CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

Introduction
Many workers are exposed to the hazards of confined space entry each and every day. Investigations of fatalities in North America indicate that many workers, overcome by unplanned hazards, did not recognize that they were in a confined space. The most common findings showed: a failure to complete the necessary atmospheric testing and monitoring; rescue procedures were incomplete and seldom planned; rescue equipment was substandard or not available; and personnel had insufficient skills to effectively conduct a rescue. The expectation of most environments is for that environment to be life supporting. However, when dealing with confined spaces, the atmosphere can often be life threatening. For example, atmospheres that are: Toxic Explosive or O2 deficient Workers often panic when faced with life threatening environments causing the so-called rescuer to become the next victim. Approximately 60% of all confined space fatalities are the initial rescue person. These people could have survived with the proper training and equipment. Each province has its own Act and Regulations pertaining to confined space entry. As such, each person must be familiar with his or her own provincial legislation. In the preparation of this manual, the minimum standard has been adopted from the Canada Labour Code (Part II, June 1998). In addition, points have been used from the Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia regulations. The choice of legislation is mainly based on the strength or clarity of any particular provincial legislation. To fully plan and protect ourselves and our co-workers we must ensure that: we meet or exceed the provincial guidelines at all times; we follow our company procedures, standards or codes of practice(s); and we adhere to the entry and work permit systems as they are applied at our location, for each and every entry.

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DEFINITION
Confined Space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy with a restricted means of entry or exit and may become hazardous to a worker entering it because (a) of its design, construction, location, atmosphere, (b) of the work activities, materials or substances in it, (c) the provision of first aid, evacuation, rescue or other emergency response service is compromised, or (d) of other hazards relating to it. (Occupation Health and Safety Code, part 1 2009)

The definition can be broken down as follows: ENCLOSED OR PARTIALLY ENCLOSED Most confined spaces such as tanks, process vessels, and sewers are easily recognized as confined spaces. However, trenches (depending on the depth), ventilation ducts or shafts, elevated platforms, and even a windowless room may present many of the same hazards as a typical confined space. Although you may not need to fully apply all of the rules of a confined space entry, you will still need to be aware of the considerations necessary, such as rescue and retrieval procedures, in the overall plan. RESTRICTED ACCESS AND EGRESS This refers to how easy it is for a worker to get into, or out of, a confined space. If there is only a single opening, or an opening of restricted size or awkward location, or the means of escape is limited by size/type of equipment (ladders) or retrieval system, then it would fall into this category. DESIGN When evaluating the confined space we have to consider how the general design shape of the space will impact on the ability of the worker to move about. Both the physical characteristics of the space itself and the size/shape of the worker entering the space have to be taken into consideration.

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CONSTRUCTION This refers to the materials from which the space was constructed: Dirt walls are prone to collapse Metal will corrode or collapse or trap gasses Wood will decay and rot Plastic will become brittle and may crack The materials may affect the style or type of entry and rescue procedures needed to affect the entry. LOCATION Beyond the where is it, everyone will have to think about what is in the area. For example, if a room is used for storing office supplies, there shouldn't be too many things to worry about. However, if the room contained drums of flammable materials or chemicals then the room is a hazardous area and, before entry, those hazards will need to be addressed. Location isolation, or what is adjacent to the confined space, will have to be taken into consideration before an entry is approved. Also, during the planning stages management will have to consider how workers will get in and out of the confined space. If the opening is at ground level then the only concern is the actual size of the opening. However, if the opening is only accessible from an elevated or sublevel, then many other rules and factors will have to be taken into consideration for an effective safe entry. Some of these rules include: - positioning of the supplied air bottles - the number of persons allowed to enter the confined space - hoisting equipment for the removal of injured worker(s) - communications with the workers inside the confined space with emergency help, on-site and off-site (if necessary) - Entrapment or engulfment while working - Ventilation (many toxic and explosive gases are heavier than air) - Inside access from the general opening

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ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere within the confined space must be tested for oxygen level, flammable or explosive vapors/mixtures, and toxic vapors. A competent operator, assigned by management, using the proper Personal Protective Equipment and the designated testing equipment, completes the tests, records the results, and then interprets the results/readings. The testing must be done in the proper location(s) and sequence in order to obtain correct readings. Ventilation is an important part of the considerations for an effective entry. It is also one of the primary means of controlling the atmospheric conditions within a confined space. MATERIALS OR SUBSTANCES

Any and all possible contents of the confined space must be considered before the entry takes place. Hazards can arise in the form of: product contents or types of materials, the products required to complete the job (as they could create a chemical reaction), sludge, scale, or the gases given off by the residue, external gases that enter the confined space, or situations leading to entrapment of the worker.

