Safety Flash
US BSEE: Confined space entry – tank cleaning
US BSEE: Confined space entry – tank cleaning
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 04/24
- Confined SpaceHuman Factors
- Confined space hazardsHuman factors
- Confined space entry
- RespiratorStorage tanks
- Evacuation, escape and rescueJob safety analysisPermit to workVentilation
Summary
This safety flash summarises two tank-cleaning incidents requiring CPR, including unplanned entry while wearing an outside-use respirator. It reports rushing and non-compliance in the first case and a possible cardiac contribution in the second. BSEE recommends considering entry authorisation, task analysis, ventilation, communication, training and rescue arrangements where appropriate.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Respirator; respiratory protective equipment; RPE.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Job safety analysis; JSA; job hazard analysis; JHA.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Summary
The US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published a Safety Alert on the trend of incidents with personnel cleaning tanks in confined spaces.
IMCA SF 04/24. Themes: confined space, human factors.