7. Confined Space Entry Flashcards
In BC, who can develop and approve a confined space entry program?
An industrial hygienist
A CRSP
A professional engineer with confined space experience
What will happen if there are violations of confined space regulations?
Stop work orders and administrative penalties.
What are the main hazards associated with confined spaces?
1, Lack of oxygen
2, Inhalation of toxic materials
3, Engulfment by loose/unstable granular materials
4, Fire and explosion
5, Injury in the confined space with delay in ability to rescue
6, Other hazards (electrocution, noise, temperature extremes)
List 4 causes of oxygen deficiency in confined spaces.
1, Oxygen consumed due to rusting of metals.
2, Oxygen consumed in combustion (propane heaters, welding, internal combustion engines).
3, Oxygen displaced by other gases (welding gases or gases forced into the space to prevent corrosion).
4, Microorganisms consuming oxygen.
What does IDLH mean?
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.
List 5 examples of loose and unstable granular material that may present a high risk of injury or death by engulfment in a confined space.
Grain Flour Sand Gravel Wood chips
What controls could be used to reduce the risk of electrocution in a confined space?
De-energization and lockout.
Electrical work only conducted by qualified workers.
Work procedures to ensure workers are not near energized conductors.
What is a confined space according to the BC OHS Regulation?
An area (other than an underground working) that:
1, is enclosed or partially enclosed.
2, Is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy.
3, Has limited or restricted means of entry/exit.
4, Is large enough to permit a worker to enter and perform work.
How are confined space atmospheric risks evaluated in BC?
The BC OHS Regulation requires that hazard identification & risk assessments be performed for confined spaces. Part of the risk assessment requires the atmospheric risk to be categorized as follows:
Low Risk - clean, respirable air not likely to change during work.
Moderate Risk - Not clean respirable air, but unlikely to impair worker escape unaided from the confined space.
High Risk - Atmosphere may expose worker to risk of death, incapacitation, injury, or acute illness. Atmosphere may impair worker escape unaided from confined space.
List 10 examples of confined spaces.
Railcar Tanks Storage containers Boilers Sumps Manholes Sewers Silos Pipelines Fuel Tanks Manure Pits
What are the 8 basic elements of a confined space entry program?
1, Written safe work procedures
2, Hazard identification & risk assessment.
3, Entry permits.
4, Air quality testing.
5, Cleaning and purging or air PRN.
6, Ventilation PRN.
7, Designation and duties of standby persons.
8, Confined space rescue procedures.
What confined space responsibilities does the BC OHS Regulation assign to supervisors?
1, Pre-entry testing and inspection per written procedures. (air testing etc.)
2, Ensuring that written procedures and OHS regulation are followed to ensure health & safety of workers.
3, Ensure that only authorized workers enter a confined space (this includes entry permits).
Under the BC OHSR, when is a confined space entry permit required?
Entry permits must be posted at each designated point of entry into a confined space
1, High hazard atmospheres.
2, When the confined space requires lockout or isolation procedures prior to entry.
3, When there is a hazard of entrapment or engulfment.
What information must be included in a confined space entry permit?
- Identification of the confined space and work activities being conducted
- Identification of workers
- Identification of safety precautions
- Identification of entry permit timeframe/expiry
What is the value of a confined-space entry permit?
- Assurance and evidence that critical safety items addressed.
- Instils professionalism in supervisor, so that they assume and understand responsibility.
