Confined Space Entry blog contains
- Type of confined space
- Hazards & Control measures in confined space
- Control Measures
Confined space is defined as any area with limited means of access/ egress and the area is subject to
- Oxygen deficiency/enrichment
- Accumulation of flammable vapors or any
- Air born contaminants that exceeds established permissible exposure limit (PEL).
- E.g. Vessels, tanks, seaways, sumps, pipeline, trench, ditch, ducts, silo, sludge, pits, excavation, bins etc.
Type of confined space
a) Isolated hazard confined space
b) Permit required confined space
c) Continuous system permit required confined space
d) Controlled atmosphere confined space
Hazards & Control measures in confined space
- Presence of toxic gases, fumes, dust, vapor etc.
- Poor ventilation/ lighting or darkness
- Fall/hit by structure (body injured/death)
- High temperature & humidity
- Noise
- Presence of combustibility
- Restricted size of openings
- Restricted or poor communication
- Possible electric shock
- Entrapping design
Control Measures
- Confined space entry/ work permit
- Checking the O2 level & other gases at regular interval (O2 should be 19.5 to 23.5% by volume)
- Using of air supplying/ purifying respirator
- Proper lighting
- Use of air plug/ muff
- Placement of fire fighting equipments and fire watcher
- Exit/ entrance to be free from any obstruction
- Proper ventilation like exhaust fans
- Stand by person near the exit/ entrance
- Special electrical safety like current passing through ELCB, 24V lamp, standard cables etc.
- Use of proper PPEs
- Proper housekeeping
- Work to be done by competent person
- Work to be carried out in proper Supervision