The objectives of this procedure are to establish a written program outlining general guidelines governing confined space and permit-required confined space entry.
This written program will address the following elements:
1. Confined Space Definitions\Hazards
2. Assessment Process and Identification of Spaces
3. Entry Requirements for Non-Permit Confined Spaces
4. Entry Requirements for Permit-Required Confined Spaces
5. Alternate Entry Procedures
6. Confined Space Personnel Duties and Responsibilities
7. Precautions and Pre-Planning Before Entry
8. Rescue Plan/Provisions
9. Proper Safety Equipment for Confined Space Entry
10. Hot Work and the Use of Chemicals In a Confined Space
11. Contractor Performed Work
12. Training
1. CONFINED SPACE DEFINITIONS\HAZARDS:
A Confined Space is any space that has the following characteristics:
1. Large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work.
2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit.
3. It is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
A Permit-Required Confined Space is any confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
1. Contains or has known potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.
2. Contains material with the potential for engulfment of an entrant.
3. Has an internal configuration such
that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by
inwardly
converging walls or a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller
cross section.
4. Contains any other recognized serious health hazard.
Examples of permit-required confined spaces include process vessels, crawl spaces, vats, boilers, storage tanks, pipelines, wells, manholes, sewers ventilation and exhaust ducts, pits, or any underground areas.
The most common hazards that should be recognized and associated with entry into a confined space can be categorized as follows:
1. Oxygen-deficient or enriched atmospheres.
Normal air contains approximately 78% nitrogen and 20.95% oxygen by volume with the remaining composition made up of gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, etc.
When oxygen falls below 19.5%, asphyxiation is threatened. Likewise, when an atmosphere contains more than 23.5% of oxygen, it can be an extremely flammable atmosphere and creates a hazard. Confined spaces with either oxygen deficient or oxygen enriched atmospheres should not be entered unless they are properly controlled, as through appropriate ventilation.
2. Flammable/Combustible Atmosphere
Two situations exist which create flammable atmosphere; the availability of oxygen in the air; and a flammable gas, vapor, or dust in the proper mixture. If a source of ignition is present or introduced into a confined space with the right combination of combustible gas, vapor, or dust and air, an explosion will occur.
3. Toxic Atmospheres
Any chemical, exhibiting toxic properties in a confined space is a cause for concern. In these cases, no entry should be made until the atmosphere is properly controlled, or the entrant is properly protected. All chemicals have a concentration at which a toxic response is elicited. Most chemical substances should be considered hazardous in a confined space because of the lack of air distribution.
4. Engulfment Hazards
Engulfment hazards exist in confined spaces by the surrounding and capture of a person by finely divided particulate matter, such as grain, sand, or any liquid, resulting in suffocation.
5. Other Hazards/physical hazards (noise, heat, cold, etc.)
This category primarily involves mechanical or crushing hazards, other than engulfment, and electrical hazards that can be safely guarded against by the proper implementation of procedures required by the City’s lockout/tagout procedure.
(A more complete list of definitions is found in APPENDIX A)
2. ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND IDENTIFICATION OF SPACES
It is the intent of this safety procedure that all departments involved in confined space entry will work to assess and compile data about the hazards contained in various confined spaces that are required to be entered in the workplace.
Information to be compiled should include the type of hazard involved, and the classification of the confined space. In addition, after assessment, all permit required confined spaces must be marked with a sign reading “Danger, Permit-Required Confined Space, Do Not Enter”, or identified by other equally effective means, such as a printout, map, etc., that it is a permit required space.
3. ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR NON-PERMIT CONFINED SPACES
1. If the confined space is a
“Non-Permit required confined space", the space may be entered by authorized
employees
without the need for a written permit or attendant under this
procedure.
2. Any conditions making it unsafe to remove an entrance cover shall be eliminated before the cover is removed.
3. The atmosphere in the confined
space shall be tested, using a properly calibrated gas detector. Field
calibration
should
be done prior to every use. The atmosphere shall be tested at four (4)
foot intervals in the direction of entrant travel
and
side to side, for a minimum response time as specified by the manufacturer of
the test instrument being used, down to
the
level where work is to be performed.
4. The atmosphere within the space
shall be continuously monitored while workers are within the space, either by
the
entrant
or by an optional attendant.
