Confined Spaces OSHA 1926 AA 1926.1201-1213
Confined Spaces Objectives: Understanding why the OSHA requirements are needed Identify four categories of hazards that may be present entering in confined spaces Describe examples of typical confined spaces found in road construction work sites
Confined Spaces Objectives: (continued) Recognize the responsibilities and duties of personnel involved in confined space work areas as applied to Construction Industries Standard 1926.1201-1213 Recognize the training and rescue requirements for personnel involved in supervising, monitoring, entering, and working in confined spaces
Understanding Why
Definitions Host Employer- Agency, Organization the Owns the confined space Controlling Contractor or Employer- The employer that has overall responsibility for construction Entry Employer- The employer who decides that an employee it directs will enter permit space
Definitions (cont.) Authorized Entrant- an employee who is authorized by the entry supervisor Entry Supervisor- The qualified person responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present Entry Permit-The written or printed document provided by the Host Employer in accordance to 1926.1206
Definitions (Cont) Non-permit confined space- meets definition of a confined space but does not meet the requirements for a permit space Permit-required confined space: Contains or has potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere Contains material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant Has an internal configuration that an entrant could become trapped or asphyxiated Contains any other recognized safety or health hazard
What Is a Confined Space? A confined space is any enclosed or semi-enclosed space that has limited openings for entry and exit, and that does not have sufficient natural or mechanical ventilation. It is also a place that is not intended for continuous occupancy.
Examples Manholes Sewers Vaults Pits Excavations Pumping Stations Tanks Tunnels Trenches
Entry Process for Permit space Before entry Host Employer must provide the following: Location of each known permit space The hazards or potential hazards and reason it is a permitted space Any precautions identified by or to the host employer
Entry Process (Cont.) Controlling Contractor: Obtain the host employer s information about the space Provide host employer s information and any other information obtained by the Controlling Contractor about the site must be provided to the Entry Employer
Entry Process (cont.) Before entry operations begin, each entry employer must: Obtain all of the Controlling Contractor s information regarding the space Inform the controlling contractor of the permit space program that the entry employer will use
1926.1203 General Requirements Before work begins: A competent person from each employer must identified all confined spaces in which an employee may enter. If the workplace contains one or more permit spaces: Inform exposed employees by posting danger signs Inform, in a timely manner its employees and controlling contractor. An employer that has employees that are directed to enter a permit space must have a written permit space program
Confined Space Dangers Must be tested for in this order: Oxygen-deficient atmospheres Flammable atmospheres Toxic atmospheres Mechanical and physical hazards
Oxygen Deficiency An atmosphere containing less than 19.5% oxygen is considered oxygen-deficient The oxygen level inside a confined space may be decreased as the result of either consumption or displacement
Oxygen Consumption Oxygen is consumed during: combustion of flammable materials, as in welding, cutting, or brazing. bacterial action, as in fermentation chemical reactions such as formation of rust number of people working in space oxygen displacement by other gases
Flammable Atmospheres Oxygen-enriched (oxygen concentration greater than 23.5%) Causes flammable materials such as clothing and hair to burn violently when ignited Combustible gases or vapors (inadequate ventilation) Gases heavier than air will accumulate in the lower levels of a confined space
Flammable Atmospheres Welding or cutting with oxyacetylene equipment can also cause an explosion in a confined space Should not be allowed without a hot work permit Oxygen and acetylene hoses may have small leaks that could generate an explosive atmosphere Remove when not it use
Toxic Atmospheres Atmospheres can become toxic from: products that are stored in the space work conducted in the space seepage from areas adjacent to the space
Physical Hazards Rotating & moving mechanical parts Energy sources Physical factors such as heat, cold, noise, vibration, and fatigue Excavations present the possibility of engulfment
Upper and Lower Explosive Limits Explosion Pressure 10% Flammable Range LEL UEL Vapor / Gas Concentration in Air %
Confined Space Awareness Mechanical Problems Communication Problems Entry and Exit Access Barriers Occupancy Load Emergency Exit Time Requirements
Basic Knowledge Confined Space Hazards Entry Exposure signs, symptoms and consequences Competent Person
Rescue Procedures Pre-planning Rescue Practice no less than once a year Off-site rescue services and their capabilities
Safety Training & Education All employees required to enter into confined or enclosed spaces shall be instructed as to the nature of the hazards involved, the necessary precautions to be taken, and in the use of protective and emergency equipment required. The employer shall comply with any specific regulations that apply to work in dangerous or potentially dangerous areas.