CSE376 SAFETY TECHNOLOGY

Lecture 8 – Confined Space Operations

Learning Objectives:
 To understand the scope of confined spaces
 To recognize hazards of confined spaces
 To understand methods to control these hazards
 To state the legal requirements
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Links: 密閉意外 Confined Space Accident (中文字幕) – YouTube;

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昏迷｜香港01｜突發 (hk01.com); 中電地盤3工人亡 疑無安全設
施 - 香港經濟日報 - TOPick - 新聞 - 社會 - D170711 (hket.com)
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 WHAT IS CONFINE SPACE (密閉空間) ?

Under Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation

 mean any place in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature,

there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes
any chamber 室, tank 箱, 缸, vat 大桶, pit 深坑, 矿坑, well
井, sewer 污水管, tunnel 隧道, pipe, flue 烟道, boiler 锅炉,
pressure receiver , hatch 舱口, caisson 沉箱, shaft or silo
贮窖 in which such risk arises.

WHAT IS CONFINE SPACE?

U.K. HSE Definition of confined spaces
 means any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe,
sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed
nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk. "specified
risk" means a risk of:
 serious injury to any person at work arising from a fire or explosion;
 the loss of consciousness of any person at work arising from an
increase in body temperature;
 the loss of consciousness or asphyxiation of any person at work
arising from gas, fume, vapor or the lack of oxygen;
 the drowning of any person at work arising from an increase in the
level of a liquid; or
 the asphyxiation of any person at work arising from a free flowing
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solid or the inability to reach a respirable environment due to
entrapment by a free flowing solid.
WHAT IS CONFINE SPACE?
U.S. OSHA definition
 "Confined space" means a space that:
(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee
can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit
(for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers,
vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means
of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
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IDENTIFYING A CONFINED SPACE

 Confined spaces may be encountered virtually

anywhere; therefore, their recognition is the first
step in preventing fatalities.
 Reasons for entering may be done for various
reasons, i.e., inspection, repair, maintenance

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EXAMPLES OF CONFINED SPACES

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CONFINE SPACES: SILO

CONFINE SPACES: TANKS

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CONFINE SPACES: WORK INSIDE A TANK

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CONFINE SPACES: WORK INSIDE A PIPE

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 CONFINE SPACES: THERMO REACTOR

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CONFINE SPACES: WORK INSIDE A MANHOLE

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CONFINE SPACES: TRENCH AND EXCAVATION

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CONFINED SPACE: INSIDE A MARINE VESSEL

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 HAZARDS OF CONFINED SPACES

 Potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere

 Oxygen deficient/ enrichment
 Flammable gases
 Toxic gases
 Engulfment potential
 Heat/cold stress
 Falling objects, slip and fell
 Electrical hazards
 Machine hazards
 Noise and vibration 17

 Snakes, insects and rodents

HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERE:
OXYGEN DEFICIENT
 19.5% < Oxygen content in air < 23%.
 Oxygen deficiency can be caused by:
 Respiration: oxygen is used up by the person who is in the
confined space.
 Hot work: combustion processes such as flame cutting used
up oxygen.
 Displacement: denser gases push the oxygen out of the
confined space e.g. leakage of LPG, use of Argon.
 Reaction: oxygen is reacted with materials e.g. anaerobic
digestion of organic materials, rust.
 Absorption: wall or sludge contain materials that absorb O182.
 FIRE/EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE:
FLAMMABLE GASES/DUST
 Vapor, or mist in excess of 10%
of its lower flammable limit;
 Likely flammable gases:
 Natural gas, CH4
 Potential flammable gases:
 Acetylene
 Gasoline
 LPG and a lot more……….
 Flammable dusts:
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 Flour, sawdust, coal….

PRESENCE OF METHANE (CH4)

 Due to gas leak or organic decay
 We cannot detect it with our sense of smell.
 Colorless/odorless flammable gas, or scented
 LEL = 5%; UEL = 15%

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FLAMMABLE/EXPLOSIVE GAS,VAPOR, MIST
Hazardous if it exceeds 10% of its lower flammable
limit (LFL)
Lower Flammable Limit (LFL), or lower explosive
limit (LEL), is the lowest concentration of air-fuel
mixture at which a gas or vapor can ignite.

