Factories & Machinery ( Safety, Health & Welfare )

Regulation 1970
DEFINITIONS
Regulation 13
. Any chamber, tank, vat, pit, pressure or other
vessel or other confined space in which
dangerous fumes are liable to be present to such
an extent as to involve risk to any person being
overcome .

DEFINITION

CONFINED SPACES
A SPACE OR OTHER ENCLOSURE NOT DESIGNED
OR INTENDED FOR HUMAN OCCUPANCY..
- Limited openings for entry/exit
- Poor natural ventilation
- Oxygen deficient atmosphere
- Air borne hazardous substance

Cause of death

Oxygen deficiency - 60%

>1/2 died to on rescuing fellow workers
Main hazards : Oxygen deficiency and enrichment
Fire & explosion
Toxic substances
Drowning in liquids/ free-flowing solids

Oxygen deficiency & enrichment

Main causes : Displacement by gas
Used up by Combustion - welding, explosion, fire
Chemical reactions - rusting of metals
Breathing

EFFECTS OF REDUCED OXYGEN LEVELS

21%

Atmospheric oxygen levels

16%

Breathing, judgement impaired and Fatigue

12%

Unconscious

6%

Difficulty in breathing and die in minutes

What happens when oxygen level high ?

Enriched atmosphere

More than 21%

Increase the probability of fire and explosion
Flammable material will burn violently

NEVER USE PURE OXYGEN TO

VENTILATE THE CONFINED SPACE !

FIRE & EXPLOSIONS

May be due to :- Chemicals, Poor ventilation,

Static electricity or machinery

Explosion occurs when mixture between fuel and

air is between LEL and UEL .

Methane is combustible when concentration

between 5% - 15%

TOXICITY

Irritation or chemical asphyxiation

Eg of toxic gas :

Hydrogen Sulphide - fast adaptability

Methane- highly explosive
Sulphur dioxide - poisonous in small amount
Carbon monoxide - odor, colour,& tasteless .
- fatal at very low concentration
KEEP EXHAUST AWAY FROM OPENING
OF CONFINED SPACE !

PRECAUTIONS BEFORE ENTERING

CONFINED SPACE

Testing the atmosphere

top, middle and bottom
before and while at work
if lack of oxygen, ventilated and retest
if ventilation not possible.. Use appropriate
respiratory protection

RESPIRATORS

Two types :

Air-purifying

- Filter dangerous gas or

substances
Air-supplying - Supply the safe breathing air

In lacking of oxygen, SCBA is recommended

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the
breathing air source is designed to be carried by
the user.

Supplied Air Respirator (SAR)

An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the
source of breathing air source is not designed to
be carried by the user. Also called airline
respirator.

STANDBY - RESCUE

Assign person outside the confined space

In constant contact with the workers
Should not have any other business
Know who should be notified in case of
emergency.
Should not enter until help arrives.
Be sure of proper protective equipment, life line
and respirator before entering.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
Factories & Machinery ( Safety,Health & Welfare ) 1970

Minimum access/egress - 16 in wide or 18 in diameter

Steps to remove fumes
Atmospheric testing must be carried out , respiratory
device, safety belt and line must be worn.
A person at the entrance to take emergency action
Adequate equipment and training