IOSH Confined Space Seminar 11.02.2020

IOSH Confined Space Seminar 11.02.2020

www.infratec-training.com

Aim

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Introduce IOSH members to the key management tools to safely manage confined space. These include;

• Risk assessments• Method statements• Permit systems• Safe systems of work• Audit and review systems• Using relevant Legislation • Using Industry Guidance

Why all the concern for confined spaces?


On average there are over 15 deaths per year involving confined space entry.

It is estimated that over 50% of the fatalities were would-be rescuers.

Case Study 1


Father and son died whilst pumping out water from the cellar of their rugby club in Tewksbury, one of the areas hardest hit by the floods of 2007.

Chris and Bram Lane were among a dozen people who were inspecting damage to the club.

They had stayed on to clear floodwater from the cellar, their bodies were found the following morning.

They had been over come by fumes from the petrol pump they were using.

Confined Space?


Confined Space?


Confined Space?


Confined Space?


Welding inside a boiler drum

Access is a 420mm diameter opening at each end

Case Study 2


• Three underground utility workers entered a confined space without the proper personal protective equipment or gas monitoring equipment.

• The first man removed a manhole cover, entered a 15-foot-deep drainage hole and became unresponsive.

• The second worker entered with the intention of saving him but also lost consciousness.

• Likewise, a third man climbed into the hole was overcome by gas. All three workers perished. None were wearing RPE.

• During rescue efforts, a firefighter attempted to remove the men from the confined space but also lost consciousness. He removed his respiratory protection before entering the hole because the equipment made it difficult to fit.

Jan 19th 2017Key Largo

Florida

Legislation


The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Section 2 (1) ‘It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees’

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Section 3 (1) ‘Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of –(a) The risks to the health and safety of his employees to which

they are exposed whilst they are at work’

The Confined Space Regulations 1997

Regulation 1


A ‘Confined Space’ is….

“Any place, including any Chamber, Tank, Vat, Silo, Pit, Trench, Pipe, Sewer, Flue, Well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable Specified Risk”

Regulation 1


• Serious injury from fire or explosion

• Loss of consciousness due to rise in body temperature

• Loss of consciousness or asphyxiation from gas, fumes, vapour or lack of oxygen

• Drowning due to an increase in level of liquid

• Asphyxiation or entrapment by a free-flowing solid

‘Specified Risk’ means there is a risk of:

Confined Space Classifications


• Confined spaces are generally classified as being either low, medium or high risk areas.

• These can on occasions, be de-classified to enclosed areas where a suitable risk assessment has been carried out.

• The two main guides are set out in the Water UK guidelines and the Energy and Utility Skills guidelines.

Low Risk / NC1


• Low risk shallow entry with adequate natural or mechanical ventilation

• Access is simple and unobstructed and there is no likely risk of flooding e.g. meter pits, stairwells, valve chambers or booster-pumping stations

Medium Risk / NC2


• There is a MEDIUM risk that a specified hazard may be present

• Will require the use of Escape Breathing Apparatus

• Will have one or more persons positioned outside the confined space with responsibility for controlling entry and dealing with emergencies

Medium Risk / NC3


• Vertical entry normally using a ladder or man-riding winch, requiring fall protection and a means of assisted rescue e.g. Rescue winch

• Horizontal entry such as walking or climbing or working away from the bottom of a vertical entry with limited use of a rescue line

• Entry may involve more than one person

High Risk / NC4


• Non-standard entries making rescue difficult• It is likely that a hazard will be present at sometime during the entry• May involve complex entry procedures with specific control and rescue

arrangements• Will entail the use of self-contained breathing apparatus or airline,

detection equipment and resuscitation equipment• Will require the presence of personnel with responsibility for dealing with

emergencies

Other Confined Space Entries / NCX


It should be remembered that not all confined spaces are vertical entry spaces. Some are horizontal entry (e.g. rooms or spaces with gas storage or combustion plant), others have vertical upward entry (e.g. roof spaces where methane or hydrogen could accumulate). Specific atmospheric analysis, access arrangements and rescue plans must be devised for each such space encountered

Re-classification


At the planning stage, the confined space entry will have been risk classified on the low risk to special complex risk scale. It is quite possible that at a later stage it may be reclassified to a higher or lower classification and may even be declassified.

