of its construction as well as in relation to the nature of work carried therein and where hazards to the persons entering into working inside exist or likely to develop during working
Schedule XIX Pt I, Gujarat Factories Rules 1963
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 2
What is a Confined Space?
Any item of plant, equipment or civil structure
enclosing a space at least large enough for a person to bodily enter, and where dangerous fumes, deficiency in oxygen & other unsafe conditions are liable to be present that can pose acute safety and health hazards
pressure nutche filters, mixers, boilers, big pipelines, large drying ovens
2. Pits, sumps / septic tanks, sewers, manhole,
trenches, shafts, tunnels, ducts
This is an indicative list only
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 4 How to identify a Confined Space?
1. It is large enough and so configured that a person
can bodily enter and perform work 2. There are limited openings for entry & exit 3. Not designed for continuous occupancy 4. Favorable natural ventilation does not exist 5. Holes on ground with more than 1 m depth, depending on hazard situation SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 5 Types of Hazards in a Confined Space
There are four types of Hazards:
1. Presence of Hazardous Atmosphere 2. Configuration Hazard 3. Engulfment Hazard 4. Conditions Changing from Non Hazardous to Hazardous while working
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 6
Types of Hazards in a Confined Space
There are four types of Hazards:
1. Presence of Hazardous Atmosphere 2. Configuration Hazard 3. Engulfment Hazard 4. Conditions Changing from Non Hazardous to Hazardous while working
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 7
1. Hazardous Atmosphere
Five types of Hazardous Atmospheres:
a) Oxygen Enriched / depleted b) Presence of Toxic, flammable Gases / liquids c) Temperature Extremes d) Presence of Dust e) Absence of Free flow of air in & out
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 8
1. a) Oxygen Enriched / Depleted
Man can live
• 3 weeks without food • 3 days without water
• only 3 min without oxygen
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 9
1. a) Oxygen Enriched / Depleted
The acceptable range of Oxygen inside a
confined space is between
19.5% to 23.5%
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 10
1. a) Oxygen Enriched / Depleted
Oxygen is required by Human Body to
carryout cellular metabolism
Less Oxygen (<19.5%) – Asphyxiation. Death
More Oxygen (>23.5%) – Faster Combustion
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 11 1. a) Oxygen Enriched / Depleted
Oxygen % Impact on Humans
19.5 Minimum Acceptable Oxygen Level 15 - 19 Decreased ability to work strenuously. Impair Coordination 12 – 14 Respiration rate increases. Poor Judgment 10 – 12 Lips turn Blue. Gasping for breath 8 –10 Mental failure, Nausea, Vomiting, Fainting. 6–8 8 min exposure is fatal, 6 min exposure is 50% fatal, 4-5 min possible recovery 4–6 Coma in 40 seconds. Death SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 12 1. a) Oxygen Enriched / Depleted
Most common reason for Oxygen depletion
which lead to fatality is:
Accidental use of Nitrogen in place of
compressed air for providing forced ventilation into confined space SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 13 1. a) Oxygen Enriched / Depleted
Enriched Oxygen Atmosphere (> 23.5% O2)
can cause flammable & combustible materials to burn quickly & violently when ignited. CAUTION: NEVER USE PURE O2 FOR VENTILATION SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 14 1. b) Toxic, Flammable Gases / Liquids
Handling of chemicals, reactions can lead to
trapping of toxic / flammable gases in a confined space.
Bio decomposition can lead to H2S,
Methane in sewage systems.
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 15
1. b) Toxic, Flammable Gases – H2S
H2S ppm Hours Effect on Humans
10 8 Permissible Exposure Limit
50 – 100 1 Mild irritation of eyes, throat
200 – 300 1 Significant Irritation
500 – 700 ½-1 Unconsciousness, Death
> 1000 Minutes Unconsciousness, Death
0.005 - Odor Threshold Value
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 16
1. b) Toxic, Flammable Gases – CO
CO ppm Hours Effect on Humans
50 8 Permissible Exposure Limit
200 3 Slight headache, discomfort
600 1 Headache, discomfort
1000 – 2000 2 Confusion, nausea, headache
1000 – 2000 1 Tendency to stagger
1000 – 2000 ½ Slight heart palpitation
2000 – 2500 ½ Unconscious
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 17 1. c) Temperature Extremes
• Extremely hot or cold spaces
• Warm spaces decreases working efficiency and can make person tired soon. Prone to more mistakes • Humidity Factors. Increased Fatigue • Steam heating while cleaning
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 18
1. d) Presence of Dust
• Sensitizing, toxic dusts
• Hampers visibility & work • Breathing difficulties
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 19
1. e) Absence of free air flow
• Confined space not designed for permanent
worker occupancy • After readying, the space should maintain the characteristics while work is going. Entrant exhales carbon dioxide • Hence free flow of fresh air is required in & out of the vessel • Lack of it can lead to build of hazardous atmosphere SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 20 Types of Hazards in a Confined Space
There are four types of Hazards:
1. Presence of Hazardous Atmosphere 2. Configuration Hazard 3. Engulfment Hazard 4. Conditions Changing from Non Hazardous to Hazardous while working
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 21
2. Configuration Hazard
Examples of configuration Hazards:
1. Agitators in reaction vessels 2. Slicks, wet surfaces. Slippery to work 3. Very narrow openings that inhibit emergency evacuation 4. Surface configuration such that toxic residues stick and cleaning prior to entry is difficult 5. Falling objects with top opening vessels. SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 22 2. Configuration Hazard
Configuration Hazards are determined by the
structure of the confined space and devices / equipments connected to it. It is space / equipment specific & hence difficult to list. All such hazards shall be assessed by visiting the activity site and appropriate preventive measures shall be taken.