Upper Flammable Limit (UFL), or upper explosive

limit (UEL), is the highest concentration of air-fuel
mixture that can be ignited.
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HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERE: TOXIC GASES

 Methane
 Hydrogen Sulfide
 Carbon Monoxide
 Nitrogen Dioxide
 Sulfur Dioxide
 Welding fumes.
 And many others…..
 Hazardous if they exceed doses or permissible exposure limits
(PEL).
 Refer to your material safety data sheets for chemical-specific
toxicity characteristics, health hazards, reactivity hazards, etc. 22
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HOW DO TOXIC GASES OCCUR?

 Decomposition of materials in confined spaces
 Operations conducted within the space
 Gases released when cleaning,
 Welding, cutting, soldering
 Painting, degreasing
 Vehicle tail pipe gases sinks into manholes.
 Previously stored chemicals/products
 Materials absorbed into walls of confined
spaces
 Leaks/spills (pipes, underground tanks) 24

 Chemical reactions
TOXIC GASES HAZARDS
Manholes often remain
covered for long periods
of time. Naturally
occurring toxins, such H2S
as methane and hydrogen
sulfide
can accumulate inside of
manholes. CH4

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TOXIC GASES HAZARDS

Toxic and flammable Material can leak
materials are sometimes through soil from
illegally put into sanitary many miles
and storm sewers. ??
away.
Leaking tanks or spills
may migrate under ??
ground causing leakage
into manholes. ??

??
??

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 CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)
 Colorless, odorless, toxic gas.
 Slightly lighter than air.
 Source: incomplete combustion of fuel boilers, vehicles and
cooking.
 LEL 12.5%, UEL 74.2%

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HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S)

 Sewer gas, stink gas
 Decomposition of materials
 Rotten egg odor at low concentrations
 Colorless, flammable gas
 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 28
 ENGULFMENT HAZARDS

 Trenches, ravines and other excavations

may cave-in anytime.
 Engulfment due to flooding caused by:
Heavy rain/snow, flashflood
Underground water rush in and up
 Can cause death by:
Suffocation
Crushing !
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HEAT OR COLD STRESS

 Stress caused by extremely hot or cold
temperatures.
 Work processes inside the confined space can
increase temperature, eg welding or steam cleaning.
 Wearing coverall in high humidity, low wind, low
ventilation environment can create heat stress in
workers. Lead to heat stroke which could be fatal.
 Work inside a refrigerator can lead to cold strike,
eg. Meat store. 30
FALLING OBJECTS
 Workers in confined spaces should be aware of the
potential for falling objects.
 In particular, hazards are prevalent in spaces that
have topside openings for entry and where work is
being done above the worker.

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ELECTRICAL AND MACHINE HAZARDS

 Work inside a powered machine.
 Blender
 Cement mixer
 Underground cables.
 Underground drilling
 Electrical tools
 Electric drills
 Grinder
 Electric arc welding………
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 NOISE
 Noise can be amplified
because of the design or
acoustic properties of a
confined space.
 Excessive noise can
permanently damage
hearing as well as affect
communications
regarding work
performed or warnings. 33

SNAKE BITES, SPIDER, BATS

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SLIP AND FELL

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CONTROL HAZARDS OF
CONFINED SPACES

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CONFINED SPACE MANAGEMENT

 Written program
 Hazard identification procedures
 Hazard reduction and control
 Permit system
 Employee training
 Proper equipment
 Adequate rescue plan
 Procedure for working with contractors
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WRITTEN PROGRAM
 Risk Assessment
 Unauthorized entry measures
 How to identify and evaluate confined space hazards
 Means, procedures, and practices needed for safe
entry
 Rescue and emergency operations
 Coordinated entry
 Review and revise at least annually
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IDENTIFICATION OF CONFINED SPACE
 Safety Audit
 Inspect all work areas of an industrial
undertaking.
 Identify all confined spaces including their
locations and nature.
 Keep record.
 Post warning signs.
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‘Permit to Work’ system in confined spaces

The Entry permit is the written or printed
document that is provided by the employer
to allow and control entry into a permit space
and that contains the information specified by
performance standards.

