Looking at going thru a 72"x383' long CMP under the interstate.
WHat constutes a confined space for Osha purposes? Our Safety specialist is new and still trying to get an answer for me.
I just went through that for MSHA. The only problem is that I kept having to get kicked by one of the party chief's taking it with me to stay awake. I was half awake during that portion and as I remember it was defined as limited access and may have hazardous atmosphere. I think they leave it kind of vague for CYA.
I don't really know what defines a confined space but I once had to have a confined space permit to survey an open pit nearly the size of a
football field. They told me that it was because the pit was more than 4 feet deep.
I think that is a confined space unless it is under construction.
This is the California definition:
A confined space, as defined in Section 5157, is a space that has all three of the following characteristics:
• Is large enough and configured such that an employee can
bodily enter and perform work; and
• Has limited openings for entry and exit; and
• Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Note for Section 5158 Employers
A confined space is similarly defined as a space that Note meets both of the following conditions:
• Existing ventilation is insufficient to remove dangerous air contaminants, oxygen enrichment, and/or correct oxygen deficiency; and
• Access to or egress from the space is difficult.
It's been many years since I've taken the OSHA classes and I can't give you a definition, but I think that this would clearly be considered a confined space.
California Department of Transportation - Safety and Health Procedures for Confined Spaces
"...Confined spaces include structures or facilities such as tanks, bridge cells, shafts, pits, bins, tubes, pipelines, deep trenches, vaults, vats, pump houses or compartments, sewage lift stations, culverts, cofferdams, elevator pits, or similar locations..."
That's a long pipe, no matter what you will be doing there take you're precautions.
Besides the flooding risk there is the risk of gas.
Disturbing the muddy soil can release the deadly H2S Hydrogen Sulfide, So you can't enter without a gas detector (Ours will check for H2S, MH4 (explosion risk) and O2.) and an escape set with you, that will give you fresh air for 10 or 20 minutes.
There's also the possibility to breath from an air cylinder.
You can reduce the danger by ventilating the pipe by opening all manholes and/or using a fan on one side.
No fast evacuation possible! You should be wearing a safety harness, the pipe is too long for a life line but when you have to be evacuated the harness is a good beginning.
Do is the safe way!
and take some pics to share here 🙂
Chr.
Less than 2 feet I'm ok. Other than that I get nervous. As I've got older I don't like heights or sub-teranea (sp?). I used to be fearless - not any more.
> Our Safety specialist is new and still trying to get an answer for me.
Ummm, If it is a confined space, I think there might be something in the work plan about a competent person? Just sayin.
Sounds like you would need a permit to enter a mobile john.
No. the blue room is meant for human use, a culvert isn't.
A permit is not necessarily required, just a safety plan.