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Background
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides the
following interim guidelines regarding work in confined spaces related to hurricane response. “Confined space” refers to a space which has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation which could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, and/or physical hazards related to engulfment or collapse. There are numerous examples of co-workers and emergency
response workers becoming overwhelmed when trying to rescue workers in confined
spaces. It is critical that only those trained in confined space hazards and
rescue procedures attempt such rescues
Examples of confined spaces include but are not limited to storage tanks,
pits, ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers, tunnels, underground utility vaults,
and pipelines. Water and wind destruction associated with hurricanes may create confined space conditions in parts of buildings that are not routinely considered confined spaces. For example, flooding and hazardous materials spills or releases may create dangerous confined spaces in basements and enclosed rooms. Similarly, building damage and collapses may create confined
space hazards by restricting entry and exit and exposing workers to physical
or environmental hazards.
Additional information on confined spaces can be found
at the NIOSH website: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/confinedspace/
Guidance to Help Prevent Injuries and Death Related to Entry
into Confined Spaces in Hurricane Damaged Areas
Workers in or around confined spaces must be trained in the recognition
of what constitutes a confined space and the potential hazards that may
be encountered in them. Workers and rescue agencies in hurricane damaged
areas that may enter a confined space must be familiar with and trained
in confined space entry procedures as well as rescue requirements and
techniques. At a minimum, employers and workers should:
- Treat all confined
spaces as hazardous
- Test atmospheric conditions prior to entry and continuously monitor
them during the entire entry. A person trained in the proper use of
a calibrated, direct-reading instrument must test for oxygen content,
flammable gases and vapors, and potential toxic air contaminants, in
that order. Never trust your senses to determine if the air in a confined
space is safe. You cannot see or smell many toxic gases and vapors,
nor can you determine if sufficient oxygen is present.
- Ensure that adequate atmospheric conditions are maintained in the
spaces at all times through proper ventilation.
- In those situations in which safe atmospheric conditions cannot
be maintained, evaluate if entry is absolutely necessary and/or if
the work can be completed from outside the confined space. When entry
is necessary, the appropriate respirator should be evaluated and
worn by workers with thorough training in the use and limitations
of respirators. Additional information on respirators can be found
at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/
- Make sure that an attendant is present immediately outside the
space in case the person in the space needs assistance, and ensure
that an emergency retrieval or rescue method is available.
- Make sure
a safe method of communication is available between the person
entering the space and the attendant.
- Exit the space immediately
if an unsafe condition develops.
- Ensure that structures are sound (safe) from collapse prior to
entering confined spaces.
- Use proper personal protective equipment,
which will be determined by the hazards that will be encountered
in the confined space. Examples include eye/face, and head and
foot protection, respiratory protection, safety belts, lifelines
and harnesses. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/protclothing/
- Ensure that properly trained workers control utilities prior to
entry into confined spaces, including electrical services (primary
and secondary), gas, propane, fuel oil, or other alternative energy
sources (primary systems), water, sanitary systems, communications,
and any secondary service systems (i.e., compressed, medical, or
industrial gases.)
- Once confined spaces are identified, post warning
signs to warn other response personnel, clean-up workers, and the
public. When possible, physically block entry.
- Never enter a confined
space to attempt an emergency rescue unless you have been trained
in safe confined space entry and rescue procedures and have the
proper tools and personal protective equipment.
Refer to OSHA standards for complete requirements. Links to the standards
can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/confinedspaces/standards.html
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Disaster Safety
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