Introduction- Technical Advisory (TA)

on Working Safely in Confined

Spaces

Mr Lim Meng Ann

Senior Assistant Director
WSHC Practices & Research

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Definition
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH
(CONFINED SPACES) REGULATIONS 2009
"Confined space" means any chamber, tank, manhole, vat,
silo, pit, pipe, flue and shall include any enclosed space, in
which
a) dangerous gases, vapours or fumes are liable to be
present to such an extent as to involve risk of fire or
explosion, or persons being overcome thereby; or
b) the supply of air is inadequate, or is likely to be
reduced to be inadequate, for sustaining life; or
c) there is a risk of engulfment by material.
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Working in confined
spaces is hazardous

The entrances/exits
of confined spaces
might not allow the
worker to evacuate
effectively.

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Working in confined
spaces is hazardous

Continuous ventilation should be

provided to maintain the safe work
environment.

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Working in confined
spaces is hazardous
The interior configuration
of confined space often
restricts the movement of
people or equipment
within it.

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National Statistics,
Workplace Safety & Health 2008
67
Fires and explosions
- occurring in confined spaces

Oxygen deficiency in confined spaces

4
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Working Committee

Chairman: Mr Lee Yeok Hoon

(Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd)

WSHC Industry
Representatives

Mr P K Raveendran (Sembawang
Shipyard Pte Ltd)
Mr Soh Hong Kuan Bernard
(Rotary Engineering Ltd)
Mr Yeo Tiong Joo
(OCWS Logistics Pte Ltd)

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Working Committee
Singapore Chemical Industry
Council (SCIC)

Mr Tay Cheng Pheng

(Chevron Phillips Chemicals Asia
Pte Ltd)

Singapore Institution of Safety

Officers (SISO)

Mr Wendell Harms
(Pfizer Asia Pacific Pte Ltd)

Mr Soh Cheng Seng Jacob

Society of Loss Prevention in the
(Singapore Refining Company
Process Industries (SLP)
Pte Ltd)
Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

Ms Colleen Low

Workplace Safety and Health

Council (WSHC)

Er Tan Kee Chong

Safety and Medical Equipment

Ms Ang Siew Lan Veronica

(Draeger Safety Asia Pte Ltd)
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Public Consultation
http://app.wshc.gov.sg/cms/Home/tabid/36/Default.apc

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Confined Spaces
Technical Advisory (TA)
The Confined Spaces TA aims to provide:
1. adequate information on what needs to
be done to meet the requirements of
relevant legislation and Code(s) of
Practice in all workplaces
2. practical guidance on the necessary
measures for safe entry into and work in
confined spaces
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Confined Spaces
Technical Advisory (TA)
The newly developed TA includes information like:
1. Risk management approach
2. Types of injuries
3. Types of hazards
4. Essential requirements for working safely in
confined spaces
5. Emergency and rescue procedures
6. Training for personnel
7. Case Studies
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Risk Management Approach

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Risk Management Approach

- Risk Assessment

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Risk Management Approach

- Control Measures

Confined space

No unauthorized entry

Examples of warning sign

Example of LOTO

Example of PPE

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Types of Injuries

Injury arising from fire and explosion

Loss of consciousness

Heat related disorders

Electrocution

Physical contact with moving or rotating parts

Fall from height

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Types of Hazards

Most common atmospheric

hazards found in confined spaces
can be broadly classified into:
1. Suffocation hazards
2. Fire / Explosion hazards
3. Poisoning
Oxygen reading:
Flammable gases & vapours reading:
Toxic gases & vapours reading:

19.5 % Vol. to 23.5 % Vol.

10% Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
Permissible Exposure Levels (PEL)
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Essential Requirements
for Working Safely
Control of Entry into a
Confined Space:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Confined Space Entry Permit

Information Required on The
Entry Permit
Risk Assessment
Issuance of Entry Permit
Display of Entry Permit

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Essential Requirements
for Working Safely
Control of Entry into a
Confined Space:
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Review and Endorsement of

Entry Permit
Revocation of Entry Permit
Re-Certification of Confined
Spaces
Record Keeping
Control of Hazardous Energy

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Working Safely in Confined

Spaces
General Requirements :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Opening of confined space

Barricade
Communication / Warning
signs
Confined Space Attendant
(CSA)
Display of Entry Permit
Access and egress
Lighting and electrical
equipment
Respiratory protective
equipment

Barricade

CSA

Warning
sign
Confined space

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Emergency and Rescue

Procedures
Emergency and Rescue Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Establishment of Rescue Operation Plan

Rescue Arrangements
Rescue Considerations
Characteristics when deciding the appropriate rescue
plan
Conducting of drill
Rescue Logistics
Training of Rescue Personnel
Provision of Rescue Equipment

9.

Provision of Safety Data Sheet

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Training
Training for Personnel involved in
Confined Space Entry and Work:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Planning an Effective Training Programme

Elements of Training and Training Courses
Criteria for Training, Refresher or
Supplementary Training
Competency of Trainers
Assessment of Training

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Case 1: Explosion from

Chemical Storage Tank

The Incident:
Two workers were killed when they
were washing the interior of a
chemical storage tank using hydrojet.
A spark caused the explosion.

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Case 2: Toxic Poisoning in

Food Reactor
The Incident:
Two workers were tasked to clean a 1.8 meters high
food reactor.
One worker fainted inside the reactor 20 minutes
later.
Co-worker climbed into the reactor for rescue but
fainted from breathing difficulty too.
Both workers died.
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Confined Spaces
Checklist

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k
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