Mod 3: Technical References

Confined Space Level I

Environmental ConsiderationsConfined Space Rescue is inherently

dangerous and requires performance of rigorous activities under adverse conditions.Regional and National Safety standards should

be referenced and utilized as guiding references.

BE PREPARED!!! Knowledge Skills Abilities Requirements established by the AHJ.

Technical ReferencesAgencies and Standards

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)1910.146: Established October 15, 1993“Permit Required Confined Spaces”

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety)First edition 1980, Second Edition 1987“Criteria for a Recommended Standard – Working in

Confined Spaces”ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

ANSI Z117.1: 1989“Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces”

Technical ReferencesOSHA

Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 resulted in regulations imposed on employers to comply with safety and health standards. This act was promulgated by the U.S Department of Labor and gives OSHA the authority to:InvestigateIssue citations / safety ordersLevy penalties / finesSeek criminal prosecution

Technical ReferencesOSHA

OSHA guidelines are the framework for NFPA 1006, 1670 and should be utilized as a guideline.

Rescue agencies are not immune from OSHA sanctions and or penalties.

Violation of recommended guidelines per OSHA, NFPA and NIOSH could result in findings of malfeasance / negligence.

Technical ReferencesOSHA training requirements in relation to rescue

agenciesAgencies must be made aware of confined space

hazardsAgencies must receive access to comparable permit

spaces in order to: Develop rescue plans Practice Rescues

GoalsFamiliarize agencies with potential confined space

rescue sitesReduce potential of unfamiliar confined space

environments in jurisdiction

Technical ReferencesOSHA requirements for Companies with

confined spacesIdentify potential areas for confined space

rescueApply for and post permits at the confined

space sitesProhibit entry of employees into confined space

areas unless a permit is posted at the entrance and OSHA precautions have been followed.

Technical ReferencesOSHA General Employer Requirements

All permit spaces must have danger signs, or other effective means, to designate confined spaces in the workplace

Employers who determine that employees will not enter permit space must still take effective measures to prevent employees from entering the space

Technical ReferencesOSHA General Employer Requirements

Employers whose employees enter a permit space are required to have a written permit-required confined space program

Employees must identify and evaluate permit space hazards before making entry

Develop and implement procedures/operations/practices directed at safe entry operationsSpecify acceptable entry conditionsIsolate permit spaceControl atmospheric hazardsEstablish barriersVerify acceptable conditions throughout the duration of any

authorized entry.

Technical ReferencesOSHA General Employer Requirements

Provide equipment at no cost to employees including the maintenance and ensuring the use of such equipment

Evaluate permit space conditions when entry operations are conducted

Provide at least one attendant outside the permit space for the duration of operations

Designate qualified personnel to execute dutiesDevelop and implement procedures for rescue and

emergency services regarding rescuing entrants from permit spaces

Technical ReferencesOSHA General Employer Requirements

Develop and implement a permit systemDevelop and implement procedures upon

conclusion of a entry operationEvaluate entry operationsAssess permit required confined space

program

Technical ReferencesEntry Permits

Must be completed prior to making entryShould be posted at entry portalDocument compliance with regulationsMust be signed by entry supervisorAuthorize entry to the spaceDuration of permit must not exceed time

required to perform the authorized task

Technical ReferencesEntry Permit Content

Space to be enteredPurposeDateDurationName of entrantsName of attendantsSupervisorHazards

Measures used to: Isolate the space Control / Eliminate

hazards Lock/Out Tag/Out Purging Inerting Ventilation / Flushing

Entry ConditionsAtmospheric Readings

Technical ReferencesEntry Permit Content

Rescue / Emergency resources

Communications procedures

Equipment Used PPE Testing

Measures used to: Isolate the space Control / Eliminate

hazards Lock/Out Tag/Out Purging Inerting Ventilation / Flushing

Entry ConditionsAtmospheric Readings

Entry ChecklistChecklists are a tool that helps rescuers insure they are systematically approaching the rescue sequence in an effective, compliant, and safe manner.

Technical ReferencesSpaces must be

monitored and findings should be cross referenced utilizing NIOSH Guide to Chemical Hazards, facility MSDS sheets, Emergency Response Guidebook or other approved reference guide.

NFPA Rating Summary Health (Blue)

4 Danger May be fatal on short exposure. Specialized protective equipment required

3 Warning Corrosive or toxic. Avoid skin contact or inhalation 2 Warning May be harmful if inhaled or absorbed 1 Caution May be irritating 0 No unusual hazard

Flammability (Red) 4 Danger Flammable gas or extremely flammable liquid 3 Warning Flammable liquid flash point below 100° F 2 Caution Combustible liquid flash point of 100° to 200° F 1 Combustible if heated 0 Not combustible

Reactivity (Yellow) 4 Danger Explosive material at room temperature 3 Danger May be explosive if shocked, heated under confinement or mixed

with water 2 Warning Unstable or may react violently if mixed with water 1 Caution May react if heated or mixed with water but not violently 0 Stable Not reactive when mixed with water

Special Notice Key (White) W Water Reactive Oxy Oxidizing Agent

MSDS SheetFacilities or

Vehicles transporting or housing chemicals should have MSDS sheets available to identify hazards.

Technical References3 basic sections to the NIOSH Guide

Alphabetical Chemical Listing

Appendices (Carcinogens, Exposure Limits, Respirator Requirements, Miscellaneous Information

Indices (CAS # Index, DOT ID # Index, Chemical/Synonym/Trade Name Index)

Technical References5 basic sections to the ERG

Placards

Material Listing by 4 Digit ID Number

Alphabetical Listing by Material Name

Material Listing by Guide Number

Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances

Application

Technical ReferencesLethal Dose is expressed as LD50

Single dose that will cause death of 50% of a group of test animals exposed to it by any route other than inhalation

Lethal Concentration is expressed as LC50Median lethal concentration of a hazardous

material which is the concentration of a material in air that on the basis of laboratory tests (inhalation) is expected to kill 50 % of a group of test animals when administered in a specific time period

Technical ReferencesDetection of flammable or toxic atmospheres.

Acceptable levels after ventilation are defined as 50% of the level of toxic or flammable substance that would constitute a hazardous atmosphere.

Methane 0.5% is considered hazardous, therefore 0.25%

would be the acceptable maximum level.Chlorine

0.5 PPM is considered hazardous, therefore 0.25 PPM would be the acceptable maximum level.

Technical References

Approach Confined Spaces with EXTREME

CAUTION