Permit-Required Confined Space Safety

Why Are Confined Spaces Dangerous?

Hazards are not obvious

Lack of ventilation

Difficult for:– Employees to exit– Rescue teams to enter

Four Leading Causes of Death in Confined Spaces

1) Oxygen content below 19.5%

2) Oxygen content above 23.5%

3) Toxic or flammable elements in the air

4) Getting trapped by sand-like substance

Confined Spaces Require a Permit to Enter When:

They contain or have the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere

Engulfment is possible

You can become trapped in the space

They contain other serious hazards

Entry Permit Systems Save Lives

Identify dangerous conditions

Prevent accidental entry

Describe conditions required for safe entry

List procedures for emergency rescue

An Entry Permit Contains:

Dates when it is safe for you to enter

Tester’s name who authorized entry

Names of employees who can enter

Names and phone numbers of rescue and emergency services

Attendant Responsibilities

Ensure safety of entrants in confined space

If entrant becomes injured within the confined space, summon rescue workers

Maintain communication with entrant

Never allow unauthorized employees to enter

Attendants Will Order Entrants To Evacuate When

Conditions seem dangerous

Entrant has a behavior change such as:– Heavy breathing– Loss of balance– Extreme coughing

They cannot focus all of their time monitoring the entrant

Entrant Responsibilities

Maintain communications with attendant

Use personal protective equipment

Alert attendant if you:

– Notice any change in the way you feel

– See conditions thatlook dangerous

Entrants Have the Right to:

See the entry permit before entering a confined space

Examine all test results

Request that confined spaces be retested

Exit if they do not feel safe

Entrants Must Evacuate If

Conditions look dangerous

You feel a behavior change

Communication is lost

An evacuation alarm goes off

The attendant orders an evacuation

Rescue Procedures

Begin rescue process if entrant fails to communicate with the attendant

Do not enter a confined space if you are not trained to help in an emergency

Levels Of Risk Within Confined Spaces Can Change

Risk can increase

– New hazards can be found

Risk can decrease

– Hazard can be completely eliminated

– Hazard can be temporarily eliminated

More Than One Employer On The Job

Confined space activity coordinated by us

One primary contact is responsible

Contractors treated like all other employers

Summary

Dangerous conditions in confined spaces is a leading cause of death in the workplace

Entry permit systems save lives

Attendants protect entrants

Do not attempt to rescue if not trained