Confined space

[Mbashir]

My question is about pump station in tank farm area of the refinery.
Are these pump station falls under the category of confined space? If yes, under which clause they fit in.?
If it a confined space, is it a Permit required confined space?

From structural point of view, the space is quite big and open with 2 stair case and 3 ladder across the periphery. Depth is around 2-3 meters.
Operator has to go twice per shift for routine logging.

 

[IFRs]

Best to look up the legal definition of confined space, and the refinery rules. However, I think a confined space is a work area that:
[ol 1]
[li] is large enough for an employee to enter (yes)[/li]
[li] has limited means of entry or exit (maybe, need to see yours)[/li]
[li] is not designed for continuous occupancy (maybe, need to see yours)[/li]
[/ol]

To become a permit required confined space, it needs to have one or more of the following characteristics:
[ol 1]
[li] contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere (yes - pumps and flanges leak sometimes)[/li]
[li] contains material that has the potential to engulf an entrant (I think not)[/li]
[li] has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant (I don't think so)[/li]
[li] contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress. (probably - pumps)[/li]
[/ol]

You can go through this list and err on the side of safety for your initial determination.

 

[Hoxton123]

I agree with IFR, you need to know what the applicable regulations are.

In the UK a confined space could be a silo, open at the top, for example. I just read the UK Guidance and it does not actually say that a confined space has to be big enough to get a person into. It is the hazard and risk that is important.

I can post a copy of the UK regulations if this helps.

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

I would confer with the owner of the property and let him make the determination. If in doubt treat it as a confined space.

 

[LCREP]

If in the USA we have a government agency called OSHA

http://www.osha.gov

that would provide details on confined entry as well as the state safety agency the refinery is located. Also who ever is the worker compensation insurance carrier will definitely have input. And no osha is not a small town in Wisconsin.