An example might be a large underground structure which has been isolated at all inlet and outlet points, ventilated, residues removed, cleaned out and atmosphere tested.

Risk Assessment


“An assessment of risk is nothing more than a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can

weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm”

The 5 Steps to Risk Assessment


1: Identify the hazards

2: Decide who might be harmed & how

3: Evaluate the risks & decide whether the existing precautions are valid or whether more should be done (additional controls)

4: Record your findings

5: Review your assessment & revise if necessary

Hazard


Definition - A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm

Risk


Definition: Risk is the combination of the likelihood of a hazardous event occurring and the consequence of the event

Risk Assessment Considerations


• Who could be affected• Competence of assessors• Competence of operators• Nature of operators• Frequency of operation• Duration of operation• Environment• Hazards associated with operation• Materials & equipment• Legislation & guidance

Risk Assessed Indicator = Severity x Likelihood


LI K E LI H O O D (L)

S X 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

E 8 64 56 48 40 32 24 16 8

V 7 56 49 42 35 28 21 14 7

E 6 48 42 36 30 24 18 12 6

R 5 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5

E 4 32 28 24 20 16 12 8 4

(S) 3 24 21 18 15 12 9 6 3

2 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 21 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

RISK

1-9 LOWNo further action required

10-19 MODERATEReasonably satisfactory-minor actions required

20-29 HIGHUnsatisfactory-further dynamic control measures required

30-64 VERY HIGHUnacceptable- do not proceed until additional controls reduce the Risk

Severity Rating (S)1. No Injury2. Slight (First Aid Only)3. Minor Injury (up to 7 days absence)4. Moderate Injury (7 days -1 month absence)5. Serious Injury (over 1 month’s absence)6. Serious Injury (permanent disablement)7. Death8. Multiple Deaths

Likelihood Rating (L)1. Will not occur2. Probably will not occur3. Very Unlikely4. Unlikely5. Likely6. Very Likely7. Probably will occur8. Will occur

When to Review the Risk Assessments


• Out of date• Significant period has elapsed since undertaken• Change in circumstances• Following an accident or incident• Following a near miss• Following a dangerous occurrence• Following a report of ill-health• Change to legislation, code of practice or guidance• Monitoring trend analysis identifies an increase in associated accidents or

injuries • Following introduction of new equipment, systems of work and procedures

High or Low Risk?


Dynamic Risk Assessment


The definition of a dynamic risk assessment is:

“The continuous process of identifying hazards, assessing risk, taking action to eliminate or reduce risk, monitoring and reviewing, in the rapidly changing circumstances of an operational incident.”

When considering a rescue, ask the question;

`Do the possible benefits of our actions out weighthe risk we are about to take?`

Hierarchy of Control


So what are the key duties?

• Avoid Entry where possible!• Provide a Safe System of Work where entry cannot be avoided.• Emergency Arrangements including rescue procedures MUST be in

place during entry.

Key Considerations


Do we have to enter ?

• Can the work be done another way.

• Could better work planning prevent the need to enter.

• Carry out a risk assessment on the area involved.

Control Measures


• Safe System of Work• Method Statement• Permit to Work

So what are they?

Safe System of Work


• If you cannot avoid entry into a confined space, you must have a safe system of work for working inside the space

• Use the results of your risk assessment to identify the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of injury

• Make sure that the safe system of work, including the precautions identified, is developed and put into practice.

• This information is set out in a method statement

Method Statement


• Method Statements detail how a particular task or activity will be carried out. This should show every detail including all health, safety and wellbeing arrangements.

