Laserfiche WebLink
• • • <br /> CONFINED SPACES <br /> What is a Confined Space? <br /> • Cal/OSHA defines a Confined Space as one in which two simultaneous conditions exist: <br /> 1. The existing ventilation is so poor that dangerous levels of air contamination and/or oxygen <br /> deficiency could possibly occur, and <br /> • 2. Access in or out of the space is difficult because of the location or size of the opening to the <br /> • outside. <br /> In unventilated or poorly ventilated areas, gases and vapors can rapidly build up to dangerous <br /> levels. The oxygen supply can also become depleted by displacement with other gases such as <br /> • acetylene, by combustion from torches, salamanders, or blower heaters, or by chemical reaction <br /> from a chemical oxidizer, or even algae. <br /> If a gas is odorless and colorless, like carbon dioxide, the first sign to indicate a problem is <br /> dizziness, headache or shortness of breath. The victim may not have the time to alert someone of <br /> • the problem or to escape before losing consciousness. Often, a co-worker will try to rescue a <br /> • friend in trouble and be killed or injured in the attempt. <br /> Confined Space Principles <br /> • Hazards <br /> In general, confined spaces are hazardous because the air within them can become unsafe. The <br /> worker subjected to the unsafe atmosphere becomes unable to leave the space due to the <br /> • restricted access. <br /> Work in or near a landfill increases the possibility of hazards because of the potential for the <br /> capture of landfill gas (LFG). LFG is hazardous because it contains methane (natural gas) and <br /> because it contains no oxygen. Both the hazards for fire and explosion, as well as asphyxiation, <br /> are present. <br /> The production of LFG within the landfill causes a pressure, which can force the LFG into <br /> excavations in or near the landfill. An enclosed space in or near a landfill can quickly fill with <br /> LFG. <br /> • Before Work Begins <br /> 1. Check that entry and exit is not restricted. <br /> • 2. Check if, for any reason, the atmosphere in the space could become unsafe. Remember that <br /> • your own breathing removes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. Zero ventilation, in itself, is <br /> hazardous. <br /> • 1 <br />