Theme - 1

Confined Space Safety

industrial Disaster Risk Management

Confined Space
Safe Work
Permit Required

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Contents 1. What is a confined space ?

Generally speaking, a confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

1. What is a confined space ? -2
is not primarily designed or intended for human occupancy,
2. What are the hazards in a confined space ? -3 has a restricted entrance or exit by way of location, size or means,
3. Why is working in a confined space more hazardous can represent a risk for health and safety of anyone who enters, due to one or more
of the following factors:
than working in other work spaces ? -3
3.1. Oxygen-deficient Atmosphere -4 its design, construction, location or atmosphere,
the materials or substances in it,
3.2. Flammable Atmosphere -5
work activities being carried out in it, or
3.3. Toxic Atmospheres -6 mechanical, process and safety hazards present.
4. What should be done when preparing to enter the
Confined spaces can be below or above ground. Confined spaces can be found in
confined space ? -7 almost any workplace. A confined space, despite its name, is not necessarily small.
4.1 Air quality testing -7 Examples of confined spaces include silos, vats, hoppers, ESPs, reaction vessels, utility
4.2 How are hazards controlled in confined spaces ? -9 vaults, tanks, sewers, pipes, access shafts, truck or rail tank cars, aircraft wings. Ditches
and trenches may also be a confined space when access or egress is limited.
4.3 How is air quality maintained ? -9
4.4 How are fire and explosion prevented ? - 13
4.5 How are energy sources controlled ? - 14
5. What should happen when work is being done in a
confined space ? - 14 Tunnels
6. What are some emergency response precautions ? - 15
7. Is worker training important ? - 17
8. What are other safety precautions ? - 17
9. What is an Entry Permit System (EPS) ? - 18
10. Other points to consider - 18
11. Standby/Rescue - 20
12. Checklist - 22
13. Glossary - 27
14. References - 29

1 2
2. What are the hazards in a confined space? The entrance/exit of the confined space might not allow the worker to get out in
time if there be a flood or collapse of free-flowing solid or hazardous gases.
Rescue of the victim is more difficult. The interior configuration of the confined
All hazards found in a regular workspace can also be found in a confined space. space often does not allow easy movement of people or equipment within it.
However, they can be even more hazardous in a confined space than in a regular Self-rescue by the worker is more difficult.
worksite. Natural ventilation alone will often not be sufficient to maintain breathing quality
air. The interior configuration of the confined space does not allow easy movement
Hazards in confined spaces can include the following, for example: of air within it.
Conditions can change very quickly due to chemical/physical reactions.
Poor air quality: There may be an insufficient amount of oxygen for the worker to The space outside the confined space can impact on the conditions inside the
breathe. The atmosphere might contain a poisonous substance that could make the confined space and vice versa.
worker ill or even cause the worker to lose consciousness. Natural ventilation alone Work activities may introduce hazards not present initially.
will often not be sufficient to maintain breathable quality air.
Chemical exposures due to skin contact or ingestion as well as inhalation of 'bad' air. One should not ignore the following:
Fire Hazard: There may be an explosive/inflammable atmosphere due to inflammable
liquids and gases and combustible dusts which, if ignited, would lead to fire or 3.1. Oxygen-deficient Atmosphere
explosion.
Process-related hazards such as residual chemicals, release of contents of a supply
An oxygen-deficient atmosphere
line.
has less than 19.5% available
Noise.
oxygen (02). Any O2Enriched
Safety hazards such as moving parts of equipment, structural hazards, 21%
atmosphere with less than
entanglement, slips, falls, etc.
19.5% oxygen Minimum for
Radiation. 19.5%
should not be entertained Safe Entry
Temperature extremes including atmospheric and surface.
without an approved
Shifting or collapse of bulk material.
Self-Contained Breathing
Barrier failure resulting in a flood or release of free-flowing solid. Impaired Judgement
Apparatus (SCBA). 16%
Uncontrolled energy including electric shock. and Breathing
Visibility.
The oxygen level in a 14% Faulty Judgement
Biological hazards.
confined space can be Rapid Fatigue
decreased because of
3. Why is working in a confined space more hazardous than work being done,
working in other work spaces? such as welding, cutting,
or brazing; or, it can
be decreased by certain
Many factors need to be evaluated when looking for hazards in a confined space. There chemical reactions
is smaller margin for error. An error in identifying or evaluating potential hazards can (rusting) or through 6% Difficult Breathing
have more serious consequences. In some cases, the conditions in a confined space are bacterial action Death in Minutes
always extremely hazardous. In other cases, conditions are life threatening under an (fermentation).
unusual combination of circumstances. Due to this variability and unpredictability, the
hazard assessment is extremely important and must be taken very seriously each and The oxygen level is
every time. also decreased if
oxygen is displaced
Some examples include: by another gas, Oxygen Scale

