Confined Space Entry

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TRAININGS OBJECTIVE
To explain what constitutes a confined space.

To understand what controls should be in place when confined space entry is to be undertaken.
To understand the requirements of a confined space attendant. To provide details on where additional information can be obtained.

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Confined Space Definition

Confined Space is any space that meets all of the following criteria:

Is large enough and shaped so that a person can enter to perform assigned work; Has limited or restricted means of entry and exit; Is not designed for continuous human occupancy; Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere and could present a safety hazard
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Confines Space Basic Types

Confined Spaces can be broken into two basic types:

Open-topped enclosures with depths which a depth that can restrict the natural movement of air
Whenever the depth is at or greater than 1.5 meters (5 feet) deep
Examples: Oily water separators, pits, open-top floating roof tank, trenches, excavations, etc.

Enclosures with limited opening for entry and exit

Tanks, vessels, boilers, tanker truck trailers, rail cars, ducting, etc.
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Confined Spaces
The followings are some typical examples of confined spaces that may be found at a facility: Storage tanks or other type of vessels

Tank truck compartment or rail tank cars.

A floating roof whenever the roof is at 1.5m (5 ft.) or greater below the tank top rim Oily water separators chambers

Sub pump pits

Duct Work Drainage or other Sewer systems

Excavations (when they are at 1.5 meters or greater in depth)

Trenches (when they are at 1.5m or greater in depth)
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Confined Space Entry Form

Confined Space Entry can only be done when there is a Confined Space Entry Form issued by a qualified work Permit Issuer. A valid General Work Permit form to in place along with the Confined Space Entry Form.

All conditions, requirements and controls listed on any associated permit forms, etc must be satisfied as well. (e.g. General Work Permit, Hot Work Form and Job Safety Analysis)
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Hot Work Form (contd)

Confine Space Entry Form and General Work Permit: Must be posted at the worksite May be extended to 16hrs maximum within a work day Must be revalidated if site conditions change or work is stopped for more than 30 minutes* Must be retained for a minimum of 90 days
* Refer to standard for conditions requirements for reevaluation of work permit/forms and conditions for a permits cancellation
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Preparation for a Confined Space Entry

Prior to entry into a confined space it must be properly prepared and assessed for entry. includes:

Conducting a Hazards Assessment (Planning Phase)

Developing an emergency Response plan.

Positively Isolating the confined space, if it is a tank, vessel etc.
Ventilating space (by natural ventilation or forced ventilation methods). Cleaning (e.g. Use of a vacuum system or air driven pump to remove residual product). Preparing signage and barricades.
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Isolation of Confined Spaces

All confined spaces to be entered shall be completely and positively isolated from all energy sources (e.g. product lines, steam lines, electrical circuits, etc.).
Positive

isolation of piping shall be at the closes flange to the vessel

Positive Isolation must be done at the nearest connection (pipe flange, pipe spool, circuit breaker etc.) to the equipment or confined space.
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Ventilation
Where practicable all the manways of a vessel should be removed to increase ventilation.
Forced ventilation should be started gradually just prior to initial removal of the first manway to prevent pulling a vacuum Mechanical (forced) ventilation is normally quicker and safer than natural ventilation. Motors used on eductors or fans must be suitable for use in a hazardous area (use either air driven or if an electrical motor driven fan it must be explosion proof electrical equipment). Air movers and all ducting must be electrically bonded to the tank or vessel being vented to minimize the risk of a static discharge

sparking.
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Ventilation cont.
Mechanical ventilation should not extract the air so fast as to create a vacuum inside the confined space.
This is especially the case when the manways are still closed.

Ensure vented vapors educted are being discharging to a safe area. Pure Oxygen should never be used to purge a confined space or to increase the oxygen level inside of a confined space. Gas Testing prior to entry into a confined space must ensure that there is sufficient oxygen. (Explosive meters (gas Testing Instruments) do not function properly in an oxygen deficient environment) There must be 16% to 20.8% Oxygen present to ensure % LEL is reading correctly.
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Ventilation cont.
Air discharging from ventilating equipment should wherever possible be discharged at a height where natural air currents can assist in the dispersion of the vapors.
Venting in locations such as near communities and businesses may require: Vented vapors to be routed the through carbon scrubbers to eliminate noxious vapors, etc.