5. If at any time during the entry, a
hazardous atmosphere is detected, all employees shall leave the space
immediately, and
report the condition to their supervisor. The supervisor shall then re-evaluate
the confined space prior to any attempts at re-entry.
6. Smoking in or around a confined space is prohibited
4. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES
1. Determine if confined space entry is necessary. Avoid permit required confined space entry if possible.
2. The Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed by the designated Entry Supervisor and reviewed in detail by the authorized Entrants and Attendants, prior to entry into the confined space.
3. Set up barriers or take other measures to prevent unauthorized entry into the space. A Confined Space “danger” sign along with the permit must be posted at the entrance to the Permit Space.
4. If entry is to be performed where pedestrian or vehicle traffic poses a danger, appropriate traffic control measures shall be used, including, but not limited to, affected employees wearing traffic safety vests.
5. Identify and evaluate any hazards existing in the space to assure acceptable entry conditions are met prior to entry into the space. Hazards should be minimized or eliminated by blanking or blinding, isolation, line breaking, lockout/tagout, or other appropriate methods.
6. Initially, the atmosphere outside the confined space shall be tested to determine if any hazards are present. The atmosphere within the confined space shall then be tested, using a properly calibrated gas detector, and the results recorded on the confined space entry permit. The atmosphere shall be tested at four (4) foot intervals in the direction of the entrant travel and side to side, for a minimum response time as specified by the manufacturer of the test equipment being used, down to the level where work is to be performed. The confined space atmosphere shall also be tested on a continuous basis while workers are in the space.
7. If the atmosphere inside the space is within acceptable limits, authorized employees may enter the space using the equipment listed on the Entry Permit and based upon the type of hazard for this space. If the atmosphere inside the space is not within acceptable limits, the space shall be ventilated until testing indicates that an acceptable atmosphere exists. Ventilation shall continue while there are employees inside the space. (*See exception under item 17 of this section).
8. Where applicable, a retrieval system shall be used by each employee who enters the space, such as a chest or full body safety harness worn by the employee, connected to a winch and tripod by means of a tagline and yoke. Where a retrieval system is infeasible or creates a greater hazard, employees should carry 5 minutes escape air packs for the purpose of safe egress only.
9. In cases where an employee can't be removed with a safety line, (such as where there is no direct exit route or during a side entry) the entry supervisor shall develop a retrieval plan suitable for the conditions prior to allowing entry.
10. An attendant shall be stationed outside the space while there are workers inside the space. A ratio of 3 entrants to 1 attendant shall not be exceeded.
11. Constant communication shall be maintained between the entrants inside the space and the attendant.
12. All appropriate personal protective equipment shall be worn while entry is in progress.
13. Smoking in or around a confined space is prohibited.
14. When working in a space that contains or has the potential to contain an explosive atmosphere, all equipment shall be grounded, artificial lighting shall be Class 1, Division 1, and all other tools shall be sparkless.
15. If the gas detector sounds an alarm, workers shall exit the space immediately and may not re-enter until the atmosphere has been determined as safe, using methods as described in steps 6 and 7, including the issuance of a new entry permit and notifying the designated entry supervisor. (See exception under item 17 of this section).
16. All entry permits are to be canceled by the designated entry supervisor upon completion of assigned duties. The confined space shall then be returned to its working condition and secured to prohibit unauthorized entry.
17. *Note that there are exceptions to items 8 and 15 above, for specifically trained employees that are designated to work in hazardous atmospheres or perform rescues with the use of SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) or other supplied air equipment.
5. ALTERNATIVE ENTRY PROCEDURES
1. If the confined space has been determined to be a “Hazardous Atmosphere Only,” as contained in section (c)(5) (i) of 29 CFR 1910.146, and it can be determined by the data on file that the only hazard posed by the permit required confined space is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere, the space may be entered with a written permit provided that the space can be maintained in a safe condition by continuous forced air ventilation alone.
2. A space classified as a permit-required confined space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space if the permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated without entry into the space. These spaces shall be considered as permit-required until the atmosphere in the confined space has been tested, using a properly calibrated gas detector and the space continuously ventilated.
3. The atmosphere shall be tested at four (4) foot intervals in the direction of entrant travel and side to side, for a minimum response time as specified by the manufacturer of the test instrument being used, down to the level where work is to be performed.
