cofined space (damilola project)

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CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This project is aimed at employers and the self-employed who carry out work in

confined spaces; it will help them take the necessary action to meet the

requirements of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. It will also be a useful

source of information to anyone involved in carrying out work in confined spaces.

Confined spaces can be deadly

On average, work in confined spaces kills 15 people every year across a widerange of industries, from those involving complex plant through to simple storage

vessels. In addition, a number of people are seriously injured. Those killed

include not only people working in the confined space but those who try to rescue

them without proper training and equipment.

Confined SpacesA confined space means any place in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature,

there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk of fire or explosion; loss of

consciousness of any person due to an increase in body temperature; loss of

consciousness or asphyxiation of any person due to gas, fume, vapour or lack of

oxygen; drowning of any person due to an increase in the level of liquid; or

asphyxiation of any person who is trapped by a flowing solid.

Confined spaces include any chamber, tank, vat, pit, well, sewer, tunnel, pipe,

flue, boiler, pressure receiver, hatch, caisson, shaft or silo.

1



It is not possible to provide a comprehensive list of confined spaces. Some places

may become confined spaces when work is carried out, or during their

construction, fabrication or subsequent modification.

Dangers can arise in confined spaces because of:

• A lack of oxygen.

This can occur:

• Where there is a reaction between some soils and the oxygen in the

atmosphere;

• Following the action of groundwater on chalk and limestone which can produce carbon dioxide and displace normal air;

• In ships’ holds, freight containers, lorries etc as a result of the cargo

reacting with oxygen inside the space;

• Inside steel tanks and vessels when rust forms.

• Poisonous gas, fume or vapor.

These can:

Build-up in sewers and manholes and in pits connected to the system;

Enter tanks or vessels from connecting pipes;

Leak into trenches and pits in contaminated land, such as old refuse tips

and old gas works.

Liquids and solids which can suddenly fill the space, or release gases into

it, when disturbed. Free flowing solids such as grain can also partially

solidify or ‘bridge’ in silos causing blockages which can collapse

unexpectedly.

2



Fire and explosions (e.g. from flammable vapors, excess oxygen etc).

Residues left in tanks, vessels etc, or remaining on internal surfaces which

can give off gas, fume or vapor.

Dust may be present in high concentrations, e.g. in flour silos.

Hot conditions leading to a dangerous increase in body temperature.

Some of the above conditions may already be present in the confined

space. However, some may arise through the work being carried out, or

because of ineffective isolation of plant nearby, e.g. leakage from a pipe

connected to the confined space. The enclosure and working space may

increase other dangers arising through the work being carried out, for

example:

Machinery being used may require special precautions, such as provision

of dust extraction for a portable grinder, or special precautions against

electric shock;

Gas, fume or vapor can arise from welding, or by use of volatile and often

flammable solvents, adhesives etc;

If access to the space is through a restricted entrance, such as a manhole,

escape or rescue in an emergency will be more difficult

And the law says:

You must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks for all work

activities for the purpose of deciding what measures are necessary for safety (The

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999).

3



For work in confined spaces this means identifying the hazards present, assessing

the risks and determining what precautions to take. In most cases the assessment

will include consideration of:

The task;

The working environment;

Working materials and tools;

The suitability of those carrying out the task; ‘arrangements for emergency

rescue.

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of study is to establish a comprehensive system that protects the

employees from a wide range variety of potential hazards while working in the

space.

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

This project work is limited to the Nigerian Gas Company for the health and

safety of all person who need to enter a confined space by preventing exposure to

hazards which may otherwise be experienced when working in a confined space

and thereby prevent collapse, injury, illness or death arising from exposure to

those hazards.

1 .4 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This project work set on the particular requirements and procedures for Nigeria

can company to ensure that health and safety of any persons required to enter or

work in a confined space. This project work is framed to help Nigeria Gas4



Company to achieve a high safety standard. It is not exhaustive in its coverage,

but it is intended to cover those areas which are of particular concern in Nigeria

Gas Company.

1.5 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CASE STUDY NIGERIA GAS COMPANY

The Nigerian Gas Company Limited ( NGC )was established in 1998 as one of

the eleven(11) subsidiaries of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC).

It is charged with the responsibility of developing an efficient gas industry to fully

serve Nigeria’s energy and industrial feedstock needs through an integrated gas

pipeline network and also to export natural gas and it derivates to the West

African sub-region.

Nigerian Gas Company is committed to adding value to natural gas and making it

an energy resource of first choice for the gas and making it an energy resource of

first choice for the benefit of all stock holders. The company was initially

established to effectively gather, treat, transmit and market Nigeria and

neighbouring countries. In other delivery efficient service to the numerous

customers the business philosophy has been removed to focus on Transmission,

Distribution, Marketing of natural gas.