OTHER CONDITIONS

Every type of situation must be taken into consideration before planning each entry. This may include man-made situations such as steam, oxygen levels, nitrogen or even compressed air, to the natural conditions such as temperature, lightning, wind, rain, or snow. As mentioned earlier, the effect of other work that is going on in the area will also have to be taken into consideration. This will be especially true of plant shutdowns and other large-scale maintenance or installation types of operations where multiple jobs are taking place at the same time. In addition, work, tools, and equipment (needed for work within the confined space) may cause congestion or a conflict or hazard.

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IS OR MAY BECOME HAZARDOUS What the worker is required to do for work in the confined space is a major part of the process of planning an entry operation. If the plan is to induce a chemical into a space to do a certain job, then the possible reaction of that chemical with what is already in the confined space will have to be accounted for. Some examples of this would be 1) scraping the surface inside a confined space can release toxic vapors that were trapped in the scale, 2) heat, where heat can be more than just an ignition source, it can also cause the release of toxic vapors from the surface, 3) residue left in pipes leading into or out of a confined space. If the residual material has not been completely cleaned out during the cleaning phase of the preparation, then the material(s) from the pipes can leak back into the confined space, and, 4) the type of work being done may be more physically demanding of a worker than normal, and may cause additional problems. EASY MEANS OF ESCAPE AND/OR RESCUE OF WORKERS Even when all other conditions appear to be under control everyone will still have to be prepared to deal with the unexpected, and be able to effectively remove the worker(s) safely from the space. Such provisions include the identified rescue equipment, the necessary trained people at the scene, others that may be required to affect the rescue (both onsite and off-site personnel and resources), and the ability to effectively conduct the rescue. This will be one of the more important parts of the planning stage.

Restricted Space A Restricted Space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space, not intended for continuous human occupancy that has a restricted, limited or impeded means of entry or exit because of its construction. All other hazards are either non-existent or have been eliminated or controlled as required by Part 2 of the OH & S Code. Note: Employers and workers must be mindful that a restricted space can become a Confined Space if conditions or work scope changes.

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THE PRIMARY DANGERS OF CONFINED SPACES

Oxygen deficiency or oxygen enrichment The required oxygen level for a working environment is between 19.5 and 23% in Alberta; 19 and 23.5% in B.C. Fire and/or explosion, where the atmosphere within the confined space, or the surrounding areas, is approaching or above the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) for combustible gases. Toxicity levels that exceed the Occupational Exposure Levels identified in your provincial legislation. Drowning in liquids and/or entrapment in free-flowing solids.

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SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CONFINED SPACE:

Hot Cold Wet Dusty Dark Narrow Tight Large Open Limited air circulation Harmful gases Neither easy to enter, nor easy to exit from Not intended for human occupancy

Time of Day/Shift cycle

Decontamination room

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HAZARDS OF CONFINED SPACES

Physical Hazards Size, location/accessibility of entrance way Machinery or mechanical features Ventilation system Piping and associated systems Residual chemicals, sludge or oxidation scale Physical obstacles Visibility Electrical Temperature extremes Humidity levels Radiation Noise Vibration Working/walking surface(s) Engulfment/entrapment Animals, hazardous(e.g. skunks) and non-hazardous (e.g. bees, mice) Area traffic Structural obstructions/layout Static Atmospheric Hazards Oxygen enrichment Oxygen deficiency Flammable or explosive gases/mixtures Toxic gases or vapors Other harmful substances Type of Work Being Performed Hot work Cold Work Wet work Human Factors Mental factors Physical factors Phobias

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Company Requirements
PROCEDURES The individual company is required to have the necessary policies and procedures in place to protect their workers. There are three steps that need to be taken to establish initial confined space entry planning: Step 1: an assessment of the area to identify all of the confined spaces on a given site. Step 2: identification of the confined spaces by having the appropriate signage and warnings (for each particular confined space) in place at the opening to each confined space. Step 3: preparation of effective procedures for entry into each confined space. These may require a great deal of time and effort to produce, but in the long run they will make the job smoother and safer. The procedure will identify many individual items, including: unit designation unit type or function product(s) in that unit suspected hazards within that unit list of all blanks and blinds required list of all required lockout/tagouts requirements for gas testing location of each entry point/access number of persons required to do a particular job number of standby or rescue persons needed type(s) of tools required list of required permits necessary to complete this job

Warning: Safe work procedures need to be

developed by people with a strong practical background and familiarity with the confined space.

