Horizontal Side-Entry Confined Space Options

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When dealing with confined space entry rescue applications, few offer as many difficulties as side-entry or horizontal entry confined spaces. The question we commonly get is, “What can we use for rescue in side-entry confined space applications?”

None of the traditional rescue equipment works: tripod rescue systems, quadpod systems, etc. They are made for vertical rescue applications. This means they can’t accommodate the side loads a horizontal rescue would require.

SIDE-ENTRY RESCUE OPTIONS

Side Entry Confined SpaceThere are specialized side-entry systems. They attach to certain kinds of entry points, and use davit arm technology. These systems are very expensive and require a very specific flange configuration. The space needs to be circular; have a 22″-56″ diameter entry point; and the entry point needs a flange ranging from 1″ to 6″ in thickness. We’d be glad to help you find such a system.

There are also pole hoist systems. These also require a flange at the entry point to the space. Again, these systems are fantastic, but very expensive.

AFFORDABLE OPTIONS

HZKit-1 Horizontal Side-Entry RescueSo what if you don’t have the budget or an appropriate side-entry flange configuration? This is where our HZKit-1 may help. It’s affordable, portable, and easy to use. Because it requires the presence of certain structural elements, it will not be the solution for every side-entry or horizontal confined space application.

Here’s how the system works:

  1. There needs to be a suitable anchorage point nearby the entry point–a beam or other structural steel. The anchorage point needs to meet OSHA’s 5,000 pound anchorage point requirement. It needs to be at or near ground level so it is easily accessible to the confined space attendant.
  2. The included 3′ anchor sling is attached to this suitable beam or anchorage point.
  3. The R50G rescue winch is then attached to the anchor sling with the included carabiner. The handle needs to be free of obstructions so it can turn freely when engaged.
  4. The 50′ rescue cable is then attached to the entrant’s harness, preferably the back d-ring.
  5. The cable will move in and out with the entrant automatically. If rescue is needed the handle is engaged and rescue can begin.

Warning: the rescue unit must be configured in such a way that the handle has full range of turning available to it…no obstructions. The handle must be able to crank unimpeded by any obstructions. And the attendant has to have unhindered access to the rescue winch.

Warning: because the system is not used with a pulley, the attendant is pulling the full weight of the entrant.

Please check out the HZKit-1 system. Call with any questions or concerns.

confined space kits

Confined Space Kits – A Primer

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What are confined space kits? Which one is right for my job application? This brief post will answer these questions and provide a basic knowledge of confined space kits. The hope is to provide you the necessary information to make informed decisions in your purchasing efforts.

Confined Space Kits – What Are They?

Generally, confined space kits consist of a complete tripod rescue system, a gas monitor or gas detector, a ventilation blower, and a fall protection harness. In your average confined space entry application, all of these items are needed or should be readily available.

Confined Space Kits

CSK-F-Q-A Confined Space Kit from Major Safety

In this confined space kit, for example, all of the above are included: (1) confined space gas detector; (2) ventilation blower with the attached 15′ of duct; (3) fall protection rescue harness; (4) rescue tripod, rescue winch, self retracting lifeline, pulley and carabiners.

Each one of these pieces of equipment is needed to safely enter, work in, and exit a confined space.

The gas detector is necessary to check the space before entry and then to continuously monitor the space upon entry.

The ventilation blower is needed to recirculate the air for a healthier work environment. Importantly, it is also needed to refresh the air if the gas detector determines the presence of toxic conditions.

The rescue tripod, winch, retractable lifeline, and harness allow for safe entry, fall protection, and rescue (if needed).

Differences Between Confined Space Kits

The main differences between the various confined space kits are found in the variety of components that are available.

The gas detector, for example, might be a diffusion type, or have an internal pump that connects to sample tubing. The detectors might also differ in power source – some using alkaline batteries and some using rechargeable batteries.

The ventilation blowers are usually 8″ blowers with either 15′ or 25′ of duct. The most common power source offered is electric. However, gas and pneumatic powered blowers are often available. It’s important to make sure that a duct carrier is included – like the blower system pictured above.

Differences in the rescue tripods are generally found in the type/number of winches offered. The most common configuration is a basic rescue winch with a self retracting lifeline mounted to the top of the tripod (as pictured above). Some kits may offer a 3-way winch in place of the basic winch. Some kits may offer a 3-way winch, a basic winch, and a self retracting lifeline.

Which Confined Space Kit Is Right For Me?

It’s important to remember that the differences between the kits are not in their safety approvals. Any decent kit will meet the OSHA stipulated ANSI standards. Generally, deciding which kit is best for you comes down to personal preference and budget.

A 3-way winch, for example, is more convenient than a normal winch, but is quite a bit more money. A gas detector with an internal sample pump is more convenient for remote sampling, but it is also more money. A diffusion detector can also test remotely. All one needs to do is tie a rope to it and lower it down into the space. Blowers with 25′ duct seem more appealing, but rarely is 25′ of duct needed.

If you have any questions, or need help deciding, don’t hesitate to ask us. We are glad to help. Note – you can find a variety of confined space kits at majorsafety.com. Click Here to view the various kits available.

N95 and R95 Respirators – The Difference?

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N95 and R95 Respirator Dilemma

Anyone who has researched disposable respirators has faced the dilemma between choosing an N95 or R95 disposable respirator. Questions arise: What is really the difference between the two? Which one should I be using?

