Program Overview

The FSU written program describes procedures departments and individuals who enter a confined space must follow for safe entry operations.

Training Requirements

Training is required for employees who must enter confined spaces.

Training is required for all attendants, entry supervisors, and rescue team members.

Training must be completed prior to initial work assignment.

Those involved with confined space entry must have an understanding of the hazards in the permit space and the methods used to isolate and control the hazards.

What is a Confined Space?

What is a Confined Space?

​Examples of non-permit required confined spaces might include the interiors of HVAC units, certain air plenums and pipe chases, attics, walk-in freezers or refrigerators, and some building crawl spaces.

What is a Confined Space?

Most confined spaces are not designed for employees to enter and work on a routine basis. They may be designed to store a product, enclose materials and processes, or transport products or substances. Because they are not designed for continuous occupancy, frequently they will not have good ventilation or lighting. Therefore, occasional employee entry for inspection, maintenance, repair, cleanup, or similar tasks can be difficult and dangerous.

What is a Permit-Required Confined Space?

A Permit-Required Confined Space (Permit Space) includes the confined space description previously described and one or more of the following characteristics:

1. Contains, or has a potential to contain, a hazardous atmosphere
2. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant ​
3. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly-converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section
4. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard

What is a Permit-Required Confined Space?

Examples of other recognized serious safety or health hazard include:

Because of the lack of ventilation in most confined spaces, there may be the potential for a hazardous atmosphere. Therefore, the space must be designated permit-required, and the procedures for making entry into a permit-required space must be followed.

Examples of Permit-Confined Spaces

Permit Vs Non-Permit Confined Space

Confined Space vs Permit Required Confined Space

Which of the following are characteristics of a confined space?

1. Large enough to enter
Incorrect
2. Is not designed for continuous occupancy
Incorrect
3. Limited means of entry of exit
Incorrect
4. Both a & c
Incorrect
5. All of the above
Correct

Confined Space vs Permit Required Confined Space

Which of the following are characteristics of a permit required confined space?

1. Potential to contain hazardous atmosphere
Incorrect
2. Contains material that engulf entrant
Incorrect
3. Has internal configuration that could cause entrapment or asphyxiation
Incorrect
4. All of the above
Correct

Hazards of Confined Spaces

Identifying Hazards in Confined Spaces

Once a space has been identified as a confined space, the hazards that may be present within the confined space must be identified. Confined-space hazards can be grouped into the following categories: ​

1. Oxygen-deficient atmosphere​s
2. Flammable atmospheres ​
3. Toxic atmospheres
4. Mechanical and physical hazards

Every confined space must be evaluated for these four types of hazards. The three types of atmospheric hazards are often the most difficult to identify since they might not be detected without the assistance of a gas monitor.

Hazards of Confined Spaces

Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres

Air normally contains 21 percent oxygen. Oxygen deficiency is created when the oxygen level falls below 19.5 percent. Oxygen deficiency can be caused by:

• Combustion (fire, welding, and operation of internal combustion engines all consume oxygen).
• Formation of rust (consumes oxygen).
• Decomposition of organic matter (consumes oxygen and produces flammable methane gas, which can also displace oxygen).
• Displacement by a heavy gas that has settled in a low-lying space or by another vapor (an inert gas such as argon, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen) used to purge the space.

Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres

Oxygen deficiency impairs judgment and breathing, often making self-rescue difficult or impossible. A severe oxygen deficiency can lead to loss of consciousness and eventual death.

The number of people working in a confined space and the amount of physical activity can also influence oxygen consumption.

Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres

Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres

Flammable Atmospheres

Flammable Atmospheres

The proportions of fuel and oxygen in a mixture must be within the flammable range for this mixture to be readily ignitable.

Remember, the atmosphere inside a confined space can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Also, any ignition source (such as sparks from grinding or welding equipment, static electricity, or unapproved electrical equipment that is not non-sparking or even smoking) can initiate an explosion.

Gases or vapors can only be combustible or explosive between their LEL (lower explosive level) and UEL (upper explosive level). This is called the flammable range. Substances with a wide flammable range are more hazardous since they are readily ignitable over a wider range. However, any concentration of combustible gas or vapor should be of serious concern in a confined space. Workers should be especially careful when ventilating a space containing a gas or vapor above its UEL. In order to reduce the concentration below the LEL, this procedure will first bring the gas or vapor within its flammable range.