4. Any conditions making it unsafe to remove an entrance cover shall be eliminated before the cover is removed.
5. When entrance covers are removed, the opening shall be promptly guarded by a temporary barrier that will prevent an accidental fall through the opening and that will protect each employee, working in the space, from foreign objects entering the space.
6. The designated entry supervisor shall be notified prior to entry.
7. Ventilation of the space shall be continuous for the duration of the entry, and shall be supplied from a clean source.
8. Smoking in or around a confined space is prohibited.
9. Constant communication shall be maintained between the entrants inside the space and the attendant.
10. The atmosphere within the space shall be continuously monitored to assure that the continuous forced air ventilation is maintaining a safe atmosphere.
11. If at any time during the entry, a hazardous atmosphere is detected, all employees shall leave the space immediately and contact their designated entry supervisor.
6. CONFINED SPACE PERSONNEL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties of Attendants
1. A properly trained attendant shall be stationed outside the permit-required confined space.
2. The attendant shall have knowledge of the hazards that may be faced during entry, and an awareness of the possible behavioral effects of this hazard exposure.
3. The attendant shall monitor the outside of the permit space, to prohibit unauthorized people from entering the permit-required space, in addition to monitoring the inside space for hazardous conditions.
4. The attendant shall continuously maintain an accurate count of authorized entrant(s) in the permit space.
5. The attendant shall maintain continuous communication with the entrant(s). The attendant shall be able to recognize confined space hazards and changing conditions that could affect employees in the space. If conditions become hazardous or if the entrants exhibit a marked behavior change, the attendant shall require the entrants to exit the space.
6. In the event of an emergency, the attendant shall summon emergency service by using the radio or calling 911 by telephone if available.
7. Ensure the safety of the entrants working in the confined space by preventing any material or tools from falling in the space.
8. The attendant shall perform no duties that might interfere with the their primary duty to monitor and protect the entrants.
9. Attendant will remain at his/her post except:
A. When replaced by an equally authorized attendant
B. For self preservation
C. To notify rescue personnel in an emergency.
10. Attendant will not enter the permit entry confined space unless:
A. Another attendant is in place
B. The authorized entrant has exited the space and the individual is not acting as the attendant (rotation)
Duties of Authorized Entrants
1. The entrant shall know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the method of exposure, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure.
2. Perform the work in the confined space and properly use equipment as required for safe entry and operation in confined spaces.
3. Communicate with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to monitor entrant status.
4. If the entrant detects a hazardous condition, or recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, the entrant shall communicate with the attendant and evacuate the space as quickly as possible.
Duties of Designated Entry Supervisors
1. The designated entry supervisor shall know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the method of exposure, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure.
2. Verifies by checking that the means for summoning rescue services are operable, and that all appropriate entries have been made on the permit, that all tests specified by the permit have been conducted and that all procedures and equipment specified by the permit are in place before endorsing the permit and allowing entry to begin.
3. Terminates the entry and cancels the permit when the entry operations have been completed, or a condition that is not allowed under the permit arises in or near the permit space.
4 Prevents unauthorized individuals from entering or attempting to enter a permit required confined space.
7. PRECAUTIONS AND PRE-PLANNING BEFORE ENTRY
1. Entry is to be made by authorized personnel only.
2. An attendant is to be present whenever entry is made into any permit required confined space.
3. The Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed by the designated Entry Supervisor and reviewed in detail by the authorized Entrants and Attendants, prior to entry into the confined space.
4. A sign or other means of posting that a confined space is being entered shall be placed at the opening of the confined space. The posting shall read:
DANGER-CONFINED SPACE
ENTER BY PERMIT ONLY
5. Barriers shall be placed, or other measure taken to prevent unauthorized entry into the space.
6. If entry is to be performed where pedestrian or vehicle traffic poses a danger, appropriate traffic control measures shall be used, including, but not limited to, affected employees wearing traffic safety vests.
7. Before any entrance cover to a confined space is removed, the employee shall determine if it is safe to do so by checking for the presence of atmospheric pressure or temperature differences by evaluating whether there might be a hazardous atmosphere in the space. The order of all test procedures, for monitoring a confined space is oxygen first, combustible gases and vapors second, and then any toxic gases and vapors, last.
8. When covers are removed from confined spaces, the opening shall be promptly guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other barrier intended to prevent an accidental fall through the opening and to protect employees working in the space from objects entering the space.
