Confined Spaces - Awareness

Confined Spaces – Part 1
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An Overview of the
WISHA Confined Spaces
Standard

Purpose of This Module
This two-part module provides basic information

for employers about the hazards of confined
spaces, how to control these hazards and what
WISHA requirements apply when employees
enter confined spaces.
Some employers may elect to contract out
confined space work. In those cases, employers
are obligated to fully inform contractors of the
confined space hazards at their facilities.
This overview does not replace the confined
spaces standard. For the complete WISHA
confined space rule requirements, see Confined
Spaces - WAC 296-809.

Confined Spaces Overview
Part 1 of this overview will cover the following:
How to identify a confined space,
Confined space hazards,
How to control or eliminate the

hazards.

Identifying a Confined Space
What is a confined space?

A confined space is an enclosed
space that:
is large enough to get whole

body inside,
is not designed for human

occupation,
has limited or restricted entrance

or exit.
It must have all three characteristics to be a confined space.
Identifying a Confined Space
What is limited or restricted entry or exit?

The ability to easily escape in
an emergency is impeded by
such obstacles as:
a manhole
a small door or opening
a ladder Restricted exit
a long tunnel
In most cases, a trench is not
considered a confined space.
Exit not restricted

Identifying Confined Spaces
*Examples of confined spaces*
Manholes
& Sewers
Tanks
Boilers Grain storage bins
Other examples include vaults, pipelines, tank cars, and ship holds
Hazards of Confined Spaces
Basic Principles
Confined spaces can be deadly.
Some confined spaces are more hazardous
than others.
Confined space conditions can change rapidly
from no hazards to life-threatening hazards.
Some confined spaces are so hazardous, a
written permit system is required for entry.
The hazards of confined spaces can often be

controlled or eliminated before entering.
For a description of an actual confined space fatality, click here.
Hazards of Confined Spaces
What are the main hazards of confined spaces?
• Hazardous atmospheres
• Engulfing materials
• Entrapment
• Moving parts
• Electricity

Hazard of Confined Spaces
When is a confined space so dangerous a

written entry permit system is required?
• When there is an actual or potential

“hazardous atmosphere” or
• when the space contains loose

material that can engulf a person, or
• when the space is configured in a way

that can trap a person, or
• when there is any other recognized

serious safety and health hazard.
Hazard Identification
A “hazardous atmosphere” in a confined space has

one or more of the following:
Flammable gas, mist or vapor
Flammable dusts
Oxygen content below 19.5% or above 23.5%
Air contaminant concentrations that would
cause death, incapacitation, or permanent
health problems
You must do air monitoring

to determine if a hazardous
atmosphere exists.

Hazardous Atmospheres – Flammable Gases,

Vapors and Dusts
Flammable gases, vapors or dusts will
ignite from a spark or flame if above a
level in the air called the “lower
flammable limit” (LFL).
Gas or vapor levels higher than 10%

of the LFL are considered hazardous
and the confined space cannot be
entered until levels are reduced.
Amounts above 10% of the LFL are

usually toxic as well.
LFL is sometimes called “LEL” – “lower explosive limit”

Example of flammable gas levels - Methane
Air Air
100% 0%
Too Lean Too Rich
Boom!
Methane Methane
0% 100%
5.3% 15.0%
LFL UFL
An open flame or a spark will cause an explosion when methane amount
is between 5.3% and 15%, the upper flammable limit (UFL).
Hazardous Atmospheres – Oxygen Deficiency

A reduction in oxygen is caused by tank rusting, microbe
activity, or replacement by another gas.
Lack of oxygen can cause a person to immediately
collapse and die.
Normal air contains 21% oxygen. A space with oxygen
content below 19.5 % is considered “oxygen deficient”.
21% 19.5% 0%
Oxygen content
Oxygen deficiency exists

*Effects of Oxygen Deficiency*

% Oxygen Symptoms
19.5% - 16% Fatigue, mild impaired coordination
16% - 12% Increased breathing rate and pulse;
impaired coordination, perception or judgment
12% - 10% Further increased breathing rate, blue
lips, mental confusion
10% - 8% Fainting, nausea, vomiting, mental
confusion within few minutes
8% - 6% Collapse, death within 8 minutes
6% - 0% Coma within 40 seconds, death
Using an “inerting gas” like nitrogen, to counteract

flammable vapors will result in an oxygen deficiency.
A word about oxygen-enriched atmospheres
A confined space with oxygen

amount above 23.5% is
considered “oxygen-enriched”.
The source of extra oxygen is

typically from leaking oxygen
cylinders used for oxy-acetylene
torches.
Oxygen above 23.5% is a fire

or explosion hazard.
Green tanks contain oxygen

Hazardous Atmospheres – Toxic Chemicals

• At very high levels, most chemicals
in the air can be immediately
life-threatening or cause permanent
bodily harm.
• At lower levels, chemicals in the
air can still cause harm.
• Most chemicals have “permissible
exposure limits” (PELs) which will
cause harm if exceeded.
• Even non-toxic or low-toxic chemicals can

replace oxygen if levels are high enough.
Hazardous Atmosphere – Toxic Chemicals
The most common toxic chemicals in

confined spaces fatalities are hydrogen
sulfide and carbon monoxide.
Other toxic chemicals can include welding
fumes, vapors from liquid residues in
storage tanks, or chemical products used
in the confined space.
Chemicals can quickly reach toxic levels in
the air of a confined space, especially
gases, solvent vapors or sprayed products.

