Confined Spaces 231

air-purifying respirator

APR. A form of personal protective equipment with an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants. Air-purifying respirators pass ambient air through the air-purifying element.

asphyxiating hazards

A type of atmospheric hazard that interferes with the ability to breathe. Asphyxiating hazards may be caused by a lack of oxygen or the presence of a gas or dust.

asphyxiation

The state or process of being deprived of oxygen. Asphyxiation can result in unconsciousness or death.

atmosphere-supplying respirator

ASR. A respirator that provides the wearer with clean air from a source that is fully separate from ambient air. Atmosphere-supplying respirators include supplied-air respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses.

atmospheric hazards

A category of hazard that is present in the environment of a confined space. Atmospheric hazards are categorized as flammable, toxic, irritant, and asphyxiating.

atmospheric testing

Measurement of the content of the environment using electronic equipment. Atmospheric testing should be completed at several levels to detect gases that are lighter or heavier than air.

authorized attendant

Someone trained in permit space entry and surface rescue who remains outside a confined space during entry. The authorized attendant monitors the safety of the authorized entrants.

authorized entrants

A person who has been trained to enter and perform work within a confined space. Authorized entrants should know about potential hazards that may be present in the space.

blanking

A method of blocking feed lines to prevent the flow of materials or substances. Blanking feed lines is one way to isolate a device.

bleeding

A method of draining feed lines to prevent the flow of material or substances. Bleeding feed lines is one way to isolate a device.

carbon monoxide

A toxic, flammable gas formed by incomplete combustion of carbon. Carbon monoxide is difficult to detect because it is colorless and odorless.

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPR. A technique designed to temporarily circulate oxygenated blood through the body of a person whose heart has stopped. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is performed by pushing down on the person's chest in a constant rhythm to mimic a heartbeat while also breathing air into the person's mouth.

caustic chemical

A substance that can burn or destroy living tissue. Caustic chemicals are hazardous and may cause severe burns.

combustible

Capable of catching fire and burning. Combustible materials need heat before they will ignite.

combustible dusts

A fine grain of material that is capable of exploding or catching fire. Combustible dusts are a flammable hazard.

communication hazards

A type of confined space hazard that exists when a person in a confined space is unable to speak or signal to those on the outside of the space and vice versa. Communication hazards are a type of general hazard.

confined space

An area that is large enough for a worker to enter but is not designed for continuous occupancy and that has a limited means of entry or exit. Confined spaces are potentially hazardous and safety requirements must be followed when entering them.

crawlspaces

An area of limited height under a floor or roof, giving access to wiring and plumbing. Crawlspaces may also provide moisture control and insulation functions and are considered confined spaces.

decontamination

The process of removing hazardous substances using various cleaning methods. Decontamination is one way to clear hazards from a confined space.

drainage pipes

A pipe that moves water or waste away from a building. Drainage pipes are used to dispose of wastewater from homes, businesses, and industrial areas and are considered confined spaces.

earplugs

A piece of wax, rubber, or cotton placed in the ear as protection against noise. Earplugs are necessary personal protective equipment in loud confined spaces.

engulf

To submerge by a substance, such as water, grain, or earth. A substance that engulfs completely flows over and covers a person.

entrapment

A situation where a person becomes trapped or stuck within a space. Entrapment is often caused by the space’s design, such as inwardly converging walls or a sloping floor that tapers to a smaller opening.

entry and exit hazards

A type of confined space hazard that exists when insufficient preparations have been made to ensure that employees can exit a confined space quickly. Entry and exit hazards are a type of general hazard.

entry permit

A document that ensures all necessary pre-entry preparations have been carried out and that a permit space is safe to enter. Employers must fill out the entry permit before anyone goes into permit-required confined spaces.

entry supervisor

The primary person responsible for verifying that a confined space is as safe as possible to enter. The role of the entry supervisor is usually filled by the employer, foreperson, or crew chief.

excessive noise

An 8-hour, time-weighted average (TWA) sound level that is 85 decibels (dB) or higher. Excessive noise is dangerous and requires safety measures for hearing conservation.

exhaust fan

A mechanical device that removes unwanted air, moisture, odors, and pollutants from a space. Exhaust fans are used in confined spaces to improve air quality and ventilation.

face shields

A rigid, transparent plastic sheet that covers the wearer's entire face to protect against dust or splashes. Face shields do not protect against impacts, so they are often worn with goggles.

first aid

A treatment given to someone who is injured or who has suddenly become ill before full medical attention can be given. Permit space training must cover first aid.

flammable hazards

A type of atmospheric hazard that occurs when substances that are likely to catch fire are present. Both oxygen and dust are flammable hazards.

frostbite

An injury caused by partial freezing of body tissue. Frostbite is caused by exposure to extremely cold temperatures.

general hazards

A category of confined space hazards, distinct from atmospheric and physical hazards. General hazards may be mechanical, communication, or entry and exit hazards.

ground fault interrupters

GFIs. An electrical safety device that disconnects power by breaking a circuit when surges of electricity are detected. A ground fault interrupter is usually used around sources of water.

