The National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health
(NIOSH) provides the following
interim guidelines regarding
work in confined spaces related
to hurricane response.
“Confined space” refers to a
space that has limited openings
for entry and exit, unfavorable
natural ventilation, which could
contain or produce dangerous air
contaminants, and/or physical
hazards related to engulfment or
collapse.
There are numerous examples
of co-workers and emergency response
workers becoming overwhelmed when
trying to rescue workers in confined
spaces. It is critical that only those
trained in confined space hazards and
rescue procedures attempt such rescues.
Examples of confined spaces include
but are not limited to storage tanks, pits,
ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers, tunnels,
underground utility vaults, and
pipelines. Water and wind destruction associated
with hurricanes may create confined space conditions in parts of
buildings that are not routinely
considered confined spaces.
For example, flooding and hazardous
materials spills or releases
may create dangerous confined
spaces in basements and enclosed
rooms. Similarly, building damage
and collapses may create confined
space hazards by restricting
entry and exit and exposing workers
to physical or environmental
hazards.
Workers in or around confined
spaces must be trained in the
recognition of what constitutes a confined
space and the potential hazards that
may be encountered in them. Workers
and rescue agencies in hurricane damaged
areas that may enter a confined
space must be familiar with and trained in confined space entry procedures as well
as rescue requirements and techniques.
At a minimum, employers and workers
should:
• Treat all confined spaces as hazardous;
• Test atmospheric conditions prior to entry
and continuously monitor them during
the entire entry. A person trained in
the proper use of a calibrated, directreading
instrument must test for oxygen
content, flammable gases and
vapors, and potential toxic air contaminants,
in that order. Never trust your
senses to determine if the air in a confined
space is safe. You cannot see or
smell many toxic gases and vapors, nor
can you determine if sufficient oxygen
is present;
• Ensure that adequate atmospheric conditions
are maintained in the spaces at
all times through proper ventilation;
• In those situations in which safe atmospheric
conditions cannot be maintained,
evaluate if entry is absolutely necessary
and/or if the work can be completed
from outside the confined space. When
entry is necessary, the appropriate respirator should be evaluated and worn by
workers with thorough training in the
use and limitations of respirators. Additional
information on respirators can be
found at www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/
topics/respirators/;
• Make sure that an attendant is present
immediately outside the space in case
the person in the space needs assistance,
and ensure that an emergency retrieval
or rescue method is available;
• Make sure a safe method of communication
is available between the person
entering the space and the attendant;
• Exit the space immediately if an unsafe
condition develops;
• Ensure that structures are sound (safe)
from collapse prior to entering confined
spaces;
• Use proper personal protective equipment,
which will be determined by the hazards that
will be encountered in the confined space.
Examples include eye/face, and head and
foot protection, respiratory protection,
safety belts, lifelines and harnesses,
www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/protclothing/.
Ensure that properly trained workers control
utilities prior to entry into confined
spaces, including electrical services (primary
and secondary), gas, propane, fuel
oil, or other alternative energy sources
(primary systems), water, sanitary systems,
communications, and any secondary service
systems (i.e., compressed, medical, or
industrial gases);
• Once confined spaces are identified, post
warning signs to warn other response
personnel, clean-up workers, and the
public. When possible, physically block
entry;
• Never enter a confined space to attempt an emergency rescue unless
you have been trained in safe confined space entry and rescue
procedures and have the proper tools and personal protective
equipment.
