COMMITTEE ON SAFETY EDUCATION

Confined Space Entry

29 CFR 1910.146
 Course Outline
 Introduction
 Purpose of CSEP
 Goal of CSEP
 Objectives of CSEP
 OSHA Regulations
 General Hazards
 Permits
 Atmospheric Testing
 Safety Procedures
 Training and Duties of the Confined Space
Entry Team
 CSE PROCESS

IDENTIFICATION
RISKS & PROGRAM
PLANNING

PREPARATION ENTRY
(PRE-ENTRY) (WORK)
●

Introduction
Confined space definition:
 Is large enough that an
employee can enter and
perform assigned work
 Has limited or restricted means
for entry or exit
 Is not designed for continuous
employee occupancy
Introduction
Examples of confined spaces include but not
limited to:

Storage
vessels

Pipe line
Excavations

Transport Sewers
tankers
Introduction
Examples …

 Stacks, boiler, Pits & sumps, silos,

vats, Manhole, shaft, exhaust duct,
Pumping station, Water reservoirs,
 Excavations more than 1.25 meter in
depth;
 Spaces where contaminated air may
harm the worker and prevent him to
escape unaided.
 Other similar spaces
 Introduction
Regulatory Requirements

 OSHA standard for confined spaces –

29 CFR 1910.146 – protect employees
from hazards of entering confined space
 The employer must assess the
workplace to determine if hazards are
present that necessitate CSEP.
 The Purpose
The purpose of a Confined Space Entry
Program(CSEP) is to establish a system for
the recognition, understanding and
evaluation of the hazard potential
associated with those spaces and the
development of hazard control entry
procedures.
 The Goals
 Review criteria for confined spaces
and permit-required confined spaces
 Describe the hazards which exist in
permit-required confined spaces
 Describe the steps in developing a
permit-required confined space
program
 Review training requirements

●●●●●●
 Objective of a
Confined Space Entry Program
1. Prevent employee injury, illness or death
resulting from confined space hazards;
2. Identify and evaluate confined space before
entry;
3. Identify and understand confined space hazards;

4. Develop techniques to control confined space

hazards;
5. Prepare emergency rescue and contingency
plans;
6. Comply with regulatory agency requirements.
●

CSE PROGRAM
Confined space entry procedure requires:
 All confined spaces to be identified;
 All entries to be properly evaluated (JHA);
 Identify the confined space that require a permits,
entry certificate and documents;
 Necessary precautions to be taken to protect the
health and safety of the employees;
 Training and awareness to allow employees to
recognize and evaluate potential hazards associated
with confined-space environments.
Best Practice Recommendation
1. Always test a space before work is to begin. Determine
how often the space must be tested while the work is in
progress, continuously or at periodic intervals.
2. Make sure you have the proper test equipment and trained
operating personnel.
3. Use a worksheet to make sure you test for all potential
hazards. Enlist the help of the foreman or supervisor
in completing the worksheet. The employees who work
in and around the confined space can help in your
investigation of the use of the space and the potential
hazards. Involve.
4. Write up the hazards and file them in the permanent file
for the space.
5. Transfer this information to a Confined Space Entry Permit
and keep the completed permit in the file.
 Hazard Recognition

 Atmospheric Hazards

 Physical Hazards

 Chemical Hazards
Note: Signs, or other
equally effective means of
informing, are required
even if employees will not
enter.
 CSE Hazards

During preparation for entry and work, personnel

must consider all safety issues including:
electrical hazards, illumination, ventilation,
means of access (such as ladders), fall
protection, and other potential hazards.
CSE Hazards
• Hazardous atmosphere (too little or too much
oxygen, flammable or toxic air)
• Engulfment
• Danger from unexpected movement of
machinery
• Heat stress
• Get stuck into a narrow space and get
suffocated
Hazardous Atmospheres
The atmosphere in a confined space may be
hazardous for several reasons.

 The air may have too little or too much

oxygen;

 The atmosphere may be toxic;

 The atmosphere may be explosive.

