confined space training outline

7/29/2019 Confined Space Training Outline

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CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

Introduction

Many workers are exposed to the hazards of confined space entry each andevery day. Investigations of fatalities in North America indicate that manyworkers, overcome by unplanned hazards, did not recognize that they were in aconfined space. The most common findings showed: a failure to complete thenecessary atmospheric testing and monitoring; rescue procedures wereincomplete and seldom planned; rescue equipment was substandard or notavailable; and personnel had insufficient skills to effectively conduct a rescue.

The expectation of most environments is for that environment to be lifesupporting. However, when dealing with confined spaces, the atmosphere can

often be life threatening. For example, atmospheres that are: Toxic Explosive or O2 deficient

Workers often panic when faced with life threatening environments causing theso-called rescuer to become the next victim. Approximately 60% of allconfined space fatalities are the initial rescue person. These people could have

survived with the proper training and equipment.

Each province has its own Act and Regulations pertaining to confined spaceentry. As such, each person must be familiar with his or her own provinciallegislation. In the preparation of this manual, the minimum standard has beenadopted from the Canada Labour Code (Part II, June 1998). In addition, pointshave been used from the Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbiaregulations. The choice of legislation is mainly based on the strength or clarityof any particular provincial legislation.

To fully plan and protect ourselves and our co-workers we must ensure that: we

meet or exceed the provincial guidelines at all times; we follow our companyprocedures, standards or codes of practice(s); and we adhere to the entry andwork permit systems as they are applied at our location, for each and every

entry.


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DEFINITION

Confined Space means an enclosed or partially enclosedspace that is not designed or intended for continuous humanoccupancy with a restricted means of entry or exit and maybecome hazardous to a worker entering it because

(a) of its design, construction, location, atmosphere,(b) of the work activities, materials or substances in it,(c) the provision of first aid, evacuation, rescue or other

emergency response service is compromised, or(d) of other hazards relating to it.

(Occupation Health and Safety Code, part 1 2009)

The definition can be broken down as follows:

ENCLOSED OR PARTIALLY ENCLOSED

Most confined spaces such as tanks, process vessels, and sewers are easilyrecognized as confined spaces. However, trenches (depending on the depth),ventilation ducts or shafts, elevated platforms, and even a windowless roommay present many of the same hazards as a typical confined space. Although

you may not need to fully apply all of the rules of a confined space entry, youwill still need to be aware of the considerations necessary, such as rescue andretrieval procedures, in the overall plan.

RESTRICTED ACCESS AND EGRESS

This refers to how easy it is for a worker to get into, or out of, a confinedspace. If there is only a single opening, or an opening of restricted sizeor awkward location, or the means of escape is limited by size/type ofequipment (ladders) or retrieval system, then it would fall into thiscategory.

DESIGN

When evaluating the confined space we have to consider how the generaldesign shape of the space will impact on the ability of the worker to move about.Both the physical characteristics of the space itself and the size/shape of theworker entering the space have to be taken into consideration.


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CONSTRUCTION

This refers to the materials from which the space was constructed:Dirt walls are prone to collapseMetal will corrode or collapse or trap gassesWood will decay and rotPlastic will become brittle and may crack

The materials may affect the style or type of entry and rescue proceduresneeded to affect the entry.

LOCATION

Beyond the where is it, everyone will have to think about what is in the are a.For example, if a room is used for storing office supplies, there shouldn't be toomany things to worry about. However, if the room contained drums of flammablematerials or chemicals then the room is a hazardous area and, before entry,those hazards will need to be addressed.Location isolation, or what is adjacent to the confined space, will have to betaken into consideration before an entry is approved. Also, during the planningstages management will have to consider how workers will get in and out of theconfined space. If the opening is at ground level then the only concern is theactual size of the opening. However, if the opening is only accessible from anelevated or sublevel, then many other rules and factors will have to be takeninto consideration for an effective safe entry. Some of these rules include:

- positioning of the supplied air bottles- the number of persons allowed to enter the confined space- hoisting equipment for the removal of injured worker(s)- communications

with the workers inside the confined space

with emergency help, on-site and off-site (if necessary)- Entrapment or engulfment while working- Ventilation (many toxic and explosive gases are heavier than air)- Inside access from the general opening


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ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere within the confined space must be tested for oxygen level,flammable or explosive vapors/mixtures, and toxic vapors.

