Confined Space Entry

Confined Space Entry
Environmental Safety & Health - Safety Center
By Tony Bertram, safety team member

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.
O2 and You.

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 who evaluates the hazards, prescribes required equipment and precautions and issues the Confined Space Entry Permit.

Goals and Objectives: At the end of this session you will: o be familiar with the hazards and requirements of safe confined space entry. pass a 10 question quiz with a score of 100%.
Confined Space Entry - Hazards
O2
Both animal and plant life require oxygen to live. One of the primary hazards of entering confined spaces is oxygen deficiency.
When oxygen is present in concentrations less than 19.5% the atmosphere is said to be oxygen deficient.
O2
5

Oxygen can also be present in concentrations that are too high. Oxygen in concentrations greater than 23% is too oxygen rich and can cause combustible materials to ignite very quickly.

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. denser materials push the oxygen out of the occupied space. oxygen is reacted with other materials to make other compounds.
Displacement:
Reaction:
CO2
After oxygen is delivered to body organs and used by organ cells, it reacts with carbon to make carbon dioxide. Red blood cells carrying carbon dioxide turn blue. Carbon dioxide is carried back to the lungs by the red blood cells and exhaled into the surrounding atmosphere.
O2
The human body requires oxygen to carry out cellular metabolism. Oxygen is brought in through the lungs and transported to cells of body organs by the red blood cells. When blood is rich in oxygen it turns red.
O2 CO2
Given a fixed amount of oxygen as you would have in a confined space, respiration of oxygen causes carbon dioxide to increase. When oxygen decreases to less than 19.5%. the atmosphere is said to be oxygen deficient, putting occupants of the confined space at risk of losing consciousness and death.

CO2 H20
NOx
CO
Processes which operate by the principle of combustion use up oxygen much faster than the human respiration. Products of combustion vary with the fuel that is present and the temperature of the combustion reaction. Welding, burning natural gas, propane, gasoline, and diesel engines are examples of combustion processes. 10
O2
fuel

Manholes often remain covered for long periods of time. Naturally occurring toxins, such as hydrogen sulfide can accumulate inside of manholes. Manholes may also 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.
H 2S
CH4
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Toxic and flammable materials are sometimes illegally put into sanitary and storm sewers. Leaking tanks or spills may migrate under ground causing seepage into manholes. Material can leach through soil from many miles away. ?? ?? ??
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Sudden releases of fluid solids, such as granulated salt, sugar, or sand, liquids, and dense 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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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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Many confined space entries involve a complex set of exposures to mechanical, electrical, pressure and chemical hazards.
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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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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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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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Fresh Air
If concentrations of materials are found to be at harmful levels, the confined space must be ventilated to remove them before entry. Fresh outside air is blown into the space to dilute and remove contaminants, and ?? supply oxygen. O2 ?? O2 O2
??
O2 ??
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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
??
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O2
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Means of emergency rescue must be readily available to the confined space entry attendant for emergency extrication of entrants.
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A means must be provided for 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 be used for ordinary entry and exit.
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Barriers to prevent passers-by and 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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CAUTION Opening in Ground Keep Out !
Place warning signs where pedestrians can see them. Signs must state the hazard and the required action.
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Confined Space Entry Permit Requirements Eye protection Respiratory protection Continuous Ventilation Body Protection Hand Protection Foot Protection Weather Protection yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no no no no no no no
Required countermeasures include personal protective equipment for hazards expected to be found within the confined space. Eye and head injuries are always a potential, therefore safety glasses and hard hats are required wear for entrants. Other conditions may require the use of respirators, safety shoes, protective gloves, and other personal protective equipment.
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Confined Space Entry Permit Requirements Ground Fault Interruption Lockout of Hazardous Energy Sources yes yes no no
Required countermeasures also include prevention of electrical shock hazards due to loss of earth ground for portable tools. GFCIs are required for portable electric tooling. There may also be a need to lockout and tag equipment both in the confined space and on adjacent equipment and processes.
Danger
Do not use!
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Entrants must constantly monitor the confined space for toxic gases, oxygen, and combustible gases. Entrants will be issued a personal monitor to wear for this purpose. Entrants must leave the confined space when the monitor alarm is activated. It is the attendants responsibility to see that HCN the entrant leaves the space during an alarm. CO2
H 2S O2 CO CH4
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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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The attendant should attempt to remove the entrant from the confined space using tripods, hoist, and lifelines. Attendants are NOT TO ENTER CONFINED SPACES. Lethal hazards may be present within the confined space. Only properly equipped and trained emergency rescue personnel may enter confined spaces 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: Permit issued to: Supervisors Name: Attendants name: Permit issuers name: % oxygen: % lower explosive limit: Requirements Emergency Rescuer Continuous Gas Monitor Barrier for ground openings Warning Signs Safety Harness with life line Tripod / Hoist / Pulley Access (ladders/other)yes Eye protection Respiratory protectionyes Continuous Ventilation Body Protection Hand Protection Foot Protection Weather Protection Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Lockout of Hazardous Energy yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no no no no no no no no no no no no no no
Required countermeasures are determined by a qualified safety professional.