3 4
such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen or chlorine. Total displacement of oxygen by another
gas, such as carbon dioxide, or nitrogen or chlorine will result in unconsciousness,
followed by death.
3.2. Flammable Atmospheres
3.3. Toxic Atmospheres
Most substances (liquids, vapours, gases, mists, solid materials, and dusts) should be
considered hazardous in a confined space. Toxic substances can come from the
following:

Two things make an atmosphere inflammable: - The product stored in the space:
1) the oxygen in air; and
2) an inflammable gas, vapour, or dust in the proper mixture. Different gases have The product can be
different inflammable ranges. If a source of ignition (e.g. a sparking electrical tool) absorbed into the walls
is introduced into a space containing an inflammable atmosphere, an explosion will and give off toxic gases,
result. when removed or when
cleaning out the residue
An oxygen-enriched atmosphere (above 21%) will cause inflammable materials, such as of a stored product,
clothing and hair, to burn violently when ignited. Therefore, never use pure oxygen toxic gases can be given
to ventilate a confined space. Ventilate with normal air. off. Example: Removal
of sludge from a tank -
decomposed material can
AIR give off deadly hydrogen
sulfide gas.

- The work being performed

in a confined space:

Examples of such include

welding, cutting, brazing,
painting, scraping, sanding,
degreasing, etc.
Toxic atmospheres are
generated in various
processes. For example,
cleaning solvents are
FLAMMABLE ATMOSPHERE used in many industries
for cleaning/degreasing.
The vapours from these
solvents are very toxic
in a confined space.

Gas, Vapour, Source of - Areas adjacent to the confined space:

or Dust Ignition Toxicants produced by work in
the area of confined spaces can
The Ignition Triangle enter and accumulate in confined spaces.

5 6
4. What should be done when preparing to enter the The results of the tests for these hazards are to be recorded on the Entry Permit
(as discussed in section 9) along with the equipment or method(s) that were used in
confined space ? performing the tests.

The important thing to remember is that each time a worker plans to enter any work Air testing may need to be ongoing depending on the nature of the potential hazards
space, the worker should determine if that work space is considered a confined space. and the nature of the work. Conditions can change while workers are inside the
Be sure that the confined space hazard assessment and control program has been confined space and sometimes a hazardous atmosphere is created by the work
followed. activities in the confined space.

The next question to ask - Is it absolutely necessary that the work be carried out
inside the confined space? In many cases where there have been deaths in confined
spaces, the work could have been done outside the confined space.
Before entering any confined space, a trained and experienced person should identify
and evaluate all the potential hazards within the confined space. An important step in
determining the hazards in a confined space is air testing.
4.1 Air quality testing
The air within the confined space should be tested from outside of the confined space
before entering into the confined space. Care should be taken to ensure that air is tested
throughout the confined space side-to-side and top to bottom. A trained worker
using detection equipment which has remote probes and sampling lines should do the
air quality testing. The sampling should show that:
It is important to understand that some gases or vapours are heavier than air and will
settle to the bottom of a confined space. Also, some gases are lighter than air and
will be found around the top of the confined space. Therefore, it is necessary to test all
areas (top, middle, bottom) of a confined space with properly calibrated testing
instruments to determine which gases are present. If testing reveals oxygen-deficiency,
or the presence of toxic gases or vapours, the space must be ventilated and re-tested
before workers enter. If ventilation is not possible and entry is necessary (for emergency
rescue, for example), workers must have appropriate respiratory protection.
NEVER TRUST YOUR SENSES TO DETERMINE
IF THE AIR IN A CONFINED SPACE IS
SAFE! YOU CAN NOT SEE OR SMELL MANY
TOXIC GASES AND VAPOURS, NOR CAN YOU
DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF OXYGEN
PRESENT.

