Confined Space
A Confined Space is a space limited
entry and exits and not suitable for human activity.
A confined space also has limited or restricted means for entry or exit
and is not designed for continuous o
ccupancy. Confined spaces include, but are
not limited to, tanks, vessels, silos, hoppers, pits, manholes, equipment
housings, ductwork, pipelines, etc.
Hazards
in confined space
1. Fire and Explosion :- Flammable va-pours, liquids, gases and dust
within the confined space can all increase the risk of fire and explosions. The
risk is increased further where any hot works or tools which can spark are used
within the confined space.
2. Gas, Fumes and Va-pours :- Poisonous gases and fumes can build up within
confined spaces, particularly where there is a lack of ventilation. This can
create a toxic atmosphere within the confined space.
3. Dust :- Dust
can build up within confined spaces, either naturally occurring or through the
activity being carried out, e.g. grinding. Or Drilling Dust build up causing
respiratory problems, and increase fire/explosion risk, especially where there
is a lack of ventilation.
4. Lack of Oxygen :- The Main Things that we should know before entering into the confined
space is the position of oxygen inside. Whether our employees will be able to
do work correctly in the level of oxygen inside the confined space, or should
we check. Oxygen should be at a level of 19.5% to 21.5% at normal position
inside the confined space. If oxygen is not found at this position then we
should use the BA (breathing apparatus) set.
5. Temperature :- Hot Works or naturally occurring hot
conditions can lead to a dangerous increase in body temperature, which can
quickly become a problem within confined spaces.
6. Access
Restrictions :- Confined spaces are also dangerous because
they can be difficult to access. Once you are inside a confined space, there
may not be a quick or easy way out. So it is important to know that work can be
carried out safely before you enter.
What you need to consider before enter in confined spac
1. Confined Space Condition :- While Entering in confined space first of all the position inside the
confined space should be checked, according to the work that our workers will
do there, according to whether the height of the confined space is their wall,
the position of that wall is all right according to our work.
2. Entry & exits plan :- The First thing to check is that you are able to enter and easily exit
in the confined space. It’s important to entry and
exit plan for confined spaces. So, workers need to have a clear understanding
of how they will get in safely and get out once the work is done.
3. Rescue plan :- Rescue procedures should be
established before entry and should be specific to the type of space involved.
All personnel should be trained on emergency procedures and a written plan
should be in place. All employees should be aware of potential hazards and
untrained workers should never attempt a rescue.
4. Equipment Function :- Damaged equipment may not
operate and could put workers at risk.
Health and safety professionals recommend inspecting equipment regularly to
make sure it's in good condition. Keeping workers safe is the top priority
here, so make an honest assessment of what kind of condition of the
equipment's.
5. Lighting :- Attention should be
while entering in the confined space. There should not be a lot of light inside
the confined space. And moving around in dark spaces can increase the risk
of slips, trips, falls, and other accidents. Workers can't avoid these
kinds of hazards if they can't see them, so make sure they're equipped with
light sources that are specifically approved for confined space environments.
6. Atmosphere :- Before enters a confined space, the
atmosphere must be tested using equipment The tests should be conducted at
levels well below the defined exposure limits. A technical expert should
be taken inside the confined space and after testing through them, take the
next step as per their decision.
Testing the atmosphere in the
following order :
Ø For oxygen
Ø For combustible gases
Ø For toxic gases and vapors
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