A competent operator, assigned by management, using the proper PersonalProtective Equipment and the designated testing equipment, completes thetests, records the results, and then interprets the results/readings.The testing must be done in the proper location(s) and sequence in order toobtain correct readings.Ventilation is an important part of the considerations for an effective entry. It isalso one of the primary means of controlling the atmospheric conditions within aconfined space.

MATERIALS OR SUBSTANCES

Any and all possible contents of the confined space must be considered beforethe entry takes place. Hazards can arise in the form of: product contents ortypes of materials, the products required to complete the job (as they couldcreate a chemical reaction), sludge, scale, or the gases given off by the residue,external gases that enter the confined space, or situations leading toentrapment of the worker.

OTHER CONDITIONS

Every type of situation must be taken into consideration before planning eachentry. This may include man-made situations such as steam, oxygen levels,nitrogen or even compressed air, to the natural conditions such as temperature,lightning, wind, rain, or snow. As mentioned earlier, the effect of other work thatis going on in the area will also have to be taken into consideration. This will beespecially true of plant shutdowns and other large-scale maintenance orinstallation types of operations where multiple jobs are taking place at the sametime. In addition, work, tools, and equipment (needed for work within theconfined space) may cause congestion or a conflict or hazard.


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IS OR MAY BECOME HAZARDOUS

What the worker is required to do for work in the confined space is a major partof the process of planning an entry operation. If the plan is to induce a chemicalinto a space to do a certain job, then the possible reaction of that chemical withwhat is already in the confined space will have to be accounted for. Someexamples of this would be 1) scraping the surface inside a confined space canrelease toxic vapors that were trapped in the scale, 2) heat, where heat can bemore than just an ignition source, it can also cause the release of toxic vaporsfrom the surface, 3) residue left in pipes leading into or out of a confined space.If the residual material has not been completely cleaned out during the cleaningphase of the preparation, then the material(s) from the pipes can leak back intothe confined space, and, 4) the type of work being done may be more physicallydemanding of a worker than normal, and may cause additional problems.

EASY MEANS OF ESCAPE AND/OR RESCUE OFWORKERS

Even when all other conditions appear to be under control everyone will stillhave to be prepared to deal with the unexpected, and be able to effectivelyremove the worker(s) safely from the space. Such provisions include theidentified rescue equipment, the necessary trained people at the scene, othersthat may be required to affect the rescue (both onsite and off-site personnel andresources), and the ability to effectively conduct the rescue. This will be one ofthe more important parts of the planning stage.

Restricted Space

A Restricted Space is an enclosed or partially enclosedspace, not intended for continuoushuman occupancy that has a restricted, limited or impededmeans of entry or exit because of its

construction. All other hazards are either non-existent or have

been eliminated or controlledas required by Part 2 of the OH & S Code.Note: Employers and workers must be mindful that a restrictedspace can become a ConfinedSpace if conditions or work scope changes.


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THE PRIMARY DANGERS OF CONFINED SPACES

Oxygen deficiency or oxygen enrichmentThe required oxygen level for a working environment is between 19.5and 23% in Alberta; 19 and 23.5% in B.C.

Fire and/or explosion, where the atmosphere within the confined space, orthe surrounding areas, is approaching or above the Lower Explosive Limit(LEL) for combustible gases.

Toxicity levels that exceed the Occupational Exposure Levels identified inyour provincial legislation.

Drowning in liquids and/or entrapment in free-flowing solids.


