Work in confined spaces present a number of unseen risks & can be extremely hazardous. This presentation details all of the precautions required to reduce these risks to an acceptable level and allow work to be carried out safely.

1. OILANDGASDOCS.COM
SAFETY IN CONFINED
SPACES
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2. INTRODUCTION
• Many workers are injured and killed each year while
working in confined spaces. An estimated 60% of the
fatalities have been among the would-be rescuers. A
confined space can be more hazardous than regular
workspaces for many reasons.
• Confined space work is high risk, and you must follow
a safe system of work which should be developed
through risk assessment, method statement, control
measures and permits to work. Those involved need
to have the correct training and instruction so that
they can carry out the work safely.
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3. • A Confined Space is an enclosed or partially enclosed
space at atmospheric pressure during occupancy which
has limited openings for entry and exit and is not
intended/ designed as a normal place of work. Those
spaces where entry of at least head and shoulders is
possible are even considered as Confined Space.
CONFINED SPACE INCLUDES THOSE CASES WHERE
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY:
• There is a risk of accumulation of contaminants/
toxicants/ dusts/ vapours/ gases, which are flammable or
hazardous to health.
• Access or exit or both might be physically restricted
• There is a limited natural ventilation with limited or
difficult emergency evacuation possibilities.
• Risk of oxygen deficiency or its excessiveness exists.
• Engulfment of workers may be caused due to
fire/explosion or asphyxiation or intoxication or all of
these.
WHAT IS A CONFINED SPACE
• A CONFINED SPACE INCLUDES BUT IS NOT
LIMITED TO.
• Process Vessels/Equipment
• Product Tanks/Silos.
• Columns.
• Boilers.
• Furnaces.
• Large Pipes.
• Tunnels.
• Flues/stacks.
• Manholes/ Sumps.
• Any Excavation/pits exceeding depth of 1.2 metres.
• Roof Tops of Floating Roof Tanks.
• Artificial or natural trenches.
• Exchanger shell/channel heads.
• Material-carrying tankers/ mobile equipment.
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4. • The hazards in confined spaces include but not limited to:
• Asphyxiation resulting from oxygen deficiency in the
breathing air.
• Contamination of the breathing air by substances
hazardous to health.
• Fire or explosion resulting from accumulations of
flammable vapour or dust.
• Fire resulting from the presence of flammable solids or
liquids within the space or from enhancement of the
oxygen content of the atmosphere.
• Persons being trapped in the event of accident or loss of
consciousness.
• Poisoning by harmful substances inside.
• Thermal effects (heat and cold), noise, vibration, radiation
and fatigue.
• Static charge build-up due to mechanical cleaning such as
abrasive cleaning.
HAZARDS IN CONFINED SPACES
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5. SAFE WORKING PRACTICES
• Entry into a Confined Space, for whatever purpose,
should be considered only after all reasonably
practicable steps to deal with the problem in some
other way have failed. Entry into a Confined Space
must only be allowed after evaluation of all related
hazards and verification that acceptable conditions for
entry into the Confined Space exist.
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6. Confined space entry planning chart
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Is risk acceptable
Identify safer
engineering/administra
tive controls
Performing Authority
Requests Confined Space
Gas Tester
Carries out Gas Tests
Are results within
criteria for entry
without BA
Risk Assessment Team
Re-examine controls to improve
atmosphere in Vessel
Gas Tester
Signs Entry Permit to signify safe to enter without BA
Extra Controls successful
Planning Process identifies need to work in Confined Space
Isolating Authority prepares Positive Isolation for Confined Space Entry Approved by Area Authority
Area Authority sets up Team to Perform Level 2 Risk Assessment to Define Controls to minimise risk to ALARP
Gas Tester
Carries out Gas Tests against
the Entry with BA criteria
YES
NO
YES
Performing Authority
applies for Permit to
Work incorporating
controls identified in Risk
Assessment
Area
Authority
Issues
PTW
Performing Authority
Accepts PTW, puts in
place all the controls and
carries out Toolbox talk
with workforce
Work performed to original scope
and with all the controls in place
If Work Scope or conditions in
the confined space change
Stop work and go back to a New
Risk Assessment
Are results within
the criteria for
entry with BA
Gas Tester
Signs Entry Permit to
signify safe to enter
only with BA
Performing Authority applies for Permit to Work
incorporating controls identified in Risk
Assessment plus additional controls required
by use of BA
Area Authority Issues PTW
Performing Authority Accepts PTW, puts in
place all the controls and carries out Toolbox
talk with workforce
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO

7. SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D
• Before working in a confined space, there are
several steps that need to be taken to ensure
this can be carried out safely.
• The first step should always be to carry out a
detailed Task Risk Assessment or JSA, and
observe Hierarchy of Controls:
• Eliminate
• Substitute
• Engineering control:
• Administrative control:
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• The engineering control commonly used in
confined spaces is mechanical ventilation.
• The Entry Permit system is an example of an
administrative control used in confined
spaces.
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8. SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D
• On a typical plant or offshore installation,
there is a wide variety of confined spaces,
each with separate hazards.
• Generic TRA’s/JSA’s are not adequate and
should not be accepted.
• Similarly, rescue plans need to be specific to
the confined space.
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9. SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D
HAZARDS TO CONSIDER DURING THE
JSA/TRA PROCESS
• Poor Air Quality
• Hazards From Asphyxiants e.g., Nitrogen,
Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide.
• Chemical Exposures
• Fire And Explosion Hazard
• Physical Hazards – Noise, Heat/Cold,
Radiation, Vibration, Electrical, & Inadequate
Lighting.
• Safety Hazards Such As Moving Parts Of
Equipment, Structural Hazards, Engulfment,
Entanglement, Slips, Falls
• Visibility
• Access Restrictions

10. • CONFINED SPACE PREPARATIONS
• As part of Risk Assessment, identify the
hazards involved, analyse them and then
make the confined space safe to enter before
issuing the PTW, using the following or other
necessary steps as applicable.
• Process Isolation: Closing valves for non-
hazardous cases, blinding, disconnecting
pipes etc.
• All isolations must be Locked, Tagged, and
entered into the isolation register.
• The isolation certificate must be attached to
the PTW.
• All isolations must be physically checked and
verified prior to PTW issue.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D

11. • CONFINED SPACE PREPARATIONS
• Equipment Preparation:
• Depressurisation,
• Draining,
• Purging & Ventilation.
• All harmful substances/ fluids must be
removed.
• Inerting: Nitrogen purge, steaming out, water
flushing. All entrapment areas must be freed
from combustible, toxic/harmful gas.
• Other Isolations: Electrical, Mechanical,
Instrumentation.
• Miscellaneous: Sealing/covering of drains in
the vicinity, implementation of all applicable
lockouts, warning and tagging.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D

12. Air quality
All available manways should be opened to
allow for ventilation of the space.
This is usually carried out over a 24-hr. period.
Gases vary in density, and can be lighter,
heavier, or the same as air.
For this reason, for the initial gas test, all
sections of the confined space must be tested,
side to side and top to bottom.
This is the only way to ensure acceptable air
quality.
Gas testing should be done from outside of the
space whenever possible.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D

13. GAS TESTING
• If remote testing is not possible, and the
tester has to enter the space to carry out the
test, the following requirements must be in
place:
• The tester is wearing full Breathing Apparatus
(or airline BA) with a full-face mask (positive
pressure).
• The tester is attached to a lifeline which is
attended by an authorized Standby person.
• A Permit covers the entry.
• Rescue Plan must provide back-up supply of
air from SCBA.
• The table opposite shows the acceptable
atmospheric readings.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D
Gas Content Acceptable Range
 Oxygen (02) in %age  20 –21%
 H2S in ppm  0 (Nil)
 Combustible in %age of LEL (Lower
Explosive Limit)
 0 (Nil). If not achievable, refer
to the applicable PTW
System.
The following contaminants are tested if JSA calls for it. Values are subject to
change as per JSA and recommendations of Industrial Hygienist and Safety
Officer.
 Benzene  0.5 ppm max
 SO2 • 2 ppm max
 Mercaptan  0.5 ppm max

14. PTW ISSUE
• Once all preparations have been completed,
checked and verified the PTW can be issued.
The following must be covered:
• Limitation and control of the number of
persons who may be within the space at any
time by specifying on PTW and the
associated CS Certificate.
• Notification to Safety personnel when
required.
• Only under exceptional circumstances,
personnel will be permitted to work in a
Confined Space using airline. All efforts must
first be made to make the Confined Space
atmosphere safe to work in without the need
for airline equipment.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D

15. SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D
PTW ISSUE
• The PTW must include the following
information:
• Description of work.
• Result of gas test.
• Gas test required: Periodic or continuous.
• Isolation Certificate number.
• Safety Equipment required: PPE. Escape
Breathing Apparatus etc.
• Special precautions: Non-sparking Tools. Low
Voltage Lights etc.
• Specify number of persons permitted in the
confined space at any time.

16. All confined space works require a rescue plan to be
completed, and this should be attached to the PTW.
The Rescue Plan should include:
• Confined Space Name/Location.
• Entry Attendant.
• On-Site Rescue Personnel/Designation.
• Methods of Communication.
• Methods of Rescue.
• Rescue Equipment Requirements.
• Rescue Equipment Inspections.
• Medical Equipment Requirements.
• Additional PPE Requirements.
• Description of Space.
• Diagram of Space.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D

17. Prior to entry and/or work in the confined space:
• The supervisor will ensure that the attached “on-
site rescue plan” for the confined space has been
completed and that all the rescue equipment
identified in the plan is available to affect a rescue
in the confined space.
• The supervisor will ensure that an adequate
number of appropriately trained persons (as
documented in the attached “on-site rescue plan”)
are available for immediate implementation of the
rescue procedures that apply to the confined
space.
• The supervisor will review all emergency
procedures, including procedures relating to
emergencies outside the confined space with all
entrants and other related personnel.
• The attendant establishes communication with all
workers, using the means described in the
attached on-site rescue plan.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D