CHAPTER TWO5



LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

To perform a comprehensive literature review, the following agencies, along with

numerous periodicals & newspaper articles, were queried for information:

• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

• National Institute of Safety & Health (NIOSH)

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Fortunately there has been a substantial amount of research documented in this

area of sturdy. This section will review and discuss the defining characteristics of

confined spaces, the unique hazards of confined space operations, and existing

standards for confined space as represented in current literature.

2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF CONFINED SPACES

According to OSHA’s standard for Permit-Required Confined Spaces for General

Industry; (29 CFR 1910.146), the term “confined space” means a work area that:

1. Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and

perform assigned work; and

2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and

3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy (OSHA, 1993).

According to OSHA (1993), a permit-required confined space, or permit space,

means a confined space that has one or more of the following additional

characteristics:

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1. Contains or has known potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;

2. Contains material with the potential for engulfing an entrant;

3. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or

asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls, or a floor that slopes downward

and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or

4. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

A non-permit confined space is a confined space that does not contain or, with

respect to atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain any hazard capable

of causing death or serious physical harm.

Confined spaces can masquerade in many different shapes and sizes, and can be

found in a multitude of configurations. Many are located below ground, however

some are found above ground, inside buildings, on the roads, railways and even

on water. See table 1 and figure 1 for examples of confined spaces.

7



Source: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. (1994 January)

2.3 HAZARDS OF CONFINED SPACES

According to Valcount and Gatland (1992), OSHA estimates that more than 2

million employees enter permit-required confined spaces in almost 225,000

workplaces each year. Approximately 50,000 emergency responses are required

and 300 fatalities occur per year due to occupational confined space incidents.

8



In addition to being able to recognize confined spaces, a rescuer must also be alert

to, and able to identify, the hazards that may be encountered in confined space

operations. These hazards include both atmospheric and physical hazards.

Atmospheric Hazards

According to Gallagher and Storment (1994) the greatest danger in confined

spaces is hazardous atmospheres. Hazardous atmospheres can be divided into

three categories: asphyxiating, flammable, and toxic.

Asphyxiating Atmospheres

OSHA (1993) defines the term “asphyxiating atmosphere” as an atmosphere that

contains less than 19.5 percent oxygen. Below this concentration a person’s

respiratory function may be compromised and such an atmosphere is therefore

considered to be oxygen- deficient. Effects of oxygen deficiency are shown in

table 2.

Table 2: Potential Effects of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres

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Vines (1996) reports that an industrial brigade firefighter in Cook County, Illinois

died while attempting to rescue three construction workers who fell victim to an

asphyxiating atmosphere while excavating a 13-foot-deep pit in preparation for

pouring a cement floor and walls. Without monitoring the atmosphere or implementing safety precautions such as the use of a breathing apparatus, the

firefighter entered the pit in an attempt to rescue the unconscious workers, and

also fell victim to the oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Walton (1998) reports the deaths of two workers in a similar tragic incident at a

chicken plant, in Collinsville Alabama. According to John Hall, OSHA’s

Birmingham area director, the employees died from a lack of oxygen after

entering a trailer containing waste breading meal that had been frozen with carbon

10



dioxide at the plant. Hall stated that oxygen was displaced by carbon dioxide

when the breading was dumped into the trailer, creating the fatal environment.

In these two case histories, monitoring the atmosphere prior to entry could have

prevented the death of 5 people, including one trained rescuer. Monitoring the

atmosphere before entry into a confined space is a mandatory safety procedure.

2.4 FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES

OSHA considers an atmosphere to pose a serious fire or explosion hazard if a

flammable gas or vapor is present at a concentration greater than 10% of its lower

flammable limit (LFL) or if a combustible dust is present at a concentration that

obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet, or less.

A flammable atmosphere can also arise from oxygen-enriched atmospheres.

Oxygen-enriched atmospheres are defined by OSHA as atmospheres containing

more than 23.5 percent oxygen (see table 2).

NIOSH (1994, p. 37) reports an incident involving failure to monitor a potentiallyflammable/explosive atmosphere that occurred in November of 1984. One worker

died from toxic effects after entering a toluene storage tank. During the rescue

attempt, one firefighter was killed and several were injured when the tank

exploded. Live footage of this tragic event was captured by a news reporter, and is

featured in the video “Firefighter Safety” produced by the National Fire Academy

(1986).

