Confined SpaceHazards and Risk Assessment Lesson 9 Confined

Confined Space-Hazards and Risk Assessment Lesson 9

Confined Space What is a confined space? Ø Any space not intended for continuous worker occupancy. Ø Any space which has a limited or restricted way of entry or exit. Ø Any space in which there is a chance that normal levels of oxygen may be reduced, or some toxic or explosive gases may be accumulated or released. Ø Any space where there is the presence of mechanical hazards. Lesson 9 Learning Activity #9. 1 Slides #1 - #4 2

Some examples of confined spaces are: Ø Holding Tank Ø Empty Water Well Ø Septic Tank Ø Culvert Ø Grain Bin Ø Tanker Trailer 3

What are the two types of hazardous conditions while working in confined spaces? Physical Conditions: Ø Space is tight. Should an injury occur, it may be difficult to get out Ø Light may be limited Ø Surfaces may be uneven or slippery Ø There may be machinery or moving parts within the confined Biological (Atmospheric) Conditions: Ø Lack of air movement in confined spaces may cause unsafe proportions of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases, vapours and dust particles Ø Germs in sewer; pit work (excavations); mould in tanks 4

DVD/Video – Steve’s Story • CBC I-Team Report: • Power Vac 1996 Lesson 9 Learning Activity #9. 2 Slides #6 - #13 5

What is the preparation needed for confined space work? Ø Ø Identify confined spaces Determine the hazards Determine the equipment required to perform work safely Establish control procedures to ensure all necessary protection is operational in use Ø Be familiar with all relevant standards and regulatory requirements Ø Ensure that you are trained for this work Ø Ensure that there are rescue procedures in place 6

Spot the Hazards Ø Uneven surfaces, wet or sloping sides Ø Moving machinery or equipment Ø Material that could fall or suddenly move into or over the area Ø Limited oxygen Ø Vapours or gases which are toxic or flammable 7

Assess the Risks 1. Training 2. Equipment 3. Ventilation and air supply 4. Emergency plan 8

1. Training Assess whether you have been trained to do that kind of work and use the necessary equipment. Think about who did the training. 9

2. Equipment Determine whether equipment is appropriate and available to test, and continuously monitor the atmosphere in the confined space. 10

3. Ventilation and Air supply Ø Identify whether the space can be ventilated continuously Ø Find out whether a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or Supplied Airline Respirator is available for workers to use Ø Check to see if the air supply equipment is regularly maintained 11

4. Emergency Plan Ø Ensure that there is a communication system between the watch person and confined worker as well as the emergency response personnel Ø Make sure that retrieval equipment is available and on site Ø Find out what the detailed emergency plan is and who the emergency contacts are 12

FIND A SAFER WAY EVERYDAY! 13