hard hats

A lightweight, protective head covering, usually made of plastic, used to protect the head from impacts, bumps, and electrical shock. Hard hats have a shock-absorbing lining with a headband and straps that suspend the shell away from the skull and provide ventilation.

harness

A form of personal protective equipment that consists of a series of straps that are connected around the legs, waist, and shoulders and attached to a hoist. A harness is used to pull entrants out of confined spaces.

hazardous

Potentially a source of harm to people or property. Hazardous work situations can occur in many forms, such as dangerous physical or atmospheric conditions.

hazards

A potential source of harm to people or property. Hazards can occur in many forms, including general, physical, and atmospheric.

heat exhaustion

An illness brought on by exposure to high temperatures. Heat exhaustion is characterized by faintness, dizziness, and heavy sweating.

heat stroke

A life-threatening illness brought on by exposure to high temperatures. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to cool itself down.

hoist

A device attached by a line to a harness. A hoist is used to pull entrants out of confined spaces.

hypothermia

A rapid physical and mental collapse that occurs when the body is exposed to cold temperatures and is unable to warm itself. Hypothermia can be caused by cold conditions in a confined space.

irritant hazards

A type of atmospheric hazard that causes inflammation or irritation to the eyes, skin, or respiratory system. Chemical gases can be irritant hazards.

isolation

The physical or manual blocking or disconnecting of a machine component or feed line to prevent accidental machine startup. Isolating a component also can stop the flow of substances to the machine.

lockout/tagout

LOTO. A method of protecting employees by preventing accidental machine startup through proper locking and labeling of machines during maintenance. Lockout/tagout is the common term for OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy Standard.

mechanical hazards

A type of confined space hazard that exists when electrical or mechanical equipment may be accidentally activated. Mechanical hazards are a type of general hazard.

no-entry rescues

A rescue performed while the rescuer remains outside of the confined space. Authorized attendants must perform no-entry rescues.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration maintains a set of requirements for entering and working in confined spaces.

organic materials

A carbon-based compound that comes from living organisms or is created in a lab. Decay of organic materials can deplete oxygen levels in a confined space.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. OSHA maintains a set of requirements for entering and working in confined spaces.

permit space

A confined space that contains at least one hazard that requires supervisor permission for entry. A permit space is also called a permit-required confined space.

permit space program

A written set of policies and procedures for entering a permit space. OSHA requires every employer whose employees enter permit spaces to develop a permit space program.

permit-required confined space

A confined space that contains at least one hazard that requires supervisor permission for entry. A permit-required confined space is also called a permit space.

personal protective equipment

PPE. Any safety equipment that employees wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. Common personal protective equipment includes earplugs, safety glasses, and hard hats.

physical hazards

A category of confined space hazard that is non-chemical and affects the body. Physical hazards include vibration, temperature, and noise.

PPE

Personal protective equipment. Any safety equipment that employees wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. Common PPE includes earplugs, safety glasses, and hard hats.

primary irritants

A type of irritant that harms only the parts of the body that it touches. Primary irritants do not cause further injury or disease.

prohibited condition

Any new or changing hazardous condition that is outside the acceptable safety parameters established in the permit. When a prohibited condition exists in a permit space, the authorized entrant should alert the attendant and immediately exit the space.

protective gloves

A glove made from a variety of materials to protect the hands from hazards like chemicals, heat, or abrasion. Protective gloves are the most common type of hand protection used.

purging

The process of clearing the environment within a confined space. Purging may be accomplished by forcing air, water, or another substance into the space to push the hazardous substance out.

rescue team

A group of individuals trained in permit-required confined space entry and rescue. The rescue team should be ready and available to safely aid a trapped or incapacitated entrant.

safety glasses

A type of protective eyewear with metal or plastic frames and impact-resistant lenses that may or may not offer vision correction. Safety glasses also have protective side shields.

secondary irritants

A type of irritant that harms the parts of the body that it touches and causes further injury or disease. Secondary irritants cause medical issues, such as chronic illness.

silos

A trench, pit, or especially a tall cylinder that is usually sealed to exclude air. Silos have many uses across a variety of industries, like storing bulk materials, and are considered confined spaces.

storage tanks

A container that holds liquids or compressed gases. Storage tanks are manufactured containers that can be inside or independent of buildings and are considered confined spaces.

systemic effects

A response to chemical exposure that affects more than just the initial contact point. Systemic effects may cause symptoms in one or more areas, such as the skin or lungs.

toxic hazards

A type of atmospheric hazard that can be poisonous or harmful. Some gases and dusts are toxic hazards if inhaled.

vapors

A substance diffused or suspended in the air, especially one normally liquid or solid. Vapors that are combustible or toxic are hazardous.

ventilation

A means of circulating air. Permit spaces often require ventilation.

vibration

Rapid back-and-forth motion. Exposure to intense or prolonged vibration can damage nerves, blood vessels, joints, and hearing.

welding

Joining together metal pieces or parts by heating the surfaces to the point of melting. Welding produces fumes, heat, and other hazards that are especially dangerous in confined spaces.