Attendants confined space

Entry into Confined Spaces. In 1993 OSHA adopted a confined space entry rule (93) requiring employers to evaluate the workplace to (/) determine if it contains any confined spaces, (2) mark or identify such confined spaces, and (2) develop and implement a permit program for entry into such spaces. The program must include a permit system which specifies the steps to be taken to identify, evaluate, control, and monitor possible electrical, mechanical, and chemical ha2ards select and use equipment institute stand-by attendance and estabflsh communications. The reference standard (93) should be studied for details. 

Atmospheric testing, entry supervisor duties, attendants and entrants, retrieval systems, hazard identification, and entry procedures for non-permit confined spaces. 

Safe work in a confined space requires teamwork. The confined space entry team is made up of the entry supervisor, the attendant, the entrant, and the rescue team. 

There s a fundamental limitation in traditional gas detection methods. Traditional portable gas detectors provide mobility, but don t communicate. Traditional fixed gas detectors communicate, but aren t portable. The X-zone breaks these limitations 1 combining the mobility of portable systems wHh the communication of forad systems. The result is a level of safety and security unmatched in the industry. This new solution provides flexibility in many applications — from performing confined space entries and area monitoring, to setting up wireless fence lines, to connecting auxiliary safety equipment and transferring alarms to stendtty attendants. With the X-zone, the limits of gas detection are now history. 

Station at least one attendant outside during entry and coordinate actions with contractors used to conduct rescue procedures. Establish a written permit system and review the effectiveness of the system annually. OSHA also requires training to ensure that employees involved in confined space work can perform their job functions safely. This training covers specific items for the authorized entrant, the attendant, and the entry supervisor. Training will cover the following authorized entrant responsibilities (1) hazards involved in confined space entry, (2) use of appropriate PPE for confined space entry, (3) communication policies with the attendant, (4) requirement to leave... 

The employer must ensure that employees that will be in or near a Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS), for example employees who have duties specified by the applicable sections of this standard (entiy supervisors, attendants, authorized entrants, and rescue-service employees) acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe performance of these duties. This training must result in an understanding of the hazards in the PRCS and the methods used to isolate, control, or in other ways protect employees from these hazards. 

Retrieval systems such as harnesses and other methods must be used whenever an authorized employee enters a permit-required confined space. This allows the employee to be removed from the space by attendants located outside of the space. 

Safe work practices for confined spaces, including how the attendant should maintain communication with those working within confined spaces and what rescue procedures he or she should use in an emergency. 

Inform trainees that they should use a hfehne for confined space rescue and the attendant must be able to hacd the worker out of the confined space in an emergency. 

This regulation requires that all permit-required spaces be identified, evaluated, and controlled. Procedures for entry must exist. Appropriate equipment and training for authorized entrants must be provided. Entry supervisors and attendants must be trained and present, and a written/signed entry permit should exist prior to entry. Trained and available rescue personnel shall (over one-half of the deaths in confined spaces are rescuers) be available. The space must have posted warning signs and barriers erected, and personal protective equipment and rescue equipment must be provided. 

Lifelines. Where a welder must enter a confined space through a manhole or other small opening, means shall be provided for quickly removing him in case of emergency. When safety belts and lifelines are used for this purpose they shall be so attached to the welder s body that his body cannot be jammed in a small exit opening. An attendant with a preplanned rescue procedure shall be stationed outside to observe the welder at all times and be capable of putting rescue operations into effect. 

Note In practice (in the real world of performing confined space entry operations), common routine often designates the entry supervisor as the "competent" or "qualified" person. The competent or qualified person is that entry supervisor who has had the appropriate training and experience and possesses the knowledge required to supervise, and bring about, correct confined space entries. An entry supervisor may also serve as an attendant or as an authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped as required by the confined space entry standard for each role he or she plays. Also, the duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one qualified individual to another qualified individual during the course of an entry operation. 

Another important function of the attendant or other designated person involved in permit-required confined space entry is to ensure that imau-thorized entry into the confined space is prevented. Before any permit-required confined space entry can be made, a proper confined space entry permit must be used. When employees from more than one work center... 

Is at least one attendant stationed outside the confined space for the duration of the entry operation ... 

Are the attendant and other workers prohibited from entering the confined space without lifelines and respiratory equipment if there is any question as to the cause of an emergency ... 

