Confined spaces
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Published by SALUSToolbox Talk: Confined Spaces
Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]
Objective
The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate participants on the hazards associated with confined spaces, the necessary precautions to take, and the procedures to follow to ensure safety when working in or around confined spaces.
Introduction
Confined spaces are areas that are not designed for continuous occupancy and have limited means of entry and exit. They can pose significant risks due to hazardous atmospheres, potential for engulfment, and other dangers. Understanding these risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for workplace safety.
Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to confined spaces.
Key Points
- Hazardous Atmospheres: Confined spaces may contain toxic, flammable, or explosive substances. Testing the atmosphere is essential before entry [1].
- Oxygen Levels: Ensure oxygen levels are between 19.5% and 22.5% to prevent suffocation or fire hazards [1].
- Engulfment Risks: Liquids or free-flowing solids can pose drowning or entrapment hazards [2].
- Energy Isolation: Lockout/tagout procedures must be followed to control hazardous energy sources [2].
- Entry and Exit: Ensure safe entry and exit points, especially when using personal protective equipment [1].
Hazard Identification
Common hazards in confined spaces include:
- Toxic Atmospheres: Exposure to harmful gases can lead to poisoning or asphyxiation.
- Flammable Atmospheres: Risk of explosion or fire if flammable gases are present.
- Engulfment: Risk of being trapped by liquids or solids.
Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.
Control Measures
Discuss the hierarchy of controls:
- Elimination: Avoid entry if possible by using alternative methods [3].
- Engineering Controls: Ventilate and purge the space to maintain safe atmospheric conditions [4].
- Administrative Controls: Implement entry permits and continuous monitoring [5].
- PPE: Use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as respirators, when necessary [4].
Safe Work Procedures
- Conduct a hazard assessment before entry.
- Test the atmosphere for oxygen levels and hazardous substances.
- Ventilate the space if necessary.
- Use lockout/tagout procedures to control energy sources.
- Ensure communication systems are in place.
Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
- Respirators: Use when toxic substances are present [4].
- Harnesses and Lifelines: Required for top entry spaces [6].
- Protective Clothing: Use as needed based on the specific hazards identified.
Real-World Example or Case Study
Discuss a scenario where improper confined space entry led to an incident. Highlight what went wrong and the lessons learned.
Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.
Group Discussion
Discuss the following questions:
- What are the most common hazards you've encountered in confined spaces?
- How do you ensure communication is maintained during confined space work?
- What PPE do you find most effective in confined spaces?
Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.
Emergency Procedures
Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency:
- Evacuate the space immediately.
- Alert emergency services.
- Use rescue equipment if safe to do so.
- Provide first aid if necessary.
Questions and Answers
Encourage participants to ask questions and provide answers to common questions related to confined spaces.
- Q: What should you do if you detect a hazardous atmosphere?
A: Evacuate immediately and ventilate the space before re-entry.
- Q: How often should atmospheric testing be conducted?
A: Continuously, if conditions may change [4].
Summary
Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk:
- Understand the hazards of confined spaces.
- Follow proper entry and exit procedures.
- Use appropriate PPE and control measures.
- Be prepared for emergencies.
Action Items
List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk:
- Review confined space entry procedures.
- Ensure all PPE is available and in good condition.
- Conduct a practice drill for confined space rescue.
Remember: Safety in confined spaces is everyone's responsibility.
Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.
