PROCEDURE:
CONFINED SPACES – ENTER
RISK RANKING:
HIGH
HAZARD ASSESSMENT:
HAZARD
1. O2 Deficiency.
2. Toxic or Irritating
atmosphere.
3. Mechanical
equipment.
POTENTIAL EFFECTS
1. Worker could stop
breathing.
2. Worker could be
exposed to airborne
contaminants above
the occupational
exposure level.
3. Agitators may be in
the space that could
potentially harm
workers.
4. Fluids.
4. Fluids present slip
and trip hazard.
5. Engulfment.
5. Material within the
space could fall on
top of worker
causing the worker
to be buried.
6. N.O.R.M.
6. Overexposure to
radiation present in
vessel.
7. Flammable vapors /
LEL.
7. Possibility of worker
injury or equipment
damage if explosion
occurs with the
presence of an
ignition source.
8. Lack of visibility
could result in
worker injury and
disorientation.
8. Illumination.
Procedure: CONFINED SPACE – ENTER
Date of Preparation: July 29, 2004
CONTROL
1. Perform atmospheric
test and ensure O2
content is between
19.5% and 23.5%.
2. Perform atmospheric
test (under SCBA or
SABA) to determine
if breathing
apparatus are to be
worn.
3. Lockout all potential
energy sources prior
to allowing worker to
enter confined
space.
4. Workers to wear
appropriate footwear
to enter the confined
space.
5. Workers entering
confined space are
to don full body
harness with a
lifeline attached
which is monitored
by safety standby
person (if
applicable).
6. Perform N.O.R.M.
survey prior entry.
Don appropriate
PPE before entering
space.
7. Perform atmospheric
test to ensure no
LEL is present. Use
only intrinsically safe
equipment in the
confined space.
8. Ensure intrinsically
safe lighting is
present.
Page 1
Date of Revision: July 29, 2004
PROCEDURE:
CONFINED SPACES – ENTER
RISK RANKING:
HIGH
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Safety Glasses with side shields, hard hat, steel toe boots, fire retardant clothing, gloves, life line
and harness (if applicable), Air movers (explosion proof if applicable), portable lighting
(explosion proof if applicable), MSDS, Lockout equipment, Personal Gas Monitor,
communication means if applicable (intrinsically safe), fire extinguisher, warning signs (if
applicable), SCBA/SABA, Formal training in confined space entry. H2S Alive or H2S Rescue
are mandatory for any person expecting to utilize respiratory equipment. This training should be
reinforced with safety exercises at safety meetings.
PROCEDURES:
1 . Use the Buddy System — one trained person, equipped with the same respiratory protection
as the workers in the confined space, is always stationed at the entrance ready to rescue the
other in an emergency. The standby person remains in constant communication with those
inside and is prepared to pull them out by their lifelines if anyone is having trouble.
Note:
the standby person never leaves their post to enter unless relieved by another
person. The function is to perform all necessary rescues from outside the confined space
and summon help in case of trouble.
2. Positive pressure SCBA or SABA must be used upon initial entry of a vessel for testing as
the oxygen content and extent of other harmful substances is not known. Put on your
breathing apparatus correctly, and attach your lifel me.
3. The following preparations must be made prior to entry:
• Depressurize the workspace and pump any fluids as low as possible.
• Isolate the workspace by using appropriate blanks and blinds on all inlets and outlets.
• Lockout and tag all energy sources to the workspace.
• Purge the workspace as necessary (if possible).
• Ventilate the workspace using a positive method of mechanical ventilation if possible.
Caution must be exercised with any exhaust vapors.
• Test the atmosphere with a combustible gas detector, if the combustible gas level is below
the acceptable LEL, as noted below, enter the confined space. If the combustible gas level is
above the acceptable LEL level, re-ventilate the area; take any necessary measures to ensure
the combustible gas level if any is safe to work in.
• Ventilation should continue throughout the project.
• If ventilation requires opening manways or clean-out doors, a catch-pan or vacuum truck
should be made available to address liquids or sludge coming out of the space. Any wastes
should be disposed of in accordance with established company policy.
4. Monitor the work area regularly with combustible gas detector to ensure the area remains
safe.
• Breathing apparatus must be worn at all times unless it is proven that no harmful gases or
vapors above the occupational exposure levels, (e.g. 10 ppm H2S) and that oxygen content is
no less than 19.5% by volume.
Procedure: CONFINED SPACE – ENTER
Date of Preparation: July 29, 2004
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Date of Revision: July 29, 2004
PROCEDURE:
CONFINED SPACES – ENTER
RISK RANKING:
HIGH
5. Once inside, monitor constantly for any change in conditions and communicate them
immediately to standby person.
6. Correct problems if possible or leave the confined space area and report conditions to
supervisor.
7. If any ignition is to take place within the workspace, the atmosphere must be tested to
confirm a 0% LEL. Issue a Hot Work permit.
Procedure: CONFINED SPACE – ENTER
Date of Preparation: July 29, 2004
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Date of Revision: July 29, 2004