AP-206 Confined Space
AP-206 Confined Space
rev 3d dat.08-99
Oxygen
An atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5% (oxygen
deficiency), or above 23.5% (oxygen enrichment).
Potential Effects of Oxygen Sufficient
and Deficient Atmospheres
Oxygen
Effects and Symptoms
(At Atmospheric Pressure)
Content
(% by Vol.)
> 23.5%
Oxygen enriched, extreme fire hazard
20.9%
Oxygen concentration in normal air
19.5%
Minimum permissible oxygen level
15-19%
Decreased ability to work strenuously;
may impair coordination and may
cause early symptoms for persons of
coronary, pulmonary or circulatory
problems
10-12%
Respiration further increases in rate
and depth; poor judgement, blue lips
8-10%
Mental failure, fainting,
unconsciouness, ashen face, nausea,
and vomiting
6-8%
Recovery still possible after four to
five minutes.
50% fatal after six minutes.
Fatal after eight minutes.
4-6%
Coma in 40 seconds, convulsions,
respiration ceases, death
Combustible Gases
A flammable gas or vapor in excess of 10% of its
lower explosive limit (LEL) yet still remaining below
the upper explosive limit UEL).
Toxic Gases
Air
s
tible
s
u
b
Com
LEL
Toxic Gas
Ammonia
Carbon
monoxide
Chlorine
Hydrogen
cyanide
Hydrogen
sulfide
Nitric oxide
Sulphur
dioxide
UEL
4.7 ppm
--
50 ppm
10 ppm 15 ppm
--
300 ppm
25 ppm
--
100 ppm
--
100 ppm
--
2 ppm 5 ppm
Combustible Gases
Concentrations below 100% of the LEL. The
MultiRAE has a pre-set alarm at 10% LEL of
combustible gases, and a high alarm set at 20%
LEL. These alarm set points are user selectable.
Toxic Gases:
Alarms pre-set at the OSHA permissible exposure
limit. The MultiRAE has pre-set alarms for H2S at
10 ppm low alarm, and 20 ppm high alarm. CO
alarms are at 35 ppm low alarm and 200 ppm high
alarm. These alarm set points are user selectable.
The MultiRAE also offers several other toxic gas
sensors.
Disclaimer:
This application note contains only a general
description of atmospheric testing in a confined space
and equipment used to monitor a confined space.
Under no circumstances should a confined space be
entered or monitoring equipment used except by
qualified and trained personnel, and after all
instructions have been carfully read and understood
and all precautions followed.
Additional information:
Federal Register
29 CFR 1910.146
Permit Required Confined Spaces for General
Industry
http://cos.gdb.org
OSHA