The Need for Confined SpaceTraining and Requirements

What is a Confined Space?

A confined space must fulfill two conditions:A. A confined space means a space which;

- Is not intended as a regular workplace; or for continuous occupancy- Has restricted means of entry or exit- Is large enough for workers to bodily enter and perform assigned work- Is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy

B. In addition the space must at least;- Have the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere- Contain material (solid or fluid) that can engulf an entrant- Contain any other recognized serious safety or health hazards for

example moving parts, piping carrying high pressure steam, etc.

IN SHORT: A CONFINED SPACE IS ANY SPACE THAT WILL HAVE A CONFINED ATMOSPHERE!

What is a Confined Space?

Why Do You Have To Enter Confined Spaces?

• Because you are given a job involving work in confined spaces such as:

- Cleaning, inspection, painting, maintenance- Modification involving hot works, repairs, etc.

• Because you are the Authorized Gas Tester, and it is your job to test the atmosphere and ensure it is safe for others to enter.

• Because you are with the emergency rescue team:- to rescue people in trouble in confined spaces.

• A person whose head is within a confined space is considered to have entered the confined space!

Why Do We NEED Confined Space Training?

• Many people have died in confined spaces. Number of cases are alarming.

• Training is designed to make the workers aware that accidents are predictable and can be prevented.

• Training in Confined Space will help workers to identify and control hazards in any confined space.

US Statistics, 1980-1989 • 585 separate fatal confined space accidents, 670 victims.• 72 of the accidents involved multiple victims, 513 cases involved

single victims.• Average of 67 deaths/year

Accidents are PREDICTABLE & PREVENTABLETWO WORKERS FOUND DEAD IN MANHOLE

(The Malay Mail, 27th October, 2003)PREDICTABILITY• The manhole is recognized as a confined space• Manholes will ALWAYS HAVE HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES

- oxygen deficiency- presence of toxic gases

• There has been many cases of accidents in manholes

PREVENTABILITY• The accident could be prevented if management had a proper confined

space entry program:- Carrying out gas detection

• Proper ventilation is assured• Ensuring availability of standby person and a rescue team

Causes of IncidentsWorker• Not recognizing space as a confined space• Not educated on potential hazards in confined space• Trusting their senses, and underestimating the danger• Failure to use, or unavailability of respiratory equipment• Trying to rescue other people

Management• No confined space program• Not equipped to manage the emergency situation

CONFINED SPACES

EVERYDAY WE ENCOUNTER CONFINED SPACES

STORAGE TANKS AND PROCESS VESSELS

CODE OF PRACTICEGeneral Requirements• To develop and implement a written confined space program• To take measures to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the

confined spaceConfined Space Program• Risk control should be based on risk assessment• Permit To Work System• Stand-By Person• Identification of Duties• Employee Training• Equipment to be provided• Coordination of entry operations

CODE OF PRACTICE

Permit To Work System• To prepare permit to work based on risks identified• Permit to be issued after ensuring that :

– All hazards have been identified and controlled– Isolations have been carried out including LOTO– Gas testing has been done

• The duration should be just sufficient to complete the work• Authorized person MUST CANCEL THE WORK if a change in condition arises.• Permit to be closed by authorized person after completion of work

CODE OF PRACTICE

Isolation Requirements• Prevent accidental introduction of hazardous material or substances into Confined space• De-energize and lock out/tag out all machinery• Isolate all external energy sources

CODE OF PRACTICE

Ensure Safety of Atmosphere• Precautions have to be taken to establish and maintain a safe atmosphere

within the confined space, for duration of the occupancy.• There are two types of entry :

1. Initial Cleaning/preparation for entry ; Isolation of hazards, purging, initial cleaning and testing and evaluation of the atmosphere

2. Actual Work ; Retesting of atmosphere and issuance of permit to work.

CODE OF PRACTICE

Training• Employees who are involved in confined space work, serving as stand-by

persons or issue permits must undergo training of confined space safety program.

• Initial training and retraining at appropriate intervals must be provided for these workers

CODE OF PRACTICE

Health Requirements• Employees should be proven to be certified physically and mentally fit • Fits, blackout and fainting• History of heart disease and heart disorder• High blood pressure• Asthma, bronchitis and shortness of breath• Sensory problems : eyesight problems, hearing problems, defective smell

etc.• Back pain or joint trouble that limits mobility

CODE OF PRACTICE

Employer Duties• To inform his employees/contractor

– Entry is allowed only if requirements of COP are complied– Hazards are identified and controlled – Precautionary measures and procedures

• Coordinate entry operation with contractors• Conduct debriefing and end of entry• Ensure all persons involved in entry operation carryout their duties.

CODE OF PRACTICE

Authorized Gas Tester (AGT) Duties• To have knowledge of hazards in confined space• To identify and recommend control measures to ensure safe entry• Familiar with all equipment used in confined space entry• Test and interpret the reading from gas detector

CODE OF PRACTICE

Entry Supervisor Duties• Have knowledge of hazards that may be faced during entry operation• Ensure the permit to work has been filled, tests specified, procedures and

equipment specified in the permit are in place before endorsing the permit and allowing the entry

• Terminate the entry and cancel the permit• Ensure that unauthorized persons do not enter the confined space• To ensure that entry operation remains consistent with terms in the permit• Brief entry team on the emergency procedures.

CODE OF PRACTICE

Authorized Entrants Duties• To have knowledge of hazards in the confined space• To use equipment required to perform the tasks assigned correctly• To communicate with stand-by person regularly• To evacuate, if required, as quickly and safely as possible.

CODE OF PRACTICE

Stand-By Person Duties• To have knowledge of the hazards in the confined space• Aware of possible behavioral changes due to exposure to hazards in the

confined space• To ensure accurate count and identification of entrants in the confined

space• Stationed outside the confined space during entry operation• Communicate with entrants regularly and to alert of the need to evacate.• To monitor the activities inside and outside the confined space• To summon rescue if required ; Do not attempt rescue• Perform non-entry rescue if required• Not to perform any duties that may interfere with stand-by person duties.

CODE OF PRACTICE

Rescue and Emergency Duties• The employer has to establish a rescue and first aid procedure and provide

rescue equipment.• Rescue procedures should consider :

– The shape and size of the confined space– The nature of the task to be performed– Obstacles within the confined space– Size and position of access points– Number of persons in the confined space

SO WHICH IS A CONFINED SPACE ENTRY CASE AND WHICH IS NOT?

1. WELDER REPAIRING DAMAGED S/STEEL PLATE INSIDE FFB TIPPING RAMP?2. SUPERVISORS RECORDING PROCESS EVENTS IN CONTROL ROOM?3. CLEANING OUT OF CONDENSATE PITS DURING WEEKEND CLEANING?4. FITTER REPLACING A DEFECTIVE GEAR BOX ON THE DIGESTER VERTICAL

DRIVE?5. OPERATORS RETRIEVING FALLEN METAL FROM THE AUTO-FEEDER?

END OF PRESENTATION

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Hazards in Confined Spaces