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🚪 Confined Space Entry

OSHA Compliant Safety Meeting | ~15 minutes

Why This Matters​

Confined spaces kill approximately 100 workers per year. Many deaths occur because workers don't recognize the danger.

What is a Confined Space?​

A confined space has:

  • Limited entry/exit - Hard to get in or out
  • Not designed for continuous occupancy - Not meant for people
  • Large enough to enter - Can fit a person

Examples:

  • Tanks
  • Vaults
  • Manholes
  • Tunnels
  • Silos
  • Pits
  • Boilers

Permit-Required Confined Spaces​

A confined space becomes "permit-required" if it has:

  • Hazardous atmosphere (or potential)
  • Engulfment hazard
  • Entrapment hazard
  • Other serious hazards

You CANNOT enter without:

  • Written permit
  • Trained entry team
  • Proper equipment
  • Rescue plan

The Hazards​

Atmospheric Hazards​

  • Oxygen deficiency - Less than 19.5% oxygen
  • Oxygen enrichment - More than 23.5% oxygen
  • Flammable gases - Explosive atmosphere
  • Toxic gases - Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide

Physical Hazards​

  • Engulfment - Buried in material (grain, sand, etc.)
  • Entrapment - Can't get out
  • Mechanical - Moving parts, equipment
  • Electrical - Exposed wires

Entry Procedures​

Before Entry​

  • Identify - Is this a confined space?
  • Test atmosphere - Test before entry
  • Ventilate - If needed
  • Lockout/tagout - Isolate hazards
  • Get permit - If permit-required
  • Assemble team - Entry supervisor, entrant, attendant

During Entry​

  • Continuous monitoring - Monitor atmosphere
  • Attendant present - Never enter alone
  • Communication - Stay in contact
  • Exit immediately - If conditions change

Entry Team Roles​

Entry Supervisor:

  • Authorizes entry
  • Verifies permit
  • Ensures rescue available

Entrant:

  • Enters space
  • Monitors conditions
  • Exits if unsafe

Attendant:

  • Monitors entrant
  • Calls for help if needed
  • Never enters space

Testing Requirements​

Atmospheric Testing​

  • Oxygen: 19.5% - 23.5%
  • Flammable: Less than 10% LEL
  • Toxic: Below PEL

Test:

  • Before entry
  • Continuously during entry
  • After any change in conditions

Rescue Plan​

Never enter to rescue - Call 911 and trained rescue team

Rescue must be:

  • Available immediately
  • Trained and equipped
  • Tested (practice)

Common Mistakes​

MistakeConsequence
Entering without testingDeath from toxic atmosphere
Entering aloneNo one to call for help
No rescue planDelayed rescue = death
Assuming it's safeMany spaces look safe but aren't

Discussion Questions​

  • What confined spaces are on this project?
  • Have you ever entered a confined space?
  • What would you do if someone collapsed in a confined space?
Never Enter Alone

Confined spaces can kill in minutes. Never enter a confined space alone. Always have an attendant and rescue plan.