Confined spaces entering

Formic acid is combustible (flash point = 69° C), but the explosive ha2ard is considered slight. The decomposition to CO requires appropriate precautions to be taken when entering tanks or other confined spaces that have contained the acid. 

Enter any confined space, e.g. any tanks or pits, except in accordance with a permit-to-work system. 

F. All site control elements of the safety and health program must be fully implemented as described in the program. The purpose of site control requirements is to ensure that only properly trained and authorized individuals enter those areas of the site with potential hazards, and that, in the event of an emergency, rapid assistance can be rendered to employees working in the exclusion zone. This section discusses the findings of two components of site control the establishment and maintenance of site work zones and the establishment and implementation of appropriate confined space procedures. 

Air supplied in confined space by downward vertical jets creates a similar flow pattern as in the case of air supply by horizontal nonattached jets. With vertical air supply, the occupied zone is ventilated directly by air jets. Grimitlyn suggests that the area of occupied zone ventilated by one jet be sized based on the jet s cross-sectional area at the point it enters the occupied zone. The jet cross-sectional area and configuration depend upon the height of the air supply, the type of air jet, and diffuser characteristics ( K, and K, ). 

Confined space As defined by OSHA, any space that is large enough for an employee to enter and perform work that has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for human occupancy. 

Many people have been killed or overcome because they entered vessels or other confined spaces that had not been thoroughly cleaned or tested. About 63 people are killed this way every year in the United States about 40 of those are would-be rescuers (see Section 11.6) [25]. A number of incidents are described here. Another is described in Section 9.1.5 (c), and others involving nitrogen are described in Section 12.3. Sometimes it seems that vessels are more dangerous empty than full. 

In a centrifugal compressor, air or gas at atmospheric pressure enters the eye of the impeller. As the impeller rotates, the gas is accelerated by the rotating element within the confined space that is created by the volute of the compressor s casing. The gas is compressed as more gas is forced into the volute by the impeller blades. The pressure of the gas increases as it is pushed through the reduced free space within the volute. 

Review the system illustrated in Figure 40.8. Chamber A is under pressure and is connected by a tube to chamber B, which is also under pressure. The pressure in chamber A is static pressure of lOOpsi. The pressure at some point (X) along the connecting tube consists of a velocity pressure of lOpsi exerted in a direction parallel to the line of flow, plus the unused static pressure of 90psi. The static pressure (90psi) follows Pascal s law and exerts equal pressure in all directions. As the fluid enters chamber B, it slows down and its velocity is reduced. As a volume of liquid moves from a small, confined space into a larger area, the fluid will expand to fill the greater volume. The result of this expansion is a reduction of velocity and a momentary reduction in pressure. 

Where such internal inspection work is carried, out a safety checklist and processes for confined space entry permit system and tag-out/lock-out MUST be undertaken before any person enters the boiler. The inspection of waterside surfaces should be carried out by a suitable qualified person and will benefit from employing either an instant camera or a video camera (Horoscope or similar fiberoptic-based device) to record any parts of the boiler where corrective action is needed. 

Steam drums (top drums) often are difficult to enter or move around in because of the fixed mechanical equipment contained within the confined space. It should not be assumed that this equipment has always been correctly reinstalled after any previous inspection or maintenance programs. Consequently, steam drums should first be inspected for proper location, orientation, and anchoring of steam separators, FW lines, baffles, continuous BD lines, and chemical injection lines. 

Evacuate danger area immediately Consult an expert Ventilation. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Prevent from entering confined spaces. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus). 

Disaster was adverted when a safety technician entered the control room as part of an unrelated confined space entry permit. The technicians portable oxygen measuring instrument was activated and in the operating mode. The low-level oxygen alarm sounded, warning the people in the control room of the very serious condition. 

Figure 10-10 A pressure vessel inspector enters the confined space after the vessel is blinded, tested, and cleared, but still relies on a manway watch.

Discrete translations on a lattice. A periodic lattice structure allows all possible translations to be understood as ending in a confined space known as the unit cell, exemplified in one dimension by the clock dial. In order to generate a three-dimensional lattice, parallel displacements of the unit cell in three dimensions must generate a space-filling object, commonly known as a crystal. To ensure that an arbitrary displacement starts and ends in the same unit cell it is necessary to identify opposite points in the surface of the cell. A general translation through the surface then re-enters the unit cell from the opposite side. 

A space large enough for an employee to enter and work with restricted activities or movement may have a hazardous atmosphere. The incident occurs because of failure of recognizing the hazards associated with confined spaces. The different kinds of confined spaces for a worker in a plant are tanks, silos, storage bins, vessels, hoppers, pits, and sewer lines. Big fermenters, multieffective evaporators, boilers, and wells are also included in this list. 

The pharmacological requirements for a safe and effective harassing agent must be stringent (it is hardly appropriate to refer to benefit versus risk). As well as potency and rapid onset and offset of effect in open areas under any atmospheric condition, it must be safe in confined spaces where concentration may be very high and may affect an innocent, bedridden invalid should a projectile enter a window. 

A confined space permit is required to enter Tunnel B. 

Permit system, personal protective equipment and clothing, and key procedures for entering and working in confined spaces. 

SPILL CLEAN-UP stop flow of gas if possible evaporate to atmosphere and use water spray to dilute vapor cloud evacuate area remove leaking containers to detached area prevent spills from entering confined spaces such as storm sewers or drains remove all sources of ignition.. 

Section 4.5 consolidates the requirements for the training of constmction woikers who handle harmful substances such as poisons, caustics, flammable liquids and gases, and other toxic substances. This section also covers the training of employees required to enter enclosed or confined spaces. 

Cl 4 (2) No person at work shall enter or carry out any work in. .. a confined space otherwise than in accordance with a system of work which, in relation to any relevant specified risks, renders that work safe and without risks to health. 

Safety and loss prevention professionals may also look for potential joint ventures within the public sector (such as municipalities) for various specialty services, such as confined-space injury and rescue. Often the expenditure required to acquire equipment for such specialty areas can be extremely cost prohibitive however, compliance with the OSH A standard must be achieved and maintained. A joint venture with a local fire department that already owns the confined-space equipment may be a viable option, considering the capital expenditure for equipment, cost of training, and potential legal risks. Some safety and loss prevention professionals have been able to enter into joint ventures with municipalities or volunteer fire organizations to have such activities as confined-space entry and rescue performed by these organizations. 

In the second type of buddy system, only one of the pair is exposed to the hazard. The other s sole duty is to protect and assist the person in danger, should the need arise. A common example in industrial work occurs during confined space entry. When a worker must enter a tank for cleaning or repair purposes, a buddy is stationed outside to monitor the wellbeing of the person inside. The buddy may provide warnings of any adverse condition noted, assist the worker if aid is needed, or call for outside assistance. The outside buddy in this system should have no duty except that of monitoring the worker in danger. 

---