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SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A

CONFINED SPACE:

Hot

Cold

Wet

Dusty

DarkNarrow

Tight

Large

Open

Limited air circulation

Harmful gases

Neither easy to enter, nor easy to exit from

Not intended for human occupancy

Time of Day/Shift cycle

Decontamination room


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HAZARDS OF CONFINED SPACES

Physical Hazards

Size, location/accessibility of entrance way Machinery or mechanical features

Ventilation system Piping and associated systems Residual chemicals, sludge or oxidation scale Physical obstacles Visibility Electrical Temperature extremes Humidity levels Radiation

Noise Vibration Working/walking surface(s) Engulfment/entrapmentAnimals, hazardous(e.g. skunks) and non-hazardous (e.g. bees,

mice)

Area traffic Structural obstructions/layout Static

Atmospheric Hazards

Oxygen enrichment Oxygen deficiency Flammable or explosive gases/mixtures Toxic gases or vapors Other harmful substances

Type of Work Being Performed

Hot work

Cold Work Wet work

Human Factors

Mental factors Physical factors Phobias


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Company Requirements

PROCEDURES

The individual company is required to have the necessary policies andprocedures in place to protect their workers. There are three steps that need tobe taken to establish initial confined space entry planning:

Step 1: an assessment of the area to identify all of the confined spaces on agiven site.

Step 2: identification of the confined spaces by having the appropriate signage

and warnings (foreach particular confined space) in place at the opening to

each confined space.

Step 3: preparation of effective procedures for entry into each confined space.These may require a great deal of time and effort to produce, but in the long runthey will make the job smoother and safer. The procedure will identify manyindividual items, including:

unit designationunit type or functionproduct(s) in that unitsuspected hazards within that unitlist of all blanks and blinds required

list of all required lockout/tagoutsrequirements for gas testinglocation of each entry point/accessnumber of persons required to do a particular jobnumber of standby or rescue persons neededtype(s) of tools requiredlist of required permits necessary to complete this job

Warning: Safe work procedures need to bedeveloped by people with a strongpractical background and familiaritywith the confined space.


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CODE OF PRACTICE

Another mechanism for safe entry procedures is called a code of practice.There are many things that have to be taken into consideration if you are usinga code of practice, including:

A means of clearly identifying confined spaces at a work site. The qualifications and training needed by workers who will enter

these spaces.

The means, if any, of isolating a confined space from contaminatesor other hazards.

The means of ventilating the space and maintaining an acceptable

atmosphere. Tests for harmful substances or oxygen deficiencies. Monitoring may

be required throughout the duration of entry to the confined space.Such monitoring must be conducted by a person trained in thecorrect use of the testing equipment as well as the interpretation andrecording of the results.

Information on the availability and proper use of Personal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE).

Workable rescue procedures and a list of available rescue equipmentand resources.

The identification of other hazards that may be present in theconfined space and jeopardize the safety of the workers.


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Permits

A permit is more than a piece of paper that tells you what to do. In almost allsituations it is a very complex and serious document. In actuality a permit is acontract, a written and signed agreement, which gives information about the jobto be completed. Many of the items below are part of most permits: (NB: someof these have already been listed in the procedure for that entry)

The proper date of the assigned job. The expected start and finish time of the job. Name and signature of persons issuing and receiving the permit. Location of the exact work area. The exact job to be performed.A list of the conditions, preparations, precautions and limitations,

which must be clearly understood by all parties before the job isstarted.

The number of persons to be involved, both in maintenance andoperations.

The number of persons required for the job, and the necessarysupport/rescue/standby persons.

The type of PPE that is required for that particular job. Can include the types of tools needed for the job (i.e., low voltage

lighting).

Identification of all necessary tests prior to entry.

The time and results of the necessary gas tests and the frequency ofany subsequent tests.

Each and every operation has the freedom to create their own permit system,as long as it meets or exceeds the required intent of the provincial legislation.Individual requirements vary a great deal from company to company. In somecases there may only be one permit to use, in others there may be manydifferent permits, dependent upon the area and/or type of work undertaken.

