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Section 13 Confined Space Program <br /> Atmospheric Hazards <br /> Flammable or explosive gas , vapor, mist in a concentration greater than 20 percent of <br /> its lower flammable limit ( LFL) or lower explosive limit (LEL) . <br /> Combustible dust suspended in air, which obscures vision at a distance of five feet or <br /> less . <br /> Atmospheric oxygen concentration levels below 19 . 5% or above 23% . Symptoms of <br /> low levels are : <br /> 1 . Impaired judgment and breathing @ 16% <br /> 2 . Faulty judgment and rapid fatigue @ 14% <br /> 3 . Difficult breathing , death in minutes @ 6 % <br /> Above 23% might be encountered when a cylinder of hose nearby is leaking . Above <br /> 23% creates an extreme fire hazard . Oxygen must never deliberately be released into <br /> a space to increase low oxygen levels . <br /> Carbon monoxide (CO) results from gasoline engines . CO is colorless and odorless <br /> gas that can cause headaches , dizziness , unconsciousness , asphyxiation , and death . <br /> Hydrogen Sulfide (1-12S) is encountered in sewers , sewage treatment plants , near <br /> landfills or other locations where organic material (dead animals , leaves , etc. ) <br /> decomposes . It has a distinct odor of rotten eggs at low concentrations but can cause <br /> a deadened sense of smell at high concentrations , leading one to believe that there is <br /> no H2S when actually it would be high enough to kill . Symptoms are lack of <br /> consciousness and death . <br /> Methane (CH4) is a natural gas produced from the decay of organic matter. It is <br /> heavier than air so it can displace oxygen , causing unconsciousness . Methane is also <br /> flammable . <br /> Physical Hazards <br /> Mechanical hazards including moving equipment parts and energized or pressurized <br /> systems can be dangerous . <br /> Entrapment hazards such as air plenums or engulfment hazards associated with sand <br /> or grain <br /> Thermal hazards caused by excessive heat or cold (Subpart e must be followed in the <br /> event thermal hazards) . <br /> • Noise from tools and heavy machinery can be magnified within the space . This could <br /> create a hazard if the entrant or attendant cannot hear verbal communication or <br /> warning alerts form the meter. <br />