Confined Spaces

 

Confined spaces are made up of two types: non permit-required and permit-required. Certain criteria must be met for a confined space to be classified as permit-required or non permit-required. If employees are potentially exposed to confined spaces, the employer must develop confined space procedures and program.

What is a Confined Space?
A space that:
• Is large enough and so configured that an employee can fully enter it

• Has limited or restricted means for entry and exit

• Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy

What are examples of confined spaces?
• Sewers

• Pits, tanks, or boilers

• Mechanical rooms

• HVAC units

• Crawl spaces or attics
 
• Utility rooms/closets, etc.

What is a Permit-Required Confined Space?
A confined space with:
• Hazardous or potentially hazardous atmosphere (too much oxygen, too little oxygen, toxic gas presence, flammable environment, or volatile organic compounds present)
 
• Engulfment hazard (being swallowed by grain in a silo, asphyxiated by pressure and/or inhaling solid particles)

• Physical Hazard (mechanical, electrical, radiation, explosives, chemicals, inwardly converging surfaces)

• Other serious safety or health hazards
    
How do you eliminate hazards?
• Physical hazards: Lockout/tagout

• Atmospheric: Ventilation – use of a blower, fans, etc. (Ventilation must be continuous)
    
What must you do prior to entry?
• Eliminate/isolate physical hazards

• Test and monitor the air using portable gas meters or other suitable equipment
 
• Provide a plan for rescue (non-entry rescue, unless employees are trained in entry rescue)

• Plan and train entrants and attendants (employees stationed outside of the confined space to monitor conditions, status of the entrants, and be able to execute the emergency response/rescue plan)

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com