Caution: A work permit is still just a piece of paper ---IT will not save lives.The people using the permit will save lives

if the permit is valid andif they follow the permit.


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Permits Types May Include:

General permits

Cold work permits Hot work permits

Entry permits

Opening permits

Closing permits

Hoisting permits

Hazardous waste disposal permits

Waste disposal permits

Vehicle access permits

Chemical usage permits

Fire water system usage permits Excavation permits

Ventilation permits

Permit Issuance and Terminations

A safe work permit does not necessarily make a safe job. To ensure the safetyof all, the workers and management must: (1) understand the permit and all therequirements; (2) enforce the requirements listed on the permit; and (3) adhereto the permit requirements at all times.

When completing a safe work permit the issuer must:

1. Ensure that all items on the permit applicable to the job have been checkedoff.

2. Ensure that all the necessary safety precautions have been indicated andcarried out.

3. Ensure that the worker understands the work permit and all of theprecautions listed.

4. Have the worker sign the permit and make sure that person has the permitavailable at the job site at all times.

5. The worker(s) need to understand how long the permit is valid for, normallyuntil the end of a shift.

6. Permit extensions are given by authorized personnel only and must includea minimum of the same requirements as the permit previously issued.


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7. If any conditions of the permit change that may jeopardize the safety ofworkers, then shutdown the job immediately and return the permit to theissuer.

8. The worker must return the permit at the completion of the job.

9. A work permit is a legal document. If a person signs the document theymust realize that they may be called upon to prove due diligence by ensuringall requirements of the permit were carried out.

Preparation for Entry

To allow entry into a confined space,we should always strive to ensure aneffective zero energy state.

A zero energy state means that there should be a zero chance of exposure toany energy form. A zero energy state is not always achievable or practical. If azero energy state is not achieved, we must be prepared to protect the entry

worker(s) from the following hazards:

Atmospheric: as to the air for breathing that is supplied or available air withinthe confined space.

Chemical: what a person will, or could come into contact with.

Electrical: from shock or power operated equipment.

Mechanical: from movable structures or parts.

Kinetic: from moving or falling objects

Ensuring a safe entry (from the list above) will be accomplished by using one ormore of the following to eliminate the hazards, or to control the confined space.


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Electrical Lockouts/Tag outs

The objective of an effective electrical lockout is to: one, ensure that thatparticular piece of equipment has been de-energized; two, remove thepossibility of that piece of electrical equipment from being capable of functioning

electrically; and three, physically lock the breaker out. The device must ensurethat the power cannot be put back on by mistake, while the job is in progress, oruntil it is time to re-energize that particular piece of equipment.

As the topic title identifies this procedure requires the use an approved lockingdevice of some type. A system must be used that will clearly identify toeveryone who, when and in some cases why this item was locked out. Thisis often done in the form of a written tag that is applied with the padlock at thetime the device is locked out as well as the use of a formal lockout control

sheet.Finally, all equipment should be test bumped to verify that it is indeed lockedout from all possible sources of power. This is especially necessary if theoperation is remote controlled or computer operated. A test bump isaccomplished by trying to start that piece of equipment from the remote location

first, and then from a local start switch box. This will ensure that it cannot andwill not start while the unit is being worked on.

Mechanical Isolation

Moving parts:

Ensure that there are no parts that will move, now or later. Special carewill have to be taken if there is any chance that a part to be removed hasattached parts that could move. Gravity is often an unsuspected sourceof movement.

Pneumatic:

Any piece of equipment that normally requires air pressure to eitheroperate or stop it will have to be controlled so that it will not moveunexpectedly. For example, if a system has air powered brakes and the

air lines are removed, what will happen if the mechanism is not properlysecured first? In some instances air-off means the brakes are set,whereas in other situations air-off means the brakes are released.

Another example is air operated valves, some require pressure to openand others need air to close.


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Fluid Seals:

Some pump seals require constant water, nitrogen, or air pressurebehind the seal in order to maintain the seal. If that pressure is lost, thenthe seal will leak.

