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Confined Space Entry Procedures
Permit Program
- If hazards cannot be eliminated or controlled, only remaining option is implementation of comprehensive permit space program
- Permit specifies means, procedures, and practices for safe entry
- Establishes all protective measures have been taken
Emergency Procedures
- Must reflect the specific dangers of the confined space
- Attendant should not enter confined space until help arrives
- Two out of three workers killed in confined space accidents are would-be rescuers!
Rescue
- Self rescue: Entry procedures should aim at getting workers out under their own power BEFORE conditions become life threatening
- Non-entry rescue: Second best approach is to use procedures that allow rescue without having to enter the space
- Rescuer entry: Least desirable, highest risk, most equipment and personnel intensive approach
Work in confined spaces can produce dangerous atmospheric conditions
- Welding
- Painting
- De-greasing
- Scraping
- Sandblasting
- Mucking
- Inerting
Monitor and ventilate continuously
- Many accidents result from changes in the CS atmosphere which occur after the entry is initiated
- Monitoring determines the air is safe, ventilation keeps it that way
- The only way to pick up changes before they become life threatening is to monitor continuously!
Before entry it is mandatory to determine that the CS atmosphere is safe!