Confined spaces with hazardous atmospheres

could also have some physical hazards.
Hazardous Atmospheres
A hazardous atmosphere will exist in the confined space
when:
1. Flammable gases, vapours or mists within the space
are in excess of 10 percent of the lower explosive
limit (LEL).
2. Oxygen concentration is below 19.5 percent or above
23.5 percent.
3. A toxic atmosphere with concentration more than the
threshold limit value (TLV).
4. Other atmospheric condition that is immediately
dangerous to life or health (IDLH).
5. Any materials found in the natural environment that
have radioactive properties (NORM).
Hazardous Atmospheres
Oxygen Deficiency: 19.5%
Risk of asphyxiation caused by:
Oxygen
 Consumption
 welding activities
 oxidation
 decomposition
 Displacement
 humidity
 Inerting

●●●●●
 Effects of Oxygen
 >23.5% Oxygen Enriched (fire hazard);
 21% Oxygen content in air (20.954%);
 19.5% Minimum safe level;
 17% Impairment of judgment begins;
 16-12% Breathing and pulse rate increase, coordination is
impaired.
 14-10% Fatigue, disturbed respiration;
 10-06% Nausea and vomiting, inability to move freely and
loss of consciousness;
 6% Convulsive movement and gasping respiration
occurs, respiration stops, a minute later heart action
ceases;
 3-5% Life expectancy 3-5 minutes.
 Examples of Hazardous Atmospheres
What is the MAIN
Contaminant What does it look/smell like?
danger ?
Carbon dioxide Displaces oxygen;
Colourless; Odourless.
(CO2) Toxic; Heavier than air.
Carbon monoxide Toxic — asphyxiate Colourless; Odourless
(CO) (causing suffocation) (NO WARNING)
Hydrogen sulfide Highly toxic; Colourless; Rotten egg odour at low
(H2S) Heavier than air. concentrations.

Fire and explosion; Colourless, odourless

Methane (CH4)
Lighter than air. (NO WARNING)

Colourless, odourless
Nitrogen (N2) Displaces oxygen.
(NO WARNING)
Toxic — severe lung
Colourless; Rotten, suffocating
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) irritant;
odour
Heavier than air
Hazardous Atmospheres
Once a confined space is identified, based
on the results of a gas test the
atmosphere must be hazard-rated as:

 Entry without Breathing Apparatus;

 Entry with Breathing Apparatus;
 No entry.
 Atmospheric Testing
 Continuously test and monitor air in all areas
before entry
 Make sure that the oxygen content is
between 19.5 and 23.5 percent
 List any toxic materials that could be present
and their permissible exposure limits
 Evaluate heat stress potential
 Evacuate the space and cancel the permit if
air becomes hazardous
REMEMBER!!!

 You must do air

monitoring to determine
if a hazardous
atmosphere exists.

 Atmospheric
conditions in a
confined space can
change very quickly.
 Example of Gas Monitors

Low-maintenance Gas Monitors

Multi-
gas
Monitors

Single-gas Monitors
Monitors
Simultaneously monitors up to four
atmospheric hazards:
 carbon monoxide
 flammables
 hydrogen sulfide
 variable oxygen levels
 VENTILATION
 Takes place before the team enter the confined
space;
 Continues to circulate fresh air throughout
while team is inside;
 Must be done with fresh or breathing quality
air.
 Mechanical Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation systems are used to:
Circulate fresh air
Used to carry away any fumes or vapors
supply cool air for comfort.
Note:
1. Make sure that ventilation equipment is in good working order,
explosion proof and used correctly.
2. Ventilation system can also cause problems, it can feed
contaminated air into a space, they can block exits and they can
become an ignition source.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

Ventilation is critical where the work in the space could create a
hazardous atmosphere. Remember, conditions may change.
AXIAL INLET ADAPTER
ADAPTER REDUCER

GROUND FAULT INTERRUPTER (GFI)

DUCT TO DUCT CONNECTOR DC TO AC POWER INVERTER

●●●●
Example of Blower for CS
Axial Blowers

Centrifugal Blowers
 Hazardous Atmospheres

Toxic atmospheres:

