Confined

Space
Hazards
 We Will Discuss:
Types of confined spaces
Confined space hazards
Physical reactions to atmospheric
hazards
Methods of eliminating or controlling
hazards
 Typical Confined Spaces
Utility Vault Pumping Station
Culvert Septic Tank
Trenches Silo
Manhole Storage Tank
Pit Barges
Pipeline Sewer
 General Safety Hazards
Mechanical hazards General / physical
Communication  Surface residues
problems  Structural hazards
Entry and exit Fall hazards
Physical Engulfment hazards
 Thermal effects
 Noise
 Vibration
 Atmospheric Hazards
Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres
 Less than 19.5% by volume
Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
 Greater than 23.5% by volume
Flammable Atmospheres
Toxic Atmospheres
 Asphyxiation
Is the Leading Cause
of Death in Confined
Spaces.
 Oxygen Deficiency Can Be
Caused by CONSUMPTION.
“Hot work”
Breathing
Chemical reactions (ex. Oxidation of
chemicals or metal)
Biological action (ex. Decomposing organic
matter)
 Oxygen Deficiency Can Be
Caused by DISPLACEMENT.
Argon
Nitrogen
Helium
Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Cleaning agents, adhesives, or other
chemicals
 Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres
19.5 % Minimum acceptable oxygen level
15 - 19% Decreased ability to work strenuously,
Impaired coordination
12-14% Respiration increases, Impaired judgment
10-12% Resp. increases, poor judgment, lips blue
8-10% Mental failure, fainting, unconsciousness,
nausea and vomiting
6-8% 8 minutes – 100% fatal / 6 minutes - 50%
fatal / 4-5 minutes - possible recovery
4-6% Coma in 45 seconds, death
Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
Oxygen level above 23.5%.
Causes flammable and combustible materials
to burn violently when ignited.
 Hair, clothing, materials, etc.
 Oil soaked clothing and materials.
Never use pure oxygen to ventilate.
Never store or place compressed tanks in a
confined space.
 Toxic Atmospheres
Product stored in a confined space:
 Gases released when cleaning.
 Materials absorbed into walls of confined space.
 Decomposition of materials in the confined space.
Work performed in a confined space:
 Welding, cutting, brazing, soldering.
 Painting, scraping, sanding, degreasing.
 Sealing, bonding, melting.
Areas adjacent to a confined space.
 Carbon Monoxide
Odorless, colorless chemical asphyxiant / flammable
gas / by-product of combustion
PPM Effect Time

35 Permissible Exposure Level 8 hours

200 Slight headache, discomfort 2-3 hours
400 Headache and nausea 1-2 hours
800 Headache, dizziness, nausea 45 min.
1,600 Headache, dizziness, nausea 20 min.
3,200 Headache and dizziness 5-10 min.
6,400 Headache and dizziness 1-2 min.
 Hydrogen Sulfide
Very strong asphyxiant w/ rotten egg odor / flammable
gas / by-product of the decomposition of organic
matter / 4 times heavier than air

PPM Effect Time

10 Permissible Exposure Level 8 hours
50 - 100 Mild Irritation - eyes, throat 1 hour
100 Desensitizes olfactory nerve 2-5 min.
250 - 350 Unconsciousness, death 4-8 hrs.
500 -600 Unconsciousness, death 30-60 min.
>1000 Unconsciousness, death minutes
 Flammable Atmospheres
Critical Factors:
 Oxygen content in the air.
 Flammable gases or vapors
 Flammable dust (visibility of 5’ or less)
Proper air/gas mixture can lead to explosion
Typical Ignition Sources:
 Sparking or electric tool.
 Welding / cutting operations.
 Smoking
 Lower Explosive Limit vs. Upper
Explosive Limit
AIR

COMBUSTIBLE

TOO LEAN TO BURN EXPLOSIVE TOO RICH TO BURN

RANGE
LEL UEL

Gasoline 0% 1.4% Flammable range 7.6% by volume 100%

0% 100% LEL
Causes of Fatalities in Confined
Spaces
65% Hazardous atmospheres
13% Engulfment
7% Struck by falling objects
6% Heat stress / exposure
5% Electrocution
4% All others
Common Factors in Confined
Space Fatalities
Failure to recognize a confined space
Failure to recognize the hazards involved in
confined space entry
Tendency to trust physical senses
Tendency to under-estimate the danger.
Complacent attitude
Attempt to save a co-worker
Approximately 60% of
All Confined Space
Fatalities Occur
Among
Would Be Rescuers!!
Confined Space Fatalities Can
Be Avoided Through
Confined space safety training
The implementation of a systematic approach
to confined space entry
 Training and Education
All workers who must enter confined spaces
All attendants and rescue team members.
Prior to initial work assignment.
Retraining:
 Job duties change.
 Change in permit-space program.
 New hazards are present.
 Job performance indicates deficiencies.
 Systematic Approach
1. Recognition
2. Testing, evaluation and monitoring
3. Control
 Recognition
1. Is this a confined space?
2. Is it a permit required confined space?
3. What are the hazards associated with this
space?
 Testing, Evaluation and
Monitoring
Test the atmosphere before entry!
Evaluate:
 methods for isolating the space
 safe entry procedures
 special tools needed
 communication equipment needed
Monitor the atmosphere continuously to
determine any changes
 Testing The Atmosphere
1910.146 App. A
Evaluation testing
Verification testing
Test for at least the minimum response time
of the instrument
Order of testing
 Oxygen
 Combustibles
 Toxics
Stratified atmospheres
Always test the air
at various levels to
be sure that the
entire space is safe.
Good Air

Poor Air

Good air near

the opening
does NOT mean Deadly Air
there is good air
at the bottom!
 IDLH
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health

All Confined Spaces should be

considered IDLH until proven otherwise!
 Acceptable Atmospheric
Conditions
Oxygen concentration 19.5% to 23.5%

Flammable gas, vapor, below 10% of the

or mist products LEL

Toxic gas, vapor, or below the PEL of the

mist product
 Approximately 1/3 of All
rd

Confined Space Fatalities

Occur After the Space Has
Been Tested Safe for Entry.
 Control
Ventilation
Isolation
PPE / Respirators
Stand-by rescue
Entry permitting