2.5 TOXIC ATMOSPHERES

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In the third category of hazardous atmospheres, OSHA uses the term “toxic

atmosphere” to refer to any atmosphere containing gases, vapors, or fumes known

to have poisonous physiological effects. The most commonly encountered toxic

gases are carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) as shown in tables 3

and 4 . Toxic atmospheres may be caused by a manufacturing process, a product

stored, or a work activity being performed in a confined space.

According to NIOSH (1994, p. 192) three volunteer firefighters died inside a well

after being exposed to carbon monoxide from the exhaust of a portable gasoline

engine-powered pump. The incident occurred after four firefighters from a

volunteer fire department responded to a request from a local resident to remove

the remains of a dead animal from a 33-foot-deep water well. The fire fighters

decided to first pump the water out of the well (approximately 12 feet of water).

One fire fighter climbed down into the well on an aluminum ladder and built a

wooden platform at the 15-foot level. A second fire fighter climbed down into the

well to help position a 9-horsepower gasoline engine-powered pump as it was

lowered down to the platform. The two fire fighters started the engine but were

unable to prime the pump. Within a few minutes the first fire fighter became

dizzy and exited the well. The second fire fighter remained in the well and

became unconscious. In a rescue attempt the first fire fighter climbed back down

into the well, turned the engine off, and then collapsed unconscious over the

engine. By this time, the engine had run for approximately 8 to 9 minutes. Within

minutes several other volunteer fire fighters responding to radio emergency calls

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arrived at the scene. Over the next 3 hours, eight volunteer fire fighters entered

the well in rescue attempts. Only two of the rescuing fire fighters wore

atmosphere-supplying respirators (SCBA type). The first fire fighter was rescued

and revived. The second fire fighter and two other fire fighters attempting rescue

died.

NIOSH investigators concluded that, in order to prevent similar occurrences, fire

departments should develop standard operating procedures for confined space

operations (NIOSH, 1990). Also recommended was the development of a general

safety program and the mandatory use of respiratory protection when operating in

areas where respiratory hazards could occur. To ensure fire fighters are prepared

to safely perform confined space rescue, the investigators emphasized the need for

confined space rescue training.

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2.6 PHYSICAL HAZARDS

Kadiri,S.A. (2008), categorizes physical hazards of confined spaces as those

associated with (1) limited opportunities for entry and exit; (2) limited size of

entry and exit points; (3) limited size of the confined space itself; (4) sharp

objects; (5) irregular, dirty, and slippery walking surfaces and (6) stored flowing

solids (sand, grain, gravel, etc.). The dangers of physical hazards and the

configuration of confined spaces was tragically illustrated in an incident reported

by NIOSH (1994, p. 203) in which a maintenance worker suffocated after being

engulfed by sawdust in a silo. The worker apparently tripped and fell into a

sloping passage leading to the stockpile of sawdust.

Energy sources are also serious hazards in confined space rescue, especially

electrical energy. For example, NIOSH (1994 p. 248) reports a confined space

incident in which an electrician was electrocuted when he contacted an energized

conductor in a manhole in Virginia. This death could have been prevented by

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taking proper safety precautions including locking out the electrical source prior

to entering the space.

Energy hazards must be eliminated altogether or isolated from the entrant or

rescuer prior to entry. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.147, Control of Hazardous

Energy Sources, outlines lockout/tagout procedures and isolation techniques

(OSHA, 1993). In addition to any maintenance lockout/tagout procedures in place

at the time of a rescue, rescue personnel should also institute their own

lockout/tagout procedures before entering a confined space. Tags used should

identify who performed the lockout procedure and keys should be placed under

the control of the incident commander. (CMC Rescue, Inc., 1996, p. 6-17).

The most important safety element to a confined space rescuer is that the energy

source is abated prior to entering the space. See figure 2 for an example of a

rescue lockout/tagout device.

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1. Deficiency of oxygen in air

Air generally comprises 21% oxygen. However, in the following conditions, the

oxygen in the air may decrease, resulting in a menace with human life:

1. Chemical reactions caused by oxygen consumption:

Oxygen is consumed due to oxidation during such processes of welding,

cutting by oxy-acetylene, rusting, naked flame operations, fermentation

and moulding.

2. Substitution:

Oxygen is squeezed out by such inert gases as nitrogen, argon and carbondioxide.

3. Adsorption on surface:

Oxygen is adsorbed by porous surfaces, such as activated carbon.

Changes of the oxygen content in air that is breathed in, can cause the

following

2. Flammable spaces

Flammable gas in a confined space can lead to explosion or fire. A space becomes

flammable when oxygen in the air mixes with flammable gases, vapours or dust.

These gases and vapours may be formed by residues mixed with flammable

substances, the use of flammable substances, or chemical reactions (e.g. the

formation of methane).