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CODE OF PRACTICE
Another mechanism for safe entry procedures is called a code of practice. There are many things that have to be taken into consideration if you are using a code of practice, including: A means of clearly identifying confined spaces at a work site. The qualifications and training needed by workers who will enter these spaces. The means, if any, of isolating a confined space from contaminates or other hazards. The means of ventilating the space and maintaining an acceptable atmosphere. Tests for harmful substances or oxygen deficiencies. Monitoring may be required throughout the duration of entry to the confined space. Such monitoring must be conducted by a person trained in the correct use of the testing equipment as well as the interpretation and recording of the results. Information on the availability and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Workable rescue procedures and a list of available rescue equipment and resources. The identification of other hazards that may be present in the confined space and jeopardize the safety of the workers.

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Permits
A permit is more than a piece of paper that tells you what to do. In almost all situations it is a very complex and serious document. In actuality a permit is a contract, a written and signed agreement, which gives information about the job to be completed. Many of the items below are part of most permits: (NB: some of these have already been listed in the procedure for that entry) The proper date of the assigned job. The expected start and finish time of the job. Name and signature of persons issuing and receiving the permit. Location of the exact work area. The exact job to be performed. A list of the conditions, preparations, precautions and limitations, which must be clearly understood by all parties before the job is started. The number of persons to be involved, both in maintenance and operations. The number of persons required for the job, and the necessary support/rescue/standby persons. The type of PPE that is required for that particular job. Can include the types of tools needed for the job (i.e., low voltage lighting). Identification of all necessary tests prior to entry. The time and results of the necessary gas tests and the frequency of any subsequent tests. Each and every operation has the freedom to create their own permit system, as long as it meets or exceeds the required intent of the provincial legislation. Individual requirements vary a great deal from company to company. In some cases there may only be one permit to use, in others there may be many different permits, dependent upon the area and/or type of work undertaken.

Caution:

A work permit is still just a piece of paper --IT will not save lives. The people using the permit will save lives if the permit is valid and if they follow the permit.

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Permits Types May Include:

General permits Cold work permits Hot work permits Entry permits Opening permits Closing permits Hoisting permits Hazardous waste disposal permits Waste disposal permits Vehicle access permits Chemical usage permits Fire water system usage permits Excavation permits Ventilation permits

Permit Issuance and Terminations

A safe work permit does not necessarily make a safe job. To ensure the safety of all, the workers and management must: (1) understand the permit and all the requirements; (2) enforce the requirements listed on the permit; and (3) adhere to the permit requirements at all times. When completing a safe work permit the issuer must: 1. Ensure that all items on the permit applicable to the job have been checked off. 2. Ensure that all the necessary safety precautions have been indicated and carried out. 3. Ensure that the worker understands the work permit and all of the precautions listed. 4. Have the worker sign the permit and make sure that person has the permit available at the job site at all times. 5. The worker(s) need to understand how long the permit is valid for, normally until the end of a shift. 6. Permit extensions are given by authorized personnel only and must include a minimum of the same requirements as the permit previously issued.

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7. If any conditions of the permit change that may jeopardize the safety of workers, then shutdown the job immediately and return the permit to the issuer. 8. The worker must return the permit at the completion of the job. 9. A work permit is a legal document. If a person signs the document they must realize that they may be called upon to prove due diligence by ensuring all requirements of the permit were carried out.

Preparation for Entry

To allow entry into a confined space, we should always strive to ensure an effective zero energy state.

