Potential Hazards during a Confined Space Entry

Example of Confined Space

Examples of: Forced Ventilation, Lifeline, Entry Attendant



Examples of Confined Spaces

For more examples visit: http://www.fss.txstate.edu/ehsrm/safetymanual/confined/typesconfin.html

Forced Ventilation

When a hazardous atmosphere is present or potentially present, forced ventilation is used before entry and sometimes during entry in order to preserve a natural breathing environment. This is sometimes used in addition to SCBA's (self contained breathing apparatus's).

 Hazardous atmosphere's can include oxygen deficient and oxygen rich atmosphere's as well as toxic atmospheres resulting from chemical vapors.

Forced ventilation devices similar to the one pictured above are placed into the confined space before entry and allowed to ventilate the space until the safety attendant records permissable oxygen levels using a O2 monitor. During entry, oxygen levels are continually monitored by the entry attendant and if levels become hazardous the entry is aborted and the entrant must come out.

For more information visit the following link:
http://www.ehss.vt.edu/programs/CNF_forced_air_entry.php

Fall Protection Harnesses in Confined Space Entry

Fall protection harnesses are used in most confined space entry situations to protect against falls as well as a rescue line to help remove the entrant should an emergency occur.

Fall protection harnesses should be maintained and inspected by the entrant before each and every entry with no exceptions. If a harness has wear and the potential to fail it should not be used under any circumstances, because what is the point of even wearing it it it fails when it is needed in an emergency situation.

Entrants should be trained before entry on the proper way to wear their harness and how to inspect them before each use. Training records should be maintained on yearly training and inspection of harnesses and most definitely be maintained on the documentation of each entry and atmospheric levels as well.

Confined Space Warning Sign and Permits

These DANGER signs should be located outside of all permit required confined spaces.

Do all confined spaces require permits?   NO

What makes a confined space a permit required confined space?

For a confined space to become a permit required confined space, it mus meet one of the following requirements:

1.Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.

2.Contians a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant.

3.Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section

4.Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

For more definitions and the more technial aspects of permits and the permit system visit the following link:

http://63.234.227.130/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9797