Space may also become flammable when combustible dust abounds or flows in

the air when disturbed. Dust may come from agricultural products e.g. flour,

chemicals, plastic particles, medicine or metal powder.

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2.7 EXPLOSIVE DUST

Yellow Phosphorus, Nylon, Wood Dust, Find Sugar, Corn Starch, Chaff,

Polycarbonate

Flammable spaces will explode when contact with igniting sources such as

welding sparks or sparks from portable electrical appliances.

Chemical Substances

The principal means of encountering chemical substances include respiration, skin

absorption and eating.The effects brought by chemical substances upon the human body may be chronic

or acute, depending on the period of contact, the intensity of the hazards during

contact and the impact of such hazards on health, for example, corrosive, toxic or

harmful.

Some poisonous gases emit a particular odour, like the smell of a rotten egg for

hydrogen sulphide; whereas some toxic gases are odourless, like carbon

monoxide, which is both colourless and odourless.

In addition, the unpleasant smell of some toxic gases like hydrogen sulphide is

likely to anaesthetize one's sense of smell soon after contact so that one may no

longer sense its existence. Therefore, only the use of scientific equipment is

reliable to measure the existence of chemical.

2.8 CONTROL MEASURES

Provide adequate lighting in all confined work areas.

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Ensure works in confined areas have at least two nos. workers or operatives as a

minimum, or record of operatives entering and exiting confined areas.

All demolition works in confined areas are to be mechanically ventilated where

possible or appropriate.

Personal protective equipment

Safety boots and helmets should be worn at all times.

Use of safety nets and safety harnesses may be required.

Information, instruction and training

Basic training in the form of tool-box talks should be provided to all workers prior to working in confined areas.

All operatives and workers are to be fully aware of emergency procedures where

access is limited.

Emergency procedures

Standard site emergency procedures should be observed and all persons must

know how to raise the alarm in an emergency.

Monitoring procedures

Supervisors should take disciplinary action against any workers found

undertaking unauthorised work in confined areas.

Safety checks are to be carried out to lighting and mechanical ventilation systems

in confined areas, and a site record kept for inspection. by Claudio Corallo(2009)

Isolation

Mechanical and electrical isolation of equipment is essential if it could otherwise

operate, or be operated, inadvertently, if gas fume or vapor could enter the

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confined space,. Physical isolation of pipe, etc need to be made. Isolation can

include lockout/tagout of power sources, blanking and bleeding feel lines,

disconnection belt and chain drives, and security moving parts with chains of

blocks. In all cases a check should be made to ensue isolation is effective.

Decontaminating by various cleaning methods removes hazardous materials.

Cleaning Before Entry (Purging)

This may be necessary to ensure fumes do not develop from residue e.t.c while

the work is being done purging clears the existing atmosphere by displaying it

with water, vapor or forced air. Ventilating with pure oxygen, however, is aserious fire and explosion hazard is prohibited.

Testing the Atmosphere

It is important to understand that some gases or vapors are heavier than air and

will settle to the bottom of a confined space. Also, some gases are lighter than air

and will formed around top of the confined space. Therefore, i.e is necessary to

these all areas (tip, middle and bottom) of a confined space with properly

calibrated testing instruments to determine what gas is present. If testing reveals

oxygen-deficiency, or the presence of toxic gases or vapors, the space must be

ventilate and re-tested before workers enter. If ventilation is not possible and

entry is necessary (for emergency recues, for example), workers must have

appropriate respiratory protection.

Ventilation

Ventilation by a blower or fan may be necessary to remove harmful gases and

vapours from a confined space. There are several methods for ventilating a

19



confined space. A common method of ventilation requires a large hose, one and

attached to a fan and the other lowered into a manhole or opening. For example, a

manhole would have the ventilating hose run to the bottom to blow out all

harmful gases and vapours. The air intake should be placed in an area that will

draw in fresh air only, ventilation should be continuous where possible because in

many confined spaces the hazardous atmosphere will form again when the flow

air is slopped.

2.9 PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES STANDARD

The OSHA regulations discussed in this report were published to prevent

accidents during confined space operations (Grant, 1992). Industries that have

permit-required confined spaces are obligated by federal law to make these spaces

safe for workers. The failure of an employer to comply with OSHA mandates can

bring expensive fines. Penalties for non-compliance can range from a simple

warning to fines of $70,000 per day per violation.

According to the language of the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 standard, each

employer who authorizes an employee to enter a permit space, must develop and

implement a written permit-required confined space entry program (OSHA,

1993).

