Working At Heights &

Confined Space Rescue

GAIL INDIA LTD

@ PATA PLANT-UP

8th & 9th Aug.2019

By
SAFESKILL SAFETY
SERVICES

Instructors: Satishkumar Nair

Santosh Patil
 Important Information
•Emergency Exits
•Assembly Point
•Mobile Phones
•Wash Rooms
•Breaks
•Brief Introduction
•Sessions
 Course Overview
The Working at Heights & Rescue”- course is in two
parts:-
1.Theory – class room
2.Practical -- field activity
•The participants will be provided with the required
information and technical skills necessary to
perform rescue at Heights or Confined Spaces.
•To qualify one has to pass both the theory and the
practical sections with a minimum qualifying marks
of 70% .
 WAH-Course content

• Fall Protection
• Causes of fall
• Risk factors
• Control measures
• Fall Protection System(FPS)
• Rescue
 FALL PROTECTION

Fall Protection shall be used for any work at a

Height greater than 1.8m.
 Fall

Descending freely from Height

by force of Gravity

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 Causes of falls
• Gravity
• Personal factors
– Height, lack of sleep/rest, drugs, alcohol,
impairment
• Job factors
– Weak structure, high wind or any other
conditions
RISK ASSESSMENT QUIZ

• How far could a person fall?

• What would they fall through?

• How & where would they land?

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 Types of Control
Fall Prevention Systems Personal Fall Protection
Systems

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 Types of Control-Personal Fall
Protection System
• Fall protection must be
used in any work where
falling from one level to
another may result in
harm and in any case,
any work at a height that
is greater than 1.8
meters. It includes
working next to an
opening or unprotected
edge such as roofs,
quarry walls, etc
Personal Fall Protection Systems
• Fall Restraint System
• Fall Arrest System
• Work Positioning System
• Personal Riding(Suspension)
• Climbing
• Rescue
 Fall Restraint System
• The full body harness is
used as a component
of a restraint system to
prevent the user from
reaching a fall hazard.
• Restraint systems
typically includes an
anchor, a full body
harness and a lanyard or
restraint line.
Fall Arrest System
• A fall arrest system must
prevent a falling worker from
hitting the ground or any object
or level below the work.
• Maximum free fall distance is
1.8 m, providing the system is
engineered for the associated
load.
• Max. Arresting Force to an
acceptable limit of 6KN

Note: OSHA 1910.66, Appendix C, Section I, subhead d (“System Performance

Criteria”), they explain the need for M.A.F.
Fall Arrest
 Work Positioning
• Systems that allow
workers to WaH hands
free are permitted only
when used in combination
with personal fall
protection systems that are
suitable and sufficient, and
the worker has achieved
competency in the use of
such systems.
 Personal Riding/Suspension
• The full body harness is
used as a component of a
personnel riding system to
suspend or transport the
user vertically. Personnel
riding systems typically
include a full body
harness, boatswains’s
chair or seat board, and a
back-up personal fall
arrest system.
 Climbing
• The full body harness is
used as a component of a
climbing system to prevent
the user from falling when
climbing a ladder or other
climbing structure. Climbing
systems typically include a
full body harness, vertical
cable or rail attached to the
structure, and climbing
sleeve.
 Fall arrester
A device which allows normal
movement of an employee when
working on height but under
sudden jerk/tension it locks, and
prevents the Fall.
Guide could be rope, wire rope or
rail

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 Rescue
• The full body harness is
used as a component of a
rescue system. Rescue
systems are configured
depending on the type of
rescue.
 Anchor Points
– Anchor points must be
designed, manufactured and
installed to ensure a static load
capacity adequate to the job to
be carried out.
– Anchors must be able to
support 22kN per worker
attached, unless otherwise
qualified by an competent
person.
Anchoring
BODY SUPPORT-HARNESS

