Confined Space Oxygen Level

Osha s ceiling for co 2 levels during any 10 minute.

Confined space oxygen level. Oxygen enriched atmosphere means an atmosphere containing more than 23 5 percent oxygen by volume. What happens when the level of oxygen is high. A confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed though not always entirely and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby e g. An oxygen enriched atmosphere contains more than 23 percent oxygen by volume.

Oxygen deficiency may occur from biological or chemical reactions such as rusting or by displacement of oxygen by other gases. Confined or enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres oxygen deficient or oxygen enriched atmospheres. Oxygen deficient atmospheres are the leading cause of confined space fatalities in the shipyard. Well once again what everybody knows is simply wrong.

While normal atmosphere contains between 20 8 and 21 percent oxygen osha defines as oxygen deficient any atmosphere that contains less than 19 5 percent oxygen and as oxygen enriched any atmosphere that contains more than 22 percent. Is 19 5 percent oxygen really safe. 2 contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant. If the concentration of oxygen falls below the acceptable limit of 19 5 the space is oxygen deficient.

Oxygen osha dictates that the minimum safe level of oxygen in a confined space is 19 5 while the maximum safe level of oxygen in a confined space is 23 5. Make sure that the oxygen content in the confined space is not enriched. Oxygen atmospheres based on osha guidelines a confined space is considered to have safe oxygen levels if readings are between 20 8 21 percent while a space with readings of less than 19 5 percent are considered to be oxygen deficient. Everybody knows that an oxygen level of 19 5 percent is safe for entry into confined spaces.

Never use pure oxygen to ventilate a confined space since an oxygen enriched atmosphere is a fire and explosion hazard. 3 has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor. Permit required confined space permit space means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics. Osha has set the allowable level of co 2 in the air during any eight hour work period at an average of 0 5 percent or 5 000 parts per million.

These numbers can vary slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction surfaces coated with combustible material should be cleaned or shielded to prevent ignition. Oxygen content should be less than 23 but maintained at levels greater than 19 5. To be oxygen deficient such factors as rusting metals coatings or paints may be present. 1 contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.