• A method statement is used to specify the health and safety control measures needed to control the hazards identified by the risk assessment that has been carried out for the task or operation.

• Method statements should be task specific and used to control the operation and to ensure that all concerned are aware of the hazards associated with the work and the safety precautions that need to be taken.

Permit to Work


• Permit to work systems are normally reserved for occasions when the potential risk is high, and where at the same time the precautions needed are complicated and need written procedures.

• Permit to work will often be used on high risk and high risk complex confined space working where a greater control is required, and more complex written procedures and rescue plans will be required.

Useful Entry Information


• Location of task• Nature of task• Task methodology• Unusual circumstances• Specific instructions• Hazards

Physical hazards to consider


• Does the space contain any mechanical equipment?

• Does the space require:• Removal of the free flowing solids• Lockout/Tagout• Isolation

• Will any hazards be posed by taking any portable equipment into the space?

Other hazards to consider


• Intrinsically safe lighting tools, etc.

• Noise production during operations.

• Communications.

• Is there any potential for vermin or poisonous animals to be found in the space.

Other hazards to consider


Permit to work ensures a formal check of all elements of the safe system of work prior to any work being undertaken. Essential features of the process are:• Who authorises entry and the necessary

precautions to be adhered to.• Provision for contractors to be included.• Training and instruction in the issue of

permits.• Monitoring and auditing to ensure the

system works

Permit to work


• Ways to prevent unauthorized entry.• Hazard i.d. and evaluation.• Evaluating conditions before and during

entry.• Attendant(s).• Personnel roles/duties/training.• Rescue procedures.• Entry permit procedures.• Multiple employers.• Entry conclusion.• Programmed review procedures

COSHH- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 amended 2004


Covers substances hazardous to health but also covers the following:

• Maintenance of equipment• Checks• Protection factors• Exposure limits• Keeping records

Note: this includes Breathing Apparatus

Viral and Bacterial Hazards


• HIV/AIDS Virus

• Leptospirosis (weils)

• Hepatitis

• Tetanus

Viral and Bacterial Hazards


The risk from viral and bacterial infection is often present and precautions should be taken to minimise this as far as reasonably practicable.

Protection from common viral and bacterial hazards can be achieved by:

• Using suitable gloves to avoid moisture

• Cover any minor wounds with plasters

• Avoiding needle stick hazards

• Using barrier creams and washing regularly

Avoid contact with effluent at all times and follow specific site safety and hygiene rules.

Failure to Decontaminate


Personal hygiene is crucial. Apart from personal illness you risk:

• Bringing contaminants or chemicals out of the confined space• Taking contaminated equipment home• Contaminating other sites by vehicle and equipment movements• Leaving surface contaminants in the immediate vicinity

Sources of Hazards


Physical ٠ Chemical ٠ Biological ٠ Ergonomic

Workplace Equipment

Activities Substances

Procedures People

Physical Hazards


• Radiation - Heat, Ultra Violet, IR, Laser• Manual handling• Electricity• Machinery• Slips, trips & falls

• Lighting (or lack of)• Noise / Vibration• General environment - weather/terrain

Ergonomic Hazards


Activities associated with:• Repetitive tasks• Uncomfortable working positions• Poor working environments• Use of significant force• Poor user/machine interface - controls, dials, indicators, operating

instructions, warning signs

The Individual


Factors affecting risk:Physical – Mental - Psychological• Physical strength, agility, health, medical conditions• Perception of hazard and risk • Motivation, attitude and behaviour• Dexterity • Limitations • Tiredness• Concentration span• Competence

Forms of Chemical Hazards


• Solids

• Liquids

• Dusts

• Vapours

• Fumes

• Mists

• Gas

Atmospheric Monitoring


Atmospheric monitoring should take place before, during and after any confined Space work. All equipment should meet requirements and be maintained and calibrated according to manufacturers instructions

The first readings should be taken outside the space before entry. Test all levels of the space because vapours have various densities.

Atmospheric Hazards


• Oxygen Deficient atmospheres.

