Confined Spaces

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Confined Spaces
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What is a Confined Space?

• A space with limited openings for entry and
  exit.
• Is large enough for employee entry to perform
  work, but is not designed for continuous worker
  occupancy.
• Has unfavorable natural ventilation.

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Examples of Confined Spaces

• Pipes
• Pits
• Manholes
• Trenches
• Boilers
• Tanks
• Sewers
• Silos
• Hoppers
• Tunnels
• Ducts
• Bins
• Ect.

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Types of Confined Spaces

• Permit-Required Confined Space A confined space
  which contains or has the potential to contain a
  hazardous atmosphere, contains material that may
  engulf an entrant, has an internal configuration
  that may trap or asphyxiate an entrant, or
  contains any other serious safety or health
  threat.
• Non-Permit Confined Space A confined space in
  which there are no major health or safety hazards
  which may cause death or serious physical harm.

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Hazards Associated with Confined Spaces

• Oxygen Deficiency
• Toxic Materials such as
• - Carbon Monoxide
• - Hydrogen Sulfide
• - Welding Fumes
• - Corrosives
• Electricity
• Mechanical Hazards
• Combustibles such as
• - Methane
• - Hydrogen
• - Acetylene
• - Propane
• - Gasoline Fumes

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Confined Space Injury Statistics

• Average of 92 deaths per year relating to
  confined spaces between 1995-2000.
• Majority of confined space related deaths are due
  to atmospheric conditions, with oxygen deficiency
  and poisoning being the leading causes.
• 36 percent of deaths were to people trying to
  rescue other workers from confined spaces.
• 23 percent of confined space incidents involved
  multiple deaths.

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OSHA Regulations on Confined Spaces

• Requires Employer to identify if permit is
  required for the confined space prior to entry.
• Atmosphere must be tested often and in many
  places throughout the space to ensure safe
  conditions.
• Continuous forced air ventilators must be used to
  help maintain a safe atmosphere.
• Employers must inform employees of all potential
  hazards prior to entering the space.
• There must be an attendant outside of the
  confined space monitoring the entrant at all
  times.

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Safety Procedures

• Ventilators must be used to ensure a safe
  atmosphere inside of the confined space.

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Safety Procedures

• An Attendant must monitor and carefully watch the
  entrant from outside of the confined space.
• Harnesses should be worn by entrants where
  possible so that they can be removed from the
  space quickly and easily in the event of an
  accident.

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Safety Procedures

• Proper lighting may be needed.
• Ear protection may be needed due to the intense
  noise levels inside of many spaces.
• Proper clothing and body protection needs to be
  worn depending on the atmosphere inside of the
  space.

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