Safe Work Procedures for Confined Space

1. Planning Before allowing the workers into a confined space, the WSH Officer/ Supervisors/ CSA shall check the following: o Workers are aware of the hazards and are trained on wearing the PPE (i.e air breathing apparatus, safety harness) and emergency proceedings. Oxygen level within 19.5% to 23.5% by volume. The level of flammable gases vapors or dusts are present at a concentration less than 10% of their lower explosive limit (LEL) The toxic airborne level does not exceed the permissible exposure level. The test interval should not exceed by 8 hours. Testing to be conducted throughout the entire area with a properly calibrated instrument. The test interval should not exceed by 8 hours. Where applicable, at least one worker in the confined space is equipped with a suitable gas monitoring device. Materials (which include tools) that will give rise to toxic/ hazardous/ flammable gas or fire are removed or rendered safe to use in confined space Adequate ventilation and lighting (at least 50 lux) will be provided during the course of work. Adequate means of ingress/ egress are provided. Availability of suitable belts, ropes and reviving apparatus and oxygen (these should have been thoroughly examined once a month) To review and assess the need to continue with the entry into a confined space on a daily basis All confined spaces including any equipment that constitutes a confined space shall be clearly identified, documented and labeled.

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Warning signs shall be displayed at or near very access point to a confined space. Any unsafe condition shall be removed before any work starts.

If the above conditions are satisfied, the WSH Officer/ Supervisors/ CSA shall approach the PM/ PIC who shall then allow the workmen to start work in the confined space. 2) Approval of Entry Permit Display of Entry Permit Entry permit after approval shall be displayed conspicuously at the entrance of the confined space. Display of Name Tag The name of number tag must be displayed at entrance before entering the confined space.

3) Monitoring and Record Keeping Working groups shall provide proper local exhaust ventilation or general ventilation to remove excess CO2, oxides of nitrogen, etc, which may arise during operation in confined space like welding, cutting, burning, solvent, paint coating etc. Working groups shall assign an attendant who shall be stationed outside the confined space. The attendant shall keep tract of identity/ number of entrants. Attendant shall monitor the activities in and around the space and shall make effective/ continuous communication with the entrants. The PM/ PIC shall formulate an emergency response team, first aid team and shall keep them alert during the work in progress. The workers shall observe the following while carrying out works in the confined space. o o Never smoke in confined space Always maintain communication with attendant while working in a confined space Never use defective electrical connection/ tools which may cause fire

Never enter into a confined space if there is inadequate lighting Ensure that lighting is adequate Take your food outside the confined space Never stay/ rest in a confined space.

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The WSH Officer/ Supervisors/ CSA shall ensure that no work is in process or started without prior permission from the PM/ PIC. In case of any incident, attendant outside the confined space shall immediately inform the emergency response team/ PM. PM shall take the appropriate measure as per emergency preparedness and response procedure. After the job had been completed, the workers shall report to the WSH Officer/ Supervisors/ CSA. The WSH Officer/ Supervisors/ CSA shall keep the test records i.e, O2 content, presence of toxic or hazardous gas etc (if any) PM shall appoint an attendant to remain outside a confined space, monitor persons entering and remaining in the confined space. Maintain regular contact with the persons in the confined space assist them to evacuation and alert the rescue team in the event of emergency.