A zero energy state means that there should be a zero chance of exposure to any energy form. A zero energy state is not always achievable or practical. If a zero energy state is not achieved, we must be prepared to protect the entry worker(s) from the following hazards: Atmospheric: as to the air for breathing that is supplied or available air within the confined space. Chemical: what a person will, or could come into contact with. Electrical: from shock or power operated equipment. Mechanical: from movable structures or parts. Kinetic: from moving or falling objects Ensuring a safe entry (from the list above) will be accomplished by using one or more of the following to eliminate the hazards, or to control the confined space.

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Electrical Lockouts/Tag outs

The objective of an effective electrical lockout is to: one, ensure that that particular piece of equipment has been de-energized; two, remove the possibility of that piece of electrical equipment from being capable of functioning electrically; and three, physically lock the breaker out. The device must ensure that the power cannot be put back on by mistake, while the job is in progress, or until it is time to re-energize that particular piece of equipment. As the topic title identifies this procedure requires the use an approved locking device of some type. A system must be used that will clearly identify to everyone who, when and in some cases why this item was locked out. This is often done in the form of a written tag that is applied with the padlock at the time the device is locked out as well as the use of a formal lockout control sheet. Finally, all equipment should be test bumped to verify that it is indeed locked out from all possible sources of power. This is especially necessary if the operation is remote controlled or computer operated. A test bump is accomplished by trying to start that piece of equipment from the remote location first, and then from a local start switch box. This will ensure that it cannot and will not start while the unit is being worked on.

Mechanical Isolation
Moving parts: Ensure that there are no parts that will move, now or later. Special care will have to be taken if there is any chance that a part to be removed has attached parts that could move. Gravity is often an unsuspected source of movement. Pneumatic: Any piece of equipment that normally requires air pressure to either operate or stop it will have to be controlled so that it will not move unexpectedly. For example, if a system has air powered brakes and the air lines are removed, what will happen if the mechanism is not properly secured first? In some instances air-off means the brakes are set, whereas in other situations air-off means the brakes are released. Another example is air operated valves, some require pressure to open and others need air to close.

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Fluid Seals: Some pump seals require constant water, nitrogen, or air pressure behind the seal in order to maintain the seal. If that pressure is lost, then the seal will leak. Spring Loaded: Some things have spring mechanisms that will need to be isolated to prevent the force of the spring from moving. This could be to actuate valves or as part of a control device. However, care must also be taken not to lock out or disable a spring-loaded mechanism of a safety device.

Confined Space Isolation

Company policies must be followed in order to: 1. Prevent any incoming substance from entering the confined space, or desired substances from leaving. 2. Maintain the present confined space atmosphere. Blanking or Blinding A means of stopping any flow of product through the line with a physical barrier. The barrier must be engineered/certified to do the job. Workers cannot use any piece of scrap to do the job. Line Disconnects and Flange Physically disconnect the line at a flange and leave it offset in order to prevent the flow of product into the confined space. Double Block and Bleed The double block and bleed was at one time the most common way of stopping flow. It is now losing popularity. To use it there needed to be two main line valves and a smaller bleed valve in between them. To function, the two main line valves were closed and locked, and the bleed valve was locked in the open position. In some jurisdictions the double block and bleed can be used if the bleed is of the same size as the block valves. In other jurisdictions, the legislation may require that an operator physically observe the bleed valve at all times when workers are inside the confined space.

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Purging This is a method of cleaning out the residual contents of a vessel by diluting or displacing the existing contents by forcing air, steam, water, or an inert gas through the vessel. This is usually done well before the actual entry takes place. Steam will often be used to loosen or break down accumulated build up of residue in a vessel. It will also help to rid the area of low flash point hydrocarbons and other petroleum residue. - NOTE: steaming greatly reduces the oxygen level and can also cause rapid oxidization. Water is often used to carry or flush out undesirable residues and/or liquids. Inert Gases are generally used to displace the oxygen in the vessel in order to reduce the flammable/explosive hazard. Carbon dioxide, argon or nitrogen are the gases most commonly used. - Note: in some instances there may be a need to maintain the purge within the vessel, in order to maintain a designated atmosphere. This may require nitrogen, argon, or carbon dioxide to reduce the flammable hazard.

Ventilation
The purpose of ventilation is: To ensure that an adequate supply of safe air is provided for the worker(s) in the confined space. Effective ventilation will provide a continual movement of air to: ensure adequate supply of oxygen dilute and/or displace any contaminates that may be present control odors control temperature within exhaust unwanted contaminates created by the work process

Note:

Any system used to move the air must, by law, be capable of moving the required amount of air, or giving the vessel a complete exchange of air, within a specified time frame. This is identified in provincial ventilation legislation.