• Oxygen Enriched atmospheres.

• Flammable atmospheres.

• Toxic atmospheres.

Atmospheric Hazards


Oxygen Deficient atmospheres arising from:

• Biological decomposition.• Rusting.• Purging.• Displacement by natural gases.• Breathing.• Combustion.• Liquid Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide used to freeze supplies.

Substance %LEL


Methane

Butane

Propane

Acetylene

Carbon Monoxide

5%

1.5%

2%

1.8%

12%

Sewage, rotting vegetation, natural gas

LPG

LPG

Welding operations

Combustion motors, burning processes



Time Weighted Average (TWA)

• This is the maximum exposure limit you can receive over an 8 hour period

Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL)

• This is the maximum exposure limit you can receive in a 15 minute period

• Both are measured in PPM.

Toxic - Long term and short-term exposure levels


20 ppm 100ppm

5 ppm 10ppm

0.5 ppm 1 ppm

0.5ppm

CO

H2S

SO2

CL

Flammable, colorless & odourless gas. A chemical asphyxiant

Toxic, flammable gas, offensive odour of rotten eggs

Toxic, corrosive, liquefied gas, a by-product of many industrial processes

Toxic, corrosive and oxidant liquefied gas

Source: EH40/2005

Gas Monitor – Pre Use Checks


Gas in ground

• Visual checks• Sensor ports, display, covers, straps,

information, etc.• Operational checks.

• On/off, bat check, zeroing, alarm, display, etc.

• Calibrated and certificated.• Is it the right monitor for the job?

Gas Monitor – Atmospheric checks


Gas in ground

• Oxygen (O2) %

• Combustible gases (%LEL) uses Methane to calibrate

• Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) ppm

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) ppm



Test for toxicity:

• Measured in parts per million (PPM)

• Details of toxic gases and technical data can be found in the EH40 Regulations

Gas detection


Sampling

Gas in ground

PEAK HOLD



Test oxygen levels:

} Air containing less than 19% Oxygen is “Oxygen Deficient” and may not meet normal breathing requirements of the worker inside the space

} Air containing more than 23% of Oxygen is “Oxygen enriched” and enhances the flammability of combustibles.

Please note, some monitors may actuate at 19.5%

Oxygen level and its effect on the human body


23% and above Increased flammability of materials. Entry is not allowed at this point.

21% Ideal level.

20.9% Normal level.

19.5 Minimum to maintain working conditions

Less than 18% Loss of judgement and Co-ordination.

Less than 15% Gradual loss of consciousness.

Les than 12% Sudden collapse and loss of consciousness

Oxygen Concentration Physical Effect

How to kill a human – Michael Portillo



www.infratec-training.com 62

Flammable Range 5 – 15%

Methane combustible gas



Flammable Range 12– 75%

Carbon monoxide



Flammable Range 4 – 46%

Hydrogen sulphide



Check the atmosphere’s flammability -This is measured as:

Lower Flammable Limits or Lower Explosive Limits} The weakest mixture in atmosphere to

create a flammable or explosive risk

Upper Flammable Limits or Upper Explosive Limits} The richest mixture in atmosphere to

create a flammable or explosive risk

Maintenance of Gas Detection Instruments


There are specific service and calibration intervals with gas detection instruments for the following reasons:

• The gas sensors used in all gas detection equipment will lose sensitivity over time and do need replacing as they are ‘consumables’

• Oxygen and toxic gas sensors are electrochemical cells which react with the gas and produce a current, so behave similarly to a battery

Maintenance of Gas Detection Instruments


The chemicals in the sensor that react with the gas are consumed in the detection process, so just like a battery losing power, the sensor’s signal (and therefore response to gas) decreases over time.

Even if they are not exposed to gas they can still “dry out” over time and lose sensitivity as a result.

Flammable sensors also lose sensitivity over time. This tends to be at a slower rate than the oxygen and toxic sensors, but they can also be “poisoned” by exposure to certain lead and silicone compounds, which can cause a rapid loss of sensitivity.