Exhaust draws the welding

fumes out of the confined
space and clean air from
outside is pumped in.
 Respiratory Protection
There are times when purging and ventilation can not
completely get rid of the hazard, or when ventilation is
impossible. You then need the protection such as:
- Air Purifying Respirators filters the existing air but
they can be used only in non-hazardous confined
spaces.
- Atmosphere Supplying (Air Supplied)
Respirators. They are used when the atmosphere in
a confined space can not be kept at acceptable levels.
There are two types: the Airline Respirators and the
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA).
Using a respirator requires extreme care and thorough
training. Never use any type of respirator unless you
have been trained to use it properly.
 Respiratory Hazards
 Dust, Mists & Fumes
 Gases & Vapors
 Oxygen Deficiency

Types of Respirator
 Filtering Face piece/s (NIOSH 42 CFR 84)
 Air Purifying Respirators
 Supplied Air Respirators (SARs)
Air-filtering Respirators
Air-purifying Respirators
Self Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA)

FENZY AERIS SURVIVAIR PANTHER SURVIVAIR PUMA

(CE-EN) (NFPA / NIOSH) (NIOSH)
Physical hazards Risk of engulfment /
drowning:
Confined spaces should be
completely empty or dry
when entered.
Spaces that are not may
pose a risk of engulfment
/ drowning.
The risk is easily
recognised. However,
workers have drowned in
small pools of liquid.
For example, insufficient
oxygen, the presence of
a toxic gas, or a blow to
the head can make
workers unconscious.
Physical hazards
Slip, trip, and fall hazards:

 Restricted hatchways that are

difficult to squeeze through;

 Ladders for ascending or

descending.

 Flooring of tanks or other wet

environments;

 Rungs of a ladder may be very

slippery.

If the hazard cannot be eliminated

and there is a danger of falling
from a height , a fall protection
system (such as guardrails or a
harness and lifeline) may be
needed.
Chemical Hazards

 Solids
 Lime
 Liquids
 Sulfuric Acid
 Hydrofluoric Acid
 Gases
 Silane
 Argon
 Ozone
 Reducing Risks of Hazards
 Post signs to alert employees to the dangers of
confined spaces
 Use barriers to keep unauthorized employees out
of permit spaces
 Develop and use a written confined space entry
program
 Conduct air monitoring and other tests to identify
and evaluate hazards in each permit space
 Ventilate, eliminate, or control the space’s
atmospheric hazards before entry into the space
●●●
General Requirements.
 All confined space preparation activities shall
be carried out in a planned and systematic
manner (isolation, purging, venting,
flushing, etc.);
 JHA to identify all hazards including
pyrophorics, NORM, Toxics, Flammables,
Vapour associated with sludge, mechanical,
electrical and physical;
 Gas testing for oxygen, flammable and toxic
gases;
 Provision made for the rescue of injured /
entrapped personnel;
 Provision made for the continuous presence
of the standby man at the entry/exit point
throughout operations.
Spaces That Require PTW
A confined space that has one or more of the
following characteristics:
1. Contains or has the potential to contain a
hazardous atmosphere;
2. Contains a material that has the potential for
engulfing an entrant;
3. Has an internal configuration which may
endanger the life of personnel inside the
space;
4. Contains any other recognized serious safety
or health hazard.
REQUIRES THE ISSUE OF A PTW BEFORE
ENTRY!
 Permits
 Permit space
 Purpose, date & authorized length of entry
 Authorized entrants and supervisor by name
 Hazards of the identified space
 Control and isolation methods
 Acceptable entry conditions
 Results of initial and periodic atmospheric
testing
 Rescue and emergency services to be
summoned
 Communication procedures
 Equipment to be provided
 Confined Space Entry
What is the #1 reason
for worker fatality
during confined space
entry?

Answer: Lack of
training & ignorance
of hazards!
Training
 Employees who are involved in the confined
space entry process should attend the
following courses:
 H2S/BA;
 Permit to Work;
 One-day BA Wearer;
 Confined Space Entry;
 Employees are responsible for maintaining
validity of certification.
 Best Practice Recommendation
Recommended training courses for members of
the in-plant rescue team over and above the
OSHA requirements include:
a. First Aid and First Responder
b. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
c. Use of respirators
d. Supervisory skills, including Teamwork,
Leadership and Decision Making Extrication
(gaining access to and rescuing people from
confined spaces)
Preparation of CSE
 Notify all affected departments
 Post signs and put up barriers to protect
entrants from traffic and pedestrians
 Blind or disconnect and cap all input lines so
that no hazardous materials can enter the
space
 Empty space of any materials that may be
hazardous
 Verify breathing safety by air testing
 Add emergency contact telephone numbers
●

