Ventilation for Confined

Spaces
1910.146 requires ventilation
as follows:
An employee may not enter the space until
the forced air ventilation has eliminated any
hazardous atmosphere
The forced air ventilation shall be so
directed as to ventilate the immediate areas
where an employee is or will be present
within the space and shall continue until all
employees have left the space.
The air supply for the forced air
ventilation shall be from a clean source
and may not increase the hazards in the
space.
The atmosphere within the space shall
be periodically tested as necessary to
ensure that the continuous forced air
ventilation is preventing the
accumulation of a hazardous
atmosphere.
Types of Ventilation
Natural ventilation
Mechanical supply ventilation (positive
pressure)
Mechanical exhausting (negative pressure)
Natural Ventilation
Natural air currents
Advantages
 Quiet
 Does not require power
 Not a source of ignition
 Maintenance free
Disadvantages
 Highly unpredictable
 Very inefficient
Mechanical Supply
Forcing fresh air in / contaminated air out
Should be at a minimum rate of 20 air changes per
hour
Advantages
 Very effective in managing hazards
 Eliminates gas seeping back into the space
 Prevents flammable gas from being drawn across the fan
motor
Disadvantages
 Fan noise
 Stirring up dust
Mechanical Exhausting
Pulls contaminated air out / draws fresh air in
Works best when air intake is close to work area
Advantages
 Pulls heavier than air contaminates from low areas
Disadvantages
 May not create sufficient air movement
 Fan noise
 May draw flammable gases across the fan motor
 Supply ventilation can force air into the space 30 x
the distance exhaust can draw it
Ventilation Factors
Job details
 Atmospheric hazard
 Size of space
 Contaminants density
 How fast its created
 How much space is available for vent. Equipment
Airflow required
 20 air changes per hour
Volume required
Ventilation Factors
Breeze to ensure comfort
Duct friction loss
 Can reduce air flow over 50% in 15 foot of duct
Fan performance
 Design, Weight, Sound, Power
Supply Ventilation Directions
Position fan 4-6 feet from entry with intake into
wind
Vertical spaces
 Position hose ¾ of the distance to the bottom, and
no more than 15 feet from the work area
Horizontal spaces
 Lay hose on the floor with the end within 10 feet of
the far wall
Turn fan on before placing duct into the space
Ensure that there is no “short circuiting”
Exhaust Ventilation Directions
Keep the duct 3 feet from the worker
Position duct 1 foot from contaminant and 1
foot below the worker breathing zone
Position so exhaust is out of wind and
exhausted air is not pulled back into space
If explosive, do not allow air to contact fan
motor. Unit should be grounded
Area around fan should be considered
hazardous
In all Cases
Ventilation should continue while space is
occupied
Prevent recirculation of exhaust air
If LEL reading is present, remove hose before
the fan is turned off
Lighter Than Air Gases
Heavier Than Air Gases
Special Situations
Below Grade Conditions