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Gas Testing for Entry

Conduct gas test readings to be taken in the following order:

Oxygen

(Oxygen 16% or higher to test for flammable vapors)

Flammable vapors
Toxic vapors

Typical toxic vapors that can exist inside a confine space includes, but are not be limited to:

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) Benzene Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxide

Continuous gas testing should be undertaken whenever personnel are performing work inside a confined space.
Refer to Gas Detection Safety Bulletin for more information on gas testing.
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Hazard Assessment
Hazards Assessment is done in which phase of the work? Who should conduct the proposed job tasks hazard assessment? Confined Space Entry is to always be considered as a high risk job task and a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or and equivalent process is required completed.

The JSA must be reviewed and approved by the relevant facilitys management.
The hazards Assessment should consider work that will be required to go on inside the confined space such as: Welding fumes, paint fumes, solvent vapors, oxidation (rust), oxygen consumption, etc.) Minimum PPE requirements must be identified. If entry requires personnel to use a respirator only personnel trained in their use and medically certified to use it can enter. Lighting requirements (e.g. explosion proof powered via a GFCB or use of low voltage lighting)
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Hazards Risk Assessment (Planning Stage)

Competent personnel must complete a risk assessment during the planning stage for entry into the confined space.
The assessment must take into account the following: The nature of the confined space;
Open top enclosures at a depth of 1.5 M (5 feet) or greater Equipment/vessels, etc with limited access for entry and exit

The work required to be done, including it is necessary to enter the confined space; The range of methods by which the work can be done; The hazard involved and associated risks;

Emergency and rescue procedures.

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Additional Hazards
In addition to the hazards associated with the confined space, confined space entries can also involve the following additional hazards:

Limited body movement (cramped conditions)

High Temperatures (Heat Stress) Noise (High Decibels)

Restricted (limited) vision

Loose and or falling objects striking personnel
Note: All of these additional factors can result in work taking longer than would normally be expected and must be considered during the planning phase of the confined space work.
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No Entry

An Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere Exists

23.5 % O2
Without Respiratory Protection if: LEL 0% Benzene < 0.5 ppm Hydrogen Sulfide < 10 ppm CO < 25 PPM Total Hydrocarbons < 300 ppm Temperature < 43.3 C (110 F) Providing: LEL < 10% Toxic vapours below their IDLH Temperature < 43.3 C (110 F)

Entry is Allowed
Entry with Supplied Breathing Air

19.5 % O2

16.5 % O2
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No Entry
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Insufficient Oxygen to sustain life

Emergency Action Plan

An emergency plan must be developed before entry is allowed into a confined space.

The emergency plan must be displayed at the work site, adjacent to the confined space.
The plan must, as a minimum, detail the following: Procedures for reporting emergencies Notification of trained rescue personnel Rescue equipment to be available on site

Emergency escape routes

Procedures for authorized entrants to the space The designated emergency assembly area

Rescue and first aid procedures and duties

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Confined Space Attendant

A trained Entry Watch (attendant) must always be present at the entry point of the confined space entry whenever people are entering or are inside. Additional Entry Watch (attendants) may be required under some circumstances. The Entry Watch attendants must be adequately trained in their duties and responsibilities, which includes: Control Entry into the confined space maintaining an entry & exit log Maintain contact with people inside the space. Clear the personnel from the confined space if the site conditions change or facility alarm sounds Raise the alarm if a problem occurs inside of the confine space Ensure gas testing results are within acceptable limits and properly taken at recorded as required by permit. Be aware to changing conditions that may present a hazard and clear the space if unsafe conditions arise.
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Confined Space Additional Information

For additional details on confined space entry requirements refer to:
Your companies general operating procedures/standards/guidelines covering: General Work Hot Work Gas Testing Isolation Excavation Work at height Your Companys Safety Officer
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Questions

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