The oxygen content is within safe limits - not too little and not too much.
A hazardous atmosphere (toxic gases, flammable atmosphere) is not present.
Ventilation equipment is operating properly.

Methane
( lighter than air)

Carbon Monoxide
( same as air)

Oxygen/Combustible Oxygen Detector

Gas Detector Hydrogen Sulfide
( heavier than air)

Piston-Type Bellows-Type

7 8
4.2 How are hazards controlled in confined spaces?
The traditional hazard control methods found in regular worksites can be effective in a
confined space. These include engineering controls, administrative controls and
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Engineering controls are designed to remove the
hazard while administrative controls and Personal Protective Equipment try to minimise
the contact with the hazard.
However, often because of the nature of the confined space and depending on the
hazard, special precautions, not normally required in a regular worksite, may also need
to be taken. The engineering control commonly used in confined spaces is mechanical
ventilation. The Entry Permit system is an example of an administrative control used in
confined spaces. Personal protective equipment (respirators, gloves, ear plugs)
is commonly used in confined spaces as well.
4.3 How is air quality maintained ?
openings, the gases to be exhausted (e.g. are they inflammable?), and the source of
makeup air.
Under certain conditions where inflammable gases or vapours have displaced the
oxygen level, but are too rich to burn, the forced air ventilation may dilute them until
they are out of the explosive range. Also, if inert gases (e.g. carbon dioxide, nitrogen,
argon) are used in the confined space, the space should be well ventilated and re-tested
before a worker enters.
A common method of ventilation requires a large hose, one end attached to a fan and
the other lowered into a manhole or opening. For example, a manhole would have the
ventilating hose run to the bottom to blow out all harmful gases and vapours
(see diagram). The air intake should be placed in an area that will draw in fresh air only.
Ventilation should be continuous where possible, because in many confined spaces the
hazardous atmosphere will be formed again when the flow of air is stopped.

Natural ventilation (natural air currents) is usually not reliable and sufficient to
maintain the air quality. Mechanical ventilation (blowers, fans) is usually necessary to
maintain air quality.

If mechanical ventilation is provided, there should be a warning system in place to

immediately notify the worker in the event of a hazard or a failure in the ventilation Ventilating with Fan and Trunk Hose
equipment.
Care should be taken to make sure the air being provided by the ventilation system
to the confined space is 'clean'.
Ease of air movement throughout the confined space should be considered, because Isolation
of the danger of pockets of toxic gases still remains even with the use of mechanical
ventilation. Isolation of a confined space
Do not substitute oxygen for fresh air. Increasing the oxygen content will is a process where the space is
significantly increase the risk of fire and explosion. removed from service by:
The use of mechanical ventilation should be noted on the entry permit.
Locking out by
The following paragraphs provide information on ventilation, isolation and respirators. electrical sources, DANGER
All these are important for air quality maintenance and safety of workers. All these are preferrably at DO
monitored and regulated as per regulations of industrial health and hygiene. disconnected switches DANGER NOT
remote from the DO OPERATE
Rged by

Ventilation equipment NOT Date

Blanking and bleeding of OPERATE

Ventilation by a blower or fan may be necessary to remove harmful gases and vapours pneumatic and hydraulic lines
Examples of Lockout
from a confined space. There are several methods for ventilating a confined space. The Disconnecting belt and chain
method and equipment chosen are dependent upon the size of the confined space drives, and mechanical linkages on shaft— driven equipment where possible, and

9 10
 Securing mechanical moving parts within confined spaces with latches, chains,
chocke, blocks, or other devices.

