Chuck DurhamIndustrial Hygienistdurc235@lni.wa.gov

Confined Space Hazard

Awareness WAC 296-809

• What is a Confined Space

• Confined Space Hazards

• Do’s and Don’ts

• Controlling hazards

Objectives

NIOSH “FACE” StudyFor confined space fatal incidents: Locations types include:

31% tanks, 26% vats/pits, and 27% sewers 36% involved multiple victims 79% hazardous atmospheres

• 43% had oxygen deficient atmospheres• 29% had toxic atmospheres• 7% had flammable atmospheres

21% involved physical hazards

What is The Definition of a Confined SpaceWAC 296-809-100

A Confined Space

Large enough for the whole body to enter and work, and

Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and

Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy

Is a space that is all of the following:

Non-Permit Confined Space

WAC 296-809-20002 Is a confined space that does not

contain actual hazards or potential hazards capable of causing death or serious physical harm.

Hazards found Within Confined Space s

Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, toxic gases, fumes and vapors

Contains a material with potential for engulfing or causing asphyxiation

Internal configuration that could allow someone entering to be trapped by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section

Contains any physical hazard such electrical or mechanical or any other recognized serious safety and health hazard.

Confined Spaces That You May Be Familiar

With Silos Grain bins Well shafts Chemical tanks Cold storage rooms Hopper rail cars Truck tanks Sewers

Do’s and Don’ts Evaluate the worksite for confined

spaces Develop a written program Train employees Provide safety equipment Test the atmosphere if necessary

Confined Space Don’ts Don’t enter unless you have to Don’t enter without a permit Don’t enter without proper PPE Don’t enter without proper training Don’t operate in or around confined

spaces with equipment that could cause sparks

Controlling Hazards In Permit-Required Confined Space

Limit employee access to confined spaces by using entry barriers or locks.

Post warning signs at the entrance of confined spaces.

Make sure that unauthorized workers do not enter the confined space.

Controlling Hazards (cont).

Written programComplete a permit for each entry

Extensive employee training Employee assigned duties

Controls (cont.)Drain or pump out liquid contents, if any.

Blank off all in-feeding lines.

Air test and ventilate.

Continue ventilating constantly.

If possible, remove any sludge deteriorate from inside the confined space.

Exit space if conditions change

Entry PermitDescribes each individual’s roles and responsibilities,

Specifies safety equipmentand respiratory protection,

Tells how long the job will take,

States hazards found in the space includes atmospheric monitoring.

TrainingWAC 296-809-400

Before first assigned duty Before any changes in assigned

duty Whenever there is a change in

the PRCS Any deviations from the PRCS

procedures Inadequacies in employee’s

knowledge or use of procedures Annually for rescue team

members

Rescue and Emergency Services

WAC 296-809-50014

Rescue and Emergency Service

1)Arrange for rescue service from an outside source.

2)Arrange for your own employees to provide rescue.

3)Provide for non-entry rescue.

Non-Entry rescue is preferred

Rescue Training and Practice

Rescue Equipment

Where do I go to find additional information?

http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/rules/confinedspace

www.cdc.gov/niosh www.osha.gov/

DOSH Consultation Safety & health program review and worksite

evaluation Free Confidential By employer invitation only No citations No penalties Letter explains findings Follow-up all serious hazards

Risk Management assistance

Workshops, classes & video library

Questions