Operator Safety - Wastewater Operators - page 14

engulfment and the accidental energizing of machinery. In addition to
lockout/tagout procedures, another important OSHA safety program
that must be followed to ensure safe confined space entry is an effective
respiratory protection program.

It cannot be overstated that, to ensure safe confined space entry,
it is necessary to assemble a sound confined space entry program for
your facility, beginning with a written program. The written confined
space entry program should include entry procedures, lockout/tagout
procedures, ventilation procedures, air testing procedures, rescue pro-
cedures, personal protective equipment required, and confined space
permit procedures or requirements for confined space that can only be
entered by permit. Confined space permit requirements not only should
clearly detail how to fill out a confined space permit but should also
designate who is authorized to fill out the permit. All confined spaces
must be labeled. OSHA is quite specific about confined space labeling.
It is not necessary to expend large sums of money on fancy labels. The
confined space labeling can be painted on a wall or access hatch or
cover. Stenciling the label in heavy black letters is also a technique that
works.

Thus far, this discussion has specifically addressed confined spaces
that are to be entered by permit only. It should be noted, however, that
OSHA discusses two types of confined spaces: non-permit and permit-
required confined spaces . Non-permit confined spaces are those that do
not contain physical or atmospheric hazards that could cause death or
serious physical harm. Generally, non-permit confined spaces are those
that are continuously ventilated, have more than one way in or out, and
have no history of hazardous atmosphere. To determine whether a con-
fined space is a non-permit or permit-required space requires profes-
sional judgment. When in doubt, consider the space a permit-required
confined space.

1.13.4 respiratory Protection (29 Cfr 1910.134)

It may not always be obvious to workers when a respirator is
required. Whenever workers must enter a confined space or other vessel
for maintenance, entry should not be made until the atmosphere (air)
within the confined space or vessel is tested for the presence of flam-
mable agents, oxygen content, and the presence of toxic agents, such as
hydrogen sulfide, methane, and carbon monoxide, among others. A lack
of oxygen is the most common cause of deaths during confined space
entry. To prevent fire or explosion, fuel storage tanks that have con-
tained flammable materials are frequently inerted or purged with vari-
ous gases such as nitrogen prior to
allowing personnel to enter the space to
perform the required maintenance.
Purging the tanks prevents fires due to
welding or spark-making activities, but a
worker who enters this space without a
proper respirator will be quickly overcome
from lack of oxygen.

Key Point: Before workers are issued respirators
that are to be worn on the job, the employer
must properly protect those workers by training
them in proper respirator use. This training must
include a discussion of the type of respirator
that is to be worn for the particular hazard to
be guarded against. Additionally, each worker
must know the limitations and maintenance and
cleaning requirements for proper respirator use.