Res 5A SOG Confined Space Flashcards
Definition of confined space
1) a person can enter and perform work
2) has limited or restricted means of entry/exit
3) is not designed for continuous occupancy
Confined space entry starts
as soon as any part of the body breaks the plane of the opening
Hazardous Atmospheres definition
exposes personnel to the risk of death, incapacitation, injury, acute illness, or impairment of the ability to self rescue
Hazardous Atmosphere types examples
1) Flammable gas in excess of 10% LFL
2) airborne combustible dust, if vision is obscured at a distance of 5 feet or less it may be within flammable range
3) O2 below 19.5 or above 23.5
4) Atmospheric concentration of HM that are in excess of dose or PEL.
5) any other IDLH
Permit Required Confined Space (vs non permit req)
1) contains or has potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere
2) contains material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant
3) has an internal configuration that could trap or asphyxiate
4) any additional safety or hazard including fall, environmental, or equipment hazards
Zero Mechanical State
mechanical potential energy of all equipment or machines is set so opening will not produce a movement that could cause injury
Seven phases of Confined Space
1) Scene Prep
2) Entry prep
3) Atmosphere Monitoring
4) Entry
5) Victim Removal
6) Safety Considerations
7) Termination
Lock out
Equipment in ZMS, Electrical locked out in open position with key type pad lock, hydraulic or feed lines disconnected, blanked or blinded, all tagged with confined space tag system
Who gets the keys of the lock out
entry supervisor
What to do if lock out is not possible
tag and provide physical security
SCBA use
Within 25 feet of entry and only if SCBA does not have to be removed to enter. Victim within sight of entrance. Rule of 3: 1/3 enter locate work 1/3 to exit 1/3 reserve
Atmospheric monitoring order
1) O2
2) Flammable gases vapors
3) Toxic air contaminants
Atmospheric IDLH
O2 >23.0 <19.5
LFL 10%
Toxicity exceeding PEL
Atmospheric readings every
5 minutes and recorded on permit
Air monitoring manhole or top down
Read from bottom up stopping every 2-4 feet to ensure no stratification
Air monitoring side or bottom entrance
Use rods, poles or other means to extend into. Start at entry bottom and move up and to the rear
Entry team members work time
30 minutes
Entry attendant responsibilities
Tracking system to log entry times and names, establish constant comms, monitor and record atmosphere but turn over responsibility once manpower is available
Entry finds victim and determines rescue, following occurs
- Does victim need SCBA SABA
- Can victim be moved with equipment carried
- Determine feet or head first
- C Spine if possible
- MA appropriate to weight
Safety consideration entry members positioning
team members stationed on the egress side of victim in case victim is lodged
Safety consideration movement through opening
As quick as possible so not to block egress, have a plan before movement through
Safety consideration air lines
Clear air lines from path to avoid entanglement or pinching
List of personnel assignments
Rescue Group Supervisor/Entry Supervisor Attendant/Communication Operator Entrant Standby Entrant Rescue Safety Officer Rigging Ventilation Air Supply Monitoring
Minimum PPE for Entry and Back Up
Nomex coveralls, Nomex hood, Eye pro, Class III Harness, Helmet, Two intrinsically safe lights, meter, SCBA/SABA with PASS, consider chemical resistant clothing/ear pro
Ventilation issues recirculation
exhausted air is too close to air inlet.
Separate the two.
Ventilation issues short circuiting
when fresh air does not reach bad air,
extend duct farther into space
Ventilation issues chimney effect
when fan is not powerful enough to force air into space, air returns up around the duct. Place duct in a corner to diffuse air by causing turbulent ricochet effect
Ventilation tactics (openings at both ends)
easiest method, fresh air in one opening, exhaust out the other
Ventilation tactics (one opening)
Attach inlet duct to fan to prevent recirculation and push outlet duct into space
Ventilation tactics (flammable/toxic air with one opening)
Use negative pressure, use outlet duct on fan to direct bad air from opening
Ventilation tactics (Flammable/toxic that is heavier than air)
Negative pressure but get duct near bottom of space and outlet duct to direct bad air
Ventilation tactic (Flammable/toxic that is lighter than air)
two fans, inlet air to the bottom, exhaust air duct around the top