The entry permit that documents compliance with the section and authorizes entry

to a permit space must identify:

1. The permit space to be entered;

2. The purpose of entry;

3. The date and the authorized duration of the entry permit;

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4. The authorized entrants within the permit space, by name or by such other

means as will enable the attendant to determine quickly and accurately, for

the duration of the permit, which authorized entrants are inside the permit

space;

5. The personnel, by name, currently serving as attendants;

6. The individual, by name, currently serving as entry supervisor, with a space

for the signature or initials of the entry supervisor who originally authorized

entry;

7. The hazards of the permit space to be entered;8. The measures used to isolate the permit space and eliminate or control permit

space hazards before entry;

9. The acceptable entry conditions;

10. The results of initial and periodic test, accompanied by the names or initials

of the tester and by an indication of when the tests were performed;

11. The rescue and emergency services that can be summoned and the means for

summoning those services;

12. The communication procedures used by authorized entrants and attendants to

maintain contact during the entry;

13. Equipment, such as personal protective equipment, testing equipment,

communication equipment, alarm systems, and rescue equipment, to be

provided for compliance with this section;

14. Any other information whose inclusion is necessary, given the circumstances

of the particular confined space, in order to ensure employee safety; and

21



15. Any additional permits, such as hot work permits, that have been issued to

authorize work in the permit space.

2.10 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS IN LITERATURE REVIEW

In summary, the literature review reinforced the need for the Nigeria Gas

Company to extend their routine pre-incident planning efforts in confined space.

The existing literature also emphasized the hazards that may be present, utilize

proper equipment to abate or isolate the hazards, and utilize proper procedures

to ensure a safety.Literary, research identified several existing standards that provide excellent

guidance in achieving all these requirements.

The literature review emphasized the need for standard operating procedures to

be developed and followed during confined space operations. The literature

review also reinforced the need for specialized training for personnel involved in

confined space operations.

CHAPTER THREE

This chapter dealt with the methodology and research design in which the sources

of data, sample size, sampling techniques, method of data collection were

discussed.

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3.0.0 METHODOLOGY AND RESECRCH DESIGN

The methodology of this study were survey in nature .data was collected and

analysed that reliable decision could be achieved and further interpreted in amanner that compares the response to the questionnaire in a more understandable

form.

3.1.0 SOURCES OF DATA

There are two different sources of data .they are

3.1.1 PRIMARY SOURCES

This consists of the data collected from the field which include the use of

questionnaire and oral interview.

3.1.2 SECONDARY SOURCES

This includes textbooks, related literature and consultation with safety

professionals.

3.2.0 SAMPLING METHOD

The methods of sampling consist of the workers at confined space site and the

main office which constituted the managers, supervisors, foremen, and labourer of

the confined space.

3.3.0 INSTRUMENTS USED

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1. ORAL INTERVIEW: this involves face to face source of formation and it

through direct contact with the respondents. Since this research work is

vital, some respondents responded positively or negatively to the

interview.

2 SECONDARY SOURCE: Textbooks and journals.

3 QUESTIONNAIRE

The questionnaire design is the structured close ended form .the questions were

stated in multiple forms for the respondents to choose any response that best suits

them form the alternatives.

The questionnaire contain the twenty (10) Questions and are prepared in such way

that they seek answer to the research questions. The questions are also related and

frame in line with the aim and objectives of the study to which the respondent give

answers to .the total of thirty questionnaires where distributed and collected.

PETROLEUM TRAINING INSTITUTE

P.M.B .20,

DELTA STATE.

Department of Industrial Safety and Environmental Technology

Dear Respondent,

24



This questionnaire is part of the project work of ND final year student of safety

department .please kindly tick ( ) or mark ( ) on your best options .All responses will

be treated as confidential.

INTRODUCTION

SECTION A: PERSONAL DATA

SEX: Male Female

AGE: 15-20yrs 21-25yrs 26-30yrs 31-35yrs

36-40yrs above 40yrs

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONSchool Cert. OND HND B.Sc

M.Sc Others

POSITION : Foreman Supervisor Manager Labourer

YEAR OF EXPERIENCE:

1 - 3yrs 4- 6yrs 7- 10yrs 10-15 yrs 16above

SECTION B

1 Is there a standard safety procedure during operations?

Yes No

2. Do you have permit to work before working ?

Yes No

3. Will the atmosphere in the space be monitored while work is going on ?

Yes No

25



4. Is there potential need for personal protective equipment while working in

confined understood?

Yes No

5. Is special clothing required (boots, chemical suits, glasses, etc.)?

Yes No

6. Will the standby person be able to see and /or hear the person inside at all times?

Yes No

7. Do you continuously monitor oxygen content?

Yes No8. Are MSHA/NIOSH-approved respirators of the type required available at the

worksite?