9. Identify and evaluate any hazards existing in the space to assure acceptable entry conditions are met prior to entry into the space. Where possible, hazards should be minimized or eliminated by blanking or blinding, isolation, line breaking, lockout/tagout, or other appropriate methods.
10. Entry into a confined space with an unsafe atmosphere shall be avoided if at all possible, unless performed by an employee designated to perform emergency work or rescues with SCBA (Self contained breathing apparatus) or other supplied air equipment.
11. All permit required confined spaces are to be purged or ventilated prior to and during entry.
12. If the atmosphere inside the space is within acceptable limits, authorized employees may enter the space using the equipment listed on the Entry Permit. If the atmosphere inside the space is not within acceptable limits, the space shall be ventilated until testing indicates that an acceptable atmosphere exists. Ventilation shall continue while there are employees inside that space.
13. After purging the area, and before entry, the confined space is to be tested using equipment capable of measuring oxygen content and for the presence of explosive and toxic gases. All equipment will be tested for operation and safety before reaching the job site.
14. Test instruments, used to monitor atmospheres in enclosed spaces, shall be checked daily prior to use, using calibration gas cylinders. The minimum acceptable accuracy is +/-10%.
15. All lifelines, harness, D-rings and any other equipment needed for entry or exit shall be inspected for defects before entry.
8. RESCUE PLAN/PROVISIONS
If an emergency condition is perceived:
1. Do not enter the space, you are not a trained rescuer. Only Salt Lake City Fire Department Personnel are designated to perform confined space rescue with the City of Salt Lake.
2. Notify the Fire Department immediately by calling 911 from your radio/phone.
A. State the nature of your request.
B. State your name.
C. State your location.
3. If the worker is attached to a rescue/retrieval system, promptly begin the process.
4. The attendant is to monitor the situation until Rescue/Emergency Medical personnel arrive.
9. PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
Recommended Equipment
-A confined space “Danger” sign
-Entry barrier or warning cones
-Portable gas detector with calibration kit and carrying case
-Remote sampling pump with 20 ft. clear plastic tubing for gas detector
-Industrial explosion proof flashlight.
-Portable ventilator (Warning: Use extreme caution to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide in the confined space when using gasoline powered ventilators)
-25 ft. blower hose for ventilator
-Portable confined space floor sign
-Retrieval system, to include a fully body safety harness connected to a winch and tripod by means of tagline and yoke.
-5 minute escape air pack for safe egress only and extra tanks.
10. HOT WORK OR THE USE OF CHEMICALS IN A CONFINED SPACE
1. Hot work, such as heating, cutting or soldering, or the use of chemicals in a confined space, present special hazards by the very nature of the work, the hazardous environment it can create, and the fact that hot work presents an ignition source to the environment.
2. Before any entry involving the use of hot work or chemicals can begin, a review of the confined space characteristics should first be carried out. All procedures and safety equipment shall be available as in a normal confined space entry. In addition, the hazards that may arise from hot work or chemicals should be evaluated using a material safety data sheet. This may create a permit-required space by introduction of hot work or use of chemicals.
3. In addition, all hot work in a confined space requires a hot work permit, in addition to other applicable permits.
4. Employees should exercise extreme caution whenever introducing hot work or chemicals into a confined space.
5. If there are any questions during an entry, contact your designated entry supervisor.
11. CONTRACTOR PERFORMED WORK
1. It is the responsibility of all City contractors or consultants to comply with 29 CFR 1910.146, regarding Permit Required Confined Spaces. City employees should make every effort to:
A. Identify confined spaces to which contractors may be exposed while on the job site.
B. Inform contractors of precautions that may lessen the possibility of injury and exposure.
C. Identify the location of confined spaces that contractors may be exposed to.
2. However, it is the contractor's responsibility to inform his/her own employees about these hazards and the precautions required by the above standard. The information provided by City employees should be used as a guide only, with final determination to rest with the contractor or consultant.
12. TRAINING
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1. |
Detailed training for each position shall be provided to each affected employee prior to his or her first confined space operation. |
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2. |
Each Department shall annually review their confined space entry program and incidences and shall be responsible for providing any additional or refresher training deemed prudent. |
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3. |
A review of the hazards of confined space entry and the responsibilities of each position shall be conducted prior to working in or around any confined spaces. |
Questions concerning this procedure can be addressed by:
1. Your Department Safety Officer
2. Risk Management
451 South State Street, Room 505A
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
801-535-7788