures
to mechanical, electrical,
pressure and chemical
hazards.

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 Other Hazards
Noise
Amplified due to acoustics within the space.
Damaged hearing, affect communication.
Slick / Wet Surfaces
Slips and falls.
Increased chance of electric shock.
Falling Objects
Topside openings expose workers inside confined
space to falling objects.

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 Testing The Atmosphere

Verify presence of safe work atmosphere.

Test all areas of a confined space.
Top, Middle, Bottom
Methane is lighter than air.
Carbon Monoxide is the same as air.
Hydrogen Sulfide is heavier than air.
Oxygen Deficiency.

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 Confined Space Entry

The entry of a confined space begins with a

Confined Space Entry Permit.
Confined Space Entry Permit
Location and Description of Confined
Space:
Reason for Entry:
Permit Issued to (Name of Company
/Organization):
The permit system requires
that a qualified safety
representative visit the
work location and evaluate
the conditions under which
entry will be made.

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Confined Space Entry
Each process hazard to which
the entrant may be exposed,
adjacent operations or
processes,
and scheduled activity
are reviewed. For each hazard
identified, countermeasures
are detailed on the Confined
Space Entry Permit.

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 Confined Space Entry
The safety representative
tests the space for
hazardous concentrations
of known harmful
substances, such as
hydrogen sulfide,
carbon monoxide, and
flammable liquid or gas.
The concentration
of oxygen is measured
at the same time.

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 Ventilation

First option to correct problems.

Must be aware of hazards you are trying to correct
in the confined space.
Air intake in a safe location to draw fresh air only.
Continuous ventilation whenever possible.
Retest the confined space before entry.

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Confined Space Entry - Hazards
Fresh Air
If concentrations of
materials are found to Fresh outside
be at harmful levels, air is blown into
??
the confined space the space to dilute
must be ventilated to and remove
remove them before contaminants, and
O2 ??
entry. supply oxygen.
??
O2
?? O2
O2

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 Confined Space Entry - Hazards
Fresh Air
Should the concentration
of contaminants remain
at harmful levels, ??
respirators may have to
be worn to assure a safe
air supply. ??
O2
??
O2
?? O2
O2

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 Isolation
Locking and tagging out electrical sources.
Blanking and bleeding pneumatic and hydraulic lines.
Disconnecting mechanical drives and shafts.
Securing mechanical parts.
Blanking sewer and water flow.
Locking and tagging out shutoff valves.

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 Respirators
Air-Purifying Respirators ??
Filter dangerous substances from the air.
Must know the type and amount of hazardous substance
present in the confined space.
NEVER use with oxygen deficiency!
Air-Supplying Respirators
Deliver a safe supply of breathing air from a tank or an
uncontaminated area nearby.
Must be adequately monitored.

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 Standby / Rescue

Worker assigned to remain outside the confined space and

be in constant contact with the workers inside.
Know emergency rescue procedures.
50% of workers who die in confined spaces are would-be
rescuers.
Trained in use of emergency rescue equipment and PPE.

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 Confined Space Entry
Means of emergency rescue
must be readily available
to the confined space
entry attendant for
emergency
extrication of
entrants.

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Confined Space Entry
A means must be providedfor both
safe normal entry
or exit , and emergency
extrication. Tripods with hoist,lifeline,
and full body harness
are often used for emergency
extrication. Ladders may beused for
ordinary entry and
exit.

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Confined Space Entry
Barriers to prevent passers-
byand the curious from falling
into the opening must be put
in place.

Holes and openings must be

closed or guarded when not
attended.

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 Confined Space
Entry

Place warning signs where

CAUTION pedestrians can see them.
Opening in Ground
Keep Out !
Signs must state the
hazard
and the required action.

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 Confined Space Entry
Confined Space Entry
Required countermeasures include
Permit personal protective equipment
for hazards expected to be found
Requirements within the confined space.

Eye protection yes Eye and head injuries are always

no a potential, therefore safety glasses
Respiratory protection yes and hard hats are required wear
for entrants.
no
Continuous Ventilation yes
Other conditions may require the
no use of respirators, safety shoes,
Body Protection yes no protective gloves, and other
Hand Protection yes no personal protective equipment.
Foot Protection yes no
Weather Protection yes
no
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 Confined Space Entry
Confined Space Entry Permit

Requirements
Required countermeasures also
include prevention of electrical
Ground Fault Interruption yes no
Lockout of Hazardous shock hazards due to loss of
Energy Sources yes no
earth ground for portable tools.
GFCIs are required for portable
electric tooling.
o
There may also be a need to
Danger lockout and tag equipment both
in the confined space and on
adjacent equipment and processes.
Do not use!

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 Confined Space Entry
Entrants must constantly monitor
the confined space for toxic gases, Entrants must leave the
oxygen, and combustible gases. confined space when the
Entrants will be issued a personal monitor alarm is activated.
monitor to wear H2S
It is the attendants
for this
O2 responsibility to see that
purpose. the entrant leaves the
CO space during an alarm.
HCN
CH4
CO2

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 Confined Space Entry
Should conditions develop
which require extrication,
and the entrant cannot
get out of the confined
space on their own,
the attendant must
call for emergency
assistance at once!

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Confined Space Entry
The attendant should
attempt to remove the
entrant from the confinedspace using
tripods, hoist, and
lifelines. Attendants are NOT TO
ENTER CONFINED
SPACES. Lethal hazards may
be present within the confined
space. Only properly equippedand
trained emergency rescue
personnel may enter confinedspaces to
make rescues.

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 Confined Space Entry - Summary

Confined space entry hazards can include:

- the presence of toxic substances
- insufficient oxygen, or too much oxygen
- engulfment
- presence of combustible gases and liquids
- process or equipment related hazards.
- conditions changing from nonhazardous to
hazardous.

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 Confined Space Entry - Summary
Confined Space Entry Permit

Location and description of confined space:

Reason for entry:
Required countermeasures are
Permit issued to: determined by a qualified
Supervisors Name:
Attendants name: safetyprofessional.
Permit issuers name:
% oxygen: % lower explosive limit: ppm CO: H 2S: Once the required countermeasures
Requirements
are in place, a permit is issued bythe safety
Emergency Rescuer yes no
representative and the
Continuous Gas Monitor yes no confined space may be safelyentered.
Barrier for ground openings yes no
Warning Signs yes no Should an emergency arise duringthe entry,
Safety Harness with
life line yes no the attendant notifies
Tripod / Hoist / Pulley yes no
Access (ladders/other) yes no
an emergency response team andattempts
Eye protection
Respiratory protection
yes
yes
no
no
to extricate the entrant.
Continuous Ventilation yes no
Body Protection yes no
Hand Protection yes no
Foot Protection yes no
Weather Protection yes no
Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupters yes no
Lockout of Hazardous
Energy yes no 52
Confined Space Entry -Summary

CAUTION
Confined Space

Safe Work Permit Required

Confined spaces are required to be labeled.

Some spaces may have been overlooked.
Contact your safety representative
when in doubt. It is up to you to obey
signs and to followpermit procedures before entry.
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 Where to Get Help?
The supervisor of a confined space entry should be contactedfor any
equipment necessary to complete the task at hand.

Safety Representatives are responsible for answering questionsabout the

confined space entry permit, countermeasures,
sampling methods, and instrumentation.

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 References and Sources for
More Information

OSHA 29CFR 1910.146 Permit

Required Confined Spaces

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Confined Space Entry

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