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Responsibilities
Both the employer and the worker have responsibilities to protect the workers when a ventilation system is being set up and while in use. The employer must ensure that the system is the right one for the job and personnel are trained in the proper installation and operation of that piece of equipment. All of the workers involved in the entry must be observant of each other in the event that the system is not successful in protecting the workers. One source of information that is very important to everyone is the Material Safety Data Sheet for the product(s) that are expected to be in the confined space. If there is a chance that workers may mix products or generate other types of chemical reactions it is recommended that a chemical engineer or some other expert be involved in the planning process.

Factors that Affect the Type of Ventilation

The choice of ventilation system will depend on many factors, including: Product density Product evaporation rate Temperature Source Direction of discharged air Ambient wind direction Ambient temperature Size of vessel Number of openings Size of the openings Location of openings in the vessel Accessibility of access to the openings

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Natural Ventilation: is created by having two or more openings in the vessel open at the same time. This may create a flow of air. However, natural ventilation is dependent on ambient wind direction and force, or on temperatures within the vessel, all of which change with time. Overall, natural ventilation cannot be relied on and is a poor method of control to ensure a safe atmosphere to protect workers. Mechanical Ventilation: is created by having an air-moving device positioned at one end of a vessel and moving air through that vessel. This could be either a vacuum/exhaust system or a forced air/supply system. Local Ventilation: is where the incoming air is piped/directed close to the area where the worker is located, to keep the worker in a safe atmosphere. Local exhaust: is where the air is evacuated by means of a duct or hose at the source, thus removing the contaminates before they mix into the local air. Also there is still fresh or makeup air coming into the space.

CAUTION:

the source and quality of the intake air must also be taken into account when setting up the ventilation equipment, as well as the direction of the discharged air.

Pre-Entry Planning
The key to successful completion of a confined space entry is the time and effort spent on the pre-entry planning. Elements must be planned out step-bystep and stage-by-stage. These elements are actually in the planning process months before the entry takes place. Examples of early planning include: materials needed to do the job; necessary engineering and designing; drafting of prints to build parts; time of the job (both planned date for entry and duration of entry); required manpower necessary to complete the job; coordinating with the operations group in order to take the vessel out of service; and pre-entry work to prep the vessel for entry.

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Gas Testing
To determine if the atmosphere in the vessel is safe: 1. To breathe 2. From flammable or explosive gases 3. Toxic Warning: Gas testing WILL NOT protect the operator When testing the atmosphere in an unknown or suspect area, the test must be done in the correct sequence to ensure that the equipment will function properly. The correct order is: 1. Oxygen 2. Flammable or explosive gases 3. Toxic Why in this order?

Test for oxygen level first. If there isnt a sufficient amount of oxygen in the atmosphere then any other test results will be suspect. Oxygen is needed to conduct the flammable test and to obtain the balance or ratio when doing the toxic level test. The second test is for flammables. The type of system required will depend on many factors, including: Product density Product evaporation rate Temperature Source Direction of discharged air Ambient wind direction Size of vessel and the number of openings Location of openings in the vessel Accessibility of access to the openings If there is a high amount of flammables in the atmosphere we will need to lower that level before we put workers into that vessel. Check provincial and company standards for acceptable limits to enter a flammable atmosphere.

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The third test in the sequence is for toxins. Once the toxic level is determined we can then determine what precautions will be needed for a safe entry. Requirements for Testing The person assigned to test the area must be: - Suitably trained - Knowledgeable of the area to be tested - Responsible for testing the entire area

Caution:

Always check high and low and into all areas of little or no air movement, and be aware of the characteristics of the product (e.g., lighter or heavier than air, evaporation rate).

Testing Equipment - Must be the correct type of testing unit for this atmosphere. - Must be in good working condition. - Must be properly maintained and calibrated according to manufacturers specifications. Timing of Tests 1 Pre-entry Before the ventilation system is started, and after it has been operated for a determined time, to ensure that it is doing its job. After each break Because of the possibility of changes while the workers were out of the area, and to ensure it is safe to re-enter before they go back in. Ongoing or continuously In certain circumstances it may be necessary to continually evaluate the confined space. Sudden changes can occur, especially if the hazard exceeds the limit.