Pre-Entry programme
The confined space entry programme must
include the following:
 An assignment of responsibilities;
 A written hazard assessment (JHA);
 Written, safe work procedures for entry
into and work within the confined space;
 The procedure must be written specifically
for each of the hazards that are identified
in the space during each entry.
 Hazard Evaluation Checklist
a. Is there sufficient light within the space to do the assigned work?
b. What is the ambient noise level within the space?
c. Are the floors/walls slick and/or wet?
d. Does the space contain granular material that may engulf the entrant?
e. Is there danger from falling objects?
f. What moving parts are within the space?
g. What energy sources exist within the space?
h. Does the space contain any airborne chemicals?
i. Are the substances within the space subject to natural fermentation or
oxidation processes?
j. Are radiation sources present? Examples include ionizing forms such as
alpha, beta and gamma radiation. E-radiation and non-ionizing forms such
as radio frequency, microware, infrared and ultraviolet.
k. Is the space subject to temperature extremes?
l. Does the shape of the space present hazards such as insecure footing,
obstructions, poor visual conditions, minimum room to work?
m. Does the exit size or location present hazards?
 Pre-Entry programme
Planning for confined space entry:

Before workers perform work in a confined

space, a written JHA should be completed.
This will include the identification, evaluation,
and control of all hazards within the space.
In assessing the hazards and preparing the
JHA, all concerned departments and
personnel including HSE department, shall
participate in the discussion of the work to
be carried out and the required precautions
procedures.
 Pre-Entry programme
Planning for confined space entry:
The following provisions shall be considered in the plan.
 Administration of the permits, certificates,
documents. e.g.:
 Cold work permit;
 Hot work permit;
 Confined Space Entry Permit;
 Other documents (drawings, P &ID , etc.).
 Pre-Entry programme

Planning for confined space entry:

 Physical isolation from systems (LOTO);
 Venting / depressurizing;
 Water flushing;
 Chemical flushing;
 N2 purging;
 Air purging;
 Atmospheric testing (oxygen/toxic/flammables).

●●
Pre-Entry programme
Confined space entry -
work personnel:
The team should conduct
additional gas tests to ensure
confined space interior is safe
and permit the work crew to
get in and start the work;
Work crew should wear the
recommended and suitable
PPE;
If BA is not in use, Oxygen
should be between 19.5%
and 23.5% and H2S less than
10 ppm.
 Pre-Entry programme
Planning for confined space entry:
 Safeguarding the confined space;
 Emergency rescue plan/competent standby
man;
 Control of hazards associated with pyrophoric
iron sulphide, NORM, toxics, sludge, etc.;
 Procedure for cutting, grinding and welding
activities;
 Procedures to put the system back to normal.
Confined Space
Warnings

 All access points must be secured;

 All confined spaces and many enclosed spaces require
atmospheric testing before entry as well as periodic re-
testing, depending on operations and conditions in and
around the space.
 Confined Space

Attendant
remains
outside to
monitor

Air
monitoring
before and Proper
during entry ventilation
●
Roles and Responsibilities
 Authorized
Entrants
 Authorized
Attendants
 Entry Supervisor
Personnel undertaking the entry
(entrant):
 Authorised to enter a confined space under
PTW.
Standby Man (attendant):
An employee must be:
 Appointed and stationed outside the
confined space;
 Monitors and maintains contact with the
authorized personnel supervising the
confined space entry.
Entry Supervisor

