The Philippines, Occupational Safety and Health Standards
RULE
1120
HAZARDOUS WORK PROCESSES
Source:
Occupational Safety and Health Standards (As Amended).
Bureau of Working Conditions, Department of Labour and
Employment, Manila, Philippines. Second Publication, as amended,
1990. Copyright Reserved per P.D. 49
RULE 1120
1121 : Underground Tank and Similar Confined Space Work:
1121.01 : General Provisions:
Before a worker or group of workers enter any confined or
enclosed space and before and work is commenced, the following
precautions and safety measures shall be taken:
(1) the area shall be checked visually to ensure that the water
level is below 15 cm. (6 in.) and if water is present,
a
dry wooden platform shall be available for use;
(2) the air in the area shall be checked for:
a. explosive gases, fumes and vapors,
b. oxygen content, and
c. carbon monoxide, if any burning or products of burning have
been involved.
(3) if any of the above is present over normal levels, the area
shall not be entered until ventilation by blower is
effected.
(4) approved types of breathing apparatus and other personal
protective equipment shall be provided and made
available
for use by the worker or workers entering a confined
space;
(5) no worker or group of workers shall enter a confined space
unless a watcher is available who is familiar with the
job
and in contact with the men at regular intervals and
equally provided with breathing apparatus for ready use
in
case of emergency;
(6) no smoking or open lights, torches, arcs or flames shall be
permitted in confined spaces until an inspection has
been
conducted to ensure that fire or explosion
possibilities
have been eliminated.
(7) no spraying or painting using volatile solvents of oil
shall be undertaken in confined spaces unless the
necessary
respiratory and other adequate protection are provided;
(8) any manhole, tank opening, or other opening which is left
unattended should be protected during the day by
barricades, and at night by barricades and lanterns,
with
appropriate warning signs; and
(9) adequate means of ingress and egress from any confined or
enclosed space shall be provided.
The International Labour Organization is a United Nations specialized agency.