HIERARCHY OF CONTROL FOR CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS

Confined Space Hazards are dangerous to employees and it is important to

control the identified risks.

ELIMINATION
All the hazards in the confined space to be eliminated or to be controlled so that
the employees can accomplish their tasks and exit the confined space safely. For
example, disconnecting completely, Lockout & Tagout, Tryout(LOTOTO) all
electrical energy sources of equipment in the confined space to eliminate the
hazards; remove leftovers of sludge and remove any potential surrounded
materials or gases through continual cleaning.

SUBSTITUTION
Replacing the hazard is another way of control for confined space, Instead of
entering a confined space to execute an activity, the possibility of using
alternative methods to be considered to do the activity without entering in the
confined space. For example, using a vacuum machine and an extended hose to
suck out the sludge instead of having employees enter the confined space to
manually remove it.

ENGINEERING CONTROL
These controls are helps employees to isolate from the confined space hazards
exposure. Engineering controls are physical means that limit the hazards of
exposure to employees. These include using continuous forced ventilation with
continuous monitoring of the atmosphere to ensure the ventilation is adequate in
the confined space. These will help to maintain a safe atmospheric and
comfortable work environment to employees in the confined space.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL
Establishing a written procedure will help in control the confined space hazards.
1.Develop Entry Procedures
Before any employee enters a confined space, it is necessary to establish safe
work procedures covering all phases of the entry process. It is crucial that the
entry permit is duly completed and the confined space is safe for employees to
enter. “Entry” occurs when a person’s head passes through an opening into the
confined space. Continuous monitoring of atmosphere inside the confined space
by the authorized gas tester, Controlled entry of entrants in the confined space
with the monitoring by Supervisor etc.
2.The Entry Permit
It is necessary for the entry permit documents to reflect acceptable entry
conditions and indicate that the confined space is safe for employees to enter in
the confined space. It is important to display the entry permit at the entrance of
the confined space.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT(PPE)

This last line defense to be used if the reasonably practicable control measures
are not available to mitigate the risks of working in a confined space, the use of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be considered. For example, when
entering a sewer system that has deep standing water and sludge with pockets of
methane and hydrogen sulfide. These hazards cannot be eliminated by
ventilation alone. If entry is deemed essential, fresh air supply, respiratory
protection and other control measures are absolutely necessary. The
good/working condition of PPE to be ensured before using it.