This document discusses confined space hazards and safety. It defines a confined space as a space large enough for entry, with limited entry/exit, and not meant for continuous occupancy. Common confined spaces include tanks, silos, and sewers. Hazards include hazardous atmospheres, engulfment, inwardly converging walls, and electrical/mechanical dangers. Employers must evaluate worksites, develop confined space programs, train employees, and provide proper safety equipment. Permits are required for entry and must specify individual roles and training. Rescue procedures, equipment, and training are also required.

1. Chuck Durham
Industrial Hygienist
durc235@lni.wa.gov
Confined Space
Hazard Awareness
WAC 296-809

2. • What is a Confined Space
• Confined Space Hazards
• Do’s and Don’ts
• Controlling hazards
Objectives

3. NIOSH “FACE” Study
For confined space fatal incidents:
 Locations types include:
 31% tanks, 26% vats/pits, and 27% sewers
 36% involved multiple victims
 79% hazardous atmospheres
• 43% had oxygen deficient atmospheres
• 29% had toxic atmospheres
• 7% had flammable atmospheres
 21% involved physical hazards

4. What is The Definition of a
Confined Space
WAC 296-809-100

5. A Confined Space
 Large enough for the whole
body to enter and work, and
 Has limited or restricted
means for entry or exit, and
 Is not designed for
continuous employee
occupancy
Is a space that is all of the following:

6. Non-Permit Confined Space
WAC 296-809-20002
 Is a confined space that does not contain actual
hazards or potential hazards capable of causing
death or serious physical harm.

7. Hazards found Within Confined
Space s
Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous
atmosphere, toxic gases, fumes and vapors
Contains a material with potential for engulfing
or causing asphyxiation
Internal configuration that could allow someone
entering to be trapped by inwardly converging walls
or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a
smaller cross-section
Contains any physical hazard such electrical or
mechanical or any other recognized serious safety
and health hazard.

8. Confined Spaces That You May
Be Familiar With
 Silos
 Grain bins
 Well shafts
 Chemical tanks
 Cold storage rooms
 Hopper rail cars
 Truck tanks
 Sewers

9. Do’s and Don’ts
 Evaluate the worksite for confined spaces
 Develop a written program
 Train employees
 Provide safety equipment
 Test the atmosphere if necessary

10. Confined Space Don’ts
 Don’t enter unless you have to
 Don’t enter without a permit
 Don’t enter without proper PPE
 Don’t enter without proper training
 Don’t operate in or around confined spaces with
equipment that could cause sparks

11. Controlling Hazards In Permit-
Required Confined Space
Limit employee access to confined
spaces by using entry barriers or
locks.
Post warning signs at the entrance
of confined spaces.
Make sure that unauthorized workers
do not enter the confined space.

12. Controlling Hazards (cont).
Written program
Complete a permit for each entry
Extensive employee training
Employee assigned duties

13. Controls (cont.)
Drain or pump out liquid contents,
if any.
Blank off all in-feeding lines.
Air test and ventilate.
Continue ventilating constantly.
If possible, remove any sludge
deteriorate from inside the
confined space.
Exit space if conditions change

14. Entry Permit
Describes each individual’s roles
and responsibilities,
Specifies safety equipment
and respiratory protection,
Tells how long the job will take,
States hazards found in the space
includes atmospheric monitoring.

15. Training
WAC 296-809-400
 Before first assigned duty
 Before any changes in assigned duty
 Whenever there is a change in the PRCS
 Any deviations from the PRCS procedures
 Inadequacies in employee’s knowledge or
use of procedures
 Annually for rescue team members

16. Rescue and Emergency Services
WAC 296-809-50014

17. Rescue and Emergency Service
1) Arrange for rescue
service from an outside
source.
2) Arrange for your own
employees to provide
rescue.
3) Provide for non-entry
rescue.
Non-Entry rescue is preferred

18. Rescue Training and Practice

19. Rescue Equipment

20. Where do I go to find additional
information?
 http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/rules/confinedspace
 www.cdc.gov/niosh
 www.osha.gov/

21. DOSH Consultation
 Safety & health program review and worksite
evaluation
 Free
 Confidential
 By employer invitation only
 No citations
 No penalties
 Letter explains findings
 Follow-up all serious hazards
 Risk Management assistance
 Workshops, classes & video library

22. Questions