3.

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Detection Equipment Tube type Electronic Personal Portable Fixed Testing an Unspecified or a Suspected Hazardous Area 1. Wearing appropriate breathing apparatus for the worst-case levels of exposure. 2. Having the necessary or designated permit(s) to enter 3. Having necessary backup personnel

Personnel Requirements
Monitor/Standby This is the worker designated to be stationed at the entrance to the vessel. This person usually manages the paperwork and ensures all details are being followed. Stay in communication with workers Standby/Rescue This (these) person(s) are assigned to be at or near the entrance to the vessel to help the entrants get into and out of the vessel. They are also responsible for controlling the safety lines and the air hoses, In the event of an emergency they must also be ready and capable to effect or assist in a rescue. Bottle-Watch If the entry procedures designate that the entrant(s) will use Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus, then there will have to be a competent worker assigned to monitor the bottles at all times while workers are using the air. In the event that a worker is getting low on air (only 25% of their usable air is available) then the bottle watch person will inform the entry monitor to have that particular worker brought out of the vessel in order to change the air system over to another bottle.

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Fire-Watch The primary duty of a fire-watch person is to be ready to put out any fire(s) generated by the work being done in, or around, the confined space In order to effectively do this task the worker will have to be trained in the proper use of the necessary fire fighting equipment that is designated on the permit, and to have the correct equipment located at the designated location(s) at the work area. In many cases the fire-watch person will have several extra dry chemical fire extinguishers available at the job site. These should be placed in strategic locations. In order to protect all personnel entering the confined space, there is also a need for pre-entry inspections of the immediate and surrounding area to ensure that any and all inherent fire hazards are eliminated before the job starts. For example, hosing the area before hot work starts, or spreading sand over any suspect product. A clear access route for the arrival of other fire fighting personnel may also need to be established.

Physical Layout and Conditions

People setting up the entry permits needs to be aware: Structural features such as the type of materials, the strength of the steel, size of support beams/braces (e.g., catwalks may need to be reinforced, or even moved. Area layout and other nearby features: this will entail the physical layout as to the proximity to any other vessels/units in the area that could effect this entry (especially if there is an emergency of some sort), pipe racks, power lines, power/light poles, roadways, walkways, buildings, available/designated entryway for emergency vehicles. Working units in the area: are there any live (hot, pressurized or powered) units in the area that could have an impact on how this entry will proceed, or how a rescue would be affected.

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Communications
Means of monitoring the workers include: Verbal: a great way to keep in contact, but not very effective over great distances or if the workers are wearing breathing apparatus. Visual: this is a great way to watch the progress of the workers and to watch for any toxic reaction. Unfortunately, in most confined space entry jobs this is not effective. It is often dark and sometimes distance of sight is limited. The biggest problem is that the entry monitor would have to put his/her head directly into the confined space to see the worker inside. This would create several problems: 1. The monitors head would be breaking the plane of the opening, thus putting another worker into the space. 2. The entry monitor would be exposed to the toxic atmosphere, thereby needing breathing apparatus. 3. An additional standby/rescue worker would be needed. Motion or Hand Signals: these rely on the lighting and on the shape or design of the unit. This can only be used if the line of sight is totally unrestricted. When used in conjunction with verbal, motion and hand signals is an effective way of monitoring the entrants, but only if the monitor does not have to cross the plane of the vessel opening. Rope Tugs: pulls on the safety line can be used in some instances. The drawback to this method is that someone (usually the standby/rescue person) will have to be at the opening, in constant contact with the rope. This can become very crowded on an entry where there are a large number of workers. Also, there may be a constant tangle of ropes to keep straight, while using them for tugs at the same time. The important part of this method is to ensure that everyone is talking the same language when using the ropes for communications. The usual signals are: ONE PULL - OKAY TWO PULLS - GIVE ME MORE SLACK THREE PULLS TAKE UP SLACK FOUR PULLS EMERGENCY NO RESPONSE EMERGENCY

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Radio: A great way to keep in contact with workers, however, if they are wearing a breathing apparatus, it can be difficult to understand them unless their mask(s) are equipped with speaking diaphragms. This may be overcome if the radio has a hand microphone that can be pressed into the persons voice box. There may also be internal interference (such as welding) to be considered when making the decision to use radios, thus the person inside the vessel may not hear the radio. When using radios it is important to be aware of the appropriate radio channels that are to be used for this particular operation. Finally the user needs to know the established call numbers or signs, and who to get a hold of in an emergency.

