Confined Spaces

A Confined Space is an area that is large enough for a person to enter and perform work but has certain characteristics that make it hazardous to enter without proper safety precautions.

The main hazard of working in a Confined Space is the potential for a hazardous atmosphere, such as the presence of toxic gases or oxygen deficiency.

The first step in assessing a Confined Space is to determine if it is a permit-required space.

A permit-required Confined Space is one that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, contains a material that has the potential to engulf an entrant, contains a configuration that could trap or asphyxiate an entrant, or contains any other recognized safety or health hazards.

The purpose of a Confined Space Entry Permit is to document the safety measures that will be taken for workers entering the confined space.

A Confined Space Entry Permit must include the name of the space, the hazards present, the safety measures that will be taken, the names of personnel involved, and the duration of the entry.

The purpose of a pre-entry assessment is to identify any potential hazards before workers enter the confined space.

Before workers can enter a Confined Space, a risk assessment must be done to identify any potential hazards, and appropriate safety measures must be taken to ensure the safety of the workers.

The purpose of a ventilation system for a Confined Space is to provide fresh air to the space and to remove any hazardous gases or vapors.

A Confined Space should be monitored at least every 15 minutes while workers are inside.

If hazardous gases or vapors are detected in a Confined Space, all personnel must be evacuated immediately and the space should be ventilated until the hazards are eliminated.

When entering a Confined Space, personnel should wear appropriate PPE such as a respirator, hard hat, safety glasses, safety boots, and protective clothing.

If a worker is unable to evacuate from a Confined Space, the rescue team should be called immediately.

If a worker is injured in a Confined Space, the rescue team should be called immediately and the injured worker should be removed from the space as soon as possible.

When working in a Confined Space, personnel should use two-way communication devices such as radios or phones.

If a worker is overcome by gases in a Confined Space, the rescue team should be called immediately and the affected worker should be removed from the space as soon as possible.

The type of lighting used in a Confined Space should be appropriate for the work being done and should provide enough illumination for the workers to see clearly.

Rescue equipment that should be available for Confined Space entry includes a full-body harness, lanyard, rope, and a retrieval system.

The purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure is to ensure that all energy sources connected to the equipment in a Confined Space are de-energized before work begins.

A Confined Space should be inspected before and after each entry, and any changes in the space should be noted.

If the atmosphere in a Confined Space becomes hazardous, all personnel should be evacuated immediately and the space should be ventilated until the hazards are eliminated.

If a worker is exposed to a hazardous substance in a Confined Space, the worker should be removed from the space and medical attention should be sought immediately.

The purpose of a rescue plan is to ensure that workers can be safely removed from a Confined Space in the event of an emergency.

If a worker is suffering from heat stress in a Confined Space, the worker should be removed from the space and medical attention should be sought immediately.

Personnel entering a Confined Space should be trained in the proper use of safety equipment, methods for recognizing and avoiding hazards, and emergency procedures.