Spring Loaded:

Some things have spring mechanisms that will need to be isolated toprevent the force of the spring from moving. This could be to actuatevalves or as part of a control device. However, care must also be takennot to lock out or disable a spring-loaded mechanism of a safety device.

Confined Space Isolation

Company policies must be followed in order to:1. Prevent any incoming substance from entering the confined space, ordesired substances from leaving.

2. Maintain the present confined space atmosphere.

Blanking or Blinding

A means of stopping any flow of product through the line with a physical barrier.The barrier must be engineered/certified to do the job. Workers cannot use anypiece of scrap to do the job.

Line Disconnects and Flange

Physically disconnect the line at a flange and leave it offset in order to preventthe flow of product into the confined space.

Double Block and Bleed

The double block and bleed was at one time the most common way of stoppingflow. It is now losing popularity. To use it there needed to be two main linevalves and a smaller bleed valve in between them. To function, the two mainline valves were closed and locked, and the bleed valve was locked in the openposition.

In some jurisdictions the double block and bleed can be used if the bleed is ofthe same size as the block valves. In other jurisdictions, the legislation mayrequire that an operator physically observe the bleed valve at all times whenworkers are inside the confined space.


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Purging

This is a method of cleaning out the residual contents of a vessel by diluting ordisplacing the existing contents by forcing air, steam, water, or an inert gasthrough the vessel. This is usually done well before the actual entry takes place.

Steam will often be used to loosen or break down accumulated build up ofresidue in a vessel. It will also help to rid the area of low flash pointhydrocarbons and other petroleum residue.

- NOTE: steaming greatly reduces the oxygen level and can also causerapid oxidization.

Wateris often used to carry or flush out undesirable residues and/or liquids.

Inert Gases are generally used to displace the oxygen in the vessel in orderto reduce the flammable/explosive hazard. Carbon dioxide, argon or nitrogenare the gases most commonly used.

- Note: in some instances there may be a need to maintain the purge

within the vessel, in order to maintain a designated atmosphere. Thismay require nitrogen, argon, or carbon dioxide to reduce theflammable hazard.

Ventilation

The purpose of ventilation is:

To ensure that an adequate supply

of safe air is provided for the

worker(s) in the confined space.

Effective ventilation will provide a continual movement of air to:

ensure adequate supply of oxygen

dilute and/or displace any contaminates that may be present

control odors

control temperature within

exhaust unwanted contaminates created by the work process

Note: Any system used to move the airmust, by law, be capable of movingthe required amount of air, or givingthe vessel a complete exchange ofair, within a specified time frame.This is identified in provincialventilation legislation.


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Responsibilities

Both the employer and the worker have responsibilities to protect the workers

when a ventilation system is being set up and while in use.

The employermust ensure that the system is the right one for the job andpersonnel are trained in the proper installation and operation of that piece ofequipment.

All ofthe workers involved in the entry must be observant of each other in theevent that the system is not successful in protecting the workers. One source ofinformation that is very important to everyone is the Material Safety Data Sheetfor the product(s) that are expected to be in the confined space. If there is achance that workers may mix products or generate other types of chemical

reactions it is recommended that a chemical engineer or some other expert beinvolved in the planning process.

Factors that Affect the Type of Ventilation

The choice of ventilation system will depend on many factors, including:

Product density

Product evaporation rate

Temperature

Source Direction of discharged air

Ambient wind direction

Ambient temperature

Size of vessel

Number of openings

Size of the openings

Location of openings in the vessel

Accessibility of access to the openings


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Natural Ventilation: is created by having two or more openings in the vesselopen at the same time. This may create a flow of air. However, naturalventilation is dependent on ambient wind direction and force, or ontemperatures within the vessel, all of which change with time. Overall, naturalventilation cannot be relied on and is a poor method of control to ensure a safeatmosphere to protect workers.

Mechanical Ventilation: is created by having an air-moving device positionedat one end of a vessel and moving air through that vessel. This could be either avacuum/exhaust system or a forced air/supply system.