Half-mask Full-Facepiece

Air-Purifying Respirators
(Do Not Use in Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere)

Method of Blanking Hydraulic/Pneumatic Lines

Respirators

Respirators are devices that can allow workers to safely breathe without inhaling toxic
gases or particles. Two basic types are air-purifiers, which filter dangerous substances
from the air, and air-suppliers, which deliver a supply of safe breathing air from a tank
or an uncontaminated area nearby.

ONLY AIR-SUPPLYING RESPIRATORS SHOULD BE

USED IN CONFINED SPACES WHERE THERE IS NOT
ENOUGH OXYGEN

Supplied Air Respirator with Self-contained Breathing

Selecting the proper respirator for the job, the hazard, and the person is very important, Auxiliary, Escape-only SCBA Apparatus (SCBA)
as is thorough training in the use and limitations of respirators. Questions regarding the
proper selection and use of respirators should be addressed to a certified industrial
hygienist. Air-Supplying Respirators

11 12
4.4 How are fire and explosion prevented ? entry to the confined space is allowed. Only after the air testing is within allowable
limits entry should occur as the gases used for purging can be extremely hazardous.
Work, where a flame is used or a source of ignition may be produced (hot work), should
not normally be performed in a confined space unless: 4.5 How are energy sources controlled ?

All inflammable gases, liquids and vapours are removed prior to the start of any hot All potentially hazardous energy sources must be de-energised and locked out prior to
work. Mechanical ventilation is usually used to: entry to the confined space so that equipment cannot be turned on accidentally.

keep the concentration of any explosive or flammable hazardous substance less 5. What should happen when work is being done in a
than 10% of its Lower Explosive Limit.
make sure that the oxygen content in the confined space is not enriched. Oxygen confined space?
content should be less than 23% but maintained at levels greater than 18%.
(These numbers can vary slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction). There should be warning signs to prevent unauthorised entry to the confined space.
Surfaces coated with combustible material should be cleaned or shielded to prevent
ignition.
Standby Worker Alarm Horn
While doing the hot work, the concentrations of oxygen and combustible materials
must be monitored to make certain that the oxygen levels remain in the proper range
Gas and
and the levels of the combustible materials do not get higher than 10% of the Lower
Explosive Limit. In special cases it may not be possible, and additional precautions must Fume Extractor
be taken to ensure the safety of the worker prior to entering the confined space.

Emergency SCBA

Lifeline to
Safety Harness
Gas and
Fume
Collected
at source

Anyone working in a confined space must be constantly alerted for any changing
conditions within the confined space. In the event of an alarm from monitoring
Continuous Monitor equipment or any other indication of danger, workers should immediately leave the
for Oxygen and Combustible Gases confined space.

If a potential flammable atmospheric hazard is identified during the initial testing, the Another device, the Safety Watch or Standby, must be posted outside the confined
confined space should be cleaned or purged and ventilated and tested again before space and continuously monitor the workers inside the confined space. The

13 14
Safety Watch has the following duties: Have an alarm for calling for help.
Have all required rescue equipments (for example, safety harnesses, lifting
Understands the nature of the hazards that may be found inside a particular equipment, a lifeline) immediately available and must be trained in its use.
confined space and can recognise signs, symptoms and behavioral effects that Hold a basic first aid certificate.
workers in the confined space could experience. Can do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Monitors the confined space and surrounding area and is on the look out for
dangerous conditions.
Remains outside the confined space and does no other work which may
interfere with their primary duty of monitoring the workers inside the confined
space.
Maintains constant communication with the workers in the confined space.
Orders the immediate evacuation if a potential hazard, not already controlled for, is
detected.
Calls for emergency assistance immediately if an emergency develops.
Is immediately available to provide non-entry emergency assistance when needed.
Can provide entry rescue only after the most stringent precautions are taken and
another Safety Watch is immediately available.