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 Safety Harness
• Full body harnesses must be suitable
for the size and weight of the worker.
• Harnesses must be fitted with a dorsal
D ring.
• Harnesses must be fitted with a D ring
on each side if used for work
positioning and with front attachment
points if used for ladder safety
climbing.
• Harnesses must be fitted with
suspension trauma foot loops.
Types of Harness
Types of Harness-IS3521
Class A Class D
ARREST DESCEND
 Types of Harness
Class E Class L
VERTICAL ENTRY/EXIT LADDER CLIMBING
Types of Harness IS-3521-1999
Class P
POSITIONING
 Full body harness
A Harness is Designed to
distribute the fall arrest force
through the upper thighs, pelvis
and shoulders.
Donning of harness

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 Harness Fit

• Always wear(Donning) the Harness Snug

fit
– Neither too tight nor too loose
How a fall arrest harness works

• Directs the
load to the
legs
• Keeps body
upright
• Prevents
neck injuries
 Anchor/Connection Points on
Harness
Sternal Anchor Dorsal Anchor

Shoulder

Ventral
Lateral

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 CONNECTORS
(Hooks, Lanyards, Lifelines, etc.)

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 Connectors EN-362

Fall Indicator Scaffold Snap

Hook Hook

Carabiners
Snap Hook Application
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 HOOKS
ALL HOOKS SHOULD HAVE A MINIMUM
BREAKING STRENGTH 22kN
• It is recommended that all connectors shall be self-
closing/self-locking

• All Hooks should open with minimum

two(2) consecutive manual action

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 Lanyards
• Types
– Work Restraint/ Positioning
• EN358 ( Personal protective equipment for work
positioning and prevention of falls from height-
Belts for work positioning and restraint and work
positioning lanyard)
– Fall Arrest
• EN 355-( Personal protective equipment against
falls from a height- Energy absorber)
 Lanyards

Restraint
Positioning

Fall Arrest Forked (Double)

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 Lanyards
• Lanyards used for fall arrest
must be fitted with or
attached to a shock absorber
sufficient for the weight of
the worker and fall distance.

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 Shock Absorber

A component whose primary function is

to dissipate energy and limit
deceleration forces which are imposed
on the body during fall arrest to not
more than 6KN

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Energy (shock) absorber

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 Double Lanyard
•This system will be used
for Lead climb.

•This system will ensure

100% tie-off if used
correctly.

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Point of Anchor

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 FALL FACTOR
FALL FACTOR (FF)= LENGTH OF FALL
LENGTH OF ROPE

FF= 2

FF= 1

FF= 0
Fall Factor
 Anchor point & clearance distance

• Lanyard length = 2.0m

• Energy absorber =1.5m

• Height of person =1.5m

• Residual clearance = 1.0m

• Total ht. Req.= 6.0m

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Pendulum Effect-Swing Fall
 Evacuation/Rescue device
• EN 341- ( Personal fall protection
equipment-descending devices for rescue)
• EN-1496-(Personal fall protection
equipment-Rescue lifting devices)
 Evacuation/Rescue device
• The individual parts of the various rescue
equipment. (If more than one type used)
Rescue/Evacuation Equipment

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 Rescue

Only trained personnel must use rescue equipment

 Rescue Plan
• How to reach an injured person
• Any on-site rescue equipment such as elevating work
platforms working in the area
• Providing fall arrest systems and devices to effectively
complete a rescue
• Ensuring employees are trained in emergency
procedures and are familiar with fall arrest systems and
devices
• The availability or access to first aid facilities or
services, including trained first aiders
• The location, contact details and hours worked of
additional support facilities (civil rescue service) and;
• An effective and readily available means of
communication
 Suspension Trauma
Harness Hang Syndrome (HHS)
The symptoms of HHS?
• Breathlessness
• Increase heart rate
• Excessive perspiration
• Nausea
• Paleness of skin
• Dizziness

As HHS progresses:
• Onset of HHS has been believed to be between 3-
6mins.
• Condition worsens if the victim is:
– Unconscious
– Injured
– Has cardiovascular disease
– Respiratory disease

