Confined Space Safety Training Presentations

Permit-Required Confined Spaces 29 CFR 1910.146

Why Comply????
Confined space entry is a leading cause of occupational fatalities in this country

Definition of a Confined Space

Limited means of egress Can be bodily entered Not designed for continuous occupancy

Definition of Permit-Required Confined Spaces

Contains or has potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere Contains the potential for engulfment Internal configuration that can trap or asphyxiate entrant Any other serious safety or health hazards

Typical Permit-Required Spaces

Chemical Storage Tanks and Vessels Pits Waste Water Lift Sumps Underground Sewage Tunnels Industrial Steam Boilers

Typical Non-Permit-Required Spaces

Utility closets Below-grade trenches Storage vaults Utility subbasements

Potential Confined Space Hazards

Engulfment Oxygen deficiency (19.5% or less) Oxygen enrichment (23.5% or higher) Flammable gases or vapors Combustible dusts Toxic substances IDLH atmospheres

Atmospheric Testing
Hazards must be tested in this order:
Oxygen content Combustibility/ flammability Toxic atmospheres

Entrants must be allowed to observe monitoring

Reasons for Space Ventilation

Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5% Maintain toxic gases and vapors at acceptable levels

Types of Personal Protective Equipment

Harnesses Retrieval lines Chemical protective clothing Welding apron/sleeves Respirators Gloves Safety glasses

Companys Responsibilities
Formulate and manage the confined spaces program Maintain a confined space inventory Maintain a list of Authorized Personnel Maintain copies of confined space permits Direct the confined space training program Maintain rescue equipment Coordinate contractor activities

Authorized Attendant Responsibilities

Know the hazards that may be faced during entry. Be knowledgeable in the use and care of applicable atmosphere sampling equipment. Conduct all atmosphere tests/sampling specified by the permit and render the atmosphere safe before entry can be made. Be aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in Authorized Entrants. Continuously maintain an accurate count of Authorized Entrants in the confined space.
Document No. EHSL-6.2.2-00.001D Rev. R1 Rev. Date: 01/30/09

Authorized Attendant Responsibilities

(cont.)
Remain outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another Authorized Attendant. Communicate with Authorized Entrants as necessary to adequately monitor their status. Monitor activities inside and outside the confined space and order Authorized Entrants to evacuate when necessary. Summon rescue services if needed (by use of portable radio or phone). Keep unauthorized persons out of the permit space. Do not perform any duties that might interfere with monitoring duties.
Document No. EHSL-6.2.2-00.001D Rev. R1 Rev. Date: 01/30/09

Authorized Entrant Responsibilities

Know the hazards that may be faced during entry. Recognize signs and symptoms of exposure. Properly use entry equipment Communicate with the Authorized Attendant as necessary to enable the Attendant to monitor Authorized Entrant status and to enable the Attendant to alert Entrants of the need to evacuate the space. Alert the Authorized Attendant whenever warning signs or symptoms of exposure to a dangerous situation are recognized or a prohibited condition is detected. Exit from the space as quickly as possible whenever:
An order to evacuate is given by the Attendant or the Entry Supervisor. Any warning signs or symptoms of exposure to a dangerous situation are recognized. A prohibited condition is detected. An evacuation alarm is activated

Confined Space Supervisor Responsibilities

Know the hazards that may be faced during entry.

Verify by checking that the appropriate entries have been made on the permit, that all tests specified by the permit have been conducted, and that all procedures and equipment are in place before endorsing the permit and allowing entry to begin. Terminate entry and cancel the permit as required. Verify rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operable. Remove unauthorized individuals who enter or attempt to enter the permit space during operations. See that entry operations remain consistent with the permit Ultimately, the Confined Space Supervisor is responsible for all confined space entry activities.

Rescuer Responsibilities
Understand the hazards of the space Be certified in emergency first aid and CPR Understand appropriate entry procedures Know how to use rescue equipment Practice confined space rescues at least annually

Quiz
1. A confined space is defined as having limited egress, can be bodily entered, and is not designed for ______________________________________________. 2. All confined spaces must be permit-required. True or False 3. The three hazards that must be tested for in a confined space are _____________________, combustibility and flammability, and toxic atmospheres. 4. Since entrants will view the hazards while in the space, it is not necessary that they know or review the hazards prior to entry. True or False 5. If a chemical storage tank is empty, it would not be considered a confined space. True or False

Quiz (cont.)
6. Two examples of typical non-permit-required confined spaces are ________________ and ________________. 7. Confined space entry is a leading cause of occupational fatalities in the United States. True or False 8. Annual __________ drills are required by the OSHA Confined Space Standard. 9. An attendant should be available to be the first person into the space to conduct a rescue. True or False 10. An entrant should exit a confined space if ordered to do so, unknown exposures are encountered, communication is lost, or _______________________.

Quiz Answers
1. A confined space is defined as having limited egress, can be bodily entered, and is not designed for continuous occupancy. 2. False. Some confined spaces may be classified as non-permit-required. 3. The three hazards that must be tested for in a confined space are oxygen content, combustibility and flammability, and toxic atmospheres. 4. False. Entrants must be familiar with all hazards prior to entering a confined space. 5. False. Just because it is empty does not preclude its being defined as a confined space.

Quiz Answers (cont.)

6. Examples of typical non-permit-required confined spaces are utility closets, below-grade trenches, storage vaults, and utility subbasements. 7. True. Confined space entry is routinely one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities. 8. Annual emergency drills are required by the OSHA Confined Space Standard. 9. False. An attendant should never enter a confined space to rescue unless someone else is available to fill the duties as attendant. 10. An entrant should exit a confined space if ordered to do so, unknown exposures are encountered, communication is lost, or an alarm is sounded.