Should a worker leave a confined space for a short time (for example, coffee break,
getting additional material for their work.), the confined space should be re-tested,
before the worker re-enters. If the confined space has been continuously monitored by
equipment that can show the details of the atmosphere during the time absent from
the confined space and this information can be seen from outside the confined space,
it can be re-entered without retesting. If there is not continuous air monitoring then
the hazard assessment needs to be repeated.

Confined space should not be closed off until it has been verified that no person is
inside it.
After exiting the confined space, the time of exit should be noted on the entry permit.
6. What are some emergency response precautions?
If a situation arises where there is a hazardous condition and the worker does not leave
or is unable to leave the confined space, rescue procedures should begin immediately.
The Safety Watch should be qualified in confined spaces rescue procedures and will be
available immediately outside the confined space to provide emergency assistance if
needed. The Safety Watch should be familiar with the structural design of the confined
space. The Safety Watch is in constant communication with the worker inside the
confined space and will:
The detailed plan for emergency response to an injury or other emergency within the
confined space should be described in detail in the Confined Space Hazard Assessment
and Control Programme.
Rescue the victims from outside of the confined space, if possible. No other worker
should enter a confined space to attempt a rescue unless that worker is fully trained in
the rescue procedures and is wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.
More than 60% of deaths in confined spaces are due to rescuers, who are not fully
trained and adequately equipped.
Another worker qualified in confined spaces the rescue procedures must be present
outside the confined space before the first rescuer enters the confined space. Do not
use the same air as the workers in confined space you are rescuing. Wear SCBA (self
contained breathing apparatus) or supplied air respirator with an escape bottle.

15 16
7. Is workers training important ?
Yes, appropriate training is extremely important for working safely in confined spaces.
Hands-on training should be an essential part of the confined space training.
Every worker that enters a confined space must be fully trained on the following:
Recognition and identification of potential hazards associated with the confined
spaces that will be entered.
Evaluation and control procedures for the identified or potential hazards.
All equipment such as ventilation equipments (blowers), harnesses and air quality
monitors (e.g., Oxygen/combustible meters) that will be used while in the confined
space.
All personal protective equipments (e.g., respirators) that the worker will be using
while in the confined space.
All procedures for entering the confined space as outlined in the employer's
Confined Space Hazard Assessment Programme.
Procedures to follow in the event of a situation developing that could present
additional risk to the worker or in emergency.
The specific work to be done while in the confined space.
Workers with emergency rescue responsibilities will need additional specialised
training. All confined space training should include some hands-on training with the
safety equipments including the personal protective equipment and safety harnesses.
Rescue procedures should be practiced frequently so there is a high level of proficiency.
Employers should keep records of all confined space trainings including refresher
courses.
8. What are other safety precautions?
Many other situations or hazards may be present in a confined space. Be sure that all
hazards are controlled including:
Any liquids or free-flowing solids are removed from the confined space to
eliminate the risk of drowning or suffocation.
All pipes should be physically disconnected or isolation blanks bolted in place.
Closing valves are not sufficient.
A barrier is present to prevent liquids or free-flowing solids from entering the
confined space.
The opening for entry into and exit from the confined space must be large enough
to allow the passage of a person using protective equipments.
17
9. What is an Entry Permit System (EPS)?
An Entry Permit is an administrative tool used to document the completion of a hazard
assessment for each confined space entry. Someone fully trained and experienced in
confined space work should complete the Entry Permit.
Before entering a confined space, an entry permit should be written. It should contain at
least the following information:
The length of time the permit is valid for.
The name(s) of the worker(s) that will enter the confined space.
The name(s) of the attendant(s) (safety watch) and/or supervisor.
The location of the confined space.
The work that is to be done in the confined space.
The date and time of entry into the confined space and the anticipated time of exit.
The details of any atmospheric testing done of the confined space - when, where,
results, date monitoring equipment was last calibrated. Ideally, calibration would be
done just before each use. If this is not possible, follow the equipment
manufacturers guidelines for frequency of calibration.
The use of mechanical ventilation and other protective equipment needed and any
other precautions that will be followed by every worker who is going to enter the
confined space.
The protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by any person who
takes part in a rescue or responds to other emergency situations in the confined
space
A signature of a worker who did the confined space testing. The signature on the
permit would indicate that adequate precautions are being taken to control the
anticipated hazards.
The entry permit should be posted at the confined space and remain so until the work is
completed. The employer should keep a copy of the completed permit on file.
A checklist is given in section 11.
10. Other points to consider
Loose, granular material stored in bins and hoppers such as grain, sand, coal or
similar material, can engulf and suffocate a worker. The loose material can crust or
bridge over in a bin and break loose under the weight of a worker. Figure below shows
the engulfment hazard and it is very common in silos and effluent treatment areas.
18
 11. Standby/Rescue

