A Comprehensive Guide to Working in Confined Spaces

Confined Space Definition

A closed space where one has to breathe with difficulty is called a confined space. The narrow space where the entrance and exit points are single is called a confined space like tanks, trenches, and underground central holes. Limited space is not only underground tanks or tranches, above storage tanks and narrow spaces are also in the confined space category. When you need to work in a confined space “A Comprehensive Guide to Working in Confined Spaces” is essential.

Criteria of confined space

1. Limited openings for entry and exit, according to workers.
2. The space is not intended for continuous human occupancy.
3. The space is large enough for you to enter and conduct work easily.

Types of confined space

Understanding the Risks of Working in Confined Spaces

“A Comprehensive Guide to Working in Confined Spaces” refers to Understanding the Risks of Working in Confined Spaces. and listing these risks and their remedies. Make a list that has types of risks, remedies, and applications, and name it “Risk Assessment Form”.

1. Configuration Risks
2. Biological Risks
3. Physical Risks
4. Atmospheric Risks

Gases and their proper ventilation

EHS and HSE-trained workers check Gases inside the confined space with the help of available modern apparatus.

1. Starting point
2. Middle point
3. Bottom point

Ventilation System

A confined space should be ventilated continuously for 24 hours with the help of a ventilation blower before starting work in the confined space.

Confined space Work Permit.

A work permit is essential to do the desired work. A work permit is permission from EHS, HSE, and the management department to do work. Work Permit issued after checking of gases in confined space to make work procedure safe.

Confined Space work permit template

Essential Equipment for Safe Operations in Confined Space

1. Try Port
2. Rope to Try port
3. SBA (Self Breathing Apparatus)
4. Full Body Harness
5. Air Blower

Breathing system and apparatus

Signs of Confined Space.

Work procedure step by step.

When starting to work in a confined space, the EHS team visits the location. Create a risk assessment form to find out risks and remedies for safe working. Provide appropriate PPEs for the risk. Bericate the area around the entrance hole. We can divide this procedure into three sections. 1. Before starting work. 2. During work. 3. End of work.

1. Before Starting Work

1. Management: First, inform all related departments about work in a confined space. Discuss the problem and why we need to work in this confined space.
2. Work Order: Get a work order designed by a confined space-related department. A work order is a checklist of work that needs to be done.
3. EHS Department: Make empty the confined space to work in. A trained EHS worker goes inside the confined space to check the gases and breathing difficulties in the confined space. Gases check procedure. Close all valves of lines to the confined space and lockout and tagout them. Switch off all electrical devices, like pumps, gauges, and levels, and lockout and tagout them.
   • Starting Point: Starting point is the entrance point in the confined space. Firstly, check the gas level at the starting point of the confined space.
   • Middle Point: The middle point is the middle of a confined space. Secondly, check gases level in the middle of the confined space.
   • Bottom Point: The bottom is the end point of a confined space. Then, check the gases at the end point of the confined space.
4. Work Permit: Get a work permit to perform the work in a confined space safely. Ensure the list of gases mentioned in the work permit is at a normal level. And confined space is suitable for work in the confined space.
5. Essential Equipment: Complete the essential equipment list and check the equipment’s condition before starting work. Ensure all types of equipment are in good condition and suitable for use.

2. During Work in a confined space

1. Wear Appropriate PPEs: When you enter a confined space, wear appropriate PPEs and check PPEs’ condition and proper functionality.
2. Safety Precautions: Bericate the entrance point area around 10 feet in a circle with bericate tape. Fix the trial port at the entrance point of the confined space. A rope role around try port’s wheel and the end of the rope is fixed with the full body harness of the entrant, who works in the confined space. The other end of the rope should be held by the Attendant, who stands at the entrance point of the confined space for the help of the entrant in case of an emergency.
   • The Entrant: A person who works in a confined space.
   • Attendants: A person who is stationed outside one or more confined spaces.
3. Duty of Attendant: The attendant monitors the authorized entrants and performs specific duties. His duties are assigned in a written permit-required confined space.
   • The attendant holds the rope that is linked with the full-body harness of the entrant.
   • He pulls the rope gently after every 10 minutes to take the signal from the entrant.
   • He should be ready to help entrants in case of an emergency.

3. After complete work

1. Work Satisfaction: Check the work quality and requirements done by the entrant. Some confined spaces work check after high pressure, liquid filling, and under workload.
2. No Abnormality: Monitor any abnormalities after compliance work. If found any abnormalities then immediately rework it.
3. Remove Safety: Remove lockout and tagout from valves and pumps. Open valves and switch on pumps. Check compliance work satisfaction. Remove bericate tape.

“A Comprehensive Guide to Working in Confined Spaces” gives proper guideline till complete the work and some safety points for checking after the work.

Emergency Response Planning and Rescue Procedures in Confined Spaces

A Confined Space Emergency Response plan is essential when deciding to work in a confined space. Some points as an emergency plan checklist:

1. Emergency Response Team (ERT) members should be present.
2. Mobile stature should be available.
3. All equipment should be available appropriate for the types of emergency according to confined space.
   • Fire blankets and fire extinguishers for fire emergencies.
   • SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) for suffocation emergencies.

7 Phases of Rescue Operations in confined space

1. Scene Size-Up: Manage the team for emergency work and give them tasks.
2. Hazard Control: Control of the hazards for all workers and rescue team safety present at the scene.
3. Patient Access: Get access to the patient who is in the confined space and seek help.
4. Medical Treatment: First Aider access to the patient and give medical treatment to the patient.
5. Disentanglement: Liberate the patient from this situation.
6. Patient Packaging: A special format of stature or straight wooden plank should be used for the packaging of patients for transfer patients.
7. Patient Removal/Transport: Transfer the patient from a confined space to a safe place gently and carefully.

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