Horn: The common general warning device is the air horn. It is very effective both inside and outside of the confined space. Remember it is used for emergency purposes only. If there is an emergency inside a vessel then activate the horn with the designated number of blasts outside the vessel (usually three groups of three). If you have an emergency outside the vessel then you will have to have workers exit the confined space as quickly as possibly, and the horn is the best way to get their attention. Use a horn appropriately, as it will be very loud inside the vessel. The easiest way to use a horn is to blow it as you wave it across the opening. Thus not deafening the workers.

Alarm System: If a warning alarm system is in place, it is imperative that everyone knows and understands the significance of the messages/blasts. Significance of the number or type of blasts (e.g., long single tone, warbling, intermittent, etc.) varies greatly from company to company. Record Keeping: Permits and related documentation must be kept on file for one full year, even if there wasnt a problem with the entry. If there was any sort of problem, then all documentation will have to be kept secure, for as long as necessary.

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Rescue Plans
Blue prints become a rescue map A complete list of the details Communicated to each of the workers designated to this task

Rescue Equipment
Rescue equipment should be identified in the procedure and on the permit. Equipment may include ropes, pulleys, rescue winch, carribiners, straps, stokes with backboard, first aid kit, blankets, safety harness(es), etc.

Rescue Personnel
Rescue personnel should be qualified, suitably trained, and knowledgeable of the area and the equipment. The company is obligated to ensure that the rescue personnel are adequately trained for the particular type of confined space, and to use the designated equipment.

Emergency Response Planning

How the response will be initiated by the monitor/stand-by Who will respond the stand-by/rescue personnel on hand What equipment will they need to bring with them it should be on-hand before the entry begins Who will be in charge a supervisor or company representative Who will perform what duties as detailed in the procedures

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Contingency Plans
On site rescue team On site medical Company coordinator Company security officer(s) Local fire department Local hospital Local R.C.M.P. Local airport Local companies of similar nature that you have written mutual aid response agreements with.

Have all of the necessary departments been notified and are they available in the event of an emergency?

Entry Log Sheet

Entry log report is to include gas test sheets, entry and work permits and entry monitor Respiratory protection equipment Related safety equipment Harness, ropes, P.P.E. Site preparation Work and rescue equipment laid out (but separate) Access for emergency response Location of emergency assembly point(s) identified

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Levels of Entry
Even if we have successfully completed all of the preparatory tasks, we still need to prepare for the unexpected to happen.

Types of Entry: Level 1 or a Class A entry The area is or has the potential to become I.D.L.H. Oxygen content is less than 19.5% or greater than 23% Flammability is 20% of the L.E.L. or greater.

Level 2 or a Class B entry The area is not immediately I.D.L.H. Flammability is greater than 0% but less than 20% of the L.E.L.

Level 3 or a Class C entry The area is considered non-hazardous, and there is low potential of any change Oxygen level is between 19.5% and 23% Normal rescues only, meaning a walk in and walk out situation.

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SITE SAFETY
GENERAL 1. When handling compressed gas bottles: a. Do not strike an electric arc on any cylinder. b. Do not transfer gas from one cylinder to another. c. Do not use a sling or an electronic magnet to hoist cylinders. d. Do not hoist a cylinder by the protective cap. Use the proper hoisting cradle. e. Do not drop cylinders. f. Do not place an acetylene cylinder on its side. g. Do not rely on cylinder color to identify the contents, check the stencil and tag. h. Always refer to the contents by their proper name. i. Always be properly secured at all times.

2.

Preparing the site: a. General cleanliness. b. Route to the emergency assembly point. c. Identified safety equipment. d. Identified rescue equipment is on hand and ready for use.

CONFINED SPACES
ARE A VERY REAL DANGER AND NUMEROUS LIVES ARE LOST EVERY YEAR

DONT
LET ONE OF THOSE LIVES BE YOURS SOMEONE YOU KNOW SOMEONE YOU WORK WITH