FIVE HABITS OF SAFE CONFINED SPACE WORKERS

1.Confined space awareness

• Many people who die in confined spaces simply aren’t aware of the potential hazards. An employee is given a job task and they attempt to perform it. The first step in confined space awareness is performing a confined space assessment to identify all permit-required confined spaces and identifying the spaces by signage or employee training. Once performed, employees need to receive awareness training on the potential hazards of confined spaces and your facilities confined space entry requirements.

2.Atmospheric testing of space

• The majority (approximately 56%) of confined space fatalities are caused by inadequate air quality. Insufficient oxygen is the leading cause of death due to atmospheric hazards followed by hydrogen sulfide. Additional hazards include: methane gas; inert gases; sewer gases; as well as carbon monoxide. All potential atmospheric hazards must be identified and the atmosphere tested with a combustible gas meter prior to entry. In addition, the air needs to be retested periodically to verify the air remains safe for personnel.

3.Training for authorized entrants and attendants

• Employees who enter confined spaces (entrants) as well as those serving as the “hole watch” (attendants) need to receive training. This should include a review of confined space hazards; confined space preparation requirements; responsibilities of entrants and attendants; and emergency response

4.Isolating (lockout/tagout) all energy sources

• The lockout/tagout standard is the best OSHA standard ever written. This is especially true with confined space entry work. All hazardous energy sources must be isolated prior to entry. Typical energy sources found in confined spaces include electrical energy,natural gas,methane,steam, inert gas,and chemical feed lines. All energy sources must be properly isolated prior to entry

5.Completing the confined space entry permit

• Notification of a Confined Space Entry must be made to Public Safety and the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad (PFARS). Entry supervisors should complete the online Confined Space Entry Notification Form at least 24 hours before the entry takes place. A Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed for all entries into permit-required confined spaces. The permit must be completed at the entry and must be closed out following completion of the entry. Closed permits must be submitted to your departmental confined space representative for annual review.

Summary : These five habits are essential to ensuring worker safety during confined space entry work. These elements need to be included in your facilities overall written confined space program.