Confined spaces workshop

Presenter: Dr Johan Schoeman

MD: LI Risk Services (SA) (Pty) Ltd
Liberty International Risk Services (USA)
 Confined spaces workshop

INTRODUCTION

MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION
MODULE 2 CONFINED SPACES
PROGRAMME
MODULE 3 CONTROL OF
ATMOSPHERIC HAZARDS
MODULE 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING
AND RESCUE
MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION
MODULE 6 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

LECTURER EVALUATION
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Natural composition of air:

Nitrogen = 78%
Oxygen = 20%
All other gases = 1%
Water vapour
Carbon dioxide
Argon

Air is oxygen deficient whenever the

concentration is less than 19,5%
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Oxygen deficiency associated with:

Confined spaces
Unventilated cellars
Sewers
Wells
Mines
Ship holds
Tanks
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Causes of oxygen deficiency:

Displacement
Microbial action
Oxidation
Combustion
Absorption
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Oxygen displacement with purging:

Nitrogen

Oxygen
Nitrogen Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Purge Nitrogen
Oxygen

Nitrogen Nitrogen
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Oxygen enrichment:

Conservative approach 22 % is
enriched, it:

Increases rate of chemical reactions

Dramatically promotes and accelerates
combustion
Ordinary combustible material become
explosive or flammable

thus

NEVER USE OXYGEN TO VENTILATE A

CONFINED SPACE
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Lower explosive limit (LEL)

MINIMUM concentration of a combustible

gas or vapour in air which will ignite if a
source of ignition is present.

Upper explosive limit (UEL)

MAXIMUM concentration in air which

will support combustion
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Flammability range:
Gas concentration

LEL UEL
Flammability range
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Combustible gas or vapour instruments

read as a PERCENTAGE of LEL

0% 100%

LEL

Thus:
The closer to the LEL the more dangerous
it is, because it is approaching the explosive
limit.
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Common flammability ranges:

Gas LEL UEL

Methane 5% 15%
Propane 2,2% 9,5%
Acetone 2,6% 12,8%
Ammonia 16% 25%
Carbon monoxide 12,5% 74%
Ethylene oxide 3% 100%
Hydrogen sulphide 4,3% 46%

NOTE:
A combustible hazard exists whenever a reading
exceeds 10% of LEL, thus above this level we
have a potential flammable condition.
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Vapour is a:

Gaseous state of a substances that is either

a liquid or solid at room temperature.

Vaporisation is a function of temperature,

thus:

Increasing the temperature of a

combustible liquid increases the amount
of vapour produced
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Flashpoint is a:

Temperature at which a combustible liquid

gives off enough vapour to form an
ignitable mixture

Flashpoint varies from substance to substance:

Substance C
Aviation gasoline - 46
Acetone - 18
Methyl ethyl ketone -4
Ethanol + 16
Diesel oil + 40 - 88
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Vapour density is a:

Measure of a vapour’s weight compared to

air.

Thus:

Gases lighter than air tends to rise; and

gases heavier than air tend to sink.
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Examples
Lighter than air

Hydrogen
Methane
Ammonia Propane
Hydrogen sulphide
Gasoline

Heavier than air

Atmospheric hazards in confined spaces form

layers, which we call:

STRATIFICATION
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

American history of confined spaces

• 1975 General industry
• 1980 Construction industry
• 1985 General industry standards (draft)
• 1993 Permit required confined spaces for
general industry

South Africa history

• 1983 General Safety Regulations

(Machinery and Occupational Act)

Scope and application

• General industry
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Definition of confined spaces:

… means an enclosed, restricted, or limited

space in which … a hazardous substance
may accumulate or an oxygen-deficient
atmosphere may occur, and includes … in
which a dangerous liquid or a dangerous
concentration of gas, vapour, dust or fumes
may be present.

Characteristics of a confined space are thus:

• enclosed, restricted, or limited space

• hazardous substance may accumulate
• an oxygen-deficient atmosphere may
occur
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Examples of confined spaces:

Chamber
Tunnel
Pipe
Sewer
Container (storage tank, vessel)
Storm drains
Ship compartments
Valve, Pump, Sump
Equipment, Machinery, Object
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Examples of open topped confined spaces:

Pit
Water tanks
Ship holds
Excavations
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Hazardous atmosphere:

Flammable chemical substance in excess

of 10% of LEL.
Combustible dust that exceeds LEL
(1,5m).
Oxygen is less than 19,5% or above
23,5%.
Any substance higher than occupational
exposure limit.
Any atmospheric condition which is
immediately dangerous to live or health
(IDLH)
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

A confined space may either be:

Permit required confined space
Non-permit confined space

Permit required confined space may

have one of:
Hazardous atmosphere
Material for engulfment
Sloping walls or floors
Contains any safety hazard

Non-permit confined space:

Any other confined space
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Overall incidence rate caused by:

Atmospheric conditions (40%)
Fire or explosion (24%)
Safety hazards (36%)

Confined space incidence facts:

80% of spaces had been entered by same
person before without problem
7% had signs indicating a confined space
40% of the time hazard was not present at
initial entry
89% of fatalities were authorised by
supervisor
35% of fatalities were supervisors
 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Physical hazards are due to:

Lockout related (27%)

Engulfment (23%)
Struck by falling object (20%)

90% Environmental conditions are due to:

Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Hydrogen sulphide
Combustible gases
Oxygen deficiency

Most one cannot smell!

