Confined Spaces 231

air-purifying respirator

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

air-supplied respirator

Breathing devices that consist of a full face mask with a long hose that connects to a freestanding tank of compressed air. Also called airline respirators, air-supplied respirators are used when employees must spend long periods in low-oxygen atmospheres.

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.

atmospheric hazards

A type 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 entrant

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.

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.

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

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

caustic chemical

A substance that can burn or destroy living tissue. A caustic chemical is one example of a hazardous material.

combustible dusts

Fine grains of material that are capable of exploding or catching fire. Combustible dusts are a flammable hazard.

communication hazards

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

confined space

An area with limited means of entry or exit that is large enough for a worker to enter but is not designed for continuous occupancy. Some confined spaces require that a permit be obtained before entry.

decontamination

Removing hazardous substances using various cleaning methods. Decontamination is one way to clear hazards from a confined space.

engulf

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

entry and exit hazards

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

entry permit

A document that ensures all necessary pre-entry preparations have been carried out and a permit space is safe to enter. Employers must fill out the entry permit before permit spaces can be entered.

entry supervisor

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

first aid

Treating someone who is injured or who has suddenly become ill. 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

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

general hazards

One of three types of confined space hazards. General hazards may be mechanical, communication, or entry and exit hazards.

ground fault interrupters

GFI. 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.

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.

hazard assessment

A written, formal appraisal of the safety risks that exist within a workplace. A hazard assessment reveals what personal protective equipment is necessary for the safety of employees.

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. Cold conditions in a confined space can cause hypothermia.

irritant hazards

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

isolate

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

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

A method of protecting employees from accidental machine startup through restraining the energy-isolating mechanism of machines. Lockout devices prevent equipment or machinery from being energized.

mechanical hazards

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

no-entry rescues

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

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency under the U.S. Dept. of Labor. OSHA helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration.A government agency under the U.S. Dept. of Labor. OSHA helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace.

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 example of safety equipment that workers wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. Safety glasses are common PPE.

physical hazards

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

PPE

Personal protective equipment. Any example of safety equipment that workers wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. Safety glasses are common PPE.

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 existing hazardous condition within a permit space. When a prohibited condition exists in a permit space, the authorized entrant should alert the attendant and immediately exit the space.

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.

secondary irritants

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

systemic effects

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

tagout

A method of protecting employees from accidental machine startup through use of tags as a visual warning. Tagout devices alert employees that equipment is not to be operated until the tag is removed.

toxic hazards

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

ventilation

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