EAGLE SAFETY INSTITUTE
CONFINED SPACE
Safety Management Chapter
Safety Training Module
Chapter 07
📚 1. Introduction to Confined Space
A confined space is any enclosed or partially enclosed area that is not designed for continuous human occupancy but is large enough for a worker to enter and perform tasks.
These spaces present unique hazards due to their restricted entry/exit points, potential for hazardous atmospheres, and limited natural ventilation.
⚠️ Important Note from Eagle Safety Institute:
Confined spaces are responsible for numerous workplace fatalities each year. Proper training and procedures are essential for survival.
📖 2. Key Definitions & Terms
As per Eagle Safety Institute Curriculum
Confined Space
An area large enough for a worker to enter and perform work, has limited means of entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous occupancy.
Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS)
A confined space that contains or has potential to contain hazardous atmosphere, material that could engulf entrant, or other serious safety hazards.
Entry Permit
A written document authorizing entry into a confined space, specifying conditions, duration, and safety measures required.
Attendant (Hole Watch)
A trained person stationed outside the confined space who monitors entrants and maintains communication at all times.
Entrant
An authorized worker who enters the confined space to perform assigned work tasks.
Entry Supervisor
The person responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions exist, authorizing entry, and overseeing operations.
Hazardous Atmosphere
An atmosphere that may expose workers to risk of death, injury, or acute illness from flammable, toxic, or oxygen-deficient conditions.
Engulfment
The surrounding and capture of a person by liquid or finely divided solid substance that can cause suffocation or strangulation.
LEL (Lower Explosive Limit)
The minimum concentration of gas or vapor in air below which the mixture cannot ignite. Safe entry requires <10% LEL.
PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit)
The maximum concentration of a substance to which workers may be exposed during an 8-hour workday.
🌬️ Oxygen Level Classifications
| Oxygen % | Classification | Effects/Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 19.5% – 23.5% | Safe Range | Normal breathing conditions – Entry permitted |
| 16% – 19.5% | Oxygen Deficient | Impaired judgment, rapid breathing – SCBA required |
| 12% – 16% | Severely Deficient | Rapid fatigue, poor judgment – Immediate evacuation |
| Below 12% | Immediately Dangerous | Unconsciousness, brain damage, death – DO NOT ENTER |
| Above 23.5% | Oxygen Enriched | Fire/explosion risk – Eliminate ignition sources |
Reference: Eagle Safety Institute Training Manual
🏭 3. Types of Confined Spaces
Common confined spaces encountered in industrial settings – Eagle Safety Institute
Storage Tanks
Used for storing liquids, chemicals, petroleum products. High risk of toxic/flammable atmospheres.
Silos & Bins
Store grain, cement, coal. Risk of engulfment and oxygen depletion from decomposing materials.
Manholes & Sewers
Underground access points. Exposure to H₂S, methane, and oxygen deficiency common.
Pipelines & Ducts
Large diameter pipes for utilities. Limited movement space, potential for hazardous residues.
Pressure Vessels
Boilers, reactors, autoclaves. Risk of pressure release, high temperatures, chemical exposure.
Pits & Excavations
Below-grade openings. Risk of cave-ins, water accumulation, and heavier-than-air gases.
Electrical Vaults
Underground electrical equipment rooms. Electrical hazards combined with confined space risks.
Ship Compartments
Cargo holds, ballast tanks, engine rooms. Complex multi-level confined spaces.
Furnaces & Ovens
Industrial heating equipment. Extreme heat residue, combustion gases, and refractory dust.
🎓 Eagle Safety Institute Classification
Non-Permit Confined Space:
Does not contain or have potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or serious harm.
Permit-Required Confined Space:
Contains hazardous atmospheres, engulfment potential, entrapment configuration, or other serious hazards.
