Prepared by: Riad Lakhel

Definition of a Confined Space

any space which/where:

• is big enough to work in.
• has limited entry and exit.
• is not designed for continuous worker occupation.
• where there could be a lack of oxygen
• where flammable or toxic vapours may be present.

Do not get into the confined space

unless all other options have been
ruled out.
Examples of Confined Spaces:
• Tanks • Vaults
• Manholes • Pipes
• Boilers • Trenches (1.25m & more)
• Furnaces • Tunnels
• Sewers • Pits
• Silos • Process Exchangers

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 Examples of Confined Spaces

 PIPES;  TANKS;
 VESSELS;

Hopper

always follow the company’s permit procedures,

even if you are going in for just a second.
ANY entry and for ANY duration, so a
“quick look” still requires all of the
appropriate measures for confined
space work

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 Hazards of Confined Spaces
• Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres
• Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
• Flammable Atmospheres
• Toxic Atmospheres
• Mechanical and Electrical Hazards
• Temperature Extremes
• Noise, Slick/Wet Surfaces, Falling Objects, rats and snakes.

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How Air is Composed

78%
Nitrogen

21%
Oxygen
1%
Other

Prepared by: Riad Lakhel

 CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS
Oxygen Level

23% Too much, oxygen enriched

Safe Zone - Minimum for safe
entry
19.5%
Impaired judgement &
16% breathing
Faulty judgement, rapid
14% fatigue
Difficult breathing, death in
6%
minutes
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 CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS

SIGNS OF A PROBLEM

Lack of Oxygen:

• Shortness of breath
• Disorientation
•Weakness
• Nausea and Vomiting
 Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
• Oxygen level above 23%.
• Causes flammable and combustible materials to
burn violently when ignited.
• Hair, clothing, materials, etc. can easily catch fire.
• Oil soaked clothing and materials.
• Never use pure oxygen to ventilate.
• Never store or place compressed GAS CYLINDERS
in a confined space.

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 Flammable Atmospheres
• Oxygen content in the air.
• Presence of a flammable gas, or vapor
• Presence of dust
• Typical Ignition Sources:
– Sparking or electric tool.
– Welding / cutting operations.
– Smoking

00% of the Lowest Explosive Level

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Toxic Atmospheres

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Prepared by: Riad Lakhel
 Carbon Monoxide
• Odorless, Colorless Gas.
PPM Effect Time
35 Permissible Exposure Level 8 Hours
200 Slight headache, discomfort 3 Hours
600 Headache, discomfort 1 Hour
1000-2000 Confusion, nausea, headache 2 Hours
1000-2000 Tendency to stagger 1 1/2 Hours
1000-2000 Slight heart palpitation 30 Min.
2000-2500 Unconsciousness 30 Min.

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 S
H H
What is H2S?

H2S is naturally occurring chemical produced by

bacteria as it decomposes organic material.
It may develop in low oxygen environments, such
as, sewers, swamps and polluted water.
Hydrogen Sulfide Gas is a toxic (poisonous) gas
that can kill you the first time you breathe it!
Target Organs

Nose Lungs
Respiratory
control center
Liver Eyes 14
 Physical characteristics

•Possibly no warning at high concentrations.

•Color – Clear/Transparent
•Odor – Sweetish taste, unpleasant odor;
described as rotten eggs.
•Density – heavier than air
PPM Effect Time
10 ppm Permissible Exposure Level 8 Hours
50–100 Mild Irritation - eyes, throat 1 Hour
200–300 Significant Irritation 1 Hour
500-700 Unconsciousness, Death 1/2 - 1 Hour
>1000 Unconsciousness, Death Minutes

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 CONTROL TECHNIQUES
Ventilation (OXYGEN DEFICIENCY)

Use mechanical ventilation

– Fans
– 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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 CONTROL TECHNIQUES
Inerting (FLAMMABLE GASES)
The displacement of the atmosphere in a permit space by a
noncombustible gas (such as nitrogen) to such an extent that
the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible.
NOTE: This procedure produces an IDLH oxygen-deficient
atmosphere.
Flushing (Pipework Purging by Water Flushing)
Blowing through steam to purge debris, in a pipe for instance.
 Some confined spaces can contain mixing or crushing mechanisms or other
hazards that can be turned on and injure a worker

Lockout/tagout is used on all hazardous items

 Test the Atmosphere
In this order:
Check for Oxygen Content:
At least 19.5% and less than 23%
Check for Combustibles:
10% of the LLF max.
Check for Toxic Gases:
Most commonly:
- carbon monoxide (PEL <35 ppm)
- Hydrogen sulfide (PEL <10 ppm)
or any other hazardous materials as
determined by the use of the space.