Safety powered by SALUS
Sources used for this answer
[1] Occupational Safety General Regulations (N.S. Reg. 44/99)
Page 69
Open source documentSource excerpt
- (a) where the level of a chemical substance or a mixture of chemical substances may constitute a hazard, tests to ensure that the concentration of a chemical substance or a mixture of chemical substances in the confined space does not exceed its occupational exposure limit under Part 2: Occupational Health, of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations made under the Act or 50% of its lower explosive limit; Clause 130(8)(a) amended: O.I.C. 2013-65, N.S. Reg. 53/2013. - (b) where the level of a physical agent may constitute a hazard, tests to ensure that the level of the physical agent in the confined space is not hazardous; - (c) tests to ensure that the level of oxygen in the atmosphere in the confined space is not less than 19.5 % and not more than 22.5 %, unless the employer can demonstrate that an unsafe oxygen level is not a possibility in the circumstance; - (d) a determination of whether the concentrations, levels or percentages referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) can be maintained during the period of proposed occupancy of the confined space; - (e) a confirmation that any liquid in which the person may drown or any free flowing solid in which a person may become entrapped has been removed from the confined space or that work practices have been established that specifically address the presence of the liquid or solid; Clause 130(8)(e) amended: O.I.C. 2013-65, N.S. Reg. 53/2013. - (f) a confirmation that entry of any liquid, free flowing solid or hazardous substance into the confined space that could endanger the health or safety of a person has been prevented by a secure means of disconnection, the fitting of blank flanges or the implementation of a double block and bleed written procedure established by the employer or similar positive actions; - (g) confirmation that a machine, equipment, tool or electrical installation that presents a hazard to a person entering into, exiting from or occupying the confined space has been locked out; and - (h) c…
[2] Occupational Health and Safety Code
Page 66
Open source documentSource excerpt
## Entry permit system - 47 (1) A person must not enter a confined space at a work site without a valid entry permit. - 47 (2) An employer must establish an entry permit system for a confined space that - (a) lists the name of each worker who enters the confined space and the reason for the worker's entry, - (b) gives the location of the confined space, - (c) specifies the time during which an entry permit is valid, - (d) takes into account the work being done in the confined space, and - (e) takes into account the code of practice requirements for entering, being in and leaving a confined space. - 47 (3) An employer must ensure that, before a worker enters a confined space, an entry permit is properly completed, signed by a competent person and a copy kept readily available. - 47 (4) Based on a review of similar confined spaces, an employer may issue an entry permit that can be used for a number of similar confined spaces. ## Safety and protection - generally - 48 (1) An employer must ensure that - (a) if a lifeline is required in a confined space or a restricted space, it is used in a manner that does not create an additional hazard, - (b) the safety and personal protective equipment required under this Code is available to workers entering a confined space or a restricted space, - (c) a worker who enters, occupies or leaves a confined space or restricted space uses the safety and personal protective equipment, - (d) the personal protective equipment and emergency equipment required under this Code is available to workers undertaking rescue operations in a confined space or restricted space, - (e) equipment appropriate to the confined space or restricted space, including personal protective equipment, is available to perform a timely rescue, and - (f) a communication system is established that is readily available to workers in a confined space or a restricted space and is appropriate to the hazards. - 48 (2) An employer must ensure that all personal protective…
[3] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)
Page 149
Open source documentSource excerpt
## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 - (c) alternative means to perform the work to be performed in a confined space that will not require the worker to enter the confined space; and - (d) alterations to the physical characteristics of the confined spaces that may be necessary to ensure safe entrance to and exit from all accessible parts of each confined space. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s18-2. ## Avoidance of entry into hazardous confined space - 18-3 (1) If reasonably practicable, an employer shall use an alternative means to perform work that will not require a worker to enter a hazardous confined space. - (2) An employer shall take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent any unauthorized entry into the confined space. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s18-3. ## Requirements before confined space is entered - 18-4 (1) If a worker will be required or permitted to work in a confined space, an employer, contractor or owner shall, before requiring or permitting the worker to enter the confined space: - (a) ensure that there is a safe entrance to and exit from all accessible parts of the confined space; and - (b) make all practicable alterations to the physical characteristics of the confined space necessary to ensure a safe entrance to and exit from all accessible parts of the confined space. - (2) In making alterations pursuant to clause (1) (b), an employer shall ensure that the structural integrity of the confined space is maintained. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s18-4. ## Requirements before hazardous confined space is entered - 18-5 (1) Before a worker is required or permitted to enter a confined space, an employer shall appoint a competent person: - (a) to assess the hazards; - (b) if a hazardous atmosphere has been identified, to test the atmosphere of the confined space for: - (i) oxygen enrichment or deficiency; - (ii) the presence of flammable or explosive substances; and - (iii) the presence and hazardous concentration of…
