Procedures for atmospheric testing in confined space.
Confined Space atmospheric testing is conducted mainly for two purposes. The two purposes are:
1. For evaluation of the hazards in the confined space.
2. To verify if the conditions for a confined space entry have been met.
So, the two purposes above fall into evaluation testing and verification testing.
However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA US has proposed the conditions for conducting atmospheric testing in a confined space.
What is a confined Space?
A confined space is a space that is large enough to permit entry for workers to perform their work; it has restricted access and exit and is not designed for permanent occupancy.
Evaluation testing.
This type of testing occurs when you want to evaluate the kind of hazards in a confined space. The atmosphere within a confined space has to be tested mainly with equipment to determine their levels.
The evaluation testing helps determine the chemical hazards present in the confined space, or that may become present in the confined space. The evaluation testing helps to ensure the various steps to be followed and the conditions to be met before a worker enters the space.
A technically qualified professional must evaluate and review all the testing results at this stage. Most times, a certified safety professional, a registered safety engineer, or a certified industrial hygienist could be needed.
Verification testing:
At this stage, the various steps developed during the evaluation testing are being used to test the atmosphere at the verification testing. When this is successful, the workers can enter the confined stage. Mostly done with a permit to work.
The verification testing is mainly done to ensure that the present chemical hazards are below the levels necessary for safe entry and meet the permit’s conditions.
The verification testing is mainly conducted for the following.
- Oxygen.
- Combustible gases.
- Toxic gases and vapors.
The concentration of the various chemicals is recorded on the permit before entry.
How long will the testing last?
The testing equipment must be given enough time so that air from this confined space can be drawn into the equipment and for the chemicals in the surroundings to react if they’re present. This time is always regarded as the minimum response time.
Also read:
- 6 Confined space hazards that can pose a problem to the entrants
- Tornado warning: what you need to do when you see alert messages
- How to calculate man hours in (hse) safety
- How to prevent wet floor injuries from your workplace
- Apply for Health and Safety Officer Now
Use of multigas detectors and monitors.
Most times, multigas detectors and monitors are used to detect flammable gases, oxygen depletion, and gases. They are designed to be used for situations where a variety of gases need monitoring at the same time. It can come in as a fixed or fully portable gas detector. Some gases detected include hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and combustibles.Â
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
