Confined space Entry permit

In this second part we will read about Confined space Hazard control , Entry team and procedure for rescue team arrangement.

Order of atmospheric testing

1.  oxygen level

Before start of the work we must test the area for oxygen level , for this purpose we use gas tester . Now a days we have digital gas tester which can detect simultaneously Oxygen, Carbon monoxide, Hydrogen sulphide ,Sulperdioxide , Gas test are mostly conducted after each 3 hours if more severe case then conducted after each hour because of rapid changing environment. Gas test are performed on three levels first we test top area, then Middle area and then bottom area to get the complete information of inside hazardous gas concentration for Gas testing no one allowed to physically enter and test , use rope for gas tester to go down inside the area .

According to Osha standard oxygen level  should have in the range  19.5 % to 23.5 %. Below 19.5 % is known Oxygen Deficiency  which cause suffocation, nausea, Vomiting and  even fatality .  Oxygen level above 23.5 % is known as Oxygen enrichment . In case of enrichment chances of fire and explosion increases as we know fire triangle one element is oxygen.

2. Combustible  gases and  vapors

As we already mentioned above that today Gas tester detect Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)  of explosive gases in confined space.

LEL’s / UEL’s OF COMMON GASES

Flammable and Explosive  Vapors

Flammable and explosive vapours can be found inside empty flammable  liquid storage tanks. If you are going to enter this empty tank make sure you have tested for explosive vapors. Purge the confined space by air if flammable and explosive vapors present inside the confined space. Before reducing concentration level to safe level newer introduce naked flame or spark

Confined space entry permit

To Control Hazards in workplace one of the best method is administrative control like work Permit . At workplace no activity is allowed without work permit. For every activity we have special permits like hot work permit, Cold work permit, similarly Confined space has its own entry permit before start of the work we make sure the permit conditions are fulfilled like gas testing , hazard control action taken ,special  permit issued like hot work permit for inside work. Before start of the work make sure entry permit are issued and always read before entry , sign in into permit log when you enter and signoff your name after exit

 permit has the following information

•           Scope of the work

•          Area or location of the work

•          When the work will be done

•           How long the work will take

•          Gas testing Record

•           Names of all team  members and their  duties

The confined space entry team 

•           Competent  person 

•           Attendants

•           Entrants

•          Entry Supervisor

•           Rescue and emergency services 

a. The  Competent person

An employee who  is qualified and have  enough practical experience is known competent person ,this person  is capable of authorizing Confined Space entry.

Determines atmospheric conditions and validating an entry permit.

Has the authority to cancel or terminate entry at his discretion if hazardous conditions arise or are suspected.

Specific training/instruction for CP :

Use and calibration of monitoring  equipment , Gas tester.

Hazard Communication

Respiratory Protection

Permit authorization & termination

Hazard Recognition

Contacting Advance Rescue Personnel 

b. Hole Watcher or  attendant

    

  DUTIES:

•           Attendant remains outside of the confined space all the time

•           Keep every employ record on permit log with entry time and exit time

•           Constantly communicate with the inside crew about inside conditions and their situation.

•           Only allow authorized persons.

•          In case of emergency inform the rescue team 

c. The Entrant

duties

•           Enter the confined space   to work;

•           Signs in and or out at the log

•           Know the hazards of the space

•           Understand information on the  entry permit

•           Personally check to see that all   listed hazards are controlled

•           Wear all required safety  equipment and PPE

•           Recognize the signs of a problem

•           Stay in contact with the  attendant at all times

•           Get out at the first sign of   the problem or if ordered   to do so

•           Entrants hang their ID badges outside or at the entrance of the Confined Space

d. Entry supervisor

DUTIES:

•           Authorizes the Confined  Space entry

•           Makes sure the permit is complete

•           check that all tests and   procedures are done

•           Oversees follow-up tests  done during the entry

•           Determines that all team members and equipment  are in place and ready;

•           Terminates the entry   permit when work is done or if a problem  develops.

Rescue and emergency services

DUTIES:

•           Familiar with the Confined   Space and potential  rescue problems;

•           Trained in first aid and CPR;

•           Understands confined space entry procedures;

•           Knows how to rescue;

•           Practices regularly at the spaces.

•           Knows symptoms and treatment of hazards exposure (MSDS).

Equipment requirements on permit

•             PPE (including  respirators)

•            communication  devices

•             fall protection  devices

•               rescue and  hoisting equipment

•                non-spark  producing tools

Confined space