Unit 5a - Confined Spaces

This statement emphasizes the importance of understanding and following precautions and procedures related to confined spaces in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved. It highlights the collective responsibility we have to ensure that everyone goes home safely.

IDLH is an acronym used in occupational safety and health to describe the level of airborne contaminants that pose an immediate threat to life or health. It is a term used to identify situations where workers could be exposed to hazardous substances at levels that may cause irreversible health effects or death. The acronym stands for "Immediately Dangerous to Life and Heath."

A non-permit space may become a permit space if hazards are introduced. This means that even if a space is initially considered safe and does not require a permit for entry, if hazards are introduced into the space, it can become dangerous and require a permit for entry. This highlights the importance of regularly assessing and monitoring spaces to ensure they remain safe for workers.

The statement is false because signage for permit confined spaces should not be considered proprietary and confidential. In fact, signage for permit confined spaces should be prominently displayed and easily visible to ensure the safety of workers and to communicate the potential hazards associated with the confined space. This information should be readily accessible to all employees and contractors who may enter the confined space.

Before an employee enters a permit confined space, it is necessary to test the internal atmosphere for various factors such as oxygen content, potential toxic air contaminants, flammable gases, and vapors. This is important to ensure the safety of the employee and prevent any potential hazards or risks that may be present in the confined space. By conducting these tests, any potential dangers can be identified and appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate them before allowing entry into the confined space.

Employees need to have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available at all times. MSDS provide important information about the hazards and handling of chemicals and substances used in the workplace. Having access to MSDS ensures that employees can refer to the necessary safety precautions and procedures whenever needed, promoting a safe working environment.

The correct answer includes tanks, storage bins, and a properly shored trench as examples of confined spaces. Confined spaces are areas that are not designed for continuous occupancy, have limited entry and exit points, and may have hazardous conditions. Tanks, storage bins, and silos are enclosed spaces that can pose risks such as lack of oxygen, toxic gases, or physical hazards. A properly shored trench is also considered a confined space because it has limited access and can be dangerous due to cave-ins or other hazards.

The correct answer is: An Attendant is able to maintain communication with workers, is responsible for signing in and out employees who enter and exit the space, and is trained to summon the emergency response team if necessary.

The correct answer is that a rescue plan needs to be known by all employees, must be developed prior to entering a confined space, and should consult local emergency response services when developing the rescue plan. This is because all employees should be aware of the rescue plan in case of an emergency. The plan should be developed before entering a confined space to ensure preparedness. Consulting local emergency response services helps in creating an effective plan that complies with safety regulations and guidelines.

When confined space entrance covers are removed, it is important to guard the opening to prevent any accidents or unauthorized access. Railing and/or signage can be used to clearly mark the area and warn people of the potential hazards. A temporary cover can be placed over the opening to prevent anyone from accidentally falling in. A temporary barrier can also be used to physically block access to the opening. These measures help ensure the safety of individuals and comply with regulations regarding confined spaces. OSHA regulated board stretchers and proper testing activities are not directly related to guarding the opening and are therefore not applicable in this context.