WEBVTT

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- Each year, dozens of workers
die in the United States

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as a result of asphyxiation
in confined workspaces.

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In 1980, right here at
Puget Sound Naval shipyard,

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two contract workers died
as a result of entering

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an uncertified tank aboard the
contractors dredging barge.

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Tanks, voids, underground
tunnels, and manholes

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are examples of typical confined spaces

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you may encounter ashore or aboard ship

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in the course of your work.

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Many factors contribute to the potential

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for unsafe conditions in confined spaces.

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First and foremost is oxygen deficiency.

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This condition can be
caused by the displacement

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of air by another gas.

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It can also be caused by a
number of oxidizing processes,

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burning, the rusting of metal,

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or even breathing in a confined space

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can result in an oxygen
deficient atmosphere.

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There is no warning of oxygen deficiency.

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Never enter a confined space
to assist a worker in distress.

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Many workers have lost their
lives attempting to assist

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fellow workers in confined spaces.

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In fact, that's exactly what happened

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to the second of those
two contract workers

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who died here in 1980.

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Instead of entering this space,

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send for emergency assistance.

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One thing that you can do is direct

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and open airline into the space.

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This one simple act
might be the difference

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between life and death for that person.

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The second factor which can
contribute to unsafe conditions

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in confined spaces is the
buildup of toxic gases.

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Various toxic gases can be
produced by welding, fire,

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curing paint, or even the
rotting of organic material.

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These gases often are
colorless and odorless.

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They are undetectable except

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by sophisticated test instruments.

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Because some of these
gases are heavier than air,

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they can accumulate in low areas

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as well as in confined spaces.

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The third factor that can
contribute to unsafe conditions

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in confined is flammable
or explosive gases.

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The dangers post here are obvious.

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The potential for fire and
explosion must always be taken

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into account when conducting
flame or spark producing work

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in confined spaces.

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So how do you know that a
confined space is safe to enter?

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The shipyard employs a staff

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of gas free engineers and technicians.

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They are thoroughly trained
in the testing of atmospheres

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and confined spaces.

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Before you enter any confined space,

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look for a gas free certification tag

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posted at the entrance.

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Be sure that the dates and
time on the tag are current

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and that the Safe For
Personnel box is checked.

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If there is no gas free certification tag,

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do not enter the area
under any circumstances.

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You will need to arrange
through your supervisor

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for it to be tested by
a gas free technician.

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Additionally, if you will be doing flame

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or spark producing work in the area,

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it will need to be
certified Safe For Hot Work

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on the tag as well.

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When you're preparing to
enter a confined space,

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just think about those dozens of workers

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throughout the country who die

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in confined spaces each year.

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Then, make sure the
area is certified safe.

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