Industrial Hygiene & Ergonomics DivisionDEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTHMALAYSIA

1998 2001 2003 2008 2010

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]

Does not apply to:

• Underground mining

• Other places not atatmospheric pressure

What is a confined space?

• Enclosed or partially enclosed spacethat is at atmosphere pressure duringoccupancy

• Not intended or designed primarilyas a place of work

• Could have restricted means for entryand exit

INDUSTRY CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SAFE WORKING IN A

Confined space is liable at any time to:

• Have an atmosphere which containspotentially harmful levels ofcontaminants

• Have an oxygen deficiency or excess

• Cause engulfment

General requirements

• To post danger sign

• To develop and implement a writtenconfined space program

• To take effective measures to preventunauthorized persons from enteringthe confined space

FOR SAFE WORKING IN A CONFINED SPACE 2010

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 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

Hazard Hazard identificationidentification

O2 deficiency

Excessive O2

Presence of

contaminants

Slips, trips and falls

Explosion or fire

identificationidentification

(1)(1)

Noise

TemperatureRadiation

Manual Handling

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 spaceconfined 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

Nature of

confined space

FactorsHazards

identified

Actual method selected and plan

proposed

Emergency and rescue procedure

Risk assessment

Proposed operations and work

procedures

Steps needed to bring c/space to

number of AE/SP

duration

status of fitness and training 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

training

adequacy of instructions

availability and adequacy of PPE

rescue equipment

RISK CONTROL

Specifying acceptable

entry conditions

Isolating

Verifying

(Gas CONTROL

(3)

Isolating

Purging, inerting,

flushing or ventilating

(Gas testing)

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

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

enable SP to respond to an emergency affecting one or more of the confined spaces monitored without distraction from the SP’s responsibilities

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

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

Cord signal

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 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 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 othermeans as will enable the SP to determine quickly andmeans as will enable the SP to determine quickly andaccurately, for the duration of the PTW, which AEs are insidethe 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 andaccompanied by the names of AGTs and by an indication ofwhat tests were performed

Communication procedures used by AE and SP

Equipment, such as PPE, testing equipment, communicationequipment, emergency alarm system and rescue equipmentequipment, emergency alarm system and rescue equipmentto be provided

Any information which is necessary to be included

SP and rescue arrangements

Any additional permit, such as for hot work that has beenissued to authorise work in the confined space

Appendix C – additional info on hot work

Appendix D – example of PTW

Prevent accidental introduction of hazardousmaterial / substances into the confined space

De-energise and lock out or de-energise and tagout all machinery that has moving parts

Isolate any other external energy sourcesIsolate any other external energy sources

Requirements to ensure

Initial cleaning

PurgingVentilation

to ensure safety of

atmosphere

Testing and

evaluation

Retest and/or

monitoring

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 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 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, 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 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 spaceclose 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 aidprocedure and provide rescue equipment

Rescue procedures should consider:

The shape and size of confined spaceThe 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 andegress

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 BOMBAconducted 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 entrantto 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 healthproblems such as:

History of fits, blackouts or fainting attacks

Heart disease or heart disorder

Asthma, bronchitis or shortness of breath

Deafness

Meniere’s Disease or disease involving giddiness and loss of balanceMeniere’s 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 limitsmobility

Condition that limit movement such as gross obesity, pregnancy andphysical handicap

Metabolic diseases

Serious defect in eyesight

Any other disease or condition that may affect or endanger the person’ssafety and health

• Health fitness certificate valid for 2 years

• Health surveillance record to be kept for 30 years

• Appendix G – example of

Health Surveillance / Examination by OHD • Appendix G – example of

health examination checklist

• Appendix H – example of health fitness certificate

by OHD

• Appendix I – example of health status declaration

Authorised entrant shall declare (in writing) that he is fit to enter

confined space – prior to each entry

• Employees who are involved in confined spaceoperation to undergo training on confined spacesafety course approved by DG and passed theexamination

Training

• Every 2 yearsRetraining • Every 2 years

• Module approved by DGRetraining

• Name of employees attended the training

• Result of examination

• Signatures / initials of trainers

• Date of training

Training record

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 equipmentSuitability 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 personat least once a month

Report on such examination to be kept

Employer shall retain each cancelled entrypermit for at least 1 year, or until the next PTW(whichever is longer) to facilitate the review ofconfined space program

To maintain all other relevant documents suchTo maintain all other relevant documents suchas but not limited to reports of inspection, riskassessment, training record, medical record,rescue plan, confined space entry program andchecklist for the purpose of inspection by theDG

To inform employees / contractor…

Confined space entry is allowed only throughcompliance with the confined space entry programmestipulated under ICOP

Previously identified hazards and his experience withthe 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 outtheir duties

Obtain all available information regardingconfined space hazards and entry informationfrom the owner of industry

Cooperate with owner of industry

Brief the owner of industry of any hazardsBrief the owner of industry of any hazardsconfronted or created (through debriefing)

If the contractor possess the site --> to complyduties of the owner of industry

Ensure all persons involved in entry operationcarry 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 PTWAuthorize the PTW

Endorse the cancellation and closure of PTW

Test and interpret the reading from gas detector

Supervise all the activities before, during andafter entry operation

Terminate the entry and cancel the permit

Verify that rescue services are available beforeany entry

To communicate with SP regularly

To alert the SP whenever any warning sign orsymptom of exposure to a dangerous situationis recognised

To evacuate from confined space as quickly asTo evacuate from confined space as quickly aspossible if required

Continuously maintain an accurate count of AE inconfined space

Remain within his assigned work area outside theconfined space during entry operation

Communicate with AE and/or fire watch regularly toCommunicate with AE and/or fire watch regularly tomonitor entrants, and to alert the need to evacuate

To summon rescue and emergency services as soon ashe determines that AE may need assistance to escapefrom the confined space

To perform non entry rescue as specified by the rescueprocedure

No Date Industry State No. of

fatalities

1 18 April 2006 Manufacturing Melaka 2

2 29 May2006 Utilities (Sewerage) Pulau Pinang 3

3 8 March 2007 Utilities (Sewerage) Selangor 3

4 7 May 2007 Manufacturing Johor 34 7 May 2007 Manufacturing Johor 3

5 20 Nov 2007 Utilities (Sewerage) Johor 1

6 10 March 2008 Shipping Johor 1

7 2 Feb 2009 Manufacturing Selangor 1

8 23 April 2009 Utilities (Sewerage) Selangor 1

9 11 Aug 2009 Fishing Selangor 6

10 26 Sept 2009 Manufacturing (Palm oil) Sabah 3

11 16 Feb 2010 Utilities (Sewerage) Kuala Lumpur 2

12 21 March 2010 Construction Sabah 6

No Safe Work Procedure developed for work in confined spaces

Employer fail to identify gases that exist in confined spaceconfined 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 / examinationundergo 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