• Death follows within minutes if the victim is not

rescued quickly.
 Prevention
• Using a full body harness which allows
you to sit
• Pulling up oneself using an ascending
device (requires very good physical
fitness)
• Using leg straps/foot loops
Leg Strap/Loop
 Remain Connected

Gravity –Do Not Give You A

Second Chance
Confined Space Entry & Rescue
 COURSE CONTENTS
• CONFINED SPACE DEFINITION
• CATEGORIZING WORK SPACE
• RISK ASSESSMENT & CONTROL MEASURES
• HAZARDS
• PROCEDURES
• EQUIPMENT
• EMRGENCY PLAN & RESCUE
What is a “Confined space”?
Definition
• A “confined space” is an enclosed or
partially enclosed space which:
• is at atmospheric pressure during
occupancy; is not intended or designed
primarily as a place of work; and
• is liable, at any time, to:
– have an atmosphere which contains
potentially harmful levels of toxic
substances/contaminants;
– have an oxygen deficiency or an
excess;
– cause a person to be engulfed/buried
by material; and/or
• could have restricted means of
entry and exit.
 Examples of Confined Spaces

• Tanks • Pipes
• Boilers • Trenches
• Furnaces • Tunnels
• Sewers • Ducts
• Silos • Bins
• Hoppers • Pits
Training Requirements for CSE

1. Confined space entry

Requirements
2. Roles & responsibilities
3. Risk Assessment
4. Gas testing
5. Permit to work system
6. LOTO
7. Use of PPE
8. Emergency response
 Types of Confined Space

• Permit-required confined space

– For hazardous or potentially hazardous
confined space work
• Non-permit confined space
– For non-hazardous confined space
work

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 Risk Assessment
• Risk Assessment of Area prior to Entry
• Risk Assessment of the Activities to be
carried out in the confined space.
 Risk Assessment of Area
A risk assessment of area prior to entry:
• Potential for engulfment/burial
• Potential for low oxygen level
• Potential for high oxygen level
• Potential for atmospheric contaminants
• Potential for flammable substances
• Potential for temperature extremes
• The risk assessment must be completed by a
competent person or persons, before work
associated with the confined space is carried
out.
 Risk assessment of the activities
This risk assessment will address the following:
• Proposed work activities
• Equipment to be used
• Hazardous energies present
• Energy sources to be introduced to the confined
space
• Potential for generation of contaminants in the
confined space
• Potential for depletion of oxygen
• Other work related hazards
 CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS

If you are one of the many people who have to

enter confined spaces you must be aware of
the hazards involved.
Serious injury or death can occur.
 CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS

Basically two types:

1. Atmospheric Hazards
2. Non-Atmospheric Hazards
 Hazardous Atmospheres
• Asphyxiating (Oxygen
deficient)
• Flammable
• Toxic
• Irritant (corrosive)
 Asphyxiating Atmosphere
Oxygen deficient
• Less than 19.5%
• DO NOT ENTER
• Causes-
– welding, cutting, brazing or
certain chemical reactions
e.g. rusting, fermentation
• Displacement by another
gas e.g. CO2 ,nitrogen
 HOT WORK

