Page 22 - Confined Space Training - Student Manual 2021
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Confined Space Hazards
Atmospheric Hazards
Hazard How it occurs Why be concerned
1 Oxygen Chemical (welding/cutting) or Oxygen-deficient atmospheres affect
deficiency biological (decomposition of organic heart rate, muscle coordination, and
materials) or rust reactions consume breathing. Unprotected, it is difficult to
oxygen survive in an oxygen-deficient
atmosphere
2 Oxygen enriched Results from welding Oxygen-enriched atmospheres
atmosphere or increase the risk of fire or explosion
use of peroxides
3 Flammable Fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source Flammable gases (acetylene, propane,
atmosphere may result in fire or explosion methane, hydrogen sulfide), or grain,
nitrated fertilizers, metals, and other
pulverized solids can produce
combustible dusts
4 Toxic Accumulate through manufacturing, Many manufacturing processes, stored
atmospheres biological, or chemical reactions. May materials and work tasks release toxic
be released during tasks such as gases, vapors, or dusts
welding or cleaning
Non-Atmospheric Hazards
Hazard How it occurs Why be concerned
1 Access problems Confined spaces are difficult to enter In an emergency, entrants may not be
and exit able to exit quickly
2 Corrosive Corrosive chemicals are stored in the Corrosive chemicals can cause sever
chemicals space or entrants use them for work eye or skin damage if workers are not
wearing protective clothing
3 Engulfment Loose materials drawn from bottoms Liquid or loose materials can trap or
of storage bins can suffocate or bury bury a worker in seconds
an entrant, or if liquids or materials
are suddenly released into the space
4 Extreme The permit-space location or the Hot environments put workers at risk
temperatures equipment it contains makes the for heat stress. Cold environments
space very hot or cold make tasks more difficult to accomplish
5 Illumination Most permit spaces are dark Poor lighting increases risk of injury
problems and makes it difficult for workers to
enter, work in and exit a permit space
6 Mechanical and Mechanical and hydraulic equipment Entrants servicing mechanical and
hydraulic energy starts or moves unexpectedly hydraulic equipment can be seriously
injured or kicked if energy is not
controlled
7 Noise Permit spaces amplify sounds Noise interferes with essential
produced by tools and equipment communication between entrants and
attendants. High noise levels can
cause hearing loss
8 Slippery surfaces Leaks, spills, and condensation make Wet surfaces are unusually slippery
walking surfaces slippery increasing the risk of falls
9 Falling objects Objects fall into the space because Being stuck by falling objects will likely
topside openings are unprotected or cause serious injury or death
improperly guarded
Confined Space Training for Entrants, Attendants & Supervisors 22