Local Ventilation: is where the incoming air is piped/directed close to the areawhere the worker is located, to keep the worker in a safe atmosphere.

Local exhaust: is where the air is evacuated by means of a duct or hose at thesource, thus removing the contaminates before they mix into the local air. Alsothere is still fresh or makeup air coming into the space.

CAUTION: the source and quality of the intake air mustalso be taken into account when setting upthe ventilation equipment, as well as thedirection of the discharged air.

Pre-Entry Planning

The key to successful completion of a confined space entry is the time andeffort spent on the pre-entry planning. Elements must be planned out step-by-step and stage-by-stage. These elements are actually in the planning processmonths before the entry takes place. Examples of early planning include:materials needed to do the job; necessary engineering and designing; draftingof prints to build parts; time of the job (both planned date for entry and durationof entry); required manpower necessary to complete the job; coordinating withthe operations group in order to take the vessel out of service; and pre-entrywork to prep the vessel for entry.


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Gas Testing

To determine if the atmosphere in the vessel is safe:1. To breathe2. From flammable or explosive gases3. Toxic

Warning: Gas testing WILL NOT protect the operator

When testing the atmosphere in an unknown or suspect area, the test must bedone in the correct sequence to ensure that the equipment will functionproperly. The correct order is:

1. Oxygen2. Flammable or explosive gases

3. Toxic

Why in this

order?

Test for oxygen level first.If there isnt a sufficient amount of oxygen in the atmosphere then any other testresults will be suspect. Oxygen is needed to conduct the flammable test and toobtain the balance or ratio when doing the toxic level test.

The second test is for flammables.The type of system required will depend on many factors, including:

Product density Product evaporation rate Temperature Source Direction of discharged air Ambient wind direction Size of vessel and the number of openings Location of openings in the vessel Accessibility of access to the openings

If there is a high amount of flammables in the atmosphere we willneed to lower that level before we put workers into that vessel.

Check provincial and company standards for acceptable

limits to enter a flammable atmosphere.


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The third test in the sequence is for toxins.

Once the toxic level is determined we can then determine what precautions willbe needed for a safe entry.

Requirements for Testing

The person assigned to test the area must be:- Suitably trained- Knowledgeable of the area to be tested- Responsible for testing the entire area

Caution: Always check high and low and into all areasof little or no air movement, and be aware of the

characteristics of the product (e.g., lighter orheavier than air, evaporation rate).

Testing Equipment- Must be the correct type of testing unit for this atmosphere.- Must be in good working condition.- Must be properly maintained and calibrated according to

manufacturers specifications.

Timing of Tests

1 Pre-entryBefore the ventilation system is started, and after ithas been operated for a determined time, to ensurethat it is doing its job.

2 After each breakBecause of the possibility of changes while theworkers were out of the area, and to ensure it is safeto re-enter before they go back in.

3. Ongoing or continuouslyIn certain circumstances it may be necessary tocontinually evaluate the confined space. Suddenchanges can occur, especially if the hazard exceedsthe limit.


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Detection Equipment

Tube type

Electronic Personal

Portable Fixed

Testing an Unspecified or a Suspected Hazardous Area

1. Wearing appropriate breathing apparatus for the worst-caselevels of exposure.

2. Having the necessary or designated permit(s) to enter3. Having necessary backup personnel

Personnel RequirementsMonitor/Standby

This is the worker designated to be stationed at the entrance tothe vessel.

This person usually manages the paperwork and ensures alldetails are being followed.

Stay in communication with workers

Standby/Rescue

This (these) person(s) are assigned to be at or near theentrance to the vessel to help the entrants get into and out of

the vessel. They are also responsible for controlling the safety lines and

the air hoses,

In the event of an emergency they must also be ready andcapable to effect or assist in a rescue.

Bottle-Watch

If the entry procedures designate that the entrant(s) will useSupplied Air Breathing Apparatus, then there will have to be acompetent worker assigned to monitor the bottles at all timeswhile workers are using the air.

