CONFINED SPACE ENTRY TRAINING: CONSTRUCTION & GENERAL INDUSTRY

A confined space is a space which has limited openings, often with restrictions on the kinds of materials allowed to be brought into it. Some examples of confined spaces include tanks, ships’ holds, sewers, silos and process vessels. Generally speaking, a place is considered to be a confined space if an average person working in it cannot freely move about without the aid of mechanical aids.

Confined Space Entry Training is based on permit-required confined space standards on the OSHA 1910.146. Along with the characteristics listed above, permit-required confined spaces may have one of the following or more:

The potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere contains material that may have the potential for engulfing an entrant, has an internal configuration that can trap an entrant, or may contain any serious safety or health hazard.

Employees working in the following line of work should seek to take up this training:

• Construction Industry
• Petrochemical Industry
• Oil and Gas Industry
• Manufacturing Industry
• Utility and Specialty Industry

The learning outcome of the course is:

• Identifying confined space
• Use of proper equipment
• Hazard training and personnel requirements
• Permit-required space program
• Rescue and Emergency services
• OSHA regulations

Confinement may be partial, where entry is restricted and there is ample space for an entrant to take protective measures. To qualify as a confined space the space must have limited means of entry or exit. A confined space typically has limited ventilation such that it may contain or produce a hazardous atmosphere.

Employers may provide confined space entry training to employees. Employers must ensure that employees are informed about and trained on how to enter a confined space. The employer must also ensure that workers are educated on all of the potential dangers in a confined space.

Confined spaces are very dangerous for people who work in this type of industry such as oil and gas. These spaces contain pressure that can be hazardous to workers because of possible explosions or the high levels of toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide.

It’s critical to understand what chemicals and substances are present in hazardous environments before going in.

• Do not go if it’s too dangerous
• Make sure you are aware of the dangers involved
• If needed, have someone competent show you how to do the job safely
• If there is no other way but to enter, make sure you have all the necessary equipment to do so

When you’re entering a confined area, follow these guidelines: check for hazards beforehand, make sure you have enough air, only allow one person at a time, and keep others nearby in case of an emergency.

A confined space is not necessarily dangerous, and may be classified as unclassified or class I, II or III. Class I being the least likely to have danger and class III being the most likely. A permit-required confined space must be evaluated prior to entry by a competent person. This evaluation should include at least:

• Relative ease of rescue in the event of an emergency (for example, use ladder or ropes)
• Atmospheric hazards that could be encountered
• Potential for engulfment in case the space contains a liquid or similar material
• All other foreseeable harm that could result from entry
• Potential for isolation of a confined space (such as the availability of telephones or radios)

A competent person is required to perform a hazard assessment and develop a written plan for safe entry into permit-required confined spaces. The methods used in the plan must be appropriate to the confined space and take into account all aspects of the hazards present.

Before working in a confined space, understanding the elements that define a confined space is important to reduce risk of injury or death. Adherence to safety procedures also helps to keep workers protected from potentially hazardous environments.