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 Test the Atmosphere
Don´t rely on your sense of smell; use a calibrated gas detector

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 Reading a gas detector

Check that the battery

atmospheric conditions may change is fully charged
while you are in the confined space

periodically monitor the atmosphere within the confined space 21

 Testing The Atmosphere
• Verify presence of safe work atmosphere.
• Test all areas of a confined space.
– Top, Middle, Bottom
• Methane is lighter than air.
• Carbon Monoxide is the same as air.
• Hydrogen Sulfide is heavier than air.
• Oxygen Deficiency.

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 Temperature Extremes

Extreme Cold Extreme Heat

Prepared by: Riad Lakhel

 Other Hazards
• Noise
• Amplified due to acoustics within the space.
• Damaged hearing, affect communication.
• Slick / Wet Surfaces
• Slips and falls.
• Increased chance of electric shock.
• Falling Objects
• Topside openings expose workers inside confined space to
falling objects.
• Presence of rodents, vipers, insects, scorpions.

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 Entry Teams
• Confined Space Entry Persons
– Entry Supervisor
– Entrant
– Attendant
– Rescue Team (if necessary)
 Conduct a Toolbox Talk
• Entire crew must attend
– Entry supervisor, entrants, Attendants
• Review hazards of entry and work
• Review PPE
• Review procedure for contacting rescue
• Complete permit

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 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT
•Area identified as Confined Space

• Scope of the work

• How long the work will take

•Names of all team members and

their duties
 Entry Crew (1/3)

ENTRY SUPERVISOR DUTIES (The worker responsible for

RESPONSIBILITIES
OVERSEEING confined space entry operations, permit signing and safety
conformance) Continued

 Know the hazards associated with the space

 Ensure all tests, procedures and equipment are used
 Verify that rescue services are available
 Remove unauthorized individuals attempting spaces
 Entry Crew (2/3)
ENTRANT DUTIES (A worker authorized to enter a confined space)

 Know the hazards associated with the space

RESPONSIBILITIES
 Follow the instructions on the permit
 Use required equipment properly
 Continually communicate with the attendant
 Alert the attendant when necessary
 Exit the space quickly when so required
 Leave any food, beverages, and cigarettes
outside the space.
All entrants shall sign the sign in log when entering the
space and sign out when exiting.
 LIFELINES

• When the entrant must enter a confined space

through a manhole or other small opening,
means shall be provided for quick removal in
case of emergency.
 Entry Crew (3/3)
ATTENDANT DUTIES (An observer stationed outside of a confined space)

 Know the hazards associated with the space


RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain accountability of entrants through a log sheet
Continued
 Remain on duty until properly relieved
 Communicate with the entrant as appropriate
 Monitor activities inside and outside the space
 Summon rescue assistance when needed
 Perform non-entry rescue
 HSE personnel should Check that:

 PPE is properly worn

 tools are inspected
 involved personnel is trained
 means of communication are in place
 warning signs are posted & barriers are erected
No one to enter a confined space to rescue an unconscious
person unless trained and wearing a breathing apparatus

Lone workers will not be allowed to enter confined spaces

If it is unsafe stop work

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 Equipment which may be needed
 Multi-gas monitors
 Body harnesses
 Extraction cables and lanyards
 Escape ladders
 Rescue tripod and winch system
 Ventilation equipment
 Hand tools
 First aid kits
 Intrinsically safe lighting
 Communications equipment
 Personal protective equipment
 Supplied Air / Air purifying respirators

Lanyard
 LIGHTING AND ELECTRICITY

Use 24 volt during situations where hydrocarbon, flammable,

and explosive atmospheres exists.
When using portable electrical tools, be sure they are:
 Double-insulated
 Suspend all electric power cables so they do not create a
trip hazard.
 Rescue Service Member
Emergency rescue must be readily available to the confined space
entry attendant for emergency extrication of entrants
Rescue requires rescue training and practice drills. NEVER attempt
a rescue you are not properly trained for.
Rescuers Account for Over 60% of Confined
Space Fatalities

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 When the Job is Done:
• Remove all personnel, tools, and debris from the space.
Sign off the log.
• Close the space.
Cancel the permit.
If any thing has gone wrong, report it immediately.

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 SUMMARY

Entry only by:

1.Trained staff
2.Permit to work & watchman
3.Gas Testing
5.Ventilation system
4.Safe access and lighting
6.Rescue plan

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