The Confined Space Entry Supervisor is responsible for:

 all activities associated with the confined space entry;

 determining if acceptable entry conditions are present;

 ensuring that work crews involved in the entry adhere

strictly to the requirements of the confined space entry
procedures.
 Training and Duties of the
Confined Space Entry Team
Duties of the Entry Supervisor:
 Verifies that the permit is filled out
completely and all safety steps listed are
taken, then signs the form
 Checks conditions to ensure they stay
safe throughout the work
 Sees that any unauthorized people are
removed
 When work is complete, cancels the
permit and concludes the operation
 Training and Duties of the
Confined Space Entry Team
Duties of the Authorized Attendant:
 Maintains an accurate count of who’s in the
space, monitors activities inside and outside of
the space, and stays in touch with the entrants
 Keeps unauthorized persons out of and away
from an occupied permit space
 Orders evacuation of the permit space, entrants
show signs of behavioral effects of hazard
exposure, or an outside situation that could
endanger the workers in the space
 Summons rescue and emergency services when
needed
 Training and Duties of the
Confined Space Entry Team
Duties of the Authorized Entrant:
 Knows the hazards of the space and signs of
exposure
 Follows personal protective equipment
training carefully
 Keeps in contact with the attendant, leaves
space at once if instructed to do so
 Is always ready to evacuate quickly
 Leaves the space and tells the attendant if
there is danger
 CSE Procedures
 Authorized entrants can enter a permit space
only after it’s been tested and found safe for
entry
 The assigned entrant has to know what
equipment to use and how to use it
 Once prepared, you want to get in and do
the assigned task as quickly and efficiently
as possible
 Alert the attendant immediately if you
recognize a sign or symptom of exposure to
a dangerous situation
 Training and Duties of the
Confined Space Entry Team
Emergency and Rescue Procedures:
 Self rescue
An entrant evacuates the space with no
help
 Non-entry rescue
Only workers trained in rescue can enter the
space for the purpose of rescue and only
when there is another attendant present

●
Emergency Rescue Plan
The plan shall be discussed before the job starts
and any entry takes place.
It should involve all concerned with confined
space entry programme and shall state the
following:
 Communications;
 Rescue and emergency procedures;
 Rescuing personnel from the confined space;
 Emergency equipment to be available in place.
 Emergency Rescue Plan
 Duties of the rescue team should be assigned
to personnel from the work team and
appropriate rescue equipment should be
made available;
 Rescue team shall use appropriate respiratory
protection before attempting to rescue
personnel from within the confined space;
 Lifelines are not recommended for small
confined spaces;
 BA sets and all other rescue equipment should
be checked before any work starts.
 Rescue Plan & Consideration

 Self-rescue should be the primary means

of rescue;
 Rescue procedures should be developed &
specified beforehand;
 Attendant must not enter confined space
unless a backup attendant is present;
 Hazards must be continuously monitored.
 In – Plant Rescue Team
According to the OSHA regulation, members of
in-plant rescue teams must be trained:
a. To understand and use appropriate personal
protective equipment.
b. As authorized entrants.
c. In basic first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation. At least one member of the
rescue team must hold current certification in
first aid and CPR.
 Rescue & Emergency Service
Three Options to Permit-Required Confined Space Rescue

1. Arrange for rescue service from an outside

source.
Evaluate their ability to respond in a timely manner
considering the hazard(s) evaluated and proficiency with
rescue-related tasks and equipment.
 “timely” will vary according to
the specific hazards involved

 provide the rescue service with

access to all permit spaces from
which rescue may be necessary
so they can develop appropriate
rescue plans and practice rescue
operations
 Rescue & Emergency Service
Three Options to Permit-Required Confined Space Rescue
2. Arrange for your own employees to provide rescue.
Provide necessary PPE and training in the PPE; training in their
assigned rescue duties; training in first aid & CPR; practice
simulated permit space rescues at least annually in respective
spaces using manikins or actual persons.
 Rescue & Emergency Service
Three Options to Permit-Required Confined Space Rescue

3. Provide for non-entry rescue.

Provide necessary retrieval
equipment such as a full body
harness and a mechanical device
when permit space depths are
more than five feet.

 unless the retrieval equipment

would increase the overall risk of
entry or would not contribute to
the rescue of the entrant

●●●●●●
Any Question
 Summary
 Understand the criteria for confined spaces and
permit-required confined spaces
 Know the hazards which exist in permit-required
confined spaces
 Understand the steps in developing a permit-
required confined space program
 Understand the role & responsibilities of confined
space entry team
 Know the training requirements for confined space
Safety Through Teamwork

“Nothing is so important
that it can not be done
safely.”
 DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE
DANGERS OF CONFINED SPACES
Always follow required procedures exactly

- Committee on Safety Education -