A standby person should be assigned to remain outside of the confined space

and be in constant contact (visual or speech) with the workers inside. The standby
person should not have any other duties but to serve as standby and know who
should be notified in case of emergency. Standby personnel should not enter a
confined space until help arrives, and then only with proper protective equipments,
life lines, and respirators.

Over 50% of the workers who die in confined spaces are attempting to rescue other
workers. Rescuers must be trained in and follow established emergency procedures
and use appropriate equipment and
techniques (lifeline, respiratory
protection, standby persons, etc.).
Steps for safe rescue should be
1 2 3 included in all confined
space entry procedures.
Rescue should be well
The Hazard of Engulfment in Unstable Material
planned and drills should
be frequently conducted
on emergency procedures.
Unplanned rescue,
such as when
someone instinctively
rushes in to help
a downed co-worker,
can easily result in
a double fatality,
or even multiple
fatalities if there
are more than
one would-be
rescuers.

In certain working environments such as confined spaces, an inadequate Entry with Hoist and
amount of oxygen can lead to simple asphyxiation and death Standby Personnel

19 20
 12. Checklist

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFE ENTRY: A CHECKLIST

Use the following checklist to evaluate the confined space.

DO NOT ENTER A CONFINED SPACE UNTIL YOU

HAVE CONSIDERED EVERY QUESTION, AND HAVE

REMEMBER:
DETERMINED THE SPACE TO BE SAFE.

YES NO
Is entry necessary?

AN UNPLANNED TESTING
Are the instruments used in atmospheric testing
properly calibrated?

RESCUE WILL Was the atmosphere in the confined space tested?

Was Oxygen at least 19.5% - not more than 21%?

PROBABLY BE Were toxic, flammable, or oxygen-displacing

gases/vapours present?

Which of the following gases are

YOUR LAST. identified

Hydrogen Sulfide
Carbon Monoxide
Methane
Carbon Dioxide
Other (list) ___________________
___________________

21 22
YES NO YES NO
MONITORING ISOLATION
Will the atmosphere in the space be monitored while work Has the space been isolated from other systems?
is going on?
Continuously? Has electrical equipment been locked out?

Periodically? (If yes, give interval:________________) Have disconnects been used where possible?

REMEMBER - ATMOSPHERIC CHANGES OCCUR Has mechanical equipment been blocked, chocked,
DUE TO THE WORK PROCEDURE OR THE and disengaged where necessary?
PRODUCT STORED. THE ATMOSPHERE MAY Have lines under pressure been blanked and bled?
BE SAFE WHEN YOU ENTER, BUT CAN
CHANGE VERY QUICKLY.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
CLEANING
Is special clothing required (boots, chemical suits,
glasses. etc.) ?
Has the space been cleaned before entry is made?
(If so, specify: __________________________
Was the space steamed?
Is special equipment required (e.g. rescue equipment,
communications equipment, etc.)?
If so, was it allowed to cool?
(If so. specify: __________________________
Are special tools required (e.g., Sparkproof)?
VENTILATION
(If so. specify: __________________________
Has the space been ventilated before entry?
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Will ventilation be continued during entry?
Are approved respirators of the
type required available at the worksite?
Is the air intake for the ventilation system located in
an area that is free of combustible dusts and vapours Is respiratory protection required (e.g., Air—purifier, supplied
and toxic substances? air, self-contained breathing apparatus.
If atmosphere was found unacceptable and then etc.)?
ventilated, was it re-tested before entry?
(If so, specify type:.___________________)

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YES NO YES NO

Can you get through the opening with a respirator on? PERMIT
(If you don’t know, find out before you try to
enter.)

