WORK IN CONFINED SPACE

            Workplace safety is very important applied in workplace to prevent accident, incident, and illness. So the Company can full fill the legal aspect of goverment rules, show concern in humanity (human right), and take advantages in improving profit by reducing insurance premium. This time I will explain how to work safely in confined space area. Do you know what is Confined Space? Confined space is a work area which has restricted area and small entry way, and not design for continuosly work. This is the hazard of Confined space: 

1.    Potentially have insufficient amount of Oxygen.

2.    Potentially release toxic gas that can threat worker’s health like gas H₂S, CO, etc.

3.    Presence of combustible gases and liquids.

To control the hazard when working in Confined Space, there is procedure called Work Permit. Work Permit is a system that allow worker to entry and work in confined space area with specific analyze of work type, hazards, ppe required, and signature of authorized person. There are several types of Work Permit that used in work place area, like:

1.    Hot Work Permit.

2.    Cold Work Permit.

3.    Excavation Work Permit.

4.    Welding Work Permit.

5.    Etc.

These are functions of Work Permit that have to be applied in work place:

1.    Use as Responsibility.

2.    Authorization system ( Authorize of Operation staff, HSE officer, and Maintenance staff).

3.    To know the ability and competence of worker

4.    To list the potentially hazard that may be occur.

5.    To list the personal protective equipment required during entry in confined space.

6.    To give note/advice to the worker during the work process.

7.    Documentation.

Standart Wok in Confined space:

1.    Maximal temperature 44^oC work with  duration maximal 15 minutes.

2.    Toxic gases under the TLV

3.    Using personal protective equipment (ex. Half mask, Full mask, BA, Air line compresor).

4.    Using Full body harness.

5.    Minimal 3 persons (2 entrance, and attendent).

6.    Man hole must free from other things.

             Before work start, Safey representative must identify the hazard like sufficient Oxygen (19,5 – 23%), and toxic gas (H₂S, CO, CH₄, etc). Identify can using Gas tester and finally safety representative must ensure that the condition is safe to entry. After that Lockout and tagg the Energy source to prevent accident. Then work process ready to start.