 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

USA, on the job fatalities (1995):

Total - 6210

Causes -Transportation 41%

- Homicide 16%

Confined space fatalities - 350 (300 reported)

Confined space “near misses” - 50 000

Causes -Atmosphere
-Engulfment
-Entrapment
-Other physical causes

Most frequent - Air quality

 MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

Before entering a confined space it is

mandatory to determine if the
atmosphere is safe, determine
concentration of:

OXYGEN
FLAMMABLE GASES AND VAPOURS
TOXIC SUBSTANCES

Final comment as introduction:

CHECK ALL LEVELS!

 MODULE 2 CONFINED SPACES
PROGRAMME

Written programme
Policy statement
Items that follow
Definitions
Responsibilities, accountability and
duties of team members
Every space
Location list
Permit and non-permit confined spaces
Hazards
Changes that may change classification
Unauthorised entry prevention
Induction programme for all employees
Method to prevent unauthorised entry
 MODULE 2 CONFINED SPACES
PROGRAMME

Permit system and permit elements

Permit system
Permit elements
 MODULE 2 CONFINED SPACES
PROGRAMME

Permit system

Prepare entry permit

Issue entry permit

Implement entry permit

Cancel entry permit

MODULE 2 CONFINED SPACES PROGRAMME

Permit elements
Identify space
Purpose of entry
Date and duration
Hazards
How to isolate area
What constitute an acceptable
condition
Results of tests and signature
Communication
Special equipment required
Identification of team
Additional permit
Rescue and emergency services
Other information
Signature of supervisor
 MODULE 2 CONFINED SPACES
PROGRAMME

Team members
Criteria
Procedure to monitor more than one
confined space
Entry preparation
Standard work practice
Equipment and method to evaluate
hazards
Acceptable entry conditions
Isolating the confined space
External barriers
Tools and equipment allowed (access,
communication, PPE’s, lighting)
MODULE 2 CONFINED SPACES
PROGRAMME

Alternative procedures
When allowed
Procedure to be followed
Permit space reclassification
Procedure
Non-permit space procedures
Evacuation and rescue
Evacuation, emergency and rescue
procedures
Training
Outlines training and re-training
Competency requirements
Medical surveillance
Requirements for all team members
MODULE 2 CONFINED SPACES
PROGRAMME

Programme revision and auditing

“Post mortums”
Review the programme based on above
Audit
Multi employer entries
Host supervisors responsibilities
Appraise contractor precautions and
procedures
Prohibiting all employee entries
Location
Unauthorised entry prevention
Confined space flow chart
MODULE 3 CONTROL OF ATMOSPHERIC
HAZARDS

Exposure criteria of substances

Isolation of hazardous areas

Control of atmospheric hazards

Personal protective equipment

Legislation

Critical elements
 MODULE 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING
AND RESCUE

Types of emergencies
Breakdown of control programme
(emergency planning serve as safety mechanism)
Confined space hazards not recognised
(rescue procedures necessary)

Classification of incidents
Evacuation situation
(self rescue)
Incidence with moderate injury
(unaided evacuation)
Entry to provide initial treatment
(usually single victim)
Rescue requiring emergency entry
 MODULE 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING
AND RESCUE

Response plan

Communication
Rescuers with attendant
Supervisor with medical team co-ordinator
Supervisor and team
Responsibilities, accountability and duties
of team members
Familiarity with site
Unfamiliarity cost time and effort
 MODULE 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING
AND RESCUE

Emergency and rescue equipment

Respiratory equipment, communication
equipment, first aid supplies, fire
extinguisher, Sked stretcher, assembly
systems and harnesses
Duties of attendant and entrant
In support of emergency or rescue team
Emergency response options
Non-entry retrieval, on-site and off-site
rescue services
Medical response considerations
Location, transportation, treatment and
diseases
MODULE 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING
AND RESCUE

Training of personnel

“Hands-on” experience
All scenarios
Level of skill and amount of
training
Theory
Classroom training
Simulations
Practical exercises
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Toxic atmospheres come from:

Chemicals stored in confined space
Work being performed in confined space
Environment around confined space
Microbial action on material in confined space

Major toxic substances and/or gas depletion

are:
Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Hydrogen sulphide
Methane
Oxygen depletion
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Substance: Carbon monoxide

Source:
Incomplete combustion

Reaction:
Bonds to haemoglobin, 210x greater than oxygen

Exposure limits:
50ppm TWA
300ppm STEL (RL)

Correlation between level and effect:

600 ppm, headaches
2500 ppm, unconsciousness
4000 ppm fatal
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Substance: Carbon dioxide

Source:
Plants and human body function

Reaction:
Asphyxiant, interfere with oxygenation by dilution
or chemical action

Exposure limits:
5000 ppm TWA
15 000 ppm STEL (RL)

