Confine Space Works

Hi Mark,

Good comments there. I think that with the tank construction as shown in the photo, with only 500mm space at the bottom of the tank and:-

1. the size of the tank

2. welding taking place inside the tank

3. the liklehood of insufficient natural ventillation

the space should, as pointed out, be regarded as a confined space and approrpriate cnfined space procedures adopted.

Unfortunately, working in tanks has the worst record for accidental fatalities of all enclosed space deaths;

Here is an example of what happens when people ignore correct safe woking procedures when working in confined spaces. This accident cost 8 seamen their lives and they, of all people, certainly should have known better.

The two photos above show the ballast tank that was being painted at the time of the explosion. 4 men were inside the tank and the 4 other persons were standing on top of the tank. The next 2 photos show someting that should NEVER be done.

The top photo shows the type of lamp that was used inside tha tank...............an ordinary cargo lamp.............very dangerous in flammable atmospheres and is a definite NO, NO. The bottom photo shows the arrangement that was set up for ventilation of the space, note the fan angled itto the space with a block of wood, no ducting. The enquiry could not state what the source of ignition was, but suffice to say.................ignore confined space procedures and the results can be tragic.

Just another interesting point re confined space fatalities.................over 50% are would be rescuers............ALWAYS follow laid down rescue prcodures for confined spaces.

A confined space can refer to anywhere where an individual in trouble might need help in getting out:

• Inside an empty international-sized swimming pool
• Up a pylon or telegraph pole

for example. In both cases, someone "standing by" would be a useful safety precaution, which might be enforced by local regulations.

Hello, We have an elaborate confined space entry system where I work. Being that I manage the inspection of app. 700 tanks I am constantly using the confined space system. When we have new tanks constructed the contractor will make sure there is a large enough hole ( 48" x 96" min.) cut into the bottom course of the shell to allow a man to walk into the tank. This keeps the tank from being a permitted confined space while it is being constructed. The contractor consults our safety department and they make the decision of what needs to be done in order to make it a non permitted confined space. When I say permitted this means that the full confined space procedure will be utilized (hole entry supervisors, confined space permit, atmospheric sniff, rescue equipment, safety harnesses and a mock rescue by the rescue people before entry )The general rule is that if the manway is small enough to restrict access for rescue then we treat it as a permitted confine space. In the case our safety department deems the space non permitted the use of a designated hole entry supervisor, permit and a mock rescue is not required. We always require our people to have and know where the rescue equipment is and to know how to contact the first responders. I would suggest that you also consider the environment around the tank and the individual plant safety rules when before asking the safety department to make it a non permitted confined space. While every plant has different safety rules and every new tank has different circumstances there is no reason that all new tank construction has to be confined space work. If for some reason you don't know the plant safety requirements then as always it is best to go all out and treat it as confined space.

pipewelder

atmospheric sniff,

Just a little further on atmospheric testing of the compartment..................in Australia issuing of a Gas Free Certificate is usually carried out by an Industrial Chemist or suitably qualified person.

The Gas Free Certificate will stipulate the work that may be carried out, particularly any "hot work," (where likelihood of flammable vapours), how often the atmosphere is to be checked, whether further checking can be carried out by a competent person, ventilation requirements, etc.

Usually on ships one or more of the ship's engineers will be a suitably qualified person to issue the Gas Free Certificate.

NEVER.......EVER......rely on sense of smell.

OR

Prepare to meet your maker if you become complacent.

Here are the definitions of a confined space (according to CAL OSHA):

Sections §5157 & §5158 is defined by the concurrent existence of the following conditions:

§5157

(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and

(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels,silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that have limited means of entry.); and

(3) Is not designed for continuous occupancy.

Note: section §5157 is intended for work involving existing facilities only and includes routine maintenance and non-construction related repairs.

§5158

(a ) Existing ventilation is insufficient to remove dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency which may exist or develop; and

(b) Ready access or egress for the removal of a suddenly disabled employee is difficult due to the location and/or size of the opening(s).

Note: Section §5158 is intended for work involving construction, alteration, painting, repairing, construction maintenance, renovation, removal, or wrecking of any fixed structure or its parts.

This section continues on, but this is the jist of it.

I hope that this helps,

MC