Confined Space Permit

Let's start with some basic definitions to understand what OSHA about ...

According to OSHA 1910.146 definition of a confined space as follows:

• Is large enough for an employee to enter fully and perform assigned work;
• Not intended for continuous occupancy by the employee, and
• Has a limited or restricted means for entry or exit.

These spaces may include underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, pits and diked areas, vessels, silos and other similar areas.

By definition, a permit-required confined space has one or more

these characteristics:

• Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
• Contains a material with the potential to engulf someone who enters the space;
• In an internal configuration that might cause a participant in a trap or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or a floor sloping downward and tapers to a small cross section, and / or

• Contains any other recognized safety or serious risk to health.

Why worry about confined spaces?

As the owner, manager of security, safety coordinator, the site manager or other related securities, you must have knowledge and understanding of the serious risks to your employees who work in confined spaces. It is imperative that written procedures to protect your employees and contract workers, and representatives from entering the permit spaces must be developed and made available to all parties. To help you assess your workplace to determine if spaces are permit spaces, this Decision Flow Chart is a useful tool. In this case, the employer must inform exposed employees of their existence, the risks they pose and location. Effective measures must be taken to prevent employees from entering permit spaces if they are not allowed. You must be prepared to face an increased risk of immersion exposure, trapping and hazardous weather conditions. These issues should not normally happen in an open work environment / setting. For more information, visit the OSHA permit required confined spaces section .

Gas Hazards

Confined spaces may contain toxic risks that can be detected by testing. On the oxygen (O2) deficiency, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) are the common hazards in confined spaces that can be detected with a portable gas detector. By industry, the risks of other gases may be present. Relying on a portable gas detector for H2S readings, and not the sense of smell, the most reliable method of ensuring that workers are informed well before dangerous levels are reached. In the range of 200-300 ppm, eye inflammation, respiratory irritation, and loss of consciousness may occur. When levels of H2S reach 500-700 ppm, death will occur within 30 minutes to an hour.

Gas safety is important. Risks can be divided into three categories: combustible gases, toxic gases, and high or low oxygen. Making the assignment of workers as safe as possible is the responsibility of the employer. An assessment of the workplace is a requirement.

• Combustible Gas

For combustion to occur, air must contain a minimum concentration.