Confined Space Introduction
Is confined space hazardous?
Do you know every year a notable number of workers are injured or lose their lives while working in a confined space? Due to many reasons confined spaces become more hazardous than regular workspaces. To effectively manage and eliminate the dangers associated with confined space work, a confined space hazard risk assessment and awareness program should be carried out for all workplaces. All jurisdictions within different countries have regulations dealing with confined space entry. The regulations can vary slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
For a more detailed understanding of the confined space control program, you can refer to the OSH Answers documents titled “Confined Space – Program” and “Confined Space – Atmospheric Testing.”
Suppose it is not possible to ensure the safety of the worker in a confined space through precautionary measures. In that case, workers MUST AVOID entering the confined space until it has been provided safe for entry through supplementary methods. It is crucial to view all confined spaces as potentially dangerous, unless a qualified individual has come to know otherwise thorough a risk evaluation.
What is a confined space?
A confined space is a space that is either fully or partially enclosed and…
- It is not primarily designed for continuous work and human occupancy.
- It has a limited or restricted entrance or exit.
- It has a potential risk to the health and safety of individuals who enter, due to one or more of the following factors: a) Its design, construction, location, or atmosphere. b) The materials or substances within it. c) The ongoing work activities conducted within it. d) The presence of mechanical, process, or safety hazards.
Confined spaces are present in a wide range of workplace environments. These spaces can exist both above and below ground. It’s important to note that a confined space may not necessarily be physically small, despite the term itself. Examples of confined spaces encompass a diverse range of settings, including silos, vats, hoppers, utility vaults, tanks, water supply towers, sewers, pipes, access shafts, truck or rail tanks, cars, aircraft wings, boilers, manholes, pump stations, digesters, and storage bins. Additionally, ditches, wells, and trenches can be considered confined spaces if their access or egress is limited, even though they still have an open area, all of which fall under this category of potential confined spaces.
What are the documents required to work in a confined space?
There are so many documents required to work in a confined space that’s why we are going to list them out below as-
- Work Permit– It is required to know that which type of work we are gong to perform, like Hot work or Cold work. Basically we will come to know the nature of work in detailed along with work location.
- Confined space permit or certificate- This permit allows us to work in a confined space.
- JSA ( Job Safety Analysis)- In JSA, it is mentioned that what are the hazards available in work and what precaution we can take for perform the job.
- Isolation Certificate with Marked P&ID- It is required to isolate the confined space on which equipment we are going to perform the job.
- Atmospheric Test Certificate- To know the LEL and H2S, SO2, CO near by the equipment.
- Confined Space Entrant Observer or Attendant with Log Sheet- To maintain the record of workers going inside and coming outside the equipment
- Rescue Plan- This plan is required for the rescue of an insured person during the work.
- Along with the above-mentioned points, you should always keep in mind during work in confined spaces like- a) Use Proper PPE b) Use SCBA if H2S is available c) Use fall arrester rope while going inside d) Use 24V lighting system e) Use exhaust fan while working in confined space f) Always carry H2S personal gas monitor g) Sign board or barricading tape near by manhole h) Use cross barricading while not working i) Do proper housekeeping after finishing the work
What are the hazards available in a confined space?
There are so many hazards available in confined space some of them are mentioned below-
- Presence of toxic gases- Toxic gases that could make the worker ill or cause the worker to lose consciousness
- Presence of flammable gases
- Fire and Explosion- An explosive or flammable atmosphere due to flammable liquids and gases and combustible dusts which, if ignited, would lead to fire or explosion
- Poor ventilation
- Poor Illumination
- Oxygen Deficiency- Insufficient amount of oxygen for the worker to breathe
- Oxygen Enrichment
- Improper access or egress
- Suffocation
- Extreme temperature
- Visibility – Such as smoke particles in air
- Electrical Hazzard
What are the precautions we can take in a confined space?
Some of the precautions are given below to work in a confined space
- Must have a PTW ( Permit to Work)
- Confined space permit or authorization
- Must have confined space training
- Perform gas test before starting work
- Hole watch availability with entry exit log sheet
- Proper ventilation should be available
- Proper access and egress
- Proper Illimination
- Emergency rescue plan
- Rescue equipment should be available like a stretcher, Harness, Lifeline, Fall arrestor, Tripod, Crane
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