The N95 and R95 nomenclature originate with, and are approvals from, NIOSH. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It is the government agency that tests the respirators to verify they actually filter what they are marketed to filter.

With respect to the N95 and R95 respirators, both are confirmed by NIOSH to have a filtration efficiency of at least 95%.

Difference Between N95 and R95 Respirators

The difference between the two pertains to their resistance to oil-based particles.

3M puts it like this, “Under the NIOSH classification system, ‘N’ rated respirators can only be used for particles that do not contain oils. But, ‘R’ rated respirators may be used in environments that contain oily particles.”

Officially, NIOSH has two designations for oily-based particle disposable respirators – R95 and P95. The “R” rating is said to be “somewhat resistant to oil”. The “P” rating is said to be “strongly resistant to oil”.

In other words, the R95 has an 8 hour service life. The P95 has a 40 hour or 30 day service life (whichever comes first). You can read more about this in the following NIOSH article: NIOSH-Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators.

What is an oil-based particle?

When oil-based products, like some solvents or pesticides, are sprayed, the oil particles become airborne. These airborne oil particles are oil-based particles. The SDS for the product you are using should make this clear.

Should I Use an N95 or R95?

Now this question can be answered and understood. Of course, the simplest thing to do is use an R95 even when there are no oil-based particles. Why? Because it does everything the N95 does, plus oil-based particles. Generally, however, R95 respirators are more expensive.

What Is the Rating on My Disposable Respirator?

The answer to this is found on the respirator. The below picture will point you in the right direction. It is located in what is called the “filter designation” area.

n95-r95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can find a variety of disposable respirators from Major Safety – Disposable Respirators.

OSHA Competent Person

OSHA Competent Person – Who Is It?

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Competent Person requirements tend to be confusing. I think we can help. We’ll start with OSHA’s definition and then simplify it a bit.

The OSHA topic page defines competent person as follows:

The term “Competent Person” is used in many OSHA standards and documents. An OSHA “competent person” is defined as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them” [29 CFR 1926.32(f)]. By way of training and/or experience, a competent person is knowledgeable of applicable standards, is capable of identifying workplace hazards relating to the specific operation, and has the authority to correct them. Some standards add additional specific requirements which must be met by the competent person.

So at a minimum, a competent person (“CP”) has the following qualities:

  • (1) Capability
  • (2) Specific Knowledge
  • (3) Authority

Capability

What this means is that the “CP” possesses the ability to identify unsafe conditions, equipment, and procedures specific to whatever area over which they have been deemed a “CP” – such as, for example, confined space entry.

The question of how this ability is obtained leads us to the second quality of a competent person.

Specific Knowledge

The “CP” possesses specific knowledge by either experience or training. Ideally, he or she should have both.

Using our confined space example, we could say the following. The “CP” would need to know the OSHA Confined Space Standards. For example, they would need to know things like entry, rescue, and entrant duties and how to implement them at the work site.

They would need to understand the use and operation of the tripod rescue equipment. This would include things like operation of the winch, and set up of the tripod. They would need to know and verify that such equipment is routinely inspected per the manufacturer’s instructions.

The “CP” would need to understand the use and operation of the gas detection equipment. For example, they would need to insure that it is working to factory specs and that it has a current calibration.

Major Safety Complete Confined Space Kit

This picture shows just a few of the items the Confined Space “CP” would need to have knowledge about. You can see more at the Confined Space page at majorsafety.com.

 

 

Authority

Finally, the first two are worthless unless the “CP” possesses the authority to act on any unsafe condition, equipment or procedure that he or she finds.

For example, if the “CP” does not have the authority to pull an entrant who is unable to properly operate a gas detector, then they aren’t an OSHA competent person.

And if the “CP” is not authorized to stop a job upon finding that the gas detector is out of calibration, then they aren’t an OSHA competent person.

Competent Person Equals – Capability, Knowledge, Authority

Remember these three things as you designate or act as your company’s OSHA competent person. Doing so will insure that everyone comes home safely.

 

Steel Toe Boots and OSHA

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Are steel toe boots required? What does OSHA say about them? 

OSHA on Steel Toe Boots

OSHA 1910.136 says, “The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards.”

86312-steel-toe-boot

ASTM Standard for Steel Toe Boots

OSHA then references the manufacturing requirements of the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). OSHA states that protective footwear must comply with the relevant ASTM or ANSI standards. Meaning that steel toe boots must comply the ASTM standards.

Manufacturers of steel toe protective footwear submit their products to the ASTM for testing and approval. ASTM tests the impact resistance, puncture resistance and the compression resistance of the steel toe and/or steel mid-sole.

This means that if boots meet the ASTM standards they comply with OSHA requirements.

OK…But Do I need Steel Toe Boots?

If a work environment or job site potentially contains a “danger of foot injuries” due to falling, rolling or piercing objects, then steel toe boots are required.

These dangers can include nails, cinder blocks, bags of concrete, vehicles (fork lifts), heavy packages, barrels, etc. In other words, there aren’t many scenarios where some or most of these risks aren’t present.

So the answer is most likely…yes. Steel toe boots are required.

All the pics are linked to products at Major Safety. There you can get additional info, purchase, or contact us with more questions. We are happy to help.

by Corby Amos