Page 34 - Occupational Health & Safety, April 2019

CONFINED SPACES
Know Before You Go: Tips on Atmospheric Monitoring for Confined Spaces from the Training Experts
All hazards must be identified before entry to the space and listed on the permit.
BY JOE BUCKLEY
30 Occupational Health & Safety | APRIL 2019
www.ohsonline.com
Confined spaces can be dangerous for a number of obvious reasons, but what about the hazards you can’t even see? The atmo- sphere in a confined space could have low
oxygen levels or toxic gas present. Before you work in and around confined spaces, you should have proper training and be aware of all the permits and proce- dures needed to ensure a safe and compliant entry.
Here are some recommendations about how to prepare for and execute a confined space entry while keeping gas detection in mind.
What work should be done up front when preparing to enter a confined space?
When you are getting ready for a confined space entry, it is important to adhere to any appropriate regulating authorities or directives such as OSHA 1910.146. These regulations outline the requirements for safe confined space entry. A written pre-plan must be drawn up outlining hazards that may be encoun- tered. Be sure to list rescue teams on the preplan and how to contact them if they’re not located on site. Any lockout/tagout procedures should be identified on the plan, as well.
Outline the internal configuration of the space and
have the necessary equipment, including ladders, lift- ing equipment for rescue, and fall protection in place while the permit is open. Most of all, use common sense and pay attention to your instincts—anything that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up should be addressed during the pre-plan phase.
Next, entrants will need to have appropriate pro- tective clothing and gear. If gases may be present, the entrants will be required to have respirators, SCBAs, and/or supplied fresh air. Gas detectors will be needed for continuous monitoring while anyone is working in the space or while the permit is open. The foreman on site must have a completed confined space permit and post it at the entrance to the confined space. All haz- ards must be identified before entry to the space and listed on the permit. Attendants must be located in proper positions while the permit is open and should be trained for the task at hand. When multiple groups are entering the confined space, a Group Leader must be designated to supervise and oversee operations.
What is the best way to check for
gas hazards in a confined space?
There are multiple methods to adhere to when evalu- ating confined space environments. Ambient air must
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