Industrial Hygiene & Ergonomics Division DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MALAYSIA

To revise and improve on the requirements in the existing COP and to add new requirements so that they are relevant with the current needs and practice by the industry

1998 Guideline for Safe Working in a Confined Space

2001 Code of Practice for Safe Working in a Confined Space

2003 Code of Practice for Safe Working in a Confined Space gazetted [P.U. (B) 224]

2008 Review on Code of Practice for Safe Working in a Confined Space

2010 Industry Code of Practice for Safe Working in a Confined Space [P.U.(B) 324]

What is a confined space?

Does not apply to: Underground mining Other places not atmospheric pressure at

Enclosed or partially enclosed space that is at atmosphere pressure during occupancy Not intended or designed primarily as a place of work Could have restricted means for entry and exit

INDUSTRY CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SAFE WORKING IN A CONFINED SPACE 2010

Confined space is liable at any time to: Have an atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminants Have an oxygen deficiency or excess Cause engulfment General requirements To post danger sign To develop and implement a written confined space program To take effective measures to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the confined space

ICOP 2010 Confined Space Entry Programme

Formulate a confined space entry programme At least have 15 elements

Requirements
Permit System ,Permit to work, Isolation requirements, Requirement to ensure safety of Atmosphere, Entry into hazardous atmosphere, Rescue and Emergency services, Health requirement , Additional precautions and record keeping

Duties of Responsible Persons

Employer as owner of industry Employer as contractor Permit issuer Entry supervisor AGT Autorised Gas Taster SP - Stand- by Person AE Autorised Entrant

Risk assessment Risk control Standby Person Monitoring of multiple confined spaces Permit system Sign posting Employee training

Equipment Means of communication External hazard protection Identification of duties Information to the contractor Coordination of entry operations Conclusion of entry

O2 deficiency

Explosion or fire

Excessive O2

Slips, trips and falls

Hazard identification (1)

Presence of

contaminants

Manual Handling

Noise

Radiation

Temperature

Shall be carried out prior to work involving entry into confined space Shall be carried out by assessor if there is any chemicals hazardous to health used in the confined space To be revised whenever there is evidence to indicate the assessment is no longer valid / every 5 years / when directed by DG, DDG or Director of DOSH Appendix A example of risk assessment Appendix B sample of risk assessment form

Risk assessment

Nature of confined space

Factors

Hazards identified

Actual method selected and plan proposed

Emergency and rescue procedure

number of AE/SP duration status of fitness and training adequacy of instructions availability and adequacy of PPE rescue equipment

Proposed operations and work procedures Steps needed to bring c/space to atmospheric pressure Cleaning and purging Hot work method Soundness and security of overall structure, and the need for illumination and visibility Need for additional protective measures Method of ventilation Evaluation of gases / substances

Specifying acceptable entry conditions

Verifying (Gas testing)

RISK CONTROL (3)

Isolating

Purging, inerting, flushing or ventilating

At least one SP outside the confined space

For monitoring of multiple confined spaces by a single SP, programme shall include means and procedures to enable SP to respond to an emergency affecting one or more of the confined spaces monitored without distraction from the SPs responsibilities

Written system for preparation, issuance, implementation and cancellation of PTW

Warning signages shall be posted at conspicuous places when work is carried out after the issuance of PTW

All employees who are involved in confined space operation shall undergo training on confined space safety course approved by DG and passed the examination

Means of communication (10)

Walkie talkie Hand signal Light Cord signal

Physical barriers shall be provided to control potential hazards posed by pedestrians and vehicles

Employer shall designate and identify the duties of employees to be AE/SP/ES/AGT/PI or other related personnel in entry operation
These personnel shall carry out their duties as in specified

Employer shall provide and brief contractors with information about the confined space hazards, safety rules and emergency procedures

Procedures shall be developed and implemented when employees are working at the same time as AEs in a confined space, so that employees of 1 contractor do not endanger the employees of any other contractor
Procedures for concluding the entry shall be developed and implemented Debriefing shall be conducted after the closing of PTW

Programme shall be reviewed when employer has reasons to believe that measures taken under it may not protect employees and that there is a need to revise the programme to correct deficiencies found to exist before subsequent entries are authorised

Shall contain the following information: Confined space to be entered Purpose of entry Date and the authorised duration of the permit AEs within the confined space, by name / by such other means as will enable the SP to determine quickly and accurately, for the duration of the PTW, which AEs are inside the confined space Permit issuer who signs the PTW ES Hazards of the confined space to be entered Measures used to isolate the confined space The acceptable entry conditions --> refer USECHH Reg, 2000