Flammable Atmospheres

Combustible gases or vapors can accumulate within a confined space when there is inadequate ventilation. Gases that are heavier than air will accumulate in the lower levels of a confined space. Therefore, it is especially important that atmospheric tests be conducted from the top to the bottom of all confined spaces. The work being conducted in a confined space can have the potential to generate a flammable atmosphere.

Work such as spray-painting, coating, or the use of flammable solvents for cleaning can result in the formation of an explosive atmosphere. Welding or cutting with oxyacetylene equipment can also be the cause of an explosion in a confined space and shall not be allowed without a hot work permit. Oxygen and acetylene hoses may have small leaks in them that could generate an explosive atmosphere and, therefore, should be removed when not in use. The atmosphere shall be tested continuously while any hot work is being conducted within the confined space.

Flammable Atmospheres

Finely powdered dust from combustible materials such as wood, metal, or grain can be fuel for powerful explosions. Dust clouds can develop as a result of handling dusty materials or when solid materials are reduced to smaller particles from processes such as grinding, drilling, or crushing.

Airborne combustible dust at an explosive concentration would obscure vision at a distance of five feet or less.

Toxic Atmospheres

Toxic atmospheres may be present within a confined space as the result of one or more of the following:

• The Product Stored in the Confined Space
  When a product is stored in a confined space, the product can be absorbed by the walls and give off toxic vapors when removed or when cleaning the residual material. The product can also produce toxic vapors that will remain in the atmosphere due to poor ventilation.
• The Work Being Conducted in the Confined Space
  Toxic atmospheres can be generated as the result of work being conducted inside the confined space. Examples of such work include: welding or brazing with metals capable of producing toxic vapors, painting, scraping, sanding, etc. Many of the solvents used for cleaning and/or degreasing produce highly toxic vapors. Vapor release may be accelerated by wall scraping and sludge removal from confined spaces.
• Areas Adjacent to the Confined Space
  Toxic fumes, dusts, or vapors produced by processes near the confined space may enter and accumulate in the confined space. For example, if the confined space is lower than the adjacent area and the toxic fume is heavier than air, the toxic fume may "settle" into the confined space.

Toxic Atmospheres

Confined spaces prevent toxic substances from escaping, diluting, or readily dissipating. Instead, substances can become trapped and a buildup occurs, whereby the concentrations of toxic substances reach dangerous levels.

Toxic Atmospheres

Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a “rotten egg” smell.

Hydrogen sulfide is encountered in sewers, sewage treatment plants, and other locations where organic material (dead animals, leaves, etc.) decomposes. It has a distinct odor of rotten eggs at low concentrations but can cause olfactory fatigue (a deadened sense of smell) at high levels. Consequently it may not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. As you descend into a confined space the concentration can be increasing with depth, but your ability to smell is reduced or eliminated. So, you may think since you no longer smell it, it is dissipating, when in fact the concentration is increasing.

Hydrogen sulfide can block respiration, causing rapid loss of consciousness, and possible death.

In general, working in the following areas and conditions increases a worker’s risk of overexposure to hydrogen sulfide:

• Confined spaces (for example pits, manholes, tunnels, wells) where hydrogen sulfide can build up to dangerous levels.
• Windless or low-lying areas that increase the potential for pockets of hydrogen sulfide to form.
• Hot weather that speeds up rotting of organic materials and increases the presence of hydrogen sulfide.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide results from incomplete combustion processes in equipment such as gasoline engines. CO displaces oxygen in the blood and can cause headaches, dizziness, unconsciousness, asphyxiation, and death.

The health effects over time at increasing concentrations in parts per million (PPM) are:

Physical Hazards

A physical hazard is an existing or potential hazard that can cause death or serious physical injury.

Examples include:

• Energy:
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Hydraulic
• Pneumatic
• Radiation
• Noise
• Temperature extremes
• Explosives
• Engulfment
• Other hazards introduced
• Inwardly converging surfaces
• Falls

Physical hazards also include chemicals that can cause death or serious physical damage through skin or eye contact (rather than through inhalation). Problems such as rotating or moving mechanical parts or energy sources can create hazards within a confined space. All rotating or moving equipment such as pumps, process lines, electrical sources, etc., within a confined space must be identified and appropriate safety considerations must be applied (lockout/tagout).

