HAZARD ASSESSMENT
Management must ensure the hazards associated with the confined space are assessed and
documented. The necessary controls to protect workers must be determined and in place prior to entry.
- LOCKOUT
Before entry to a confined space may begin, all energy sources must be isolated to protect workers.
Forms of energy sources to be isolated are:
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Pneumatic
- Hydraulic
- Radiation
- Thermal
- Chemical Reaction
Lockout will be conducted as per either the company's lockout procedures or the customer's procedures, whichever will offer the best protection for the workers.
- CLEANING AND PURGING
Dangerous Goods Transport vessels shall be:
- cleaned by steaming or other suitable method, and
- purged with forced fresh air, and
- all plugs, caps, valves, manifolds and domes shall be opened, and
- all supply lines disconnected, blinded or blanked off.
- VENTILATION
A confined space may be ventilated by natural ventilation or by mechanical ventilation. The length of
pre-entry ventilation time will vary with the physical layout of the confined space and on the type and
concentration of hazards within the confined space. If concentration of a contaminant is not known, a
NIOSH approved supplied breathing air system must be used.
If mechanical ventilation system is used, a device warning the attendant of the system's failure must be
in place prior to entry.
If a mechanical ventilation system is used and failure of that ventilation system leaves the entrants in a
life threatening situation, NIOSH approved emergency escape systems must be used.
- CALIBRATION & BUMP TESTING OF GAS MONITORS
Gas monitors shall be calibrated according to manufacturers' instructions at an authorized service
center. Bump tests shall be conducted by a competent worker to determine functionality of the monitor.
Bump tests will be conducted at least at the start of the shift the monitor is to be used. Records of such
calibration and field tests shall be maintained for a period of one year.