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 23
Types of Hazards in a Confined Space
There are four types of Hazards:
1. Presence of Hazardous Atmosphere 2. Configuration Hazard 3. Engulfment Hazard 4. Conditions Changing from Non Hazardous to Hazardous while working
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 24
3. Engulfment Hazard
Engulfment is when the entrant is fully
drowned / trapped by falling material, thereby suffocating him. Examples are: 1. A well digger is engulfed by falling sand 2. Powder stored in a hopper above can fill reactor 3. Flooding of confined space
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 25
Types of Hazards in a Confined Space
There are four types of Hazards:
1. Presence of Hazardous Atmosphere 2. Configuration Hazard 3. Engulfment Hazard 4. Conditions Changing from Non Hazardous to Hazardous while working
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 26
4. Changing conditions of space
As work proceeds, the condition of the
confined space alters, either due to work or due to presence of the entrant inside: 1. While welding toxic fumes are generated 2. Generation of dust, fumes while scraping or cleaning 3. Human beings exhale CO2 whose concentration can increase, depleting oxygen SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 27 Prepare space FIT for entry
1. Hazards have a potential to acutely affect the
entrant and cause injury, even death 2. The entrant must be assured that the confined space has been made safe for entry 3. This process must be controlled through “work permit” and the entry must be approved by competent persons only
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 28
Confined Space Entry: 5 STEPS
1. Assessment through Work Permit
2. Preparation & Certification for entry 3. Precautions while entering 4. Completion & Permit Closure 5. Training
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 29
Confined Space Entry: 5 STEPS
1. Assessment through Work Permit
2. Preparation & Certification for entry 3. Precautions while entering 4. Completion & Permit Closure 5. Training
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 30
1. Assessment through Work Permit
a) Assessment shall be done by authorised person who
is conversant with the process & engineering aspects of the confined space after a visit to the location b) Assess the necessity of entry. Can the intended work be done without entry? c) If entry is necessary, decontamination requirement, isolation requirement must be specified on permit for implementation d) Precautions to be taken while entry must be listed in the permit along with PPE requirement
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 31
Confined Space Entry: 5 STEPS
1. Assessment through Work Permit
2. Preparation & Certification for entry 3. Precautions while entering 4. Completion & Permit Closure 5. Training
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 32
2. Preparation & Certification for Entry
a) Permit must be correctly and accurately filled. The
location details, purpose for entry and validity period must be clearly mentioned b) No entry shall be allowed without the permit c) A permit shall not be valid for more than 8 hours d) Entry can begin only after the sign of and approval by the authorized person e) Permit should be closed at the end of work f) Names of entrant & standby person to be mentioned in permit along with required PPE for entry SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 33 2. Preparation & Certification for Entry
g) Discontinue Processing in the confined space
h) Isolate of confined space from all process & material incoming lines. Physically disconnect or at least provide tail blind i) If agitators exist, then de energize through electrical lock out. Display cards at place of work & MCC room j) Clean the space thoroughly and remove all materials liable to present a hazard k) Ventilate the space with fresh, uncontaminated air. Ventilate at the rate of at least 4 volumes per hour SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 34 2. Preparation & Certification for Entry
l) Test the atmosphere for oxygen concentration &
absence of other hazardous fumes. Record observations in permit m) Test all areas of confined space. Gases heavier than air tend to concentrate at bottoms and vice versa n) As far as possible, avoid use of breathing apparatus as it becomes cumbersome in emergencies. Level of cleaning must ensure this o) Ensure the entry hole is sufficient for the person to enter
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 35
Confined Space Entry: 5 STEPS
1. Assessment through Work Permit
2. Preparation & Certification for entry 3. Precautions while entering 4. Completion & Permit Closure 5. Training
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 36
3. Precautions while entering
a) The entrant must be a trained person. He must be
aware of hazards and precautions associated with work. b) A Rescue attendant be provided who will keep a watch on the entrant and who will respond in case of any emergency to the entrant. c) Rescue attendant must be conversant with emergency procedures d) A safety harness (belt) to be worn by the entrant to extricate in case of emergency
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 37
3. Precautions while entering
e) Recommended PPE must be worn.
f) Ensure adequate fresh air is supplied during entry g) Avoid self breather apparatus as it enhances combustibility hazards. First choice is Air mask with fresh air connection h) Ensure availability of emergency equipment nearby i) While entry, if there is a need to test the space, it should be done
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 38
Confined Space Entry: 5 STEPS
1. Assessment through Work Permit
2. Preparation & Certification for entry 3. Precautions while entering 4. Completion & Permit Closure 5. Training
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 39
4. Completion & Permit Closure
a) In case of extension, the safety measures taken
must be reconfirmed & entry must be re approved b) Oxygen check must be done afresh after an interruption c) At the end of the work, the permit must be closed and signed off d) Before taking the space back for processing, confirm the absence of people in confined space and then close the same SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 40 Confined Space Entry: 5 STEPS
1. Assessment through Work Permit
2. Preparation & Certification for entry 3. Precautions while entering 4. Completion & Permit Closure 5. Training
SHE Training Series, Atul Limited 41
5. Training
a) Training to Entrant on all the likely hazards and
about his responsibilities b) Training to Rescue attendant on the same and also on emergency procedures c) Training to Authorised persons (permit issuers) on Hazard assessment and also on above d) Training records must be available