Yes No

9. Has the space been cleaned before entry is made?

Yes No

10. Are you familiar with emergency rescue procedures?

Yes No

Source of questionnaire www.confined space safety question.

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

In this chapter the research data on safety practices in the confined space using

Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) as case study were presented and analyzed.

4.0 PRESENTATION OF DATA`

The data collected were arranged prevented in tabular form and summarized. The

data were then presented in bar chart. The result obtained in this study were in

26

http://www.confined/

http://www.confined/



two categories. Firstly the demographic characteristics of the respondent were

presented.

Secondly, the responses of the questions in questionnaire were presented.

4.1 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Table 4.1

SEX OF RESPONDENTS

SEX RESPONSE PERCENTAGE%

MALE 27 90FEMALE 3 10 TOTAL 30 100

Table 4.2

AGE OF RESPONDENTS

AGE RESPONSE PERCENTAGE%15-20YEARS 2 6.721-25YEARS 4 13.326-30YEARS 9 3031-35YEARS 6 20

36-40YEARS 5 17.9ABOVE

40YEARS

4 13.3

TOTAL 30 100

Table 4.227



EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS

QUALIFICATION RESPONS

E

PERCENTAGE%

SCHOOL CERTIFICATE 12 40OND 6 20HND 4 13.3BSC 5 16.5MSC 1 3.5

OTHERS 0 0 TOTAL 30 100

Table 4.4

POSITION OF RESPONDENT

POSITION RESPONSE PERENTAGE%MANAGER 1 3.4

SUPERVISOR 5 17.9FOREMEN 6 20

LABOURER 18 60 TOTAL 30 100

Table 4.5

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

WORKING

EXPERIENCE

RESPONSE PERENTAGE%

1-3YEARS 12 404-6YEARS 13 43.3

7-10 YEARS 3 10.711-15YEARS 1 3.4

16ABOVE 1 3.4TOTAL 30 100

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Table 4.6

SUMMARY RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE

QUESTIONS PERCENTAGE%

YESRESPONS

E

PERCENTAGE%

NORESPONS

E

Is there a standard safety procedureduring operations?

83.3 25 16.7 5

Do you have permit to work beforeworking?

86.7 26 13.3 4

Is there potential need for personal protective equipment while workingin confined understood?

72.4 21 27.6 8

Is special clothing required (boots,chemical suits, glasses, etc.)?

83.3 25 16.7 5

Will the standby person be able tosee and /or hear the person inside atall times?

90 27 10 3

Do you continuously monitor oxygen content?

63.3 19 36.5 11

Are MSHA/NIOSH-approvedrespirators of the type requiredavailable at the worksite?

34.5 20 66.7 10

Has the space been cleaned beforeentry is made?

72.4 21 27.6 8

Are you familiar with emergencyrescue procedures?

96.7 29 3.3 1

Is the intake for the ventilationsystem located in an area that is freeof combustible dusts and vapoursand toxic substances

18 60 12 40

29



FIG. 1: SEX OF RESPONDENTS

80

90

100

30

RESPONSE

PERCENTAGE(%)

RESPONSE



FIG. 2: AGE OF RESPONDENTS

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

1 2 3 4 5 6

Series1

FIG 3: POSITION OF RESPONDENT

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1 2 3 4 5

Series1

31

RESPONSE

PERCENTAGE(%)

RESPONSE

RESPONSE

PERCENTAGE(%)

RESPONSE



FIG.4: POSITION OF RESPONDENT

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1 2 3 4

Series1

FIG. 5: YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

1 2 3 4 5

Series1

FIG. 6 : SUMMARY RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION IN THE

QUESTIONNAIRE

32

RESPONSE

PERCENTAGE(%)

RESPONSE

RESPONSE

PERCENTAGE(%)

RESPONSE



100

120

4.2 INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE DATA PRESENTED

Data interpretation and analysis are important and involves the conversion of

series of collected information response to the interview, questions and recording

your observation into descriptive statement drawing inference about their

relationship Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) was chosen as the case study with

thirty (30) questionnaires distributed to workers and all the respondents responded

to the interview.

In the above questionnaire, it shows that out of thirty people interviewed, 90%

were male and 10% were female probably because of the nature of the job. Table

33

P

ERCENTAGE(%)

AB AB AB AB AB AB

Y

RESPONSE



4.1.2 the age distribution of the respondent show that majority of the workers

(40%) fall within the age group of 26-30years, because confined space job are

mainly for able body men and health persons especially while working in the

storage tanks.