[4] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)
Page 150
Open source documentSource excerpt
## S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 - (c) to determine whether: - (i) work activities or processes will result in the release of toxic, flammable or explosive concentrations of any substances during the worker's occupation of the confined space; - (ii) measures have been taken to ensure that a worker will not drown or become entrapped in any liquid or free-flowing solid present in the confined space; - (iii) the entry of any liquid, free-flowing solid or hazardous substance into the confined space in a quantity that could endanger the health or safety of the worker has been prevented; - (iv) all energy sources that present a hazard to a worker entering into, exiting from or occupying the confined space have been locked out, with the energy sources being put in a zero energy state; - (v) any hazards from biological substances are present in the confined space; and - (vi) the opening for entry into and exit from the confined space is sufficient to allow safe passage of a worker who is using personal protective equipment required by these regulations. - (2) When testing the atmosphere of a confined space pursuant to clause (1) (b), a competent person shall use appropriate and properly calibrated instruments that have been tested to ensure that the instruments are capable of operating safely and effectively. - (3) A competent person who carries out the activities described in clauses (1) (a) to (c) shall prepare a report in writing that sets out: - (a) the results of the assessment, tests and determinations; - (b) recommended special precautions and procedures to reduce the risk to a worker that are to be followed by a worker entering into, exiting from or occupying the confined space; and - (c) recommended personal protective equipment to be used by a worker entering the confined space. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s18-5. ## Notice if no hazard found - 18-6 If a confined space is not identified as a hazar…
[5] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)
Page 153
Open source documentSource excerpt
## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 - (4) An employer shall ensure that a worker in a hazardous confined space is attended by and in communication with another worker who: - (a) has been adequately trained in the rescue procedures mentioned in clause 18-7(2) (g); - (b) is stationed and remains at the entrance to the confined space unless replaced by another adequately trained worker; and - (c) is equipped with a suitable alarm to summon assistance. - (5) If entrance to a hazardous confined space is from the top: - (a) an employer shall ensure that: - (i) a worker uses a full-body harness and, if appropriate, is attached to a lifeline; - (ii) if a lifeline is used, the lifeline is attended by another worker who is adequately trained in the rescue procedures mentioned in clause 18-7(2) (g); and - (iii) if reasonably practicable, a mechanical lifting device is available to assist with a rescue and is located at the entry to the confined space while a worker is in the confined space; or - (b) an employer shall ensure that an alternate method of rescue is developed and implemented if the use of a full-body harness or lifeline would create an additional hazard. - (6) If any flammable or explosive dusts, gases, vapours or liquids are or may be present in a hazardous confined space, an employer shall ensure that all sources of ignition are eliminated or controlled. - (7) An employer shall ensure that: - (a) equipment necessary to rescue workers is readily available at the entrance to the hazardous confined space and used in accordance with the rescue procedures developed pursuant to clause 18-7(2) (g); - (b) the holder of a class A qualification in first aid is available to provide immediate first aid; and - (c) personnel who are trained in the rescue procedures developed pursuant to clause 18-7(2) (g) and who are fully informed of the hazards in the confined space are readily available to assist in a rescue proced…
[6] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)
Page 152
Open source documentSource excerpt
## S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 ## Purging and ventilating of unsafe atmosphere - 18-8 (1) In addition to the requirements of section 25-11, if a concentration of a toxic, flammable or explosive substance is present or an oxygen enrichment or deficiency exists in a hazardous confined space, an employer shall ensure that the hazardous confined space is: - (a) purged and ventilated before a worker is allowed to enter the space, so that: - (i) any hazard associated with a toxic, flammable or explosive substance is reduced to the extent that is possible or eliminated; and - (ii) an oxygen content of not less than 19.5% and not more than 23% is ensured; and - (b) continuously ventilated at all times during which the worker occupies the hazardous confined space, to maintain a safe atmosphere. - (2) If ventilation is used to reduce or eliminate a hazard pursuant to subsection (1), an employer shall ensure that a competent person tests the atmosphere to determine that the confined space is safe for entry by a worker: - (a) before a worker enters the confined space; - (b) if all workers have vacated the confined space, before any worker re-enters the confined space; - (c) on the request of a worker who is required or permitted to enter the confined space; and - (d) continuously if any condition in the confined space may change and put the worker's health or safety at risk. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s18-8. ## Precautions if safe atmosphere not possible - 18-9 (1) If a hazardous confined space cannot be purged and ventilated to provide a safe atmosphere or a safe atmosphere cannot be maintained pursuant to section 18-8, an employer shall ensure that no work is carried on in the confined space except in accordance with the requirements of this section and section 25-11. - (2) An employer shall ensure that a competent person continuously monitors the atmosphere in a hazardous confined space. - (3) An employer shall ensure …
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