⚠️ 4. Hazards in Confined Spaces
Understanding hazards is critical for survival – Eagle Safety Institute
A. Atmospheric Hazards (Most Dangerous)
1. Oxygen Deficiency (<19.5%)
- • Caused by displacement by other gases
- • Consumption by rusting, fermentation
- • Absorption by certain materials
- • Effect: Suffocation, death within minutes
2. Oxygen Enrichment (>23.5%)
- • Leaking oxygen lines
- • Chemical reactions producing oxygen
- • Effect: Materials burn more easily
- • Clothing can spontaneously ignite
3. Toxic Gases/Vapors
- • H₂S (Hydrogen Sulfide): Rotten egg smell, paralyzes smell at high conc.
- • CO (Carbon Monoxide): Odorless, colorless killer
- • SO₂, NH₃, Cl₂: Industrial process byproducts
- • Effect: Poisoning, organ damage, death
4. Flammable/Explosive Atmosphere
- • Methane, propane, acetylene
- • Gasoline vapors, paint solvents
- • Combustible dust (grain, coal, metal)
- • Effect: Fire, explosion, severe burns
B. Physical Hazards
Engulfment
Liquids, grain, sand, or other materials trapping workers
Electrical
Exposed wiring, wet conditions increasing shock risk
Thermal
Extreme heat/cold, steam, hot surfaces
Noise
Amplified sound levels in enclosed spaces
Falls
Slippery surfaces, vertical shafts, ladders
Falling Objects
Tools, debris from above the entry point
Mechanical
Unguarded machinery, moving parts, agitators
Entrapment
Converging walls, inwardly sloping floors
C. Biological Hazards
- • Bacteria & Viruses: In sewers, waste treatment
- • Mold & Fungi: In damp, poorly ventilated spaces
- • Insects & Rodents: Disease carriers, bites
- • Decomposing Matter: Produces toxic gases
D. Chemical Hazards
- • Corrosive Materials: Acids, alkalis causing burns
- • Irritants: Skin/eye/respiratory irritation
- • Sensitizers: Causing allergic reactions
- • Carcinogens: Long-term cancer risk
🏥 5. Common Injuries & Health Effects
Understanding consequences helps reinforce safety importance – Eagle Safety Institute
📊 Confined Space Incident Statistics
60%
Deaths from hazardous atmosphere
2/3
Rescuers who die attempting rescue
90+
Annual fatalities (US alone)
70%
Could be prevented with proper procedures
Immediate/Acute Injuries
- 💀
Asphyxiation/Suffocation
Oxygen deprivation leading to unconsciousness and death within minutes
- 🔥
Burns (Thermal/Chemical)
Flash fires, steam burns, chemical burns from corrosive substances
- 💔
Toxic Poisoning
H₂S, CO poisoning causing organ failure, brain damage
- 🦴
Physical Trauma
Fractures, head injuries from falls, crush injuries from engulfment
- ⚡
Electrocution
Cardiac arrest, severe burns from electrical contact
- 💥
Explosion Injuries
Blast injuries, shrapnel wounds, hearing damage
Long-term/Chronic Effects
- 🫁
Respiratory Diseases
Occupational asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis from dust/fume exposure
- 🧠
Neurological Damage
Memory loss, cognitive impairment from oxygen deprivation or solvent exposure
- 🎭
PTSD/Psychological Trauma
Anxiety, depression from near-death experiences or witnessing incidents
- 🦻
Hearing Loss
Permanent hearing damage from amplified noise in enclosed spaces
- 👁️
Eye Damage
Chemical burns, vision impairment from irritants
- 🔬
Cancer Risk
Increased risk from carcinogen exposure (benzene, asbestos, etc.)
