Atmospheric testing in confined spaces

1. Atmospheric Testing in
Confined Spaces
OHS Solutions
4/27/2018

2. Detecting Atmospheric Hazards in Confined
Spaces
• Instrumentation is the only
way to safely detect a
hazardous atmosphere within
a confined space
• Monitoring does not end with
pre-entry testing

3. Common Atmospheric Hazards in Confined
Spaces
• Oxygen Deficiency
• Oxygen Enriched
• Corrosive
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Welding Fume
• Solvents
• Flammable Vapors
• Flammable or Explosive Gasses

4. Instrumentation Used to Assess Atmospheric
Hazards
4 Gas Meter
• Oxygen
• 19.5%-23.5%
• Combustible Gas
• LEL <5%
• Carbon Monoxide
• <25ppm
• Hydrogen Sulfide
• <5ppm
• Toxic Gasses
• <OEL

5. Instrumentation Used to Assess Atmospheric
Hazards
Photoionization Detector (PID)

6. Engineering Controls for Eliminating the Hazard
Ventilation
• Flammable gasses
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Solvents
• Welding Fume
• Dust

7. PPE
• Welding Fume
• Half-face (Air-Purifying) Respirator
• Uses filters, cartridges, or
canisters to remove contaminants
from the air you breathe
• p100 Cartridge
• Oxygen Deficiency or Carbon
Monoxide (CO)
• Supplied Air Respirator
• Provides clean air from an
uncontaminated source
• Solvents
• Refer to SDS; Possible Dermal or
Eye Risk