18. On entry and while working in the confined space:
• The attendant who is stationed outside and near the
entrance to the confined space as described in the
attached “on-site rescue plan” remains in constant
communication with all workers inside the confined
space.
• The attendant must be notified immediately if an
entrant recognises:
• Unusual action/ behaviour or an unexpected hazard
• An unsafe act or detects a condition prohibited by the
permit
• Entrants must exit the confined space as quickly as
possible, when:
• An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or
supervisor
• An entrant recognizes a sign or symptom of over-
exposure
• An unacceptable condition arises, or an evacuation
alarm is activated.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D
• In the event of a confined space rescue:
• The attendant does not enter the confined space but
immediately summons a rescue response from the
on-site rescue team, using the prescribed means of
communication.
ALWAYS CONSULT WITH THE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
DEPARTMENT AND HSE WHEN
DEVELOPING RESCUE PLANS

19. The Confined Space Attendant is responsible
for keeping an entry log.
• This log must record:
• Confined space location/identification No.
• Date.
• Attendant's name.
• Gas test device serial number
• All personnel who enter the confined space.
• The entrants training status.
• Time in and time out of each entrant.
• Time and results of periodic gas tests.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D

20. NORMAL EXIT FROM THE CONFINED SPACE
• Each occupant is logged out on the confined
space entry log by the attendant After all
occupants are out and have been logged out
the attendant shall check if any person is left
inside.
• The attendant shall then leave the designated
manhole.
• The manhole must not be closed or boxed up
under any circumstances. Only on completion
of all works can this be done.
• The entrance to the confined space must be
left with appropriate warning signs.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D

21. Maintenance of safe atmospheric conditions
• Natural ventilation is usually not reliable or
sufficient to maintain the air quality. Mechanical
ventilation (blowers, fans) is usually necessary to
maintain air quality.
• If mechanical ventilation is provided, there should
be a warning system in place to immediately notify
the worker in the event of a hazard or a failure in
the ventilation equipment.
• Care should be taken to make sure the air being
provided by the ventilation system to the confined
space is 'clean' throughout the entire space.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D
• Ease of air movement throughout the confined space
should be considered because of the danger of
pockets of toxic gases still remaining even with the
use of mechanical ventilation.
• Do not substitute oxygen for fresh air. Increasing the
oxygen content will significantly increase the risk of
fire and explosion.
• The use of mechanical ventilation should be noted on
the entry permit.
• Ensure air being removed from the confined space is
exhausted away from workers on the outside.

22. TRAINING
All personnel taking part in the confined space
works will need to undergo various training
programs:
• Confined Space Safety Awareness.
• Confined Space Attendant/Stand By Man.
• Confined Space Supervisor.
• Gas Testing.
• Confined Space Rescue.
• Use Of SCBA.
• Use Of Escape BA.
• Use Of Airline BA.
• 1st Aid.
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES CONT’D

23. • Working in confined spaces should be
thoroughly planned utilising the input of all
disciplines.
• TRA’s/JSA’s must be detailed and thorough,
identifying all possible hazards and controls.
• The workforce must be thoroughly briefed on
the requirements of TRA/JSA.
• Adequate supervision must be in place
throughout the works.
• Tests and inspections of Safety equipment
must be up to date.
• Gas detectors must have valid calibration
certificates.
• Training certificates must be up to date.
SUMMARY
• Notify emergency response dept prior to
commencement of work.
• Notify site medic prior to commencement of
work.
• Ensure space is left clear of all
tools/materials/waste at the end of each
working shift.
• Ensure space is left in a safe condition after
each shift.
• Ensure PTW is returned to the permit office
at the end of each shift.

24. ACCESS
• Personnel access clear of obstructions?
• Stairways, ladders, platforms comply with site
requirements?
• Confined Space signage in place at access
point?
• Confined Space Entry training of Permit
Workers is verified?
RISK ASSESSMENT
• JHA covers scope of work?
• Other activities will not impact on Confined
space entry?
• Permit workers identified and agree to JHA and
all permit conditions
• Atmospheric testing / monitoring requirements
are clearly defined / conducted?
• Temperature within confined space assessed /
controlled?
• Ventilation requirements clearly defined?
SUMMARY CONT’D
• Confined space ventilated to remove residual gas?
• Plant / machinery exhaust emissions impact assessed
and controlled?
• Incoming lines verified as being isolated and tagged?
• Isolation list provided?
• Entry / Exit Log in place?
• Lighting provided / adequate?
• Routing of leads/hoses does not create hazards?
• Communication system provided / meets
requirements?
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
• Platforms / lifting davits / extraction gear in place and
suitable for rescue?
• Initial entry inspection of emergency set up conducted
by Permit Holder?
• Clear access for emergency vehicle to confined space
vicinity provided?
• Site Emergency Channel radio check process in
place?

25. • Companies that will engage in confined
space works should have in place adequate
documentation:
• PTW Procedure.
• LOTO Procedure.
• Blinding Procedure.
• Confined Space Entry Procedure.
• Emergency Response Plan.
SUMMARY CONT’D

26. SUMMARY
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