Shall contain the following information: Results of initial and periodic tests performed and accompanied by the names of AGTs and by an indication of what tests were performed Communication procedures used by AE and SP Equipment, such as PPE, testing equipment, communication equipment, emergency alarm system and rescue equipment to be provided Any information which is necessary to be included SP and rescue arrangements Any additional permit, such as for hot work that has been issued to authorise work in the confined space Appendix C additional info on hot work Appendix D example of PTW

Prevent accidental introduction of hazardous material / substances into the confined space De-energise and lock out or de-energise and tag out all machinery that has moving parts Isolate any other external energy sources

Initial cleaning

Ventilation

Requirements to ensure safety of atmosphere

Purging

Retest and/or monitoring

Testing and evaluation

Shall only be allowed under the following conditions

Atmosphere inside the confined space could not be brought to safe working conditions despite all reasonable effort made to purge, clean and ventilate the space

Nature of work procedure within the confined space is likely to degrade or contaminate the atmosphere in the confined space

Introduction of air into the confined space would pose additional risk to health and safety aspect of AE and the activities carried out therein / would detrimentally affect the product, equipment or other substances contained in the confined space

AE entering shall use SCBA, compressed airline breathing apparatus or special life supporting system, depending on the nature of works and hazards involved Continuous gas monitoring for LEL shall be carried out during entry
Proper type of explosimeter that can give true indication of the flammable gas level shall be used Hot work shall not be undertaken if explosimeter reading > 1% LEL Confined space shall not be entered if explosimeter reading > 10% LEL (If entry is still necessary, appropriate positive pressure air-supplied breathing apparatus shall be used and entry shall be made under inert atmosphere as in slide # 26)

Additional requirements for rescue plan:

AE shall wear a safety harness with lifeline attached to facilitate rescue operation in an emergency situation Appropriate number of air-supplied breathing apparatus shall be put on standby outside the confined space for use by the rescuer
Min. rescuer = 2

AE shall carry with him an escape set / additional supply of breathing air cylinder for use in case of emergency In certain circumstances, such as work inside spheres / tall columns, it may be necessary to use a safety harness in conjunction with a special winch / pulley / additional manpower
Shall be set up before entry starts

Where compressed airline breathing apparatus is used, the airline coupling shall operate on breathing air system using dedicated coupling with double locking mechanism.
Coupling shall not be compatible with N2, O2 or other gas systems

Conditions of compressed airline system such as the hoses and fitting, air purifying element (filter), pressure relief valve, pressure regulator, pressure gauge and the compressed air cylinder or compressor shall be monitored at all times by trained personnel to ensure continuous air supply whenever the airline system is in use during entry Number of AE permitted to enter a confined space shall be limited according to the available space, the number of escape routes and the rescue facilities

Purpose for introduction of inert atmosphere inside confined space:

Prevention of flammable and explosive conditions through elimination of fuel, air or O2 and energy in the form of heat, spark or flame Prevention of chemical reaction or oxidation of substances contained in the confined space Prevention of other hazardous conditions through elimination of corrosive, toxic, infectious / harmful gases

Selection and application of inert gas requires careful matching of processes and products so as not to introduce other hazards resulting from chemical reactions

Special safety considerations:

When working near open manhole where inert gas / other asphyxiant gas is used or contained in confined space, area shall be barricaded and warning signage shall be conspicuously posted, and appropriate respiratory protection must be used When working with inert atmosphere containing toxic substances, concentration shall also be measured at locations in close proximity of open manholes outside the confined space If inert gas is constantly introduced and vented, a system shall be established to effectively maintain atmospheric pressure, and to monitor and reduce potential pressure built-up Inert atmosphere is IDLH hence, SP and two other who are dedicated emergency response personnel who is trained in rescue techniques shall be present and equipped with equivalent / superior protective equipment Independent back up supply of inert gas must be provided to allow the confined space to be evacuated and made safe in the event of a loss of primary supply

Employer has to establish a rescue and first aid procedure and provide rescue equipment Rescue procedures should consider:
The shape and size of confined space The nature of task to be performed Obstacles within confined space Size and position of the means of ingress and egress Number of persons in the confined space The number of standby persons required

Employer shall ensure that each member of the rescue service.

is provided with, and is trained to use properly, the PPE and rescue equipment necessary. The emergency and rescue services team shall attend the course on rescue and emergency services conducted and certified by BOMBA shall be trained to perform the assigned rescue duties. Each member shall also receive the training required of AE shall practice confined space rescues at least once every 12 months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies / actual persons from the actual / representative confined spaces shall be trained in basic first aid and CPR. At least one member is holding current certification in first aid and CPR shall be certified physically and mentally fit to enter confined space

