- Welcome and Objectives: Brief introduction of the training session and outline the objectives and importance of testing for hazardous atmospheres in confined spaces.
- Overview of Confined Spaces: Define confined spaces and discuss common hazards associated with confined spaces.
Specific Training
Entry team members responsible for monitoring confined space atmospheres should receive training on the proper use of monitoring and testing instruments.
Note the personal sampling equipment on this entrant.
Effective training must include instruction and hands-on-how-to practice using specific monitoring instruments such as:
- Electrochemical Gas Sensors - measure a specific gas’s concentration by oxidizing or reducing the gas to an electrode, generating a positive or negative current flow
- Catalytic Bead Sensors - used to measure combustible gases that come with an explosion hazard when concentrations are between the lower explosion limit (LEL) and the upper explosion limit (UEL).
- Infrared Gas Sensors - used when there is no oxygen present, or in situations where you measure high carbon dioxide concentrations.
- Photoionization Gas Sensors - uses an ultraviolet light source to ionize gases to positive and negative ions that can easily be identified with a detector.
Training should also include:
- procedures for summoning rescue or other emergency services; and
- proper use of equipment for communicating with entry and emergency/rescue personnel.
This training plan is a generic example for awareness only. Employers must develop their own specific training plans.
Objective: To train participants on the proper procedures and safety protocols for testing and identifying hazardous atmospheres within confined spaces.
Duration: Approximately 60-90 minutes
Introduction (10 minutes)
Part 1: Understanding Hazards (15 minutes)
- Types of Hazardous Atmospheres: Oxygen deficiency and enrichment, flammable gases and vapors, toxic gases and vapors.
- Effects of Exposure: Health effects of exposure to different hazardous atmospheres and case studies or examples of incidents.
Part 2: Equipment and Procedures (15 minutes)
- Introduction to Atmospheric Testing Equipment: Types of detectors (e.g., multi-gas detectors) and how the equipment works.
- Calibration and Maintenance: Importance of calibration, how to calibrate the equipment, and routine maintenance procedures.
Part 3: Hands-On Demonstration (20 minutes)
- Preparing for Entry: Review entry permits and safety checklists, donning appropriate PPE.
- Using the Equipment: Demonstrate how to use the atmospheric testing equipment, show how to test for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic gases.
- Interpreting Results: Explain how to read and interpret the results from the equipment, discuss actions to take based on different readings.
Part 4: Interactive Scenarios (30 minutes)
- Scenario-Based Testing: Divide participants into small groups and provide each group with scenario cards detailing different confined space situations.
- Practical Exercise: Each group performs atmospheric testing in a simulated confined space, records their findings, and decides on the appropriate actions.
- Group Discussion: Groups present their scenarios and findings, discuss the decisions made, and provide feedback.
Conclusion and Review (10 minutes)
- Recap Key Points: Summarize the main takeaways from the exercise and reinforce the importance of proper testing and safety procedures.
- Q&A Session: Open the floor for any questions from the participants.
- Assessment: Provide a brief quiz or assessment to gauge understanding, discuss the correct answers and clarify any misunderstandings.
- Feedback: Collect feedback from participants on the exercise and discuss how the training can be improved.
- Closing Remarks: Thank participants for their involvement and provide additional resources or references for further learning.
Follow-Up
- Distribute certificates of completion.
- Provide contact information for further questions or support.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-3. Effective training for entry team members responsible for monitoring confined space atmospheres should include _____.
You forgot to answer the question!