1. CONFINED SPACE ENTRY TRAINING PROGRAM

2. INTRODUCTION WHAT IS A CONFINED SPACE?
- Large enough for an employee to enter.
- Has restricted means of entry or exit.
- Is not designed for continuous occupancy.
EXAMPLES
- Ship compartments Missle fuel tanks Sewers
- Vats Silos Tunnels
HAZARDS
- Dangerous vapors, fires, explosions & physical hazards.

3. PHYSICAL HAZARDS
- Mechanical equipment or moving parts like agitators,
blenders and stirrers.
- Gases, liquids, fluids & steam from connecting pipes.
- Heat and sound.

4. OXYGEN DEFICIENCY
- Most confined space accidents are related to atmospheric
conditions in the space or failure to continuously monitor
hazards.
- OSHA minimum safe level of oxygen is 19.5%, maximum is
23.5% (normal air is 20.8% by volume).
- At 16% you become disoriented, 8-12% you generally
become unconscious.
- Oxygen can be displaced by gases (Argon, nitrogen, etc.)

5. COMBUSTIBILITY
- Fire and explosion are serious dangers in confined spaces.
- Fumes & vapors ignite quickly in the trapped air.
- Flammable & combustible gases or vapors may be present
from previous cargoes, tank coatings, preservatives and
welding gases.
- Ignition of these hazards can come from faulty electrical
equipment, static electricity, welding sparks or cigarettes.

6. TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS
- Occur from material previously stored in the tank or as result
of use of coatings, cleaning solvents, or preservatives.
- Cannot see or smell most toxics, but they present two types
of risk in a confined space :
* Irritation of respiratory or nervous system.
* Cut off oxygen supply or get into lungs and
asphyxiate.

7. WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES
- Plan carefully before entering space at all.
- Test air before entry and periodically as you work.
- If hazards are found, then area becomes a “permit required”
confined space. Entering space is done only through by the
following of appropriate procedures.
- A rescue plan should be in place in case of emergency.
- Safe entry is the beginning. Complete the work and exit
safely.

8. BEFORE YOU ENTER
- Entry permits must be used for entry into space that has
hazard potential related to atmospheric conditions or any
serious hazard.
- Only a worker with a written permit should be allowed to
enter a permit-required confined space.
- Where permits are needed, get one from supervisor and
post it outside the confined space to warn others that you
are inside.

9. CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY
- Use lockouts and tags to prevent accidental equipment
startup while someone is in the confined space.
- Cut off steam, water, gas or power lines that enter the
confined space.
- Use only safe, grounded, explosion-proof equipment
and fans.

10. VENTILATION - Use ventilating equipment where possible.
- Oxygen level should be maintained between %.
- Toxic gases and vapors are kept at OSHA prescribed levels.
- Portable SCBA used where entrance is large enough, unless
atmosphere is ventilated or has no atmospheric hazards.
- If entrance is small an airline mask should be used with
supplied air.
- Eye, hearing protection & clothing could be needed.

11. TESTING THE AIR
- Common cause of injury or death is failure to test air in
confined spaces.
- Always test for oxygen & combustibility by probing with
test instruments near the entry.
- Once space is opened, test air from top to bottom. Gases
like propane and butane are heavy and will sink. Light gases
such as methane will rise to the top ( Check all levels !!!).

12. TESTING THE AIR CONTINUED
- After confirming oxygen level is adequete and nothing
combustible in atmosphere, test for toxicity.
- Notify supervisor if pretests find hazards that you can’t
protect against adequately.
- Follow up testing may be periodic or continuous depending
on the conditions involved.
- The work performed in the confined space may change air
quality, so continuous testing may be needed.

13. RESCUE PROCEDURES
- OSHA estimates that 54 workers die each year in confined
space accidents. About 2/3rds of those result from those
attempting a rescue.
- When rescue workers enter space, at least one person is
to remain outside to summon help or offer assistance.
- Outside attendant should be equipped with a SCBA and
trained in first aid/CPR.
- Constant communication should be maintained with those
in the space by visual, radio, or field telephone.

14. RESCUE PROCEDURES CONTINUED
- If emergency entry is needed, attendant should not enter
until additional help arrives.
- Ropes tied onto a worker’s waist is not acceptable rescue
method, because it does not allow a single attendant to
remove injured worker.
- Use of full body harness & lifeline is better approach. Allows
a block and tackle to be attached, so one rescuer can do job.

15. WORK AT WORKING SAFELY
- Follow safety procedures that you have been trained on.
- Use prescribed personal protective equipment for tasks.
- Test air in confined space for flammable, explosive and toxic
vapors and gases before entry. Test again while work is in
progress to assure continued worker safety.
- Use spark proof tools and explosion proof fans, lights or
air movers.
- Trained, well equipped workers standing by as rescuers.