CONFINED SPACE

Confined Space:-

Space must meet all of the following criteria to be considered a confined space:

• A space that is large enough to bodily enter.

• A space that has limited means of entry or exit

• space not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Confined Space Hazards:-

 Atmospheric Hazards Oxygen concentration below 19.5% or above 23.5%, Flammable gas greater than 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL), Atmospheres exceeding the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), Airborne combustible dust that obscures vision at 5ft. or less.

Configuration Hazards

Internal configurations that could entrap or asphyxiate an entrant by inwardly converging walls or floors that taper to a smaller cross-section Example: hoppers, bins and tanks

Engulfment Hazards Where there is a potential for a liquid or solid material to drown, capture or asphyxiate an entrant. Examples include water, grains and soils.

Other Hazards

Other hazards may include electrical hazards, mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, steam hazards, extreme temperatures, slippery floors, poor and noise.

Confined Space Entry Procedures:-

• All personnel involved with the entry must have received confined space training within the last 3 years covering confined space hazards, employee responsibilities, confined space safety equipment and safe entry procedures.

• Prior to entry, space must be assessed for all real and potential hazards and the applicable permit must be completed.

• Eliminate all hazards prior to entry when feasible. Utilize Lock/Tag/Verify procedures when required.

• Complete and record pre-entry air quality measurements. Continuously monitor the space during entry

• Obtain and set up all safety equipment including air monitors, barricades, and ventilation equipment when required.

• Utilize a trained Attendant.

• Entrants must wear a body harness for underground entries. Inspection Activities - brief entries where no physical work is performed or tools are utilized.

• An initial hazard assessment must be conducted. If no hazards are identified, entry may be made without an attendant or body harness.

• All completed entry permits must be returned to HSE office.