MA’ADEN PROJECT –RASAL KHAIR

WEEKLY MASS TOOLBOX MEETING #16

TOPIC: CONFINED SPACE ENTRY AWARENESS
WHAT IS CONFINED SPACE?
 It is a Space where the limited opening for Entry or Exit (one opening usually)
 Space is not designed for the humans Occupancy.
 Presence of Hazardous, Toxic and flammable gases and substances.
 Excavation more than 1.4 Meter deep.
HAZARD OF CONFINED SPACE
 Health Hazard: Oxygen Deficiency and Enrichment.
 Fire Hazard due to availability of Flammable gases
 Health Hazard: Presence of Toxic gases
 Electrocutions: Due to leakages of electricity
 Fall hazard: Poor illuminations
 Health Hazard: Sudden release of material(gas/chemical) while working
ENSURE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS WHILE WORKING IN CONFINED SPACE
 Ensure permit for working in confined space must be taken before starting of work
 Attendant and entrant both must be competent (Authorized) for work in this kind of spaces
 Ensure atmospheric test is carried out before approval of the permit. the test must include the presence of Oxygen
(between 19.5% to 23.5%), LEL (to ensure availability of flammable gases- Nil-0%), H2S (Less than 10 ppm), No
Presence of any toxic gases like Carbon monoxide (less than 50 ppm), etc. or any other heavier gases which may be
available in confined space.
 The temperature in the confined space should be less than 40o C for safe and comfortable working. Less air movement
and high temperature lead to exhaustion, dizziness, or heat stock
 An attendant must be present outside of the confined space till the entire work is completed and maintain records of the
entrant in permits
 An attendant should have to communicate (verbal or Visual) continuously with the entrant to ensure they are safe during
work
 All entrants must be aware of the hazard associated with their works
 A person can work for a maximum of 15 min in a one go-to avoid risks related to exhaustion
 Make sure vessel must be properly cleaned from chemicals or gases before entering
 Use SCBA sets or airline breathing apparatus for working in a contaminated atmosphere
 Always keep gas detector in confined space or provide personal gas detector to the workers (entrant) to get alert during
the unfavorable condition
 The gas detector must be calibrated / bump tested and its record should be maintained
 LTV Procedure must be applied on all type of energy sources which is connected with confined space.
 During accidents always use non-entry rescue arrangements for the rescue of entrant. Always use self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) for entring in confined space during the rescue of entrant
 Adequate lighting (illumination) is required for working in a confined space. always use 12-24 V Ac or battery-operated
flameproof lights in confined space
 All manholes of tanks/vessels/reactors should be opened for natural ventilation. In case of limited manhole use
mechanical(forced) ventilation for air movements i.e blowers or exhaust fans
 Before any kind of hotwork in a confined space, make sure all flammable material should be removed
 Inform emergency rescue team before confined space entry which includes first-aiders, doctors, safety team, admin,
etc,
 Always provide suitable clothing to workers according to the working atmosphere in confined space
 Post safety signage “Confined space entry permit required and authorized person only” on all confined spaces in
English and local language to avoid unauthorized entry without permit
 Emergency contact number and other work related signage shall be posted.
 Always use a ladder for entry in confined spaces which has depth more than or equal to 4 feet
 If permanent steps are available for entry in confined space always ensure the stability of steps before stepping on the
ladder
 Do not eat or drink in a confined space
 Use appropriate PPE such as safety belt, safety helmet, mask (cartridge, dust, etc.), SCBA set, hand gloves, aprons,
earplug, etc. according to work
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