Entrapment and Engulfment Hazards

Entrapment
Examples of entrapment hazards in confined spaces include inwardly converging walls or floors that slope downward and taper to a smaller cross-section (such as air plenums).

Engulfment
This refers to the surrounding or burial of the worker in a liquid or loose, finely divided solid material, such as sand or grain. Such materials can suffocate a worker.

Examples include:

• Flash Flooding
• Steam or water line burst
• Accidental dumping of a product on a worker
• Release of gases such as cryogens that are heavier than air in or around the confined space

Temperature Extremes

Other Hazards

Hazards of Confined Spaces

Which of the following are potential hazards involving confined space entry?

1. Oxygen deficiency
Incorrect
2. Toxic substances
Incorrect
3. Combustible vapors
Incorrect
4. Both b and c
Incorrect
5. All of the above
Correct

Hazards of Confined Spaces

An ignition source like grinding or welding sparks could cause a fire in a confined space.

• True
Correct
• False
Incorrect

Hazards of Confined Spaces

Conditions that may reduce oxygen levels in a confined space?

1. Burning
Incorrect
2. Rusting metal-oxidation
Incorrect
3. Breaking down of plants or garbage
Incorrect
4. All of the above
Correct

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities - Entry Supervisors

Entry Supervisors are responsible for:

• Ensuring that the required atmospheric tests are performed prior to entry authorization
• Obtaining and maintaining all equipment necessary to complete project
• Authorizing entry into the Permit Confined Space
• Terminating the entry and canceling the permit
• Determining whenever responsibility for a permit space entry operation is transferred and at what intervals given the hazards
• Authorizing hot work and completing the Hot Work Permit

Responsibilities - Attendants

Attendants are responsible for:

• Knowing the hazards that may be faced during entry
• Being aware of changes in behavior of authorized entrants due to exposure to hazards
• Continuously maintaining an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit space
• Remaining outside the permit space during entry operations at all times unless relieved by another attendant
• Communicating with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate
• Monitoring activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space
• Implementing the rescue plan

Responsibilities - Attendants

Attendants are responsible for:

• Summoning rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant determines that authorized entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space
Attendants must order entrants to evacuate immediately if any of the following occur:
• There is a prohibited condition
• The entrant exhibits behavioral effects of hazard exposure
• There is a situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants
• The attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all assigned duties
• Warns the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space
• Informs the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the permit space
• Performs no duties that might interfere with the attendant’s primary duty to assess and protect the authorized entrants.

Responsibilities - Entrants

Entrants are responsible for:

• Knowing the hazards that may be present during entry
• Proper use of equipment
• Communication with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to monitor entrant status and to enable the attendant to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space if required
• Alert the attendant whenever:
• The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, or
• The entrant detects a prohibited condition.
• Exiting the permit space as quickly as possible when necessary

Roles and Responsibilities

Which of the below are the Entry Supervisor's responsibilities?

1. Complete the entry permit
Incorrect
2. Alarm and escape procedures
Incorrect
3. Atmospheric testing
Incorrect
4. Both a and b
Correct
5. All of the above
Incorrect

Roles and Responsibilities

Attendants have many responsibilities some of which are: entrant count, safety monitoring, rescue notification, and atmospheric testing.

• True
Correct
• False
Incorrect

Roles and Responsibilities

Entry supervisors must be knowledgeable and responsible for confined space evaluation, trained in entry procedures, knowledgeable of hazards, and lockout/tagout procedures.

• True
Correct
• False
Incorrect

Roles and Responsibilities

Attendants must maintain constant contact with entrants.