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 COMPETENT PERSON
 Person (such as the employer, RSO)
 responsible for risk assessment
 ensure all safety precautions are carried out such as
determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a
permit space where entry is planned
 issue a certificate stating that all necessary precautions have
been taken and specifying the period which worker may
remain safely
 ensure that no workers other than certified workers enter
the confined space
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COMPETENT PERSON
 to ensure that a person is stationed outside the confined
space to maintain communication with the workers inside
 to ensure the use of an approved breathing apparatus and
other necessary personal protective equipment by worker
inside the confined space
 to formulate and implement appropriate procedures to deal
with any serious and imminent danger to workers inside the
confined space
 to provide necessary instructions, training and advice to all
workers within a confined space or assisting with such work
from immediately outside the confined space (attendant) 42
 ENTRANT AND ATTENDANT
 Certified Worker/Entrant: The person who will physically enter
the confined space to perform the assigned work. In Hong Kong,
the entrant is called a certified worker.
 Stanby Person/Attendant: The person who remains outside the
confined space:
 he monitors the entrant(s);
 guards the space against unauthorized entry;
 warns the entrants of any unusual conditions; and
 summons the rescue personnel if needed.
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 Attendants are NOT TO ENTER THE CONFINED SPACE!

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PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM IN CONFINED

SPACES

 Specific space to be entered

 Purpose of entry
 Date and length of time of entry
 Authorized certified workers, authorized stand-by
person, and competent person
 Actual hazards and potential hazards
 All personnel involved have to sign
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PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM IN CONFINED
SPACES
 Measures used to isolate space
 Cleaning and purging
 Initial and periodic test results
 Acceptable entry conditions
 Communications procedures
 Equipment needed, PPE
 Rescue and emergency means
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 Any other permits, e.g., hot work

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES

 Fill in the permit
 Isolate the space
 Ventilate the space
 Conduct Briefing
 Test the atmosphere
 Enter the space
 Cancel the permit after work completed
 Keep the permit for > 1 year. 48
 ISOLATION OF CONFINED SPACE

 Locking and tagging out electrical sources

 Blanking and bleeding pneumatic and hydraulic lines
 Disconnecting mechanical drives and shafts
 Securing mechanical parts
 Blanking sewer and water flow
 Empty and clean the space – depressurize, vent, drain
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LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
 Tag and lock out circuits and lines
 Disconnect drives and linkages
 Secure moving parts

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 ISOLATION
Spectacle blind, rotates
 Blank and bleed (vent) lines 180º to blank the line
 "Blind" flanges can be used to stop flow in lines
 "Double Block and Bleed “ valve arrangements often are
installed in lines Double block and bleed

Feed →
To tank

Blind (paddle blind, “banjo”)

Inserted into a flange to blank a line Vent 51

VENTILATE THE SPACE

 Use mechanical ventilation
 Ventilate at the rate of at least ten
(10) 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. 52
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY - HAZARDS
If concentrations of Fresh Air
materials are found to Fresh outside
be at harmful levels, air is blown into
??
the confined space the space to dilute
must be ventilated to and remove
contaminants, and
remove them before O2 ??
supply oxygen.
entry. ??
O2
?? O2
O2

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VENTILATION

 Natural ventilation is not

recommended
 Mechanical Ventilation
 Centifugal fans, axial fans
 Compressed air may be
suitable for small spaces
 Venturi blowers

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VENTILATION

 Natural ventilation is not recommended

 Mechanical Ventilation -use of blowers
 Blow-in is preferred to suction (with exceptions).
 Dilution ventilation lower concentrations
 Positive pressure reduce vapor ingress through cracks
 Definite oxygen supply (beware of fan location)
 Maintain continuous ventilation during work. 55

VENTILATION FOR HOT WORK

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INITIAL ATMOSPHERIC TESTING
 Test the atmosphere
before entry
 Oxygen
 Combustible
gases/vapors
 Toxic gases/vapors

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MULTI GAS METERS

 Multi-gas meters for

confined space/hazardous
space air monitoring.

Though similar, each instrument has unique features

and operating characteristics. These devices measure
"real-time" oxygen content, flammability/explosion
potential, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen
sulfide (H2S) concentrations.
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 ACCURATE AND KNOW HOW
 Instruments must be
properly calibrated
 Users must be trained

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INITIAL ATMOSPHERIC TESTING

 Oxygen
 Direct-reading instruments
 Electro-chemical detectors
 Display reads percent Oxygen
 Normal oxygen level is 21%
 Minimum 19.5% O2 (OSHA limit)
 Maximum 23%
 Test oxygen first
 Combustible gas meters do not work when
atmospheres are oxygen-deficient 60
 INITIAL ATMOSPHERIC TESTING
 Combustible gases and vapors
 Direct-reading combustible gas indicators
 “Heat of combustion" meters
 Combustible gas meters need oxygen to work
 Display reads Percent Lower Explosive Limit, % LEL
(also known as LFL, Lower Flammable Limit)
 Airborne levels must be less than 10% LFL
 Combustible dusts
 No instruments available for combustible dust
 LFL occurs where approx. 5 foot visibility 61
 Airborne levels must be less than the LFL

NOTICE !

