Confined Space Refresher Training Prepared By The Safety

Confined Space Refresher Training Prepared By: The Safety and Environmental Management Department

Purpose and Goals To understand what a confined space is n To understand what a permit required confined space is n Know the roles of the authorized entrant, attendant, rescuer, and entry supervisor. n

OSHA Definition of a Confined Space n An area that is 1. large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and do assigned work. has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (examples: tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, ducts, vaults & pits) is not designated for continuous employee occupancy 2. 3.

What is a Permit Required Confined Space? Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. OR n Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant (i. e. water, sand, grain, soil) OR n 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; OR n Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard. n

What is a Hazardous Atmosphere? a. Flammable gas, vapor or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit. b. Combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL (approximated to visibility of 5 ft. or less). c. Atmospheric oxygen concentration <19. 5% or >23. 5%. d. Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or permissible exposure limit has been established.

Atmospheric Hazards Continued n Atmospheric hazards in confined spaces are responsible for over 40% of all fatalities in confined spaces. Atmosphere inside a confined space can be very different from the atmosphere outside. Hazardous gases may be trapped inside spaces, particularly if the space is used to store or process chemicals or organic substances which may decompose and become flammable or explosive.

Gases to be Aware of in Hazardous Atmospheres. 90% of fatalities are caused by atmospheric Conditions were the result of exposure to: • carbon monoxide (CO) • carbon dioxide (CO 2) • hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) • oxygen deficiency • combustible gases (methane)

The 4 Categories of Hazardous Atmospheres n Asphyxiating. n Flammable, n Toxic, and n Irritant and/or Corrosive

What to do if a Hazardous Atmosphere is Detected n Everyone is to LEAVE the space IMMEDIATELY! n RE-EVALUATE to determine WHY. n Perform CORRECTIVE ACTION. n VERIFY space is safe – redo testing. n CERTIFY the above in WRITING. n Record date, location, signature of certifier n MUST be completed prior to re-entry.

Physical Hazards Physical hazards are the second leading cause of fatalities in confined spaces (36%). Potential physical hazards include: Possibility of engulfment or entrapment by flooding while working in a storm sewer. • • Pipes, valves and lines carrying harmful substances (steam, natural gas and electricity) should they rupture while being worked on or activated if not locked out. • Exposure to high environmental temperatures during work activities. • Slips and falls on wet surfaces or resulting from broken or oxidized ladder rungs. • Accidental activation of hazardous equipment while being repaired. • Loud noise reverberating from the use of hammers, hydraulic equipment, etc.

Physical Hazards Continued Isolation of the space is necessary to prevent the release of energy or material into the space. • Lock / Tag / Try all energy sources. • Disconnect pumps or lines. • Blanking or blinding. • Removing sections of lines, pipes or ducts. • Double block and bleed system. • Blocking or disconnecting all mechanical linkages.

Hazard Recognition 1. Recognize the potential hazards 2. Once you know the hazards, check the MSDS & other information sources 3. Have the space tested for oxygen, combustibility, and toxicity (H 2 S)near entry area & inside without entering. 4. Power ventilate space before entering

Before Entering a Space n n n ELIMINATE any condition that makes it unsafe to remove an entrance cover. If a vertical entry, GUARD the opening with railings, temporary cover or barrier. Perform PRE-ENTRY TESTING. n n Oxygen content [O 2] Flammable gasses and vapors [LEL] Potential toxic (H 2 S) contaminants Install CONTINOUS FORCED AIR VENTILATION.

Safety Procedures Plan the job before entering the space so you know what you're going to do and how you're going to do it. Select only grounded, explosion-proof equipment for use in the space. Assemble your tools and equipment so you don't have to keep going in and out for them. Cut off any steam, water, heat, or power lines going into the space before you enter. Lock out and tag any equipment that should stay off while you're inside. Post your entry permit outside the space to make sure no one enters – or forgets that you're there.

Safety Procedures Continued Keep ventilating while you're in the space. Don't take food, drink, or cigarettes into a confined space. Don't enter a confined space if you aren't feeling well. Periodically let your attendant know you're okay through a prearranged signal. Do the job as quickly as possible -- clean up and get out. Don't leave anything inside the space. Leave the space immediately if you have any hint of

The Entry Supervisor Must: n n n Have knowledge of the space’s specific hazards, symptoms and results of exposure. Verify that all test procedures, PPE and rescue equipment specified by the permit are in place. Know when to cancel the permit & entry because of hazardous situations or job completion. Understand procedures for contacting proper emergency personnel. Enforces unauthorized entry policy.

Entry Supervisor Continued Entry Supervisor will sign the UMaine CS Permit prior to entry. n The permit is to be posted / available at the opening until the permit is canceled or closed by the entry supervisor. n Every category II & III confined space at UMaine needs a permit. n

Confined Space Entrant n Must be able to communicate with the attendant at all times during the entry, either by vocal, visual, or mechanical means (i. e. two-way radio). n Using knowledge of exposure conditions, be able to inform attendant when hazardous conditions occur – including prohibited activities, and to know when to call for evacuation or help.

Confined Space Entrant Continued The entrant WILL exit as quickly as possible when: Attendant or Entry Supervisor gives an evacuation order. n The entrant notices a warning sign or symptom. n Detects a prohibited condition / activity. n An evacuation alarm is activated. n

Confined Space Attendant The attendant is the person who is: n outside the confined space, n observing work being done inside the space, n surveying conditions in and around the space, n looking for hazardous conditions in and around the space.

Confined Space Attendant 1. The attendant must have knowledge of all hazards and their behavioral effects that may be faced during the entry. 2. Under no circumstances is the attendant allowed to "break the plane" of the space, for rescue or other reasons during the entry. 3. The attendant must be able to communicate with the entrant, by vocal, visual, or mechanical (i. e. two-way radio) at all times during the entry.

Confined Space Attendant Continued n RETRIVAL DEVICES shall be used for all entries unless the retrieval equipment increases risk or would not contribute to the rescue. n Entrant shall use a chest or full body harness with retrieval line properly attached as per OSHA. n Retrieval line will be attached to a fixed point or mechanical device. Vertical entries of more than 5 feet require a mechanical device. n The Attendant can perform NON-ENTRY RESCUE if retrieval devices are in place for use.

Confined Space Attendant Continued If you're the attendant and the person inside needs help, here's what you do: § § § DO NOT ENTER the space. Sound the alarm – Make THE call – Get HELP on the way THEN: If the safety line is a direct access – unencumbered by any interferences: try to remove the person with the winch, harness and/or ropes – never go in the space.

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