Confined Space Entry

Introduction

Confined space training is aimed at creating awareness for all workers who may have to work in confined spaces in the execution of their duties. This training sets out efficient standard and safe methods through which work can be carried out and to reduce to as low as possible all envisaged hazards

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A quick entry in to the pipe to check the back weld on the joint without permit and gas test claimed the welder’s life… What went wrong?

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What is a Confined Space?

A confined space is any enclosed or partially enclosed space located either above or below ground or deck level where entry is possible and where there is a risk of oxygen deficiency or enrichment, or the accumulation of dust or gases which are flammable or hazardous to a person’s health or where there may be other physical hazards.

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Criteria

• Large enough to enter and perform work
• Has limited or restricted access and egress
• Not designed for continuous human occupancy

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Examples Of Confined Spaces

• Vaults
• Pipes
• Boilers
• Furnaces
• Silos
• Ducts

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Examples Of Confined Spaces

• Tanks
• Manholes
• Pits
• Tunnels
• Sewers
• Trenches

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Entry into these, or any other , confined spaces refers not only to complete body entry but also to partial entry when the head is inserted into the confined space through a manhole or other opening

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Entry into a confined space must only be carried out when it is absolutely essential with the following controls

• Review of entry permit
• Familiarize personnel with confined space hazards
• Train personnel on safeguards and test equipment
• Provision of qualified and authorize supervision
• Establish emergency plan and training

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Entry Procedures

Supervisor:

• To assure adequate protection is provided to the entrants by verifying adequate lockout/tagout and that all hazards are securely isolated
• To support attendant’s authority in controlling access to a confined space
• To verify that all personnel have exited prior to closing the space
• To assure that all personnel involved are aware of the hazards associated with the space
• Health & safety requirements
• Familiar with the Confined Space Entry Procedure and Emergency Plan
• Rescue Services are available prior to entry

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Responsibilities

Attendants/hole watch:

• Checking personnel in/out of confined space.
• To be alert always, never leaving duty post until work is completed
• Maintaining contact (visual, verbal, tag line, whistle).
• Establish and agree with personnel, an emergency signal for evacuation
• Ability to summon help through radio, phone for rescue, medical help

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Responsibilities

Attendant/hole watch

• To assist physically any time when necessary
• To be fully aware that his entry is not permitted whatsoever
• To be familiar with the use of self contained breathing apparatus, First aid kit & other rescue equipment on standby

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Responsibilities

Entrants:

• To assure that the space has been adequately ventilated, isolated, emptied, or otherwise made safe for entry.
• To immediately exit a space, without question, upon word of the attendant, no matter what the reason.
• To follow all safety rules and procedures that apply to the job.
• To be familiar with the work to be performed and the procedures that apply to the job.
• To use the appropriate PPE whenever necessary.
• Must be completed the training required prior to entry.

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Responsibilities

• SCBA uses a source of breathable air carried by the wearer. Although this greatly enhances the mobility of the wearer it limits the duration of protection. At a moderate work rate, using approximately 40 liters per volume, most SCBA used in confined space situations have a rated duration of 30 to 60 minutes.

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• SCBA consist of the following: Face piece, Breathing tube, Air supply tube, Regulator, Exhalation valve, Air Cylinder and valve.

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Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

Confined Space Hazards

Hazards associated with confined space are mainly:

• Oxygen deficiency / enrichment

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• Fire & explosion
• Chemical hazards / toxic atmospheres
• Physical hazards & use of electrical equipment within the confined space
• Limited access into & egress from the confined space

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Pre-entry Consideration

Permit - Confined space permit must include;

• Identification of job, location and hazards
• Work commencement date
• Permit revalidation
• Frequency of Gas monitoring
• All isolation required and other conditions needed
• Signature of all authorize persons
• A copy of the approved permit must be maintained at the work location

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Pre-entry Consideration

Isolation

The confined space must be isolated from all potential dangers such as ingress of fumes by blinding, disconnecting or blanking all lines connected to the confined space. A full permit to work system must be used to record the location and types of isolation, and the hazards being guarded against.