H2S:
ppm CO:
Once the required countermeasures are in place, a permit is issued by the safety representative and the confined space may be safely entered. Should an emergency arise during the entry, the attendant notifies an emergency response team and attempts to extricate the entrant.
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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 follow permit procedures before entry.
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Where to Get Help?

The supervisor of a confined space entry should be contacted for any equipment necessary to complete the task at hand. Safety Representatives are responsible for answering questions about 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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Think before entering space!

35

Construction Industry Standard
1926.21(b)(6)
General Industry Standard

1910.146
Best Practices for all Industries

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Construction Industry Standard

All employees required to enter into confined or enclosed spaces shall be instructed as to the nature of the hazards involved, the necessary precautions to be taken, and in the use of protective and emergency equipment required. The employer shall comply with any specific regulations that apply to work in dangerous or potentially dangerous areas.
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Typical Confined Spaces
Boiler, Degreaser, Furnace Pipeline, Pit, Pumping Station Reaction or Process Vessel, Mills Septic Tank, Sewage Digester Silo, Storage Tank, Barges Sewer, Utility Vault, Manhole Trenches, Shafts, Caissons
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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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Categorizing Work Space

* Space large enough to enter &; * Limited or Restricted entry or exit &; * Not designed for continuous worker occupancy.
NO Not a confined Space
YES PermitRequired Confined SpaceBertram, safety team member By Tony YES
Confined Space
Hazardous Atmosphere
Non NO Permit Required Space 40
Or Engulfment Hazard Or Configuration Hazard Or Any other recognized serious hazard
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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Dangerous Combinations
Presence of all three confined space

characteristics can complicate the situation. Working in and around the space. Rescue operations during emergencies. Worsened conditions due to work activities:
Welding and cutting, use of bonding agents Cleaning with solvents, use of other chemicals Use of gas-powered equipment
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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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Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres

19.5 % 15 - 19% 12-14% 10-12% 8-10% 6-8% 4-6%
Minimum acceptable oxygen level. Decreased ability to work strenuously. Impair coordination. Early symptoms. Respiration increases. Poor judgment. Respiration increases. Lips blue. Mental failure. Fainting. Nausea Unconsciousness. Vomiting. 8 minutes - fatal, 6 minutes - 50% fatal 4-5 minutes - possible recovery. Coma in 40 seconds. Death 46
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. By Tony Bertram, safety team member 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
10 ppm 50 - 100 200 - 300 500 -700 >1000
Effect
Permissible Exposure Level Mild Irritation - eyes, throat Significant Irritation Unconsciousness, Death Unconsciousness, Death
Time
8 Hours 1 Hour 1 Hour 1/2 - 1 Hour Minutes
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Carbon Monoxide
Odorless, Colorless Gas. Combustion By-Product. By Quickly collapse at high concentrations.

PPM Effect Time
8 Hours 3 Hours 1 Hour 2 Hours 1 1/2 Hours 30 Min. 30 Min. 50 Permissible Exposure Level 200 Slight headache, discomfort 600 Headache, discomfort 10001000-2000 Confusion, nausea, headache 10001000-2000 Tendency to stagger 10001000-2000 Slight heart palpitation By Tony Bertram, safety team member 20002000-2500 Unconsciousness
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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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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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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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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. By Tony Bertram, safety team member
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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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Permit Entry Systems
Written permit signed by entry supervisor. Verifies pre-entry precautions have been
taken and the space is safe to enter. Posted at entry to confined space. Specifies apparent hazards and corrective actions taken prior to entry. Requires termination of permit when task is completed or when new conditions exist.
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Entry Permit Requirements
Date, location, and name of confined space. Purpose of entry and known hazards. Duration of entry permit time. Authorized entrants, attendants, supervisors. Air testing results - signature of tester. Protective measures to be taken.
Ventilation, Isolation, Flushing Lockout / Tagout, Purging
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Entry Permit Requirements
Name and phone numbers of rescue and

emergency services. Communication procedures. Special equipment and procedures.
Personal protective equipment. Alarm procedures. Rescue equipment. Respirators.
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Training and Education
All workers who must enter confined spaces All attendants and rescue team members. Prior to initial work assignment. Retraining:
Job duties change. Change in permit-space program. New hazards are present. Job performance indicates deficiencies. 63

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Confined Space Entry

Environmental Safety & Health - Safety Center

By Tony Bertram, safety team member