To facilitate non entry rescue, retrieval systems / methods shall be used whenever an AE enters a confined space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry / would not contribute to the rescue of entrant Retrieval system shall meet the following requirements:
Each AE shall use a chest / full body harness, with a retrieval line attached The other end of retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical device / fixed point outside the confined space. A mechanical device shall be available to retrieve personnel from vertical type of confined spaces > 1.5 metres deep

Employees should be certified physically and mentally fit, without health problems such as: History of fits, blackouts or fainting attacks Heart disease or heart disorder Asthma, bronchitis or shortness of breath Deafness Menieres Disease or disease involving giddiness and loss of balance Claustrophobia or other mental disorder Neurological and MSD such as back pain or joint trouble that limits mobility Condition that limit movement such as gross obesity, pregnancy and physical handicap Metabolic diseases Serious defect in eyesight Any other disease or condition that may affect or endanger the persons safety and health

Health Surveillance / Examination by OHD

Health fitness certificate valid for 2 years Health surveillance record to be kept for 30 years Appendix G example of health examination checklist Appendix H example of health fitness certificate

Authorised entrant shall declare (in writing) that he is fit to enter confined space prior to each entry

Appendix I example of health status declaration

Training

Employees who are involved in confined space operation to undergo training on confined space safety course approved by DG and passed the examination

Retraining Training record

Every 2 years Module approved by DG

Name of employees attended the training Result of examination Signatures / initials of trainers Date of training

Use of portable electrical equipment

Connected to an earth-free extra low voltage supply Fitted with a flexible supply cable of heavy duty type Explosion proof and intrinsically safe

Suitability and safety of non electrical equipment

Eliminate sources of ignition Use of pneumatic tools are preferred

Maintenance of equipment used for entry

Equipments to be inspected prior to use Maintained and thoroughly examined by a qualified person at least once a month Report on such examination to be kept

Employer shall retain each cancelled entry permit for at least 1 year, or until the next PTW (whichever is longer) to facilitate the review of confined space program To maintain all other relevant documents such as but not limited to reports of inspection, risk assessment, training record, medical record, rescue plan, confined space entry program and checklist for the purpose of inspection by the DG

To inform employees / contractor Confined space entry is allowed only through compliance with the confined space entry programme stipulated under ICOP Previously identified hazards and his experience with the confined space Precautionary measures or procedures implemented Coordinate entry operation with contractors Conduct debriefing at the end of entry Ensure all persons involved in entry operation carry out their duties

Obtain all available information regarding confined space hazards and entry information from the owner of industry Cooperate with owner of industry Brief the owner of industry of any hazards confronted or created (through debriefing) If the contractor possess the site --> to comply duties of the owner of industry Ensure all persons involved in entry operation carry out their duties

Identify all hazards and recommends control measures to ensure safe entry Ensure there is no incompatible activity in the vicinity of confined space Authorize the PTW Endorse the cancellation and closure of PTW

Test and interpret the reading from gas detector

Supervise all the activities before, during and after entry operation Terminate the entry and cancel the permit Verify that rescue services are available before any entry

To communicate with SP regularly To alert the SP whenever any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation is recognised To evacuate from confined space as quickly as possible if required

Continuously maintain an accurate count of AE in confined space Remain within his assigned work area outside the confined space during entry operation Communicate with AE and/or fire watch regularly to monitor entrants, and to alert the need to evacuate To summon rescue and emergency services as soon as he determines that AE may need assistance to escape from the confined space To perform non entry rescue as specified by the rescue procedure

No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Date 18 April 2006 29 May2006 8 March 2007 7 May 2007 20 Nov 2007 10 March 2008 2 Feb 2009 23 April 2009 11 Aug 2009 26 Sept 2009 16 Feb 2010 21 March 2010

Industry Manufacturing Utilities (Sewerage) Utilities (Sewerage) Manufacturing Utilities (Sewerage) Shipping Manufacturing Utilities (Sewerage) Fishing Manufacturing (Palm oil) Utilities (Sewerage) Construction

State Melaka Pulau Pinang Selangor Johor Johor Johor Selangor Selangor Selangor Sabah Kuala Lumpur Sabah

No. of fatalities 2 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 6 3 2 6

No Safe Work Procedure developed for work in confined spaces Employer fail to identify gases that exist in confined space Workers health surveillance are not carried out

To ensure all confined space workers

obtain the necessary trainings prior to confined space entry undergo health surveillance / examination high turnover cost and time spent are wasted

To ensure all confined space works are completed according to schedule

Lack of proper coordination for confined space works Insufficient trained personnels Safety measures abandoned

husdin@mohr.gov.my