CONFINED SPACE ENTRY TRAINING PROGRAM

1. CONFINED SPACE ENTRYTRAINING PROGRAM

2. INTRODUCTION WHAT IS A CONFINED SPACE? - Large enough for an employee to enter. - Has restricted means of entry or exit. - Is not designed for continuous occupancy. EXAMPLES - Ship compartments - Missle fuel tanks - Sewers - Vats - Silos - Tunnels HAZARDS - Dangerous vapors, fires, explosions & physical hazards.

3. PHYSICAL HAZARDS - Mechanical equipment or moving parts like agitators, blenders and stirrers. - Gases, liquids, fluids & steam from connecting pipes. - Heat and sound.

4. OXYGEN DEFICIENCY - Most confined space accidents are related to atmospheric conditions in the space or failure to continuously monitor hazards. - OSHA minimum safe level of oxygen is 19.5%, maximum is 23.5% (normal air is 20.8% by volume). - At 16% you become disoriented, 8-12% you generally become unconscious. - Oxygen can be displaced by gases (Argon, nitrogen, etc.)

5. COMBUSTIBILITY - Fire and explosion are serious dangers in confined spaces. - Fumes & vapors ignite quickly in the trapped air. - Flammable & combustible gases or vapors may be present from previous cargoes, tank coatings, preservatives and welding gases. - Ignition of these hazards can come from faulty electrical equipment, static electricity, welding sparks or cigarettes.

6. TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS - Occur from material previously stored in the tank or as result of use of coatings, cleaning solvents, or preservatives. - Cannot see or smell most toxics, but they present two types of risk in a confined space : * Irritation of respiratory or nervous system. * Cut off oxygen supply or get into lungs and asphyxiate.

7. WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES - Plan carefully before entering space at all. - Test air before entry and periodically as you work. - If hazards are found, then area becomes a “permit required” confined space. Entering space is done only through by the following of appropriate procedures. - A rescue plan should be in place in case of emergency. - Safe entry is the beginning. Complete the work and exit safely.

8. BEFORE YOU ENTER - Entry permits must be used for entry into space that has hazard potential related to atmospheric conditions or any serious hazard. - Only a worker with a written permit should be allowed to enter a permit-required confined space. - Where permits are needed, get one from supervisor and post it outside the confined space to warn others that you are inside.

9. CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY - Use lockouts and tags to prevent accidental equipment startup while someone is in the confined space. - Cut off steam, water, gas or power lines that enter the confined space. - Use only safe, grounded, explosion-proof equipment and fans.

10. VENTILATION - Use ventilating equipment where possible. - Oxygen level should be maintained between 19.5-23.5%. - Toxic gases and vapors are kept at OSHA prescribed levels. - Portable SCBA used where entrance is large enough, unless atmosphere is ventilated or has no atmospheric hazards. - If entrance is small an airline mask should be used with supplied air. - Eye, hearing protection & clothing could be needed.

11. TESTING THE AIR - Common cause of injury or death is failure to test air in confined spaces. - Always test for oxygen & combustibility by probing with test instruments near the entry. - Once space is opened, test air from top to bottom. Gases like propane and butane are heavy and will sink. Light gases such as methane will rise to the top ( Check all levels !!!).

12. TESTING THE AIR CONTINUED - After confirming oxygen level is adequete and nothing combustible in atmosphere, test for toxicity. - Notify supervisor if pretests find hazards that you can’t protect against adequately. - Follow up testing may be periodic or continuous depending on the conditions involved. - The work performed in the confined space may change air quality, so continuous testing may be needed.

13. RESCUE PROCEDURES - OSHA estimates that 54 workers die each year in confined space accidents. About 2/3rds of those result from those attempting a rescue. - When rescue workers enter space, at least one person is to remain outside to summon help or offer assistance. - Outside attendant should be equipped with a SCBA and trained in first aid/CPR. - Constant communication should be maintained with those in the space by visual, radio, or field telephone.

14. RESCUE PROCEDURES CONTINUED - If emergency entry is needed, attendant should not enter until additional help arrives. - Ropes tied onto a worker’s waist is not acceptable rescue method, because it does not allow a single attendant to remove injured worker. - Use of full body harness & lifeline is better approach. Allows a block and tackle to be attached, so one rescuer can do job.

15. WORK AT WORKING SAFELY - Follow safety procedures that you have been trained on. - Use prescribed personal protective equipment for tasks. - Test air in confined space for flammable, explosive and toxic vapors and gases before entry. Test again while work is in progress to assure continued worker safety. - Use spark proof tools and explosion proof fans, lights or air movers. - Trained, well equipped workers standing by as rescuers.