• Always take into consideration the

type of Hotwork being done and what
could go wrong.
• Ask -- What kind of surface is going to
be heated?
• What is in the next compartment?
• What happens if the extractor
/ventilator stops working?
• Are there any combustibles in the
area?
• Where is the Exit?
 HOT WORK
• Always use the Permit to work system.
• Have a competent Firewatcher with you
and ensure he signs the Permit.
• Know what is in the area and what kind
of hazard your work may cause in
surrounding areas.
• Never ever leave Oxygen/Gas cylinders
switched on during breaks .
• Remove them from the area if long
periods of absence are envisaged.
• Remember : too much Oxygen is just as
dangerous as too little!
 Oxygen Deficiency
Oxygen
Signs and Symptoms
Content
(at Atmospheric Pressure)
(% by volume)
Minimum permissible levels that work can be performed without
19.5% respirators. Below this level, workers shall be required to wear
supplied air respirators.
17% Hypoxia symptoms, accelerated breathing and heart rate appear
Accelerated breathing, increased heart rate, poor muscular
14-16%
coordination, fatigue, impaired perception and judgment.
12% Unconsciousness without warning, poor judgment, blue lips
Nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness; 8 minutes 100% fatal; 6
6-10%
minutes, 50% fatal; 4-5 minutes, recovery with treatment.
<6% Coma in 40 seconds, spasmatic breathing, convulsions, and death
 Flammable Atmosphere
Arises from enriched oxygen
atmospheres (above 21%) ,
vaporization of flammable
liquids
• By products of work
• Chemical reactions
• Concentrations of combustible
dust
 Flammable Atmosphere
Causes:
LEAN
1. Enriched oxygen (oxygen RICH

above 21%). Clothing and

hair will burn violently.
Above 23.5% entry is
prohibited
2. Flammable gas , vapor or
dust- proper mix with air
will explode LEL UEL
 Toxic Atmosphere
May arise from the following:
• Manufacturing process
• Product can be absorbed into the
walls and give off toxic vapors
when cleaning out the residue of
the stored product.
Example: Removal of sludge from a tank-
decomposed material can give off deadly H2S gas.

• The operation performed in

confined space or adjacent
areas.
Example : welding or brazing with metals capable
of producing toxic fumes.
 Irritant ( Corrosive) Atmosphere
• Tanks having chlorine, hydrochloric
acid, sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide etc
• They can be found in plastic plants, Irritant
chemical plants, the petroleum or
industry, tanneries, paint Harmful
manufacturing and mining
operations.
• The worker is usually not aware of
any increase in his/her exposure to
toxic substances.
Corrosive
 Hazardous Conditions
2. General Safety Hazards
– Temperature extremes
– Heat Exhaustion-Heat Cramps-Heat
Stroke
– Engulfment
– Noise
– Bodily injury/death
– Slick/wet surfaces
– Fall/Falling objects
– Electrocution
– Vibrations
– Claustrophobia
– Communication
– Entry and exit
How does one work safely in
such conditions?
 Operational Controls
• Access Control
– All access points must be locked to prevent
unauthorized entry, when unoccupied.
• Atmospheric Controls
– Ventilation
– Gas detection
• Fire & Explosion Controls
• Liquid & Free flowing solids Controls
Permit-Required Confined Space
Entry Procedure
• Isolate the space
• Ventilate the space
• Test the atmosphere
• Complete permit
• Conduct Toolbox meeting
• Enter the space

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 Isolate the Space
from all hazards
• Close Valves
– Double block & bleed, or
– Blank flange
• Empty the Space
– Depressurize, vent & drain
• Lockout/Tag out Equipment
– Electrical sources
– Rotating/reciprocating parts
– Hazardous materials
• Clean residue from the space

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 Ventilate the Space
• Use mechanical ventilation
– Fans
– Air horns
• Ventilate at the rate of at least
four (4) volumes per hour
– Larger spaces require more
ventilation
• Make sure air supply is not
contaminated
– Ventilation air supply must be
from fresh air uncontaminated
with flammables, toxins, etc.

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 Test the Atmosphere
• Check for Oxygen Content:
– At least 19.5% and less than 23.5%
• Check for Combustibles:
– Less than 5% of the LEL
• Check for Toxic Gasses:
– Carbon monoxide (PEL <35 ppm)
– Hydrogen sulphide (less than)
<10ppm
– or any other hazardous materials as
determined by the use of the space.
• Sequence:
– Oxygen-Flammable-Toxic

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Always test the
Good Air
air at various levels
to be sure that the
entire space is safe.
Poor Air