Human Body Impact Areas
🛡️ 6. Safety Precautions & Controls
Comprehensive safety measures as taught at Eagle Safety Institute
📋 A. Before Entry Precautions
Complete all sections of confined space entry permit with authorized signatures
Test for O₂ (19.5-23.5%), LEL (<10%), toxic gases before and during entry
Isolate all energy sources – electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic
Establish continuous mechanical ventilation to maintain safe atmosphere
Remove residual hazardous materials through flushing, steaming, or inerting
Establish communication methods between entrant, attendant, and supervisor
Have trained rescue team and equipment ready before entry begins
Brief all personnel on hazards, procedures, and emergency response
🦺 B. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Hard Hat
Protection from falling objects and head impacts
Respirator/SCBA
Respiratory protection for hazardous atmospheres
Safety Harness
Full body harness for fall protection and rescue
Coveralls
Chemical-resistant protective clothing
Safety Gloves
Chemical/cut resistant hand protection
Safety Boots
Steel-toe, non-slip, chemical resistant
Safety Goggles
Eye protection from splashes and debris
Gas Detector
Continuous atmospheric monitoring device
⚙️ C. During Entry Controls
👁️ Attendant Duties
- • Maintain constant watch
- • Track all entrants
- • Maintain communication
- • Order evacuation if needed
- • Never enter the space
- • Summon rescue services
📊 Continuous Monitoring
- • Test atmosphere continuously
- • Monitor multiple levels
- • Respond to alarm signals
- • Document all readings
- • Evacuate if levels change
- • Re-test after breaks
🚨 Emergency Response
- • Non-entry rescue first
- • Use retrieval systems
- • Call trained rescuers
- • Never rush in untrained
- • Provide first aid
- • Document incident
📐 Hierarchy of Controls – Eagle Safety Institute
⚖️ 7. Government Rules & Regulations
Legal framework for confined space safety – Eagle Safety Institute Compliance Training
🇺🇸 OSHA Standards (United States)
29 CFR 1910.146 – Permit-Required Confined Spaces (General Industry)
- •Written permit-space program required
- •Hazard identification and evaluation
- •Entry permit procedures
- •Attendant/Entrant/Supervisor duties defined
- •Rescue and emergency services
- •Training and certification requirements
29 CFR 1926.1200-1213 (Construction Industry)
- •Specific requirements for construction sites
- •Coordination with other employers
- •Rescue planning requirements
- •Competent person designation
OSHA Penalties (2024):
Serious: Up to $15,625/violation
Willful: Up to $156,259/violation
🇮🇳 Indian Regulations
Factories Act, 1948
- •Section 36: Precautions against dangerous fumes
- •Section 36A: Portable electric lights in confined spaces
- •Testing for presence of dangerous gases
- •Adequate ventilation requirements
- •Suitable breathing apparatus provision
Other Indian Standards
- •IS 3786: Safety code for cleaning of confined spaces
- •OISD-105: Work permit system (Oil industry)
- •PESO: Petroleum rules for storage facilities
- •Building & Construction Workers Act, 1996
Key Indian Requirement:
No person shall enter any confined space until certificate by competent person
🌍 International Standards
UK
Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
Approved Code of Practice L101
Australia
AS 2865-2009
Confined Spaces Standard
Canada
CSA Z1006-16
Management of work in confined spaces
ISO
ISO 45001:2018
Occupational H&S Management
📝 Entry Permit Requirements – Eagle Safety Institute
| Permit Element | Description | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Space Identification | Location and description of space | ✓ Mandatory |
| Purpose of Entry | Work to be performed | ✓ Mandatory |
| Date/Time | Entry and expiration times | ✓ Mandatory |
| Authorized Entrants | Names of workers permitted entry | ✓ Mandatory |
| Atmospheric Test Results | O₂, LEL, toxics readings with times | ✓ Mandatory |
| Hazards Present | Identified hazards and controls | ✓ Mandatory |
| Communication Procedures | Methods for maintaining contact | ✓ Mandatory |
| Rescue Procedures | Emergency response plan | ✓ Mandatory |
| Authorizing Signatures | Entry supervisor approval | ✓ Mandatory |
📋 8. Safe Entry Procedure Flowchart
Step-by-step entry procedure as taught at Eagle Safety Institute
📌 Key Points to Remember – Eagle Safety Institute
Never enter without proper authorization and permit
Always test atmosphere before and during entry
Never work alone – attendant must always be present
Have rescue plan ready before entry begins
Use proper PPE for identified hazards
When in doubt, GET OUT!
✏️ Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding – Eagle Safety Institute Assessment
Q1: What is the safe oxygen range for confined space entry?
Q2: What should LEL be below before entry is permitted?
Q3: Who must NEVER enter the confined space?
