Is it okay to use marijuana before a confined space regulation? Many of us think that because marijuana is legal for recreational use in some states, that it is okay to be buzzed or high during work hours. Let us explore the confined space communication and rescue requirements before making that call.

OSHA Confined Space Regulation

OSHA’s standard for confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146) contains the requirements for practices and procedures to protect employees in general industry from the hazards of entering permit spaces.

Confined Space Evaluation

Employers must evaluate their workplaces to determine if spaces are permit spaces. If a workplace contains permit spaces, the employer must inform exposed employees of their existence, location and the hazards they pose.

Identify the Confined Space Hazards

Employers must identify and evaluate permit space hazards before allowing employee entry:

• a)test atmospheric conditions in the permit space before entry operations and monitor the space during entry;
• b)perform appropriate testing for the following atmospheric hazards in this sequence: oxygen, combustible gases or vapors, and toxic gases or vapors;
• c)establish and implement the means, procedures and practices to eliminate or control hazards necessary for safe permit space entry operations.

The confined space safety regulation (OSHA 29CFR1910.146) mandates that entrants, attendants, and supervisors be well trained in all aspects of the program. It calls for constant communications between the entrants and the attendants who are standing by.

Communication and Rescue

The Entrant

Authorized entrants are required to maintain communication with attendants as necessary to enable them to monitor the entrant’s status and alert the entrant to evacuate. Evacuation occurs when the entrant a) recognizes the warning signs or symptoms of exposure; b) a prohibited condition exist; or c) an automatic alarm is activated.

The Attendant

The attendant is required to remain outside the permit space during entry operations unless relieved by another authorized attendant; perform rescue (non-entry), be aware of the hazards, and beware of signs and symptoms of exposure. The attendant is required to maintain communication throughout the entry duration.

Rescue Equipment

Employees attempting to rescue an entrant without the proper training on the rescue equipment or procedures often endanger the entrant and themselves. The attendant must be alert and on top of his/her game to rescue or coordinate rescue assistance. Non-entry rescue is conducted without entry into the confined space. This can be conducted by such means as a rope or winch mounted on a tripod above a manhole. It is best to use a retrieval system to bring the employee out of the space. Authorized entrants should wear harnesses connected to the retrieval line. The retrieval equipment must be in place before employees enter the permit space. Emergency rescue teams must be available while authorized entrants are in the confined space. Deaths often occur during rescue.

Marijuana

Both the entrant(s) and attendant(s) must be fully alert to recognize hazards, hear alarms, know when possible danger exists, and to adequately rescue an attendant that is unable to evacuate a confined space. Smoking or ingesting marijuana interferes with the ability of entrants and attendants to adequately perform their work and comply with the OSHA standard.

When marijuana smoke is inhaled, the “high” begins rapidly as well, within minutes of the initiation of smoking when blood levels are rapidly falling and THC is distributed into the central nervous system. Impairment begins soon after smoking initiation and peaks in about 1 hour and lasts 3 to 6 hours after smoking. Common effects are relaxation, euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, sense of well-being, disorientation, altered time and space perception, giddiness, increased appetite, and a more vivid sense of taste, sight, smell, and hearing. Commonly observed central nervous system effects include lack of concentration, impaired learning and memory, alterations in thought formation and expression, drowsiness, and sedation.

It’s Not Okay

It is not okay to be buzzed or high during a confined space operation. Being under the influence could mean the difference between life and death for those involved.

EGas Depot supplies confined space equipment – rescue tripods, winches, harnesses, lanyards, manhole ventilation equipment, guard rails, tents, and manhole lifters. A full line from Elk River and Allegro Industries are available at EGas Depot www.egasdepot.com or call toll free at 833-264-0730.