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Appendix D - Training Program

Confined Spaces

Objectives/Samples of Behavior:

  1. Explain common hazards associated with confined spaces.

  2. Differentiate among the classifications of confined spaces.

  3. Explain air monitoring requirements for evaluating a confined space.

A.  References

  1. ANSI Standard Z117-1.1989 "Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces"

  2. 29 CFR 1910.146 "Permit Required Confined Spaces"

  3. NIOSH #80-16 "Criteria for a Recommended Standard....  Working in Confined Spaces"

  4. AFOSH Standard 91-25 "Confined Spaces"

B.  What is a Confined Space?

An enclosed area that has all the following characteristics:

  1. Has adequate size and configuration for employee entry

  2. It's primary function is something other than human occupancy

  3. Has restricted entry and exit

C.  Hazards within a Confined Space

  1. Atmospheric Hazards

  1. Oxygen deficient atmosphere < 19.5%

  2. Oxygen enriched atmosphere > 23.5%

  3. Flammable atmospheres (10%)

Lower explosive limits (LELs)

Upper explosive limits (UELs)

Combustible dusts

  1. Toxic substances

Above the OEL

  1. IDLH atmospheres

  1. Order of air monitoring

  1. Oxygen measurements always taken first!  WHY?

  2. Combustible gases - get out if >10% LEL

  3. Toxic substances

  1. Safety hazards

  1. Slips / trips / falls

  2. Mechanical / electrical

  3. Limited entry / exit

  4. Physiological / psychological stress

  5. Entrapment

D.  The Confined Space Program

  1. First step: Conduct a survey and develop an inventory of those locations which qualify as confined spaces

  2. Second step: Classifying the confined spaces - 29 CFR 1910.146 - permit vs. non-permit

E.  The Permit System

  1. OSHA's permit required confined space (PRCS)

Definition:  a permit required confined space is an area which meets the definition of confined space but also presents or has the potential for hazards related to adverse atmospheric conditions (toxic > OEL, flammable - >10% of LEL, asphyxiating <19.5% O2), engulfment, hazardous configuration or any other recognized serious hazards.  

  1. Non-permit confined space (NPCS)

NPCS' are confined spaces that meet the definition of a confined space, but which after evaluation is found to have little potential for generation of hazards or has the hazards eliminated by engineering controls

  1. What is a permit?

A written or printed document established by the employer which must include the following:

Identification of the space and the purpose of the entry

Date and duration of the permit

List of authorized entrants

Names of current attendants and entry supervisor

List of hazards in the permit space

List of hazard control measures

Acceptable entry conditions

Results of initial tests

Emergency and communication procedures

Required equipment

Special permits / requirements (i.e. hot work)

F.  Team Training

  1. Each organization develops structured & effective training program

  1. To ensure a vigilant & well informed team

  2. Base training on specific hazards expected

  1. Entry (on-site) supervisor ensures all members trained - makes them aware of:

  1. Proper procedures & controls for entry

  2. Fact that unauthorized entry is forbidden & why

  1. Organizational lessons approved by SEG, CEF, & BES

  2. Who:

  1. Entrants

  2. Entry supervisor

  3. Attendant

  4. Rescue team members

  5. Confined space tester or monitor

  1. What:

  1. Entrants - emergency procedures, hazard recognition, PPE, self-rescue, special worker practices / procedures

  2. Entry supervisor - meets training requirements of entrants, plus:

Recognize effects of exposure (reasonably expected)

Training on entry supervisor duties

  1. Attendant - training on duties of an attendant, plus:

Training on duties of entrant or rescue team member if expected to perform the functions

  1. Rescue team members - hands-on practice in removing bodies from confined spaces plus:

Rescue duties

Use of retrieval equipment

Proper wear & use of PPE

CPR & basic 1st aid

  1. Confined space tester or monitor, - specific equipment operation, calibration & care plus:

Certified as qualified to interpret results

Meet requirements of entrant if necessary