Monitoring confined spaces

Detector) with the standard four gases of a confined space monitor (Oj, LEL, and two toxic gas sensors) in one compact monitor with sampling pump. The MultiRAE Plus is quickly and easily changed from a sophisticated techiucian instrument to a simple text-only monitor. The same monitor can be used as a personal monitor, a hand-held sniffer, or as a continuous operational area monitor. The detector can be made wireless with the use of RAELink2. RAE Systems, Inc., www.raesystems.com, (408) 952-8200. Chvie 268... 

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. 

Material solidifies Monitor and control temperature in feed system or is too viscous, Heat trace and/or insulate lines and plugs lines. Potential for proper line break procedures exposure while Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correcting, proper lockout-tagout and confined space problem. entry procedures CCPS G-23 CCPS G-29 Fisher 1990... 

Not all existing procedures or program elements of the overall health and safety program need to be incorporated into the HASP. For example, if noise is a hazard, the plan does not have to cite the entire hearing conservation program. Procedures already established elsewhere may be referenced, as applicable. In another example, if a confined-space-entry procedure is required, the HASP could reference the particular procedure which is part of the overall program. The next step would be to identify confined spaces at the worksite where the procedure applies, and then provide appropriate implementation procedures (e.g., conditions to be monitored, evaluation of the space, issuance of an entry permit). If special operational procedures apply to the worksite, they can be attached to the HASP using an appendix. 

Oxygen deficiency may result from the displacement of oxygen by another gas, or the consumption of oxygen by a chemical reaction. Confined spaces or low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to oxygen deficiency and should always be monitored prior to entry. Qualified plant personnel should always monitor oxygen levels and should use atmosphere-supplying respiratory equipment [21]. 

Monitoring Your monitoring team can continue to move fresh air with a confined space blower and use the air from multiple levels. 

Finally, PMCD work permits must be issued for all entries into chemical agent hazard areas and areas designated Permit Required Confined Spaces. Work permits, which must identify the individual and the work to be performed, are reviewed by operations maintenance and safety personnel and approved by the shift manager. Special monitoring may be required, and records of entries and monitoring must be kept for 30 years beyond the last day of employment or the closure date of the facility. 

Testing and monitoring air quality in the confined space such as oxygen level, toxicity level, flammable materials, air pressure, and air contaminants... 

Oxygen meters—There are many models of oxygen meters available. Oxygen meters are calibrated on air (20.8 percent) which is usually marked on the meter scale as a calibration point. Often, LEL meters have an oxygen detection function built into them. Thus they can test for explosive atmospheres and for oxygen deficient atmospheres. For confined space operations, oxygen monitoring is a requirement. 

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. 

List three elements involved in monitoring the atmosphere of a confined space. 

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. 

Employers who use contract employees in and around hazardous processes have the responsibility of choosing contractors with the proper skills and monitoring their performance. Contractors should be screened for safety performance in other work, skill in the required tasks, and knowledge of the process or types of systems on which they will work. It is sometimes useful for an employer to include contract employees in existing training programs. Contractor employees often perform specialized and hazardous tasks. Examples are nonroutine repairs and entry into confined spaces. It is therefore important to control their activities. A permit or work authorization system is a usefril vehicle toward this end. 

Proposed Rule Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring Proposed Rule Classification of Confined Spaces Proposed Rule IHCS Classification/Training Proposed Rule IHCS Preparations for Entry Proposed Rule PRCS Employee Training Proposed Rule PRCS Entiy Prep Entry Supervisor Proposed Rule PRCS Initial Tasks... 

Training for confined space entry should be geared toward your involvement or likelihood of involvement with confined spaces and hazardous atmospheres. The training could range from how to use space heating devices and carbon monoxide buildup, to full blown entry/exit preparation and execution, air monitoring, respirator use, and rescue. 

Confined Space — Proposed Rule Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring... 

Employers are required to test or monitor a confined space for certain atmospheric hazards in a specific order ... 

Employers must continue to test or monitor the confined-space atmosphere while employees are operating in the space. 

CONFINED SPACE — PROPOSED RULE ATMOSPHERIC TESTING AND MONITORING-1... 

Monitoring must be of a frequency and performed in a manner sufficient to protect employees operating in confined spaces from atmospheric hazards. 

This sign-oflf sheet documents the employees who have taken part in a training session on the confined space proposed rule Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring at this company, ... 

Employers must provide its employees who enter a confined space with, and their authorized representatives, with an opportunity to observe the evaluations of the space, any reassessment conducted, and atmospheric testing and monitoring. 

Atmospheric Hazards — Most confined space accidents are related to atmospheric conditions inside the space and the failure to continuously monitor the air and ventilate as necessary. Atmospheric hazards are usually broken down into three categories. 

Discuss the requirements for monitoring of the atmosphere in permit-required confined spaces. 

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