 Any time a limit is exceeded, no matter what the

reason, all personnel shall immediately exit the
space, and no others shall enter until atmospheric
conditions are returned to safe levels.

THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS!

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 CONTINUAL ATMOSPHERIC TESTING
 Test the atmosphere after initial testing
 After ventilating the space
 To verify effectiveness
 Upon first entry
 To be sure conditions are still “safe”
 Continue monitoring if conditions could change
 Use personal alarms (for entrants)
 Periodically (or continuously) re-test the
atmosphere 63

PROVIDE PPE WHEN IDLH

 Atmosphere supplying
respirators
 Required for oxygen
deficient or IDLH
(Immediately Dangerous
to Life or Health)
situations
Supplied-Air Self-Contained
Respirator Breathing
(SAR) with Apparatus
escape cylinder (SCBA) 64
 PROVIDE PPE WHEN TOXIC GAS IS
PRESENT
 Air purifying
respirators Half-face Air
Purifying
 When levels are >OEL Respirator
and <IDLH (APR)

 Protective clothing
also may be required
Full-face Air
 Gloves, anti-slip shoes, Purifying
goggles, earmuff may Respirator
(APR)
be needed.
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SETUP RETRIEVAL DEVICES

 Retrieval systems
 Tripod with hoist.
 Safety harness, lanyards, winch
 Prepare for rescue before entry

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 PUT UP BARRIERS AND
TOEBOARD
Barriers to prevent passers-by
and the curious from falling
into the opening must be put
in place.

Holes and openings must be

closed or guarded when not
attended.

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PUT UP WARNING SIGNS

Place warning signs where

CAUTION pedestrians can see them.
Opening in Ground
Keep Out !
Signs must state the hazard
and the required action.

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PROVIDE APPROPRIATE LIGHTING

 Portable lamps.

 Spark proof lamps.

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SAFE MEANS OF ACCESS

A means must be provided
for both safe normal entry
or exit , and emergency
extrication.
Tripods with hoist,
lifeline, and full body harness
are often used for emergency
extrication.
Ladders may be used for
ordinary entry and
exit. 70
PROVIDE COMMUNICATION DEVICE
 Adequate communication system to allow people
inside the space to communicate with people
outside the space if necessary
 Adequate communication system to allow people
outside the space to summon help immediately if
necessary
 Mobile phones and walkie-talkie.
 Emergency call button.
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
 Standby/Rescue
 Rescue team on standby
 Rescue equipment on site
 The “Standby” summons help
 Never attempt an unplanned confined
space rescue!
 Provide a list of emergency numbers for
the standby worker.

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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESCUE TEAM
 A rescue team consisting of sufficient number of trained
persons, should be readily available. They should readily
reach the confined space in time and be able to get the
persons inside the confined space out in case of
emergency.
 a proprietor or contractor should assess the nature of
work, the hazards inherent and work methods proposed
against the knowledge and experience of the rescue
team in such work and recommend the most suitable
number of rescue persons required.
 rescue team should have been properly trained in the
related emergency rescue procedures, including the
detailed particulars of an emergency rescue plan and full
knowledge on how to properly use all those rescue 73
equipment.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESCUE TEAM

 A proprietor or contractor should
devise an evacuation procedure for
prompt evacuation from the
confined space in case of a sudden
change in the working or the
environmental condition that may
cause imminent danger to the
workers working in a confined space.
 An emergency response plan should
be properly formulated.
 Drills for the rescue and emergency
procedures should be conducted
periodically for testing of the
emergency response plan, and for
practicing the procedures and use of 74
rescue equipment.
REGULATIONS

 Chapter 59AE Factories & Industrial

Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation

Summary of Confined Spaces…

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CONCLUSION

You should have learnt

 what and where are confined spaces.
 hazards of confined spaces.
 safe system of work for confined spaces.
 how to control its hazards and carry out a safe
system of work.

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