This document discusses confined spaces and safety precautions. A confined space is closed off or partially enclosed with limited entry/exit points. Working in these spaces poses risks like fire/explosion, hazardous substances, suffocation, poisoning and electrocution. Precautions include identifying hazards, atmospheric testing, ensuring two-person entry with communication, limiting time spent, valid permits, PPE, ventilation, and prohibiting under-18s. Special safety measures are needed for electrical work, moving parts, welding, and using flammable/toxic materials.

1. MODULE 9- CONFINED
SPACES
SAFE COMPANY

2. CONFINED SPACES
Concept: closed off or half-open, often narrow entrance and little room
to move. Means of escape limited. Not suitable to work long periods of
time in.
Risks:
 Fire or explosion (LEL).
 Hazardous substances.
 Suffocation (oxygen between 19,5-23,5%, national requirements)
 Poisoning due to poor ventilation and the limited dimensions
(exposure limits)
 Electrocution (humidity, damp, high temperatures)
 Tripping and falling (wet floors, trailing cables and the lack of room)

3. MEASURES AND
PRECAUTIONS
 Before work: identify the hazards, asses the risk, control measures,
atmosphere testing. Eliminate, substitute, isolate the hazards if
possible.
 Ensure that the confined space is sufficiently accessible, exits
unobstructed, clean and dry and blind flanges. The space must be
warning (signs put in place).
 At least 2 people for activities : one works inside and a safety
standby outside (constant communication, evacuation and rescue).
Never 1 person.
 The amount of time spent as minimum as possible.

4. MEASURES AND
PRECAUTIONS II
 Before starting: valid entry work permit (risks and precautions are
listed)
 No workers under 18 years of age.
 Measuring (regularly and by qualified personnel) the level of oxygen
and the existence of hazardous gases or substances.
 Ensuring an adequate supply of fresh air through a system of
general ventilation or local air extraction. Retest the space after
ventilating.
 Last resort: PPE (mainly respirators but others are used too).

5. SPECIAL CASES
 Using electrical tools: low voltage supply is preferred. The electrical
installations (and the walls) must be earthed properly.
 To keep from tripping and falling: adequate lighting , appropriate
workplace layout and good housekeeping.
 If a confined space contains moving parts: never activated as long
as someone is in the tank.
 Using oxygen or other gas bottles: checking all the hoses for leaks
prior to use.

6. SPECIAL CASES II
 Welding and cutting activities: Remove or cover all flammable
substances. Fire extinguishing equipment. Welding fumes must be
evacuated and electric welders must use a safe voltage supply.
 Using flammable or toxic products: independent respiratory
protection is mandatory. Keeping the space well ventilated.