Confine Space Regulation

WORKING IN CONFINE SPACE:

The regulation pertaining to working in confined spaces is outlined in Section 12 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993). The act provides guidelines and requirements to ensure the safety of employees working in confined spaces. Additionally, the General Safety Regulations, 1986 (Government Notice R. 1031 of 30 May 1986, as amended) further specify the procedures and precautions to be followed in confined space entry and hotwork operations. It is essential for businesses to adhere to these regulations to maintain a safe working environment.

Procedure for Working in Confined Spaces:

1. Identification and Assessment: The first step is to identify and assess the confined space to determine potential hazards. This includes evaluating the size, ventilation, presence of toxic substances, and any other risks associated with the space.

2. Entry Permit: A confined space entry permit must be obtained before entering the designated area. The permit ensures that all necessary safety measures have been taken, and the space is deemed safe for entry.

3. Gas Testing: Prior to entering a confined space, gas testing must be conducted to evaluate the levels of specific gases. The testing typically includes gases such as oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and LEL (Lower Explosive Limit). These tests determine if the gas concentrations are within permissible limits for entry and hotwork.

4. Safety Precautions: Adequate safety precautions must be in place, including proper ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency rescue procedures. This ensures the safety of employees working within the confined space.

5. Continuous Monitoring: Monitoring of gas levels should be carried out continuously during the duration of work within the confined space. This helps identify any changes in gas concentrations and allows for immediate action if hazardous conditions arise.

Limits for Gas Entry and Hotwork:

In South Africa, the permissible exposure limits (PELs) for hazardous gases are specified in the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations, 1995 (Government Notice R.1179 of 25 August 1995). These regulations provide guidelines on occupational exposure limits for various substances, including gases, to ensure the health and safety of workers.

The specific gas limits may vary depending on the substance and its potential hazards. Here are some examples of gas limits as outlined in the South African regulations:

1. Oxygen (O2): The regulations generally require that the oxygen concentration in the workplace atmosphere should be maintained between 19.5% and 23.5%. Oxygen levels below 19.5% can pose a risk of oxygen deficiency, while levels above 23.5% can increase the risk of fire and explosion.

2. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): The permissible exposure limit for hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas, is typically set at 10 parts per million (ppm) as a time-weighted average (TWA) over an 8-hour workday. Short-term exposure limits (STEL) may also be specified to limit exposure to higher concentrations over shorter periods.

3. Carbon Monoxide (CO): The regulations often set a permissible exposure limit for carbon monoxide at 35 ppm as a TWA over an 8-hour workday. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels.

4. Flammable Gases: The Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) is the minimum concentration of a flammable gas or vapor in the air that can ignite and sustain a fire or explosion. The LEL values vary depending on the specific gas. For example, the LEL for methane (natural gas) is typically around 5% to 15% in air.

It's important to note:

The limits and requirements for gas testing in confined spaces may be subject to updates and revisions. Therefore, it is essential to consult the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations and any relevant industry-specific standards or guidelines for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the permissible exposure limits for hazardous gases in South Africa.