TRAINING (The permit is an authorisation in writing that states

that the space has been tested by a qualified person,
Have you been trained in proper use of a respirator? that the space is safe for entry; what precautions,
equipment, etc. are required ; and what work is to be
Have you received first aid/CPR training? done.)

Have you been trained in confined space entry and do

you know what to look for? Has a confined space entry permit been issued?

STANDBY/RESCUE
Does the permit include a list of emergency telephone
numbers?
Will there be a standby person on the outside for
constant visual or auditory communication with the For further information on confined spaces, occupational hazards, safe work practices,
person inside? and other topics which could affect your well-being, write to or consult to Chief
Inspectorate of Factories/Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health of your state.
Will the standby person be able to see and/or hear the
person inside at all times?
Has the standby person(s) been trained in rescue procedures?

Will safety lines and harness be required to remove a

person?
Are company rescue procedures available to be
followed in the event of an emergency?
Are you familiar with emergency rescue procedures?

Do you know who to notify and how, in the event of an

emergency?

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13. Glossary Hazard: A potential that cancause danger to life, health, property or the environment.

Local exhaust: A system or device for capturing and exhausting contaminants from
This glossary defines term likely be encountered in material safety data sheets (MSDS)
the air the point where the contaminants are produced (e.g. Dust in shaving and
buffing).
Acute: the effect caused by a single short term exposure to a high amount of
concentration of a substance.
Poisoning: Normally the human body is able to cope with a variety of substances
within certain limits. Poisoning occurs when these limits are exceeded and the body is
Asphyxiation: A condition whereby oxygen is replaced by an inert gas such as
unable to deal with a substance (by digestion, absorption or excretion).
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, ethane, hydrogen or helium to a level where it cannot sustain
life. Normal air contains 21 percent of oxygen. If this concentration falls below about
Risk: the measured probability of an event to cause danger to life, health, property or
17 percent, the human body tissue will be deprived of supply of oxygen, causing
dizziness, nausea and loss of coordination. This type of situation may occur in confined the environment.
work places.
Toxicity: the inherent potential of a chemical substance to cause poisoning.
Auto-ignition temperature: The minimum temperature at which a material ignites
without application of a flame.

Chronic (health) effect: An adverse effect on a human body with symptoms

development slowly over a long period of time.

Chronic toxicity: A chronic effect resulting from repeated doses of or exposure to a

substance over a relatively prolonged period of time.

Confined space: Any area that has limited opening for entry or exit that would make
escape difficult in an emergency, has a lack of ventilation, contains known and
potential hazard, and is not normally intended or designed for continuous human
occupancy (e.g. A storage tank, manhole of collection conveyances systems in effluent
treatment plants.)

Explosion proof-equipment: Apparatus or device enclosed in a case capable of

withstanding an explosion of specified gas of vapour and preventing the ignition of
specified gas or vapour surrounding the enclosure by spark, flash or explosion and
operating at an external temperature so that surrounding flammable atmosphere will
not be ignited.

Flammable: A flammable liquid is defined as a liquid with a flash point between 21

and 55 degrees celsius. It may catch fire on contact with a source of ignition.

Flammable/explosion limits: Flammable/explosion limits produce a minimum and a

maximum concentration of gases/vapours/fumes in air that will support combustion.
The lowest concentration is known as the lower flammable/explosion limit (LEL), the
highest concentration is know as upper flammable/explosion limit (UFL).

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14. References Notes

Indian Factories act 1948 and subsequent amendements.

A guide to safety in confined spaces by US Department of Health and

Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
1987.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2002.

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Notes Notes

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