Table 4.1.3 the educational qualification of the respondents 40% of the have

school certificate because to enter a confined space does not need qualification

but only induction.

Table 4.1.4 how the position of the respondent .From the table,60% were labourer

,20% were foremen ,17.9% were supervisors and 3.4% were managers. The

above explanation show that majority of the workers are labourer and foremen,

supervisor and managers who work in a confined space.

Table 4.1.5 represented the working experience of the respondents. Out of thirty

(30) people surveyed 43.3% have been working in a confined space.

Table 4.1.6 represented the questions about general safety rules that guide

workers .90% respondent answered YES, while 10% answered NO to the

questions. This shows that majority of the workers have safety rules that they

follow. While very few did not follow.

Table 4.1.7 asked questions on if there is a standard safety procedure during

operation in a confined space .83.3% of the respondents answered YES while

16.7 % of the respondent answered NO. The significance of this is majority of the

workers have the basic knowledge on the safety associated in a confined space.

34



Table 4.1.8 asked questions Do you have permit to work before working. .86.7 %

of the respondent answered YES while 13.3% of the respondent answered NO.

This shows that there is a permit to work before work is carried out in a confined

space.

Table 4.1.9 asked questions on are the potential need for personal protective

equipment in a confined space understood. 72% of the respondent answered YES

and 27.6% answered NO. This shows that the used of personal protective

equipment is needed to be put in place.

Table 4.1.10 asked questions Is special clothing required (boots, chemical suits,

glasses, etc). 83.3% of the respondent answered YES. 16.7% of the respondent

answered NO. This signifies that proper clothing is been provided for work.

Table 4.1.11 asked questions Will the standby person be able to see and/or hear

the person inside at all times? .90% of the respondent answered YES 10% of the

respondent answered NO . This shows that provision for a standby person have

been made at all time.

Table 4.1.12 asked questions Do you continuously monitor oxygen content?.

63.3% of the respondent answered YES while 36.5% answered No. This simply

means that there is need that the company should do something about the

monitoring of the space.

Table 4.1.13 asked questions Are MSHA/NIOSH- approved respirators of the

type required available at the worksite? 34.5% of the respondent answered YES.

35



66.7% answered NO . This shows that the respirator needed to be replaced to

meet the required standard.

Table 4.1.14 asked questions Has the space been cleaned before entry is

made?.72.4% of the respondent answered YES . 27.6 answered NO. This shows

that cleaning before entering depends on the nature of the job to be carried out at

that particular time.

Table 4.1.15 asked questions Are you familiar with emergency rescue

procedure? .96.7% of the respondent answered YES . 3.3% answered NO. This

shows that the workers are familiar with emergency procedure if need be.

Table 4.1.15 asked questions Is the intake for the ventilation system located in an

area that is free of combustible dusts and vapours and toxic substances? .60% of

the respondent answered YES . 40% answered NO. This shows that cleaning

before entering depends on the nature of the job to be carried out at that particular

time.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

36



5.1 CONCLUSION

Sincerely, this project work has made it clear that Nigerian Gas Company

(NGC) has made safe work procedure their priority and necessary control

measures are put in place ensure perfect job process and accident free.

From the research it shows that the respondent attitude towards the compliance of

the approved safety standard is satisfactory.

Finally, Nigerian Gas Company ( N G C ) are great effort for the control and

prevention of confined accident by enforcing the safety procedures and updatingtheir workers on new development and also, all necessary personal protective

equipment are put in place .

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

Based on the findings in the course of this study, the following are recommended

and put forward for an excellent result of work in a confined space.

Having carried out a careful study on confined space safety using a case study of

Shell Petroleum Development Company, i wish to recommend that;

1. A permit to work procedure should be use to provide the basis for

control, the precaution stated on the work permit and associated certificate

should be understood and observed ,the personnel working in confined

space should familiar with the hazard that may be present in confined

space.

37



2. A clear safety policy.

3. Well organised safety training programme for all workers.

4. Adequate training /education should be given to employees

concerned when there is change in the procedure performing specific job

in a confined space.

5. Regular inspection of tools, materials and equipments before and

during use by the instructor to ensure good working condition.

6. Provision of recommended safety standard of personal protective

to all workers to enhance good working condition.

7. Avoidance of unsafe act during job or operation.

REFERENCE

38



1. American National Standards Institute, (1989). Safety Requirements for Confined

Spaces, (ANSI 2117.1). New York: Author.

2. CMC Rescue, Inc. (1996) Confined Space Entry and Rescue (p. ii-xv and 6-17)

Santa Barbara, California: Author

3. Claudio Corallo(2009): RISK ASSESSMENT FOR WORKING IN CONFINED

SPACES.The Morton Partnership, 24 Brechin Place, London.

