Safety for Confined Space Entry


	Safety for Confined Space Entry
	Knowing the dangers of confined spaces – and the safety precautions to take before entering them – could save a life. Learn more below:
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	What is a confined space? A confined space is defined as an area that: • is large enough for a person to occupy • is difficult to get in and out of • is designed for only short-term work
			Why confined spaces are dangerous
			Unlike other hazards workers are faced with, the concern about a confined space is not an injury from which a worker can recover, but a fatality. Confined spaces contain hazards that will not only injure a worker, but will often take his or her life. This is why precautionary measures such as gas monitoring and ventilating the space should be taken.
	Confined spaces can be found in many places on agricultural or horticultural operations, such as:
	• Silos, grain bins and manure pits • Well shafts and deep trenches • Agricultural chemical tanks • Cold storage rooms • Hopper rail cars and tank trucks
	Some of the steps you should take in protecting yourselves and others in confined spaces are to:
			Confined spaces are dangerous because:
			• Certain gases such as methane may be produced in confined spaces. Many of these gases displace oxygen in the air you breathe. • Cold storage rooms often have the oxygen pumped out of them to help preserve foods. • Gases such as carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen sulfide may build up to toxic levels. • Some of these gases are odorless, so you won't even know they are there. • The buildup of these gases can easily be ignited, causing a fire or an explosion. • Confined spaces also have many physical hazards. These include falling objects, wet surfaces, sloping sides and loose material that can break under your weight.
	• Determine what harmful contaminants are present in the confined space. Many confined spaces have multiple harmful gases. • Monitor the space for harmful gases and vapors before you decide to go in. • If harmful gases are present, ventilate the space, then monitor again. • Monitor continuously any time someone is in the confined space. • Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. • Always turn off, tag and "lockout" any energy sources such as augers or mixing blades so that no one can restart the equipment and injure a worker. • Have appropriate rescue procedures in place should something go wrong. • Have workers who enter the space wear a full-body harness and lifeline so he or she can be easily rescued from the space without another person having to enter and risk injury. • If a rescuer does have to enter, make sure he or she has appropriate respiratory protection like a SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus). • Have an attendant outside any time someone has entered the space.