If the employer designates this attendant to perform rescue procedures in addition to monitoring the safety of the confined space entrant, he or she should be equipped with the necessary PPE and rescue equipment and trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). He or she should maintain constant communication with those inside the space. If a situation arises that requires emergency rescue, the attendant must not enter until additional help arrives. 

Arguably, one of the most critical components of OSHA s confined space entry standards is code 1510 1910.146(1), which requires a confined space attendant. An attendant is the employee who remains outside the confined space and monitors the entrant, guards the space against unauthorized entry, warns the entrants of any unusual conditions and summons rescue personnel if needed. Specifically, an attendant s responsibilities include ... 

The role of the confined space attendant should not be taken lightly, as their responsibilities can literally save lives. Unfortunately, the person assigned to the role of attendant is often an entry-level employee who has not been properly trained in confined space entry safety. In other cases, a local off-duty fireman or friend of a worker is brought in to serve as the confined space attendant. Even local fireman can pose a risk if not trained in OSHA protocol and confined space procedures. 

None of these situations is ideal. In an emergency situation, an untrained attendant is likely to rush into the confined space to help those in trouble, especially if they personally know the entrant. This causes more harm than good and puts two or more people in a dangerous situation. For this reason, confined space deaths are often in multiples of two or higher. 

The advantages of having a properly trained attendant are significant. They can review the permit and ensure it is filled out properly. They can review the tasks to be performed and PPE required for the job. They will know that a welder will need a Hot Work Permit in addition to the Confined Space Entry permit, as well as a fire watch and proper fire-suppression equipment. The attendant can also deny access to anyone who does not meet the aiteria set forth on the permit, does not have proper PPE or training, is not listed on the entry permit or if there is an atmospheric condition that has changed the classification of (he space. 

Miraculously, aU but one of the six workers eso5)ed the lower chamber. The skth employee was killed by massive blunt trauma to the head and upper torso. The confined space attendant was caught in (he releasing nitrogen pressure and was pushed through the guardrail of the walkway he was standing on. He was killed instantly. 

In reviewing the facts of this tragic incident, it is clear that the on-site confined space attendant failed to follow proper protocol. The attendant did not force the management to read MSDS sheets, as outlined by OSHA standards, or ensure that they examined the as built documents before implementing a procedure. Had the confined space attendant been aoss-trained and objectively stated proper procedure, multiple deaths — including his own — could have been prevented. 

Confined space attendants can go a long way toward increasing the overall safety of a workspace, but they are most effective when they are well trained and do not have personal ties to the entrant. f... 

A final and most important reason for entering a confined space would be for emergency rescue. This, and all other reasons for entry, must be well planned before initial entry is made, and the hazards must be thoroughly reviewed. The attendants, entry supervisors, and all rescue personnel should be aware of the structural design of the space, emergency exit procedures, and life support systems required. 

Communication problems. Communication between the worker inside the confined space and the attendent outside is of utmost importance. If the worker should suddenly feel distressed and not be able to summon help, an injury could become a fatality. Frequently, the body positions that are assumed in a confined space make it difficult for the attendant to detect an unconscious worker. When visual monitoring of the worker is not possible because of the design of the confined space or location of the entry hatch, a voice or alarm-activated explosion-proof-type of communication system will be necessary. An approved type of illumination is required to provide sufficient visibility. 

Attendant A trained employee assigned to stand by outside the confined space entry opening to observe the employee inside the space, to assist the employee inside, and provide help and retrieval if needed. 

No employee may enter a confined space or serve as an attendant until confined space entry training has been completed and documented. 

Portable monitors must be taken into confined spaces and the attendant must monitor conditions remotely. 

A trained attendant must be assigned to the entry opening when an anployee is in the confined space, and the attendant may not leave the area unless replaced by a trained attendant. 

When the confined space has been evaluated and aU conditions for entry have been met, the attendant and employees entering the space will sign their names on the permit. The supervisor will also sign the permit, authorizing entry date and time, and leave the permit at the entry site. 

The attendant is requested by employee to provide aid in the confined space. 

If assistance will be needed to remove the employee, it should be immediately available (on same floor or general area) and a communication system established. If the attendant determines there is an injury, medical condition, or other health exposure, medical assistance will be requested by radio. If retrieval cannot be made by harness or safety line, the attendant will call for assistance and wait for it to arrive. Attendants and other company personnel will not enter confined spaces for rescue. 

Duties of attendants and those entering confined spaces. 

---