In the event that a worker is getting low on air (only 25% oftheir usable air is available) then the bottle watch person willinform the entry monitor to have that particular worker broughtout of the vessel in order to change the air system over toanother bottle.


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Fire-Watch

The primary duty of a fire-watch person is to be ready to putout any fire(s) generated by the work being done in, or around,

the confined space In order to effectively do this task the worker will have to be

trained in the proper use of the necessary fire fightingequipment that is designated on the permit, and to have thecorrect equipment located at the designated location(s) at thework area.

In many cases the fire-watch person will have several extra drychemical fire extinguishers available at the job site. Theseshould be placed in strategic locations.

In order to protect all personnel entering the confined space,there is also a need for pre-entry inspections of the immediate

and surrounding area to ensure that any and all inherent firehazards are eliminated before the job starts. For example,hosing the area before hot work starts, or spreading sand overany suspect product.

A clear access route for the arrival of other fire fightingpersonnel may also need to be established.

Physical Layout and Conditions

People setting up the entry permits needs to be aware:

Structural features such as the type of materials, the strength of thesteel, size of support beams/braces (e.g., catwalks may need to bereinforced, or even moved.

Area layout and other nearby features: this will entail the physicallayout as to the proximity to any other vessels/units in the area thatcould effect this entry (especially if there is an emergency of somesort), pipe racks, power lines, power/light poles, roadways, walkways,buildings, available/designated entryway for emergency vehicles.

Working units in the area: are there any live (hot, pressurized or

powered) units in the area that could have an impact on how thisentry will proceed, or how a rescue would be affected.


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Communications

Means of monitoring the workers include:

Verbal: a great way to keep in contact, but not very effective overgreat distances or if the workers are wearing breathing apparatus.

Visual: this is a great way to watch the progress of the workers and towatch for any toxic reaction. Unfortunately, in most confined spaceentry jobs this is not effective. It is often dark and sometimes distanceof sight is limited. The biggest problem is that the entry monitor wouldhave to put his/her head directly into the confined space to see theworker inside. This would create several problems:

1. The monitors head would be breaking the plane of the

opening, thus putting another worker into the space.2. The entry monitor would be exposed to the toxic

atmosphere, thereby needing breathing apparatus.3. An additional standby/rescue worker would be needed.

Motion or Hand Signals: these rely on the lighting and on the shapeor design of the unit. This can only be used if the line of sight is totallyunrestricted. When used in conjunction with verbal, motion and handsignals is an effective way of monitoring the entrants, but only if themonitor does not have to cross the plane of the vessel opening.

Rope Tugs: pulls on the safety line can be used in some instances.The drawback to this method is that someone (usually the stand-by/rescue person) will have to be at the opening, in constant contactwith the rope. This can become very crowded on an entry where thereare a large number of workers. Also, there may be a constant tangleof ropes to keep straight, while using them for tugs at the same time.The important part of this method is to ensure that everyone istalking the same language when using the ropes forcommunications. The usual signals are:

ONE PULL - OKAY

TWO PULLS - GIVE ME MORE SLACK THREE PULLS TAKE UP SLACK FOUR PULLS EMERGENCY NO RESPONSE EMERGENCY


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Radio: A great way to keep in contact with workers, however, if theyare wearing a breathing apparatus, it can be difficult to understandthem unless their mask(s) are equipped with speaking diaphragms.This may be overcome if the radio has a hand microphone that canbe pressed into the persons voice box.

There may also be internal interference (such as welding) to beconsidered when making the decision to use radios, thus the personinside the vessel may not hear the radio.

When using radios it is important to be aware of the appropriate radiochannels that are to be used for this particular operation.Finally the user needs to know the established call numbers or signs,and who to get a hold of in an emergency.