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Pre-entry Consideration

Ignition source

• All possible sources of ignition must be removed from the work area
• Gas cylinders must NEVER be placed INSIDE any confined space

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Electrical / Hydraulic equipment

• Any electrical/hydraulic driven equipment must be de energized/depressurized
• Isolation must tagged/locked out

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Pre-entry Consideration

Heat stress

• Work area must either be ventilated, cooled or;
• Two crews be assigned for alternate rest periods

Radiation

• Every source of radiation must either be eliminated or
• Shielded to avoid radioactive contamination of the workplace

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Pre-entry Consideration

Testing and Monitoring

• All confined spaces must tested for O2 and other gas before entry
• At intervals. Frequency must be documented on permit
• Testing, documentation to be done by Qualified Gas Tester
• Personnel will only be permitted when readings are within limits.

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Pre-entry Consideration

Any time a limit is exceeded, no matter what is the reason, all personnel shall immediately exit the space, and no one shall enter until atmospheric conditions are returned to safe levels.

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Testing and Monitoring

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Check for Oxygen Content:

At least 19.5% and less than 23.5%

Check for Combustibles:

Must be less than 10% of its LEL

Check for Toxic Gasses:

Most commonly Carbon Monoxide (PEL <35 ppm)

or any other hazardous materials as determined by the use of the space.

WARNING:

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Ventilation where necessary must be by either natural or mechanical means

In case of flammable and toxic vapors the space will be force ventilated for 24hrs prior to entry

Such equipment must be properly checked to be free of contaminants

Pre-entry Consideration

Pre-entry Consideration

Personal Protective Equipment

• All necessary PPE must be worn prior to entry and shall be mandatory such Full body harness with tag line and SCBA if necessary.

Fire Protection

• Appropriate fire prevention measures must be in place
• All combustible materials must be removed from the work area.

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Pre-entry Consideration

Illumination

• Extra Low Voltage (ELV) lighting (less than 50 volts) power supply coming from Step Down Transformer
• Battery powered lighting
• Hand held torches
• Chemical light stick
• Protective guards on lights/bulbs to prevent breakage

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Pre-entry Consideration

Illumination

110~220v mobile or fixed lighting fixtures can only be used subject to the following condition;

• When low voltage is unable to illuminate work area properly
• Full isolation transformer with ELCB
• Lighting fixtures that are double insulated

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Pre-entry Consideration

Electrical hand held tools & equipment:

Shall conform to the following:-

• Full isolation step-down transformer
• Battery operated

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Special considerations :-

• Explosion proof lighting, torches, tools & equipment are to be used in potentially flammable areas
• All cables are to be run through alternate opening and tied up
• If no alternate, use hand held torches
• All transformers should be protected

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NB: All transformers, ELCBs must remain outside the confined space

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Pre-entry Consideration

Access & Egress

Adequate access to and egress from all confined spaces will be provided:

• Ladders
• Scaffold or
• Purpose made access platforms. The confined space working area will be organized in such a manner as to provide as much unhindered work space as practicable

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Pre-entry Consideration

Selection of Personnel

• All personnel selected to enter any confined environment must be trained including the attendant/hole watch
• They must be conversant with the operation of all emergency equipment

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Unauthorised Entry

• All entrants shall sign the sign in log when entering the space and sign out when exiting.

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Permit To Work

• HSE supervisor must be satisfied that the gas test revealed no presence of combustible/toxic gas
• Every entry into a confined space must be by permit to work system
• Permit issuer must satisfied that all necessary precautions have been taken and provisions made to secure the safety of those entering the confined space before signing the PTW
• The signed PTW thus gives an assurance that work may safely take place

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Permit To Work

• Toxic gases and oxygen content shall be between >19.5% and <23.5%
• All other safety provisions such as hole watch, lifelines, adequate ventilation, communication, standby rescue equipment shall be provided.
• All personnel must attend the required training program, fully understood the entire confined space entry procedure
• Other permit may be needed in working inside confined space (e.g. Hotwork Permit, Cold work permit, etc…)

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Rescue Equipment

• Every person entering the confined space wearing breathing apparatus must also wear a safety harness
• The harness must be attached to a life line
• Life line is attended to by a person outside the confined pace

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Rescue

• The arrangements for the rescue of persons in the event of an emergency need to be suitable and sufficient.
• The arrangements should be in place before any persons enter or work in a confined space
• If a person is injured in a confined space which has been certified safe to enter without respiratory protection, an entry can be made to rescue and remove them straight away.

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Summary

Safety in a confined space can only be achieved by;

• Use of a permit to work system
• Proper implementation of

Confined Space Procedure

• Hazards are identified and corrected
• Proper tools & Equipment is utilized
• Proper Supervision

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GO OUT IN THAT SPACE SAFE

FOLLOW SAFETY PROCEDURE