Page 27 - OHS, April/May 2024

Test the confined space for gases at the spacing intervals (stratified) recommended by the manufacturer of the gas detector. This may require vertical and horizontal testing, depending on the configuration of the space since different gases may be present at dif- ferent levels. Retesting of the atmosphere is always required after the original purge when a toxic gas was encountered.
It is highly recommended that continu- ous ventilation be employed since the at- mosphere may change without notice due to the type of work taking place. This work could include something as simple as weld- ing or employing a chemical for cleaning.
Consider Checklist Before Entering
If a permit needs to be issued, it must con- tain specific information before entry can be made. It must have:
■ The space to be entered. The purpose of the entry.
■ The date and the authorized duration of the permit. OSHA does not indicate ex- act times that a permit is approved.
■ The authorized entrants.
■ Personnel listed serving as atten- dants.
■ Entry supervisor.
■ Any hazards in the space.
■ Measures used to isolate the space
and abate or eliminate the hazards.
■ Acceptable entry conditions.
■ Results of initial tests and any follow-
on testing that should be accomplished ev- ery 15 minutes.
■ Rescue services.
■ Communication procedures.
■ Equipment (PPE, meters, fans, com-
munications, rescue) which is being utilized. ■ Any other permits including hot work (electrical or gas welding), lockout/
tagout to authorize work in the space. Employees authorized to perform per- mit-required confined space entry must be
trained before they are assigned entry duties.
Levels of Training
for Company Workers
Employees who are responsible for the overall operation (supervisor) must be trained to:
■ Determine if space can be entered safely.
■ Ensure logs are maintained as re- quired to monitor oxygen levels and any hazardous atmospheres that could find their way into the space.
■ Terminate the entry and cancel the permit once all personnel have been re- moved and the space has been closed.
Employees who work in confined spac- es (entrants) must be trained to:
■ Alert attendants about hazards.
■ Understand warning signs.
■ Use suitable personal protective
equipment (PPE).
Employees who assist entrants from
outside the confined space (attendants) must be trained to:
■ Determine hazards.
■ Monitor work conditions.
■ Coordinate resources.
■ Maintain worker count.
■ Communicate with entrants.
■ Allow only qualified and authorized
entrants to enter the space.
Should an incident occur, it is incum-
bent upon the contractor(s) making the en- try to have rescue and emergency services available. This rescue could include the use of a tripod and winch which would be op- erated by the attendant or other personnel, or a rescue team or service.
The bottom line is that any time a limit is exceeded, no matter what the reason, all personnel shall immediately exit the space, and no others shall enter until atmospheric conditions are returned to safe levels.
Remember that OSHA standards ad- dress confined spaces in specific regula- tions for general industry, maritime, and construction. Safety training is crucial to prevent accidents and protect the lives of workers in confined spaces.
Columbia Southern University adjunct professor Ralph Blessing, Ph.D., LSP, has more than 30 years of occupational safety and health experience encompassing general industry, construction, training and public speaking. Dr. Blessing became certified as an afloat safety manager and received his Safety Management Certificate from the Naval Safe- ty Center during this tour of duty in the U.S. Navy. He holds a master’s degree in occupa- tional safety and health, as well as a Doctor of Philosophyinbusinessadministration.
REFERENCES
• BLS (2020), Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities; Fatal occupational injuries involving confined spaces : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; tinyurl. com/5epxxu97
• OSHA (2024); tinyurl.com/mt88hx5p
www.ohsonline.com
APRIL/MAY 2024 | Occupational Health & Safety 27