For these reasons it is critical that all gas detection instruments are frequently calibrated to ensure an accurate response to gas hazards.

Ventilation


Auxiliary fans:

Provide Forced or Extracted Ventilation using suitable ducting & can be used to ventilate most areas

Considerations:

• Easily transportable• Rated for use in explosive atmosphere’s• Accepts ducting easily• Performs well• Is confined space below ground• Does it have more than one opening• What is the volume of the space• Warning system for ventilation failure

Forced Ventilation


B

B

B

A

A = FORCING FANB = VENTING POINTS

Exhaust Ventilation


A

B

B

B

A = EXHAUST FANB = VENTING POINTS


A BC

C

A = EXHAUST FANB = FORCED VENTILATION FANC = VENTILATION TRUNKING

Reg 4: Work in Confined Spaces


• Avoid where reasonably practicable.

• Undertake work without entering the confined space.

• Safe system of work where entry can not be avoided.

• Remove residues/Clean using water jets from outside, steam clean, use long handled tools or fixed installations.

• Blockages in free flowing solids could be cleared using remotely operated flails, vibrators & high pressure air purging.

• Use remote operated CCTV to inspect.

• Test or sample atmosphere externally.

• Safe system of work where entry can not be avoided.

Other Factors That Would Alter Conditions in the Confined Space


• Work procedures encountered do no align with those encountered on the risk assessment / safe system of work / permit to work

• Faulty equipment• Presence of additional hazards not listed on the risk assessment• Change in environmental conditions• Illness or injury• Unexpected physical hazard • Unexpected atmospheric hazard

Reg 5: Emergency Procedures


In some circumstances, for example where there are prolonged operations in confined spaces and the risks justify it, there may be advantage in prior

notification to the local emergency services (for example local fire or ambulance service) before the work is undertaken

“However, reliance on the emergency services alone will not be sufficient to comply with these regulations”

“Source: Pt 161 Reg 5 Con Space Regulations”

The requirement for a dedicated on-site safety and rescue team will need to be considered and will be identified in the risk assessment process.



There are 2 main types of Rescue Assistance, and they are:

Planned assistance Requires the presence of dedicated Rescue teams on site

Unplanned assistanceThis involves calling the Emergency Services



To be suitable and sufficient, the arrangements for rescue andresuscitation should include consideration of:

• Rescue and resuscitation equipment• Raising the alarm and rescue • Safeguarding the rescuers • Fire safety• Control of plant• First aid• Public emergency services • Training

Emergency Response / Rescue Teams


The advantages of an on-site safety and rescue team are as follows:

• The team will have suitable competences for emergency that they are likely to have to deal with.

• Suitable equipment will be available. • There will be proper procedures to follow in event of emergency situation

arising. • The team will have up-to-date information on the progress of job. • They will know numbers and location of staff working in confined space.• Have proper training in casualty preparation and handling. • May interact with emergency services. • Reduced time to react to the emergency.

Emergency Considerations


Arrangements for emergencies will depend on the nature of the confined space, the risks identified and the likely nature of an emergency rescue.

Account needs to be taken not only of accidents arising from a specified risk, but also any other accident in which a person needs to be recovered from a confined space such as incapacitation following a fall.

Emergency Procedures


The rescuers need to be properly

trained, sufficiently fit, ready at hand

and capable of using the equipment

provided to effect a rescue. Rescuers

also need top protection against the

cause of the emergency, eg breathing

apparatus, fire fighting equipment

lines etc.

Group Discussion


Confined Space or Restricted Access?

What classification is this confined space?

List three control measures for this space.

Items of PPE required for this space?

Is it necessary to have a standby person?

Are rescue provisions required?

Confined Space?


Confined Space?


Confined Space?


Confined Space?


Settlement Pits – Pipework inspections

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Documents

IOSH Confined Space Seminar 11.02.2020