Page 10 - OHS, July/August 2021

IH: CONFINED SPACES
Because the onus to protect confifined space workers is on the employer, it’s imperative for employers to recognize and plan appropriately for confined space work.
his/her work in the confifined space. Typical fall hazards include physical equipment that is an obstacle to a worker, slippery surfaces, poor visibility, inadequate lighting, unsure footing and changes in the confined space environment as a result of such things as leaks, spills and vapors.
Preparing for Confined Space Entry
Before any worker enters a permit-required confined space, both you, as the employer, and your employees, should know and follow a well-defined system of confined space procedures and precautions. Be aware that if there is any deviation from the standards set on the permit, the confined space should be immediately evacuated.
To further ensure worker safety, it’s imperative to equip and train workers on the correct tools and proper use of their PPE before confined space entry. All fall protection and other PPE should be checked before use and confirmed to be in good working order. Any equipment that shows signs of wear, damage or doesn’t pass inspection should not be used.
Under no circumstances should an employee enter a confined space without the correct training and equipment – this includes rescue workers. More than 60 percent of all confined space fatalities occur because attendants or unauthorized personnel rush into hazardous environments without the proper PPE.3
Must-Have Fall Protection
Fall protection PPE is used in confined space work for entry, exit and retrieval/rescue. As such, confined space equipment should consist of a complete system. Here are some common components of a confined space fall protection system:
Entry and retrieval. A tripod/davit system with attachment points is an easy-to-use device that’s simple to set up and gives workers a stable base of support.
Connecting devices. A self-retracting lifeline with emergency retrieval capability provides both a rescue option, as well as fall arrest protection. A hoist, or winch, provides an option for raising and lowering materials and personnel. Both devices should be used on your tripod or davit arm system.
Full-body safety harness. Every entrant should wear a full-body safety harness with an attached lifeline. This provides fall arrest pro- tection and enables safe and quick extraction, even in horizontal ap-
plications, if necessary. Harnesses may be equipped with shoulder, back, or chest D-rings for both entry and rescue scenarios. Harness types can vary, depending on the job and rescue plan, as well.
Confifined Space Fall Protection Checklist
All confined space activity should be conducted in accordance with OSHA standards. The following questions, however, may be useful in evaluating your fall protection PPE for confined spaces:
■ Is the equipment stored in a clean, dry, cool space?
■ Has all fall protection equipment been inspected by a competent person in the required time frame (six months or a year pending local regulation?
■ Have all workers received correct and adequate fall protection and rescue training?
■ Have all personnel been properly fitted for a full-body harness?
■ Does each harness have the appropriate attachment points for fall arrest, personnel-riding and rescue?
■ Is a tripod or davit appropriate for the specific confined space?
■ Is portability of davits important?
■ Is there enough clearance for the tripod to fit over the entrance without risk of one of the feet coming too close to the confined space opening?
■ Is there enough space around the confined space opening to ensure that top-side attendants are safe from falling into the opening?
■ Does the confined space have a ladder in place or is a hoist/ winch needed?
■ What is the maximum line length needed within the confined space to complete the task?
■ Is proper equipment available for entry rescue and is it included in the rescue plan?
■ Does the equipment allow for non-entry rescue and is all equipment matched to the rescue plan?
■ Is there a method for tracking and monitoring the condition of all equipment?
Conclusion
The potential hazards of confined space work should never be underestimated. You, as an employer, must maintain your readiness with a combination of a precise, well-practiced plan, the proper PPE for the environment, and all-worker training on equipment and OSHA-compliant procedures.
Anne Osbourn is the Marketing Manager for the Construction Segment in North America at Mine Safety Appliance. With over 8 years of marketing and product development experience, Anne joined MSA in 2015 and has worked as a product line manager in both Respiratory, and Fall Protection roles for the industrial market.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/ standardnumber/1910/1910.146
2. https://www.osha.gov/confined-spaces
3. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/86-110/default.html
10 Occupational Health & Safety | JULY/AUGUST 2021
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