4. Grant, H. (1992). Confined Space Rescue – Are You Ready? Rescue-EMS, p. 12.

5. Kadiri,S.A;(2008).Safety Hand Book For Engineering And ALLIED

Professionals. Zub-Chord Technical Ventures.ISBN:978-074-073-2.Lagos.6. Gallagher, T and Storment, S. (1994). Confined Space Safety Rescue Part II:

Atmospheric Hazards. (pp: 57, 58).

7. National Institute Occupational Safety and Health. (1994), Worker Deaths in

Confined Spaces: Part II Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE)

Summary Reports. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute Occupational Safety and

Health, Division of Safety Research. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-103.

8. National Institute Occupational Safety and Health. (1994 January) Worker Deaths

in Confined Spaces: Part II Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE)

Summary Reports. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute Occupational Safety and

Health, Division of Safety Research. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-103.

9. National Fire Protection Association, (1997) NFPA 1500: Standard on Fire

Department Occupational Safety and Health. (1997 ed.). Quincy, MA: Author.

39



10. National Fire Academy. (1986). Firefighter Safety [film]. Available from National

Audiovisual Center.

11. Occupational Safety and Health Administration United States Department of

Labor, (1999), Revised Rule of the OSHA Standard 29 CFR, 1910.146, paragraph

(K) Rescue and Emergency Services, and Appendix F. Washington, DC:

Government Printing Office.

12. Occupational Safety and Health Administration United States Department of

Labor, (1993, April 15). Final Rule of the OSHA Standard 29 CFR, 1910.146,

Permit Required, Confined Spaces. Washington, DC: Government Printing

Office.

13. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, United States Department of

Labor, (1993). Final Rule of the OSHA Standard 29 CFR, 1910.146, Permit

Required, Confined Spaces. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.

14. Valcount, G. and Gatland, J., (1992),The Invisible Killer: Rescue from a Confined

Space. Rescue, (pp. 27, 28, 31, 32, 33).

15. Vines, T. (1996, March – April). Confined Space Pit Claims Rescuer, 2 Workers.

Rescue, (p. 27.

16. Walton, Val (1998). Chicken plant fined $185,000 in 2 deaths. The Birmingham

News, (p. 2C).

40



CONFINED SPACE SAFETY

CASE STUDY OF NIGERIAN GAS COMPANYIN DELTA STATE

BY

OLESIN OLUWABUSAYO DAMILOLA

M08/ICE/ND/ISET /3609

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

AND ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY PETROLEUM TRAINING INSTITUTE ,P.M.B20,E FFURUN ,DELTA .

NIGERIA.

DECEMBER ,2011.

41



CONFINED SPACE SAFETY

CASE STUDY OF NIGERIAN GAS COMPANYIN DELTA STATE

BY

OLESIN OLUWABUSAYO DAMILOLAM08/ICE/ND/ISET /3609

A PROJECT PRESENTED TO THEDEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

ANDENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY,

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THEREQUIREMENT FORTHE AWARD OFNATIONAL DIPLOMA PROGRAM ININDUSTRIAL SAFETY PETROLEUM

TRAINING INSTITUTE EFFURUN DELTASTATE ,NIGERIA

42



DECEMBER ,2011.

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this projects work was carried out by OLESIN

OLUWABUSAYO DAMILOLA Matriculation number MO8/ICE/ND/ISET/3609

of the department industrial safety and environment technology under the

supervision.

______________________ ______________________

MR. AJISAFE DR. G.O. AGIRI

PROJECT SUPERVISOR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

DATE: _________________ DATE: __________________

43

i



DEDICATION

This project work is dedicated to Jehovah my creator: In him come my success,happiness and victory. Also to my dear parents Mr. And Mrs. S.P Olesin for their full

support, encouragement, and payers. Thank you for the endless support and

encouragement

44

ii



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Many thanks to Almighty God who brought me this far in life and in my academics. The

successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the assistance

of various people, either directly of indirectly. I wish to pay my glowing tribute to them .

My profound thanks go to my parents Mr. and Mrs. S.P. Olesin for their love, care,

moral, financial support,and prayers.

I wish to acknowledgement my supervisor Mr. Ajisafe for his support toward the

completion of this project

I really thank the Head of Department of Industrial Safety And Environmental

Technology Dr. G.O. Agiri and also Mr. Ajibade F. Bright General studies department

PTI for is total support towards the success of this work.

Finally, special to Mr. and Mrs. Kareem, Eghuaroje Jonathan and my course mates.

Thank you all.

iii

cofined space (damilola project)

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