Correlation between level and effect:

5 000 ppm, shortness of breath
30 000 ppm, unconsciousness
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION
Substance: Hydrogen sulphide

Source:
Anaerobic sulphur bacteria

Reaction:
Asphyxiant by inhibiting enzymes necessary for
oxygen exchange at cell level

Exposure limits:
10 ppm TWA
15 ppm STEL (RL)

Correlation between level and effect:

1 ppm, smell;
100 ppm lose smell;
300 ppm, lose consciousness
1000 ppm, death
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Substance: Methane

Source: Anaerobic fermentation, natural

gas from earth and landfills
Characteristic: Colourless, flammable,
explosive and sickly oily odour (high
concentrations)

Reaction: Asphyxiant, interfere with

oxygenation by dilution
Exposure limits: None exists

Symptoms of exposure: None

Correlation between level and effect: None
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Substance: Oxygen depletion

Source: Displacement, microbial action,

oxidation, combustion and absorption
Characteristic: Colourless, odourless

Reaction: Less oxygen transported to active

cells
Exposure limits: 19,5%

Symptoms of exposure: Lose concentration,

vision, and muscular strength, increased
heart rate and breathing volume,
unconsciousness and death
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Correlation between level and effect:

Oxygen % Physiological effects

16-18% Inability to concentrate, euphoria,

giddiness

12-16% Lose peripheral vision, Increased

breathing volume, heartbeat,
impaired attention, thinking and
co-ordination

10-12% Faulty judgement, poor muscular co-

ordination, muscular exertion
which may cause heart damage,
intermittent respiration
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Correlation between level and effect:

Oxygen % Physiological effects

6-10% Nausea, vomiting, inability to

perform vigorous
movement, unconsciousness,
death

Less than 6% Spastic breathing,

convulsive movement,
death in minutes

Less than 4% Unconsciousness after one

or two breaths
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Substance: Sulphur dioxide

Source: Petroleum processing, wood pulping,

food preservation

Characteristic: Colourless, nonflammable

Reaction: Irritant (upper respiratory tract)

Exposure limits: 2 ppm TWA, 100 ppm IDLH

Symptoms of exposure: Burning of eyes, nose

and throat

Correlation between level and effect:

3-5 ppm odour, air flow resistance
8-12ppm throat irritation
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION
Substance: Ammonia

Source: Refrigerant, Fertiliser, Cleaning agent

(Catalyst and reagent)

Characteristic: Colourless, distinct pungent

odour, lighter than air (?)

Reaction: Irritant (upper respiratory tract),

corrosive

Exposure limits: 25 ppm TWA, 500 ppm IDLH

Symptoms of exposure: Burning of eyes, nose,

throat and coughing

Correlation between level and effect:

30-50 ppm odour
100 ppm eye and skin irritation
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Equipment:
Direct versus indirect-reading instruments
Constraints time for result and
number of sensors, costs, portability
Calibration
Annual, “On site” and re-calibration
Auto span, zero and set is NOT
(re)calibration
Features and options
Sample-draw versus diffusion
Filter and liquid traps
Sample lines and probes
Alarm function
Multi-gas sensing
Data logging function
Radio frequency shielding
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Equipment: (continued)

Intrinsic safety - Instrument will not

release sufficient energy under any
circumstances to ignite any
concentration of a gas or vapour
Design
Certified

Interferences
Other gases and vapours
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Air testing:

Sampling strategies
Prior to entry
During entry
After entry work has been completed

Personal sampling
Direct and indirect sampling
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Procedures:
Entry permit
Equipment
Procedure
Operational checks
Mechanical condition
Protective grills
Connections
Batteries
Pre-filters
Calibration checks
Response (zero and span checks)
Levels of sampling
All levels
All around
Frequency of sampling
Continues
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Gas detector usage

Certification - Safety Equipment Institute

Use and limitations - Instruction sheet
Component substitution - No
Accuracy - Little to 25%
Shelf-life - 12 to 36 months
Storage recommendation - Varies
Measurement range - Pump strokes
 MODULE 5 GAS DETECTION

Gas detector usage (continued)

Pump strokes - Varies

Time per stroke - Between 30 and 60 seconds
Reaction principle - Indicate colour change
Correction factors - Environmental variations
Interferences - Other chemicals
Leak and flow tests - Recommended
Field use - Regular
Remote sampling - Detector tube at end
Sampling protocol - To be followed
MODULE 6 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Training needs
Determine categories and needs
Determine duties and responsibilities

Supervisor training
Duties include verification of tests and
measurements
Procedures and equipment
Availability of rescue workers
Determine acceptable condition prior,
during and after work has been completed
MODULE 6 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Entrants’ training
Duties include recognition of hazards
Using equipment for entry
Communication with attendant

Attendants training
Monitoring activities inside and outside
Keep track of entrants
Control unauthorised access
Assure continues contact with entrants
Using emergency equipment

Emergency and rescue training

Industry and needs specific
MODULE 6 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Adult learning theory

Training versus education
How adults learn
Atmosphere
Methodologies
Skills orientated
Program planning
Training aids
Reaction of trainees (questions, etc...)