Free Confined Space Training

Working in a confined space is one of the most hazardous planned jobs performed at a mine site or processing plant. A lack of ventilation and restricted entry points increase the risk of a minor incident having major outcomes. In this safety topic we discuss what to look for when performing a safety observation or inspection on a confined space job.

One of the goals of jobsinmining.com is to do our little bit improve safety at mining operations around the world.  And we want to work towards that goal through you – and through thousands of individual safety discussions, interactions and observations – each one making a little bit of difference to those involved.

In pursuit of this goal we bring you a range of safety topics that you can use as the basis for starting safety discussions and observations.

What is Confined Space Work

Each operation and company will define “confined spaces” or “restricted spaces” in slightly different ways.  Australian Standard AS2865 defines a confined space as:

An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy, within which there is a risk of one or more of the following:

(a) an oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range.

(b) a concentration of airborne contaminant that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or

asphyxiation.

(c) a concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that that may cause may cause injury injury from fire or explosion.

(d) engulfment in a stored free-flowing solid or a rising level of liquid that may cause suffocation or drowning.

And usually does not include the following:

• underground mining areas
• tunnelling
• abrasive blasting
• spray painting
• trenching
• excavation work

In the US, the CDC defines “Confined Space” as a space which by design has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation which could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, and which is not intended for continuous employee occupancy. Confined spaces include but are not limited to storage tanks, compartments of ships, process vessels, pits, silos, vats, degreasers, reaction vessels, boilers, ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers, tunnels, underground utility vaults, and pipelines.

Keeping People Out

There are two ways people can be hurt or killed in a confined space.

Firstly an incident could occur while they are performing a planned task in a space they know is potentially hazardous – i.e. they’ve recognised that it is a confined space.

Secondly a person could inadvertently enter a confined space without realising that it is one – and so not be aware of the hazards.

To prevent this second type of incident, a site must ensure that every confined space identified on their Confined Space Register has either a sign, a lock, or some other form of physical barrier (i.e. bolted closed) to warn or stop people from entering the space.  Ideally both signs and physical locks or seals should be used.  Part of our management systems should also be scheduled inspections to check these signs and locks remain in place on every space on the register – i.e. on an annual basis.

In Field Observations

Of course the most effective way to check that people are working safely in and around confined spaces is to go out in the field and observe people doing the work.

If confined space jobs are not commonly performed on your site, or only performed at certain times, i.e. shutdowns, you may have to make the effort to schedule your observation.

Things to Look For

A range of controls are commonly used at mining sites for people to make sure people perform confined space work safely.  These controls may be written in a procedure, or prompted via the completion of a confined space permit.

Here’s the key things to look for, check for, and ask about:

Gas monitors and monitoring – check that monitors are appropriate for the job, calibrated, and that people know what the gas levels mean and what to do if an alarm sounds.

Ventilation of the space – is any mechanical ventilation necessary and how have they checked that oxygen levels will stay at the required level?

Isolation of all energy / fluid / solid sources that could enter the space – ask what energy sources have been identified, and how/where they were isolated.

Condition and suitability of equipment – especially equipment being used in the space the creates heat or gasses.

Communications equipment and plan – who is being informed as the job progresses, and who will be called if something goes wrong?

Completion of the required paperwork and permits – checking both the completeness of the paperwork, and that everything recorded on there is being done in practice.

Pre-job risk assessment – has a risk assessment been conducted and recorded prior to starting the job.

Training of people involved – does the sentry know what their role is and what to do if something goes wrong?  Does each person working in the space need to have completed any specific training?

Rescue plan and equipment – what is the rescue plan, and is the right equipment available?  Are there enough people on standby and are they trained?  Has the emergency rescue equipment been tested and checked?

Thankfully because of the inherent risk in confined space work, we are generally quite good at putting strong controls in place and sticking to them.  Make sure you’re reinforcing and checking these controls in your next safety observation.