24/6/2018 5 Step Guide to Safe Confined-Space Entry | UGLI Tech

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CCTV 5 Step Guide to Safe Confined-Space Entry

5 Step Guide to Safe Confined-Space Entry

Respect the dangers that exist in con ned spaces and plan accordingly

A confined-space attendant, who remains outside the confined space at all times, is vital to the safety of entrants.

 By David Dow

 April 25, 2017

   

Each year, about 100 workers in the U.S. die in con ned-space incidents.
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 The sad fact is that most of those workers
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were never properly trained, and, as a result, did not
5 Step Guide to Safe Confined-Space Entry | UGLI Tech

appreciate the dangers that are a regular part of con ned spaces. Maybe they did not recognize
a particular space as “con ned.” Or they trusted their senses. Or maybe they simply
underestimated the dangers. They didn’t stay on guard, or, as is often the case, they attempted
to rescue others.

The good news is that work in con ned spaces can be done safely if you follow ve relatively
simple steps.

Related: 4 Goals for CCTV Operator Training

Step 1 - Identify the spaces

OSHA de nes a con ned space as:

Large enough to enter

Limited or restricted means for entry
Not designed for continuous worker occupancy.

Speci c examples cited in the standards include, but are not limited to, manholes, pipelines,
culverts, underground utility vaults, lift stations, storage tanks, tunnels, septic tanks, and pits
more than 4 feet deep. It is important to remember that every space is unique, and each
requires careful evaluation.

Related: Cleaner Classroom: Jetting 401

Step 2 - Develop a plan

Why develop a plan? There are several excellent reasons, of course, but one of the most
important is this: It’s the law.

Topics that may need to be part of your plan include:

Related: Continuing Education Key To Contractor's Success

Steps taken to prevent unauthorized entry

Communications and coordination with other employers at the site
Identi cation and evaluation of all hazards
Development of the means, procedures and practices necessary for safe entry
Plans for providing, maintaining and ensuring proper use of safety equipment
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24/6/2018
Continual evaluation of the space while entry operations are underway
5 Step Guide to Safe Confined-Space Entry | UGLI Tech

Providing an attendant outside the space

Designating the person who will have an active role in entry operations (the entry
supervisor)
Developing a system for using entry permits
An emergency rescue plan

Step 3 - Train your people

OSHA makes it very clear: All employees must be properly trained to safely do their jobs.

Each year, a signi cant number of con ned-space fatalities are would-be rescuers. Even if
employees will not be working in con ned spaces, it is important that they are trained in the
potential dangers of entering a con ned space and attempting a rescue.

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Speci c training may be required for:

Competent person
Entry supervisor
Attendant(s)
Entrant(s)
Atmospheric monitoring personnel (see Step 4)
Rescue team (see Step 5)

Step 4 - Identify and eliminate all hazards

There are three broad categories of con ned-space hazards:

Atmospheric
Physical
Psychological

It’s important to identify all potential hazards, and then eliminate each one. If elimination is
not possible, steps must be taken to control the hazard and ensure worker safety.

Atmospheric hazards include too little oxygen (oxygen de ciency), too much oxygen (oxygen
enriched), ammable gases or vapors (examples are methane and natural gas), or toxic
substances (examples are hydrogen sul de and carbon monoxide).

Physical hazards include engulfment, falling or tripping, poor visibility, noise, temperature

extremes, biological hazards, energy sources, insects, rodents and reptiles.
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 Psychological hazards include claustrophobia,
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fear of heights, fear of darkness, or poor physical
5 Step Guide to Safe Confined-Space Entry | UGLI Tech

condition or restrictions of the worker. Even a mild level of claustrophobia or fear of heights
can be problematic. There is not a lot one can do for psychological hazards except not put
affected workers into spaces that cause them such problems.

Step 5 - Develop a rescue plan

OSHA mandates that employers provide appropriate rescue and emergency services so that
retrieval of injured entrants is not delayed. Non-entry retrieval systems, such as tripods,
anklets and wristlets, are the preferred methods of rescue. The reason is simple: No one has to
go into the hazardous space to make the rescue.

If non-entry retrieval systems will not work, a rescue team may be required. The rescue team
must be properly trained, and have all the appropriate equipment to safely enter a con ned
space and retrieve injured entrants.

By applying these ve relatively simple steps, you and your crews can work safely in and
around con ned spaces.

About the author

David Dow is co-founder of TrenchSafety and Supply — now part of Underground Safety
Equipment LLC — which supplies excavation safety products and services to construction,
excavation and utility companies. From its facilities in Kansas City, Missouri; Lafayette,
Colorado; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; North Little Rock, Arkansas; Salt Lake City,
Utah; and San Antonio, Texas; Underground Safety Equipment provides sales, rental
equipment, repair service and safety training. Dow is also chair of the Training Committee for
the North American Excavation Shoring Association (NAXSA).

Visit www.TrenchSafety.com or www.UndergroundSafety.com.

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 April 25, 2017  April 25, 2017

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24/6/2018 5April
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Guide
2017to Safe Confined-Space Entry | UGLI Tech

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