• True
Correct
• False
Incorrect

Roles and Responsibilities

Before entry can take place, the entry permit must be signed by:

1. The attendant
Incorrect
2. An authorized person such as the entry supervisor
Incorrect
3. An OSHA representative
Incorrect
4. Both A & B
Correct

Entry Permit

The entry permit authorizes entry to a permit space and identifies:

1. The permit space to be entered;
2. The purpose of the entry;
3. The date and the authorized duration of the entry permit;
4. The authorized entrants;
5. Means of detecting an increase in atmospheric hazard levels;
6. Each person, by name, currently serving as an attendant;
7. The individual, by name, currently serving as entry supervisor, and the signature or initials of each entry supervisor who authorizes entry;
8. The hazards of the permit space to be entered;
9. The measures used to isolate the permit space and to eliminate or control permit space hazards before entry;
10. The rescue and emergency services that can be summoned and the means (such as the equipment to use and the numbers to call) for summoning those services;
11. The communication procedures used by authorized entrants and attendants;
12. Equipment (e.g. PPE, testing equipment, communications equipment, alarm systems, and rescue equipment);
13. Any other information necessary to ensure employee safety; and
14. Any additional permits (e.g. hot work) that have been issued to authorize work in the permit space.

Confined Space Entry Permit (Page 1)

Available for download here

Confined Space Entry Permit (Page 2)

Confined Space Entry Permit (Page 3)

Hot Work Permit

Air Monitoring

Duties of Persons Who Test or Monitor the Atmosphere

Although this important role is not specifically called out in the standard, OSHA has suggested guidelines for the responsibilities of these individuals, as well. They are responsible for:

1. Correctly using the instruments used to monitor or verify the atmosphere of the permit space is safe for entry
2. Verifying the instrument(s) used are calibrated and maintained in accordance with manufacturers' instructions
3. Verifying the instruments used to monitor the permit space are functioning properly
4. Taking appropriate measures in the event a hazardous or prohibited condition is detected

Air Monitoring

Air Monitoring

Air Monitoring

Controls for Atmospheric Hazards

Ventilation

If it is determined that the confined space contains a harmful atmosphere, the next step is to clear it. Ventilation blows out oxygen-deficient or contaminated atmospheres and replaces harmful vapors with clean, fresh air. Make sure to ventilate the space thoroughly so that there are no contaminated pockets left and then test the atmosphere again. Welding, cutting, burning, and continuous brazing generate hazardous fumes and dusts that can be more effectively removed by local exhaust ventilation systems at or near the point of generation.

The use of ventilation helps to:

• Provide adequate oxygen to the air in the space
• Control atmospheric contaminants
• Prevent fire and explosion hazards
• Control heat and humidity

Controls for Atmospheric Hazards

Controls for Physical Hazards

Rescue Techniques

There are 2 types of rescue techniques used at FSU:

Non-entry
For non-entry, a tripod system is normally used.

Entry by others
Only specially trained and equipped personnel with appropriate personal protective equipment can perform an entry rescue.

Rescue Techniques

Confined Space Rescue can require a number of types of equipment to effectively and safely perform a rescue.

Let’s look at some of the equipment that can be used in confined space rescues.

Harness

Tripod System

Winches

Standby / Rescue

The entry supervisor must ensure:

• A rescue can be performed in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified
• A person trained in non-entry rescue is available to perform non-entry rescue if applicable
• If non-entry rescue is not an option that a rescue service is available and aware of the work being performed. The entry supervisor should coordinate with the local fire Department for entry rescue service prior to entering the confined space

50% of workers who die in confined spaces are would-be rescuers.

Rescue Techniques

Rescue Techniques

Rescue Techniques

When the Job is Done

Ensure all personnel, tools, and other equipment are removed from the space. Use the permit to ensure all employees are accounted for.

Once all employees are accounted for and have exited the space, the space can be closed, and the permit cancelled.

Confined Space Entry

Which of the following components would be used to document that effective pre-work has been done before entering a confined space?

1. Preparation
Incorrect
2. Testing
Incorrect
3. Entry permits
Correct
4. Employee training
Incorrect

Confined Space Entry

Which of the following is discussed when an entry team is briefed?

1. Possible hazards
Incorrect
2. Tools to be used
Incorrect
3. Protective gear
Incorrect
4. Both a and c
Incorrect
5. All of the above
Correct

Summary

• Know the difference between confined space and a permit required confined space.
• Only employees who have been trained and authorized may enter a permit required confined space.
• Always and continuously inspect the space for unusual or changing conditions
• Monitor the air and ventilate as necessary
• Exit immediately if the gas monitor signals an alarm or the attendant orders an evacuation
• Never attempt a rescue if it requires entry
• Secure the space when entry is completed
• Close out the confined space entry permit