CONFINED SPACE ENTRY: CONFINED SPACE ENTRY 29 CFR 1910.146


AGENDA: AGENDA Confined Space – definition and examples Review of Hazards Work Procedure – Permit/Testing Job Duties Emergency Procedures


WHAT IS A CONFINED SPACE? : WHAT IS A CONFINED SPACE? Confined Space is a space that meets all three criteria: Large enough to enter and perform work in Has limited means of entry and exit Is not designed for continuous human occupancy EX: Tank, pit, silo, tunnel, well, sewer, underground utility vault


PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE (PRCS): PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE (PRCS) A permit required confined space is one that contains or has the potential to contain serious safety or health hazards Examples of hazards include: engulfment, toxic atmosphere, puzzling configuration, heat or cold stress, slipping hazards, flammable atmosphere, oxygen deficiency Sewers, tanks, vessels,wells are examples of PRCS. Entry occurs when your body “breaks the plane”


CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS – TWO MAJOR FATALITY FACTORS: CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS – TWO MAJOR FATALITY FACTORS Failure to recognize and control the hazards associated with confined space Atmospheric hazards Physical hazards Inadequate or incorrect emergency response Rushing in spontaneously to rescue ‘man down’ At least 60% of all fatalities are would be rescuers


EXAMPLES: EXAMPLES Two employees at the University of Maine were cleaning a large fish tank in 2002. One of them (a 16-year old boy) was inside the tank when he passed out from hydrogen sulfide generated by the sludge. Second employee entered the tank to save the boy. The boy lived but the other employee died inside the tank.


EXAMPLES (CONT.): EXAMPLES (CONT.) The first worker was inside a water cistern spraying a flammable, waterproof coating. The only access was through a vent opening at the top. The second worker was near the vent opening when the explosion occurred, knocking him off the roof. He suffered third-degree burns to his face, ears, and hand. The worker inside the cistern suffered third-degree burns to 80% of his body and later died. An investigation revealed inadequate ventilation to control the flammable vapors generated. Static electric discharge most likely ignited the flammable vapors.


HAZARDS: HAZARDS Oxygen deficiency - inadequate ventilation, consumption of oxygen from welding, bacterial action (decomposition), rust Oxygen displacement - simple asphyxiants like nitrogen or carbon dioxide replace O2 Flammable atmospheres from gases, vaporized solvents, enriched O2 Toxic gases - decomposition of matter generates hydrogen sulfide (heavier than air), carbon monoxide from welding, chlorine from bleach


OXYGEN DEFICIENCY: OXYGEN DEFICIENCY 19.5% = minimum for safe entry 16% - impaired judgement and breathing, accelerated heartbeat 14% - faulty judgement and rapid fatigue 6-10% - nausea, vomiting, inability to perform simple tasks, unconsciousness less than 6% - rapid loss of consciousness, death in minutes


FLAMMABILITY HAZARDS: FLAMMABILITY HAZARDS Ignition source may be as simple as static electricity or spark from a tool Ignition triangle Oxygen Gas, vapor, or dust Ignition source


PHYSICAL HAZARDS: PHYSICAL HAZARDS Engulfment - becoming trapped or enveloped by material Electrocution by activation of electrical equipment (remember LOTO) Injury from activation of mechanical energy (LOTO) Release of material through lines in confined space (disconnect) Falling objects/slick surfaces Hot or cold temperature extremes


HEAT STRESS - SYMPTOMS: HEAT STRESS - SYMPTOMS If the body can’t cool itself through sweating, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can occur Heat exhaustion symptoms: headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion, vomiting, fainting, pale clammy skin What to do? Move to cool area, elevate legs, remove heavy clothing, drink cool water, apply wet cloth to skin Heat stroke symptoms: dry pale skin with no sweating


HEAT STRESS - CONTINUED: HEAT STRESS - CONTINUED Heat Stroke symptoms: hot red skin that looks sunburned inability to think straight, seizure, unconsciousness what to do? Call 911, move victim to cool area, loosen heavy clothing, place icepacks at armpits & groin How to protect yourself: work during coolest part of the day, use spot ventilation, and use buddy system drink plenty of cool water, a cup every 15 minutes, take frequent breaks, acclimatization avoid alcohol or caffeine, certain medications may increase risk


PROCEDURES: PROCEDURES Conduct pre - entry evaluation, including a pre job discussion Identify & eliminate all potential hazards that could enter the space - atmospheric and physical Use forced air ventilation, perform lock out tag out if needed Complete Entry Permit. Who is entrant, attendant, supervisor?


PROCEDURES (CONT.): PROCEDURES (CONT.) Conduct initial monitoring with MSA Gas detector and fill out results on Permit Keep gas engines a safe distance away Use full body harness for PRCS; set up retrieval unit; use two way communications Since KSC personnel are not SCBA qualified, we must notify Keene Fire Department prior to PRCS


JOB DUTIES  AUTHORIZED ENTRANTS: JOB DUTIES AUTHORIZED ENTRANTS Know the hazards that may be faced during entry Wear appropriate PPE Maintain communication with Attendant Recognize signs of overexposure Evacuate space ASAP when given order or unsafe condition or overexposure detected


JOB DUTIES ATTENDANTS: JOB DUTIES ATTENDANTS Maintain position outside entrance AT ALL TIMES while entrants in confined space Recognize signs and symptoms of overexposure Prevent unauthorized access Maintain communication with entrants Initiate emergency response when required


JOB DUTIES ENTRY SUPERVISOR: JOB DUTIES ENTRY SUPERVISOR Conduct pre entry evaluation and discussion Ensure all personnel are aware of hazards Implement control procedures as needed, such as ventilation Contact Keene Fire Department Coordinate initial testing of space Complete Entry Permit


EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Upon recognition of emergency, entrants leave space ASAP Emergency = any condition such as energy release or hazardous atmosphere detected Attendant contacts dispatch via radio to call 911 if entrant injury occurs or entrant experiencing signs of overexposure or oxygen deficiency Use retrieval equipment to remove entrant Do NOT enter space!!!!


WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION: WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION 29 CFR 1910.146 Keene State College Procedure EHS Coordinator