Horn: The common general warning device is the air horn. It is veryeffective both inside and outside of the confined space. Remember itis used for emergency purposes only. If there is an emergency insidea vessel then activate the horn with the designated number of blastsoutside the vessel (usually three groups of three). If you have anemergency outside the vessel then you will have to have workers exitthe confined space as quickly as possibly, and the horn is the bestway to get their attention.

Use a horn appropriately, as it will be very loud inside the vessel. Theeasiest way to use a horn is to blow it as you wave it across theopening. Thus not deafening the workers.

Alarm System: If a warning alarm system is in place, it is imperativethat everyone knows and understands the significance of themessages/blasts. Significance of the number or type of blasts (e.g.,long single tone, warbling, intermittent, etc.) varies greatly fromcompany to company.

Record Keeping: Permits and related documentation must be kepton file for one full year, even if there wasnt a problem with the entry.If there was any sort of problem, then all documentation will have tobe kept secure, for as long as necessary.


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Rescue Plans

Blue prints become a rescue map

A complete list of the details

Communicated to each of the workers designated to this task

Rescue Equipment

Rescue equipment should be identified in the procedure and on the permit.Equipment may include ropes, pulleys, rescue winch, carribiners, straps,stokes with backboard, first aid kit, blankets, safety harness(es), etc.

Rescue Personnel

Rescue personnel should be qualified, suitably trained, and knowledgeableof the area and the equipment.

The company is obligated to ensure that the rescue personnel areadequately trained for the particular type of confined space, and to use thedesignated equipment.

Emergency Response Planning

How the response will be initiated by the monitor/stand-by

Who will respond the stand-by/rescue personnel on hand

What equipment will they need to bring with them it should be on-hand before the entry begins

Who will be in charge a supervisor or company representative

Who will perform what duties

as detailed in the procedures


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Contingency Plans

On site rescue team

On site medical

Company coordinator Company security officer(s)

Local fire department

Local hospital

Local R.C.M.P.

Local airport

Local companies of similar nature that you have written mutual aid responseagreements with.

Have all of the necessary departments

been notified and are they available inthe event of an emergency?

Entry Log Sheet

Entry log report is to include gas test sheets, entry and work permits andentry monitor

Respiratory protection equipment

Related safety equipmentHarness, ropes, P.P.E.

Site preparation

Work and rescue equipment laid out (but separate)

Access for emergency response

Location of emergency assembly point(s) identified


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Levels of Entry

Even if we have successfully completed all of the preparatory tasks, we stillneed to prepare for the unexpected to happen.

Types of Entry:

Level 1 or a Class A entry

The area is or has the potential to become I.D.L.H. Oxygen content is less than 19.5% or greater than 23% Flammability is 20% of the L.E.L. or greater.

Level 2 or a Class B entry

The area is not immediately I.D.L.H. Flammability is greater than 0% but less than 20% of the L.E.L.

Level 3 or a Class C entry

The area is considered non-hazardous, and there is low potential of any

change Oxygen level is between 19.5% and 23% Normal rescues only, meaning a walk in and walk out situation.


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SITE SAFETY

GENERAL

1. When handling compressed gas bottles:a. Do not strike an electric arc on any cylinder.b. Do not transfer gas from one cylinder to another.c. Do not use a sling or an electronic magnet to hoist cylinders.d. Do not hoist a cylinder by the protective cap. Use the proper

hoisting cradle.e. Do not drop cylinders.f. Do not place an acetylene cylinder on its side.g. Do not rely on cylinder color to identify the contents, check the

stencil and tag.h. Always refer to the contents by their proper name.i. Always be properly secured at all times.

2. Preparing the site:a. General cleanliness.b. Route to the emergency assembly point.c. Identified safety equipment.d. Identified rescue equipment is on hand and ready for use.

CONFINED SPACES

ARE A VERY REAL DANGER AND

NUMEROUS LIVES ARE LOST EVERY YEAR

DONT

LET ONE OF THOSE LIVES BE YOURS

SOMEONE YOU KNOW

SOMEONE YOU WORK WITH

confined space training outline

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