Hazardous Atmospheres–Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

Hydrogen sulfide gas is commonly found in sewers.
It can be instantly fatal at higher levels in a confined
space.
Disturbing sewage sludge can release more hydrogen
sulfide gas.
30 100 200 600 1000 2000
H2S in parts per million (ppm)
Smell Loss of Coughing, Unconscious Instant Death in

strong smell red eyes in 30 min. collapse minutes
odor
Hazardous Atmospheres – Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide comes from

operating internal combustion
engines in or near confined
space.
Propane-powered engines
also emit carbon monoxide.
Fatal levels of CO are quickly
reached in confined spaces.
Propane-powered
The PEL for CO is 35 ppm. To
manlift in a large tank
see the effects of CO, click here
What are the Hazards of Engulfing Material?
Engulfing materials include liquids or

loose solids such as grain, sand or
other granular material.
People cannot escape when caught

in moving loose solids and usually
suffocate.
Workers often get engulfed when

in-feed or out-feed lines are
inadvertently opened or activated.
What is Entrapment?
The space is configured in a way that can trap a worker,
for example, sides sloping towards the center
Gravel hopper Sawdust Cyclone

Other Recognized Hazards
Electrical lines, steam lines

or hydraulic lines
Mechanical hazards
(moving parts)
Hazards caused by the work

(welding, painting etc.)
Controlling the Space
The hazards of a confined space can be be

controlled in the following ways:
• Prevent employee entry.
• Remove or reduce hazards in the

space first, before a person enters.
• If hazard cannot be controlled, you

must use a written permit system to
enter safely.
See Part 2 for more information on a written permit system.

Controlling the Space
Warning employees and controlling access
Post warning signs at the entrance of

confined spaces.
Limit employee access to confined

spaces by using entry barriers or locks.
Make sure that unauthorized workers do

not enter the confined space.

Hazard Control
How To Control Hazardous Atmospheres
Drain or pump out liquid contents,

if any.
Blank off all in-feeding lines.
Air test and ventilate.
Continue ventilating constantly.
If possible, remove any sludge
from outside the confined space.
Exit space if conditions
deteriorate.
Hazard Control
Hazardous Atmospheres Dangers

It is difficult to eliminate
hazardous atmospheres in
most sewers lines.
Tank sludge or sewer sludge

can release toxic gases during
cleanup.
Toxic or flammable gases can

exist in pockets or layers.

Hazard Elimination
How To Eliminate Physical Hazards
Lock-out moving parts
Blank or block steam pipes

and product in-feeding pipes.
De-energize electrical parts or

wiring

If Hazards Can’t Be Eliminated
If hazards cannot be completely eliminated,

there are only two options:
a complete written permit system, or
“alternate procedures.”
Both require training of employees.
See Part 2 for more information on entry procedures.

CWFD Operations
• We are awareness-level only

• No entry
• Dispatch Tech Rescue as soon as possible
• ID, isolate, deny entry
• Gather as much info as possible for responding
Tech Rescue personnel

Additional Information
More information is available on WISHA webpage

This presentation is just an overview and
does not cover all requirements.
For more information on how to put
together a confined space program for
your workplace, go to:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/rules/confinedspace/helpfultools.htm
For additional assistance, you can call one of our

consultants. Click below for local L & I office
locations:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/consultation/regional_consultants.htm

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Confined Spaces – Part 1

Download HSE Docs hseprof.com

Download HSE Docs hseprof.com

This two-part module provides basic information

Download HSE Docs hseprof.com

Part 1 of this overview will cover the following:

How to identify a confined space,

Confined space hazards,

How to control or eliminate the

Download HSE Docs hseprof.com

What is a confined space?

is large enough to get whole

is not designed for human

has limited or restricted entrance

What is limited or restricted entry or exit?

Exit not restricted

*Examples of confined spaces*

Boilers Grain storage bins

The hazards of confined spaces can often be

What are the main hazards of confined spaces?

Download HSE Docs hseprof.com

When is a confined space so dangerous a

• When there is an actual or potential

• when the space contains loose

• when the space is configured in a way

• when there is any other recognized

A “hazardous atmosphere” in a confined space has

You must do air monitoring

Download HSE Docs hseprof.com

Hazardous Atmospheres – Flammable Gases,

Gas or vapor levels higher than 10%

Amounts above 10% of the LFL are

LFL is sometimes called “LEL” – “lower explosive limit”

Example of flammable gas levels - Methane

Too Lean Too Rich

Hazardous Atmospheres – Oxygen Deficiency

Oxygen deficiency exists

*Effects of Oxygen Deficiency*

Using an “inerting gas” like nitrogen, to counteract

A word about oxygen-enriched atmospheres

A confined space with oxygen

The source of extra oxygen is

Oxygen above 23.5% is a fire

Download HSE Docs hseprof.com

Hazardous Atmospheres – Toxic Chemicals

• Even non-toxic or low-toxic chemicals can

Hazardous Atmosphere – Toxic Chemicals

The most common toxic chemicals in

Download HSE Docs hseprof.com

Hazardous Atmospheres–Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

H2S in parts per million (ppm)

Smell Loss of Coughing, Unconscious Instant Death in

Hazardous Atmospheres – Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide comes from

What are the Hazards of Engulfing Material?

Engulfing materials include liquids or

People cannot escape when caught

Workers often get engulfed when

Gravel hopper Sawdust Cyclone

Other Recognized Hazards

Electrical lines, steam lines

Hazards caused by the work

The hazards of a confined space can be be

Examples of confined spaces

Effects of Oxygen Deficiency