Good air near the

opening does NOT
mean there is good
air at the bottom! Deadly Air

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 Complete Entry Permit Form
• Permit must be correctly and
completely filled out prior to entry.
• Permit becomes valid and activated
only after Entry Supervisor’s signature.
• No entry is allowed without a valid
permit.
• Permits are valid for up to 12
hours(one shift).
• When work is completed, permit and
tally board form should be returned to
authorized department.
• Closed permits must be kept on file for
at least one year.
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 Conduct a Toolbox Briefing
• Entire crew must attend
– Attendants(standby), entrants, entry
supervisor
• Review hazards of entry and work
• Review PPE
• Review procedure for contacting rescue
– verify rescue available
• Complete permit

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WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED?
 When ready to go!
Essential equipment before entering a
confined space:
• Ventilation
• Gas detection
• Respiratory protection
• Communication
• Head, eye and hear protection
• Entry and rescue
 Equipment
• Ventilation equipment
– Extraction or ventilation systems for use in confined
spaces must be fit for the purpose, and any materials
used must be capable of withstanding the
circumstances likely to be encountered in the
confined space, e.g. Extremes of temperature,
corrosive materials, etc.(An explosion proof air
exhaust fan)
 Equipment
• Monitoring equipment
– A portable gas detector capable of continuously
monitoring various gases:
– Single gas monitors
– Multi-gas monitors
 Equipment
• Respiratory
Protection
– Self contained
breathing apparatus
(SCBA)
– Combination type
dual purpose
– Air-line respirators
– Escape respirator
 Equipment

• Communication
– Explosion proof radios
 Equipment
• Lighting
– A minimum of 2 explosion proof
lights
• Head, eye and hearing protection
• Appropriate warning signs and
barricades
 EQUIPMENT
For vertical entry and rescue
• A portable tripod with combined
Fall arrestor-retrieving winch or
similar rope rigged system.
• An approved full body harness
per person
• Rescue equipment.
– One 30 minute SCBA per rescue
team member.
– A stretcher that allows rescue of an
injured person in both vertical and
horizontal position.
 When the Job is Done:
• Remove all personnel, tools, and
debris from the space. Sign off the log.
• Close the space.
• Cancel/Close the permit.
• Review the job with the host employer
(hazards, problems, correction, etc.)

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Emergency control & Rescue Plan
 Emergency control & Rescue Plan

• Annexure III: should be filled along with the permit by the issuer.
• Site specific personnel must be appointed for undertaking
confined space rescue.
• A review of the types of emergency scenarios likely to be
encountered must be undertaken and suitable emergency
response equipment must be made available together with the
availability of man power, especially those trained in the
administration of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR ).
• A specific rescue plan / method of rescue and required
equipment must be in place and suitable rescue equipment
must be made available before any entry to confined spaces
takes place. Priority must be given to non-entry rescue
techniques versus entry rescue for each type of confined space.
 Emergency control & Rescue Plan

• Emergency rescue personnel/services must be trained in

confined space rescue and undertake drills directed at
rescues from specific confined spaces.
• If there are indications through the agreed system of
communication or otherwise, that the persons in the space
are being adversely affected by the atmosphere for
whatever reason, the attendant outside the space should
immediately raise alarm, informing the supervisor so that
rescue operations can commence immediately.

• Note: - On no account must the attendant stationed at the

entrance attempt to enter the space for rescue
 Emergency control & Rescue Plan

• No rescue may be attempted without breathing apparatus,

harness and lifeline.
• For every confined space activity, an emergency procedure
for rescue (rescue plan) must be prepared and
communicated, including:
• Rules for the entry into the confined space for emergencies
need to be prepared.
• Method of reporting and recording an emergency incident
need to be prepared
 Treatment
• Check for vital signs
• If breathing and pulse present
• Put in Recovery position
• Continuously check airway, breathing and
circulation
• If not breathing and pulse is absent-
perform CPR
If you have doubts do not use it.

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 Safe Working- Mantras
• Learn
• Respect
• Prepare
• Be Responsible
Safety & Team Work

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For More Information:
training@safesskill.org

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