Various Aspects Of Confined Space Entry
What is confined space? How is it defined? OSHA defines confined spaces as areas
that hinder the activities of employees who must enter, work in, and exit them. A confined space has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Confined spaces can be hazardous to people working in them. Workers risk physical injury or the possibility of being trapped when working in confined spaces.
Entry is the act of getting inside a permit-required confined space through an opening. Work that has occurred inside the space is included in the entry, and it is assumed to have occurred if the body of the entrant (qualified person who will enter confined spaces) enters the space.
Now that we have defined confined space, let us dig deeper as to what comprises the definition. When OSHA says that there is a limited point of entry or exit, they mean that:
The opening has a diameter as small as 18 inches
Entry with life-saving equipment is difficult
Rescuing a drowned worker in a bent position is difficult
Exit is difficult when using ladders or hoists
Confined space is not designed for continuous worker occupancy. What exactly does OSHA mean by this?
Most confined spaces are not to be used for work regularly
These spaces are typically used for storage of products
These spaces are usually for transportation of materials
How is the workspace classified? If the opening is theoretically wide enough for a worker to enter into the permit-required confined space, a permit is necessary even if the entrant only does a partial-body entry. However, the permit is not necessary for a partial body entry if the entrant could not possibly enter the space due to a narrow opening. It is important to determine whether a confined space exists in a workplace, and a space should be assumed to be permit-required
unless confirmed to be a non permit-required space.
The safety of every individual is crucial when working in confined spaces, this is why entry permit systems are implemented. This permit is a list of precautions taken before entering the space. Employers should implement a permit program after determining confined spaces in their work area. Before they let any employee enter the confined space, employers should put into writing that all entry hazards have been assessed, precautions have been taken to prevent entry of unauthorized personnel, and that procedures and practices for safe space entry have been implemented and strictly adhered to. The permit should be signed by the entry supervisor and posted at the confined space entry.
Required information for entry permits include the space to be entered, the reason for entry, date of entry, and length of entry, the entry supervisor and representative to enter such space, the potential hazards of the space, and measures taken to protect employees. Know that when there is an urgent need for rescue, permits are not necessary. Also, a permit can be canceled in case there is an emergency requiring immediate evacuation. Entry permits also have expiration dates and can be canceled after execution of the entry.
by: Joe R. Cranston
Making Of A Global Market Entry Strategy Jetnet 3008 Series - Korenix 8-port Entry-level Switches Enliven Your Dwelling Space With Carpentry In Dubai Creative Rfid Starter Kit From Daily Rfid Offers The Low-cost Entry To Parking Management Garage Cabinets Quickly Getting Entry In The Lives Of Modern People Dlf Sky Court Newest Entry In The Garden City Group Rear Entry Position - One Amazing Tip You Must Know! Things you need to know about keyless entry remote How do I apply for a reentry permit? Removal of DRA – What can be the Consequences? In Coventry Process of Receiving Approval of a US Entry Waiver Not So Daunting Barriers to Entry The 5 Important Steps of Proper Gift Entry Procedures