Confined Space Safety

1. Confined Space Safety and the Field Supervisor

2. What are Examples of Confined Spaces? • Storage Tanks • Pits • Process Vessels • Bins • Boilers • Ventilation or Exhaust Ducts • Sewers • Tunnels • Pipeline • Trenches • Underground Utility Vaults

3. Confined Space Defined • Means any space having a limited means of egress which is subject to the accumulation of toxic or flammable contaminants or has an oxygen deficient atmosphere.

4. 29 CFR Part 1926.20(a)(6)(i) • All employees required to enter into confined or enclosed spaces shall be instructed 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 regulation that apply to work in dangerous or potentially dangerous areas.

5. 29 CFR Part 1926.353(b)(1) • Either general mechanical or local exhaust ventilation shall be provided whenever welding, cutting, or heating is performed in an confined space.

6. Hazards Arise From Air That Is: • Flammable. • Toxic. • Corrosive. • Asphyxiating • Additional Hazards Are Caused By: • Poor Communications • Temperature • Noise • Vibration • Entry and Exit Concerns Confined Space Hazards

7. Before Employees Enter a Confined Space "Be Sure That..." • The air in the confined space has been tested by a qualified person, using the proper instruments, for: • Toxic and/or flammable gases or vapors, and • Oxygen deficiency or excess • Provisions have been made for the continuous monitoring of the air quality even if it was safe when work began. • The employee is wearing/using the proper protective clothing and equipment. • Adequate ventilation is provided. • The employees are familiar with the means of communicating to the outside of the confined space and/or sending emergency signals. • All supply lines, chutes, pipes, pumps, and ,mechanical and electrical equipment connected to the confined space have been closed and locked out. • Adequate provisions have been made to handle temperature, noise and vibration concerns.

8. Establish a "buddy system". When employees enter a known hazardous atmosphere, be sure they are backed up by a co-worker (outside the confined space) who is wearing self contained breathing equipment, a safety harness and a lifeline, "ready for action" in the event of an emergency. A third worker, remaining within sight and hearing distance, should be alerted that a worker is entering a confined space. • Where explosive or flammable atmosphere is present, take extreme care when purging the contaminated space. • Post the proper warning signs. DO....

9. Allow a confined space entry without your permission. • Allow the employee to contaminate the air themselves. Don't allow leaky acetylene or other similar hoses, toxic solvents, and other dangerous materials in the confined space. • Allow employees to arbitrarily sweeten the air with excess amounts of oxygen. • Allow entry into a known hazardous atmosphere without a supplied air respirator or self-contained breathing equipment, a safety harness and a lifeline. • Allow a confined space entry through an opening that requires the employee to "squeeze through". DON'T...