Confined Space Entry

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This safe work procedure outlines the requirements for safe entry into confined spaces, including hazard assessment, permit requirements, and emergency rescue plans.

2. Definitions

Confined Space An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended for human occupancy except for the purpose of performing work; has restricted means of access and egress; and may become hazardous to a person entering it as a result of its design, construction, location or atmosphere, the materials or substances in it, or any other conditions relating to it. [3]

Entry Permit An administrative tool used to document the completion of a hazard and risk assessment for each confined space entry. [1]

Attendant A worker posted outside the confined space who continuously monitors the workers inside the confined space. [6]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• The supervisor must follow the pre-entry isolation procedures described in the entry permit in preparing for entry, and ensure that the protective clothing, ventilating equipment and any other equipment required by the permit are at the entry site. [9]
• The supervisor will certify in writing, based upon the results of the pre-entry testing, that all hazards have been eliminated. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. [7]
• The supervisor in this case is always present at the cooker/dryer or other permit entry confined space when entry is made. [8]

3.2 Workers

• Workers must be constantly alert for any changing conditions within the confined space. In the event of an alarm from monitoring equipment or any other indication of danger, workers should immediately leave the confined space. [6]

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Struck or caught by rotating agitator [9]	Injury	Lock out main power switch to agitator motor at main power panel. Affix tag to the lock to inform others that a permit entry confined space entry is in progress.
Engulfment in raw material or hot, recycled fat [9]	Asphyxiation, burns	Close all valves in the raw material blow line. Secure each valve in its closed position using chain and lock. Attach a tag to the valve and chain warning that a permit entry confined space entry is in progress. The same procedure shall be used for securing the fat recycle valve.
Burned by steam from leaks into the cooker/dryer steam jacket or the condenser duct system if steam valves are not properly closed and locked out [9]	Burns	Close steam supply valves to jacket and secure with chains and tags. Insert solid blank at flange in cooker vent line to condenser manifold duct system. Vent cooker/dryer by opening access door at discharge end and top center door to allow natural ventilation throughout the entry. If faster cooling is needed, use a portable ventilation fan to increase ventilation. Cooling water may be circulated through the jacket to reduce both outer and inner surface temperatures of cooker/dryers faster. Check air and inner surface temperatures in cooker/dryer to assure they are within acceptable limits before entering, or use proper protective clothing.
Burned or overcome by fire or products of combustion [9]	Burns, asphyxiation	Careful site preparation, such as cleaning the area within 4 inches (10.16 cm) of all welding or torch cutting operations, and proper ventilation are the preferred controls. All welding and cutting operations shall be done in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Q, OSHA's welding standard. Proper ventilation may be achieved by local exhaust ventilation, or the use of portable ventilation fans, or a combination of the two practices.
Electrically shocked by faulty equipment taken into the cooker/dryer [9]	Electrocution	Electrical equipment used in cooker/dryers shall be in serviceable condition.
Slipping and falling on grease in the cooker/dryer [9]	Injury	Remove residual grease before entering cooker/dryer.
Toxic, flammable, or explosive substances [12]	Asphyxiation, explosion	Purge and ventilate the hazardous confined space before a worker is required or permitted to enter the space, so that any hazard associated with a toxic, flammable or explosive substance is reduced to the extent that is possible or eliminated, and an oxygen content of between 19.5% and 23% is assured; and continuously ventilated while the worker occupies the hazardous confined space, to maintain a safe atmosphere.
Heat stress caused by warm atmosphere inside cooker/dryer [9]	Heat stroke, exhaustion	Close steam supply valves to jacket and secure with chains and tags. Insert solid blank at flange in cooker vent line to condenser manifold duct system. Vent cooker/dryer by opening access door at discharge end and top center door to allow natural ventilation throughout the entry. If faster cooling is needed, use an portable ventilation fan to increase ventilation. Cooling water may be circulated through the jacket to reduce both outer and inner surface temperatures of cooker/dryers faster. Check air and inner surface temperatures in cooker/dryer to assure they are within acceptable limits before entering, or use proper protective clothing.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment insofar as feasible engineering and work-practice controls do not adequately protect employees.

• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus: A self-contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by any person entering the space. The standby worker shall have a self-contained breathing apparatus available for immediate use. [4] [4]
• Safety belt or harness with attached lifeline: Safety belt or harness with attached lifeline shall be used by all workers entering the space with the free end of the line secured outside the entry opening. [5]
• Respiratory and personal protective equipment: Where a test under subsection (11) indicates the presence of a harmful or explosive substance and it is not feasible to provide a safe respirable atmosphere, an employer shall ensure that a worker entering the confined space is provided with and wears respiratory and personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazards likely to be encountered [13]

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment used in cooker/dryers shall be in serviceable condition.

• Direct Reading Gas Monitor: A direct reading gas monitor shall be used to test the atmosphere. [5]
• Portable Blowers: Use portable blowers to augment natural circulation if needed. [5]
• Communication Device: Used to maintain effective communication with a worker who has entered the hazardous confined space [12]

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Worker Training: Every worker that enters a confined space must be fully trained on the recognition and identification of potential hazards associated with the confined spaces that will be entered, evaluation and control procedures for the identified or potential hazards, set-up, use, and limitations of all equipment such as emergency equipment, ventilation equipment (blowers), hazardous energy control, isolation and lockout equipment, air quality monitors (e.g., oxygen/combustible meters) and other control equipment that will be used while in the confined space, set-up, use, and limitations of all personal protective equipment (e.g., full-body harness, respirators) that the worker will be using while in the confined space, communication systems and retrieval systems (set-up and operation), all safe work procedures for entering the confined space as outlined in the employer's confined space hazard assessment program, procedures to follow in the event of a situation developing that could present additional risk to the worker or an emergency, first aid and CPR, the specific work to be done while in the confined space and to work in a manner that will not endanger lives. [11]

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Assess the Work Area: An employer shall perform an assessment of the work area to determine whether it contains a confined space. [3]
2. Confined Space Entry Permit: All spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. [5]
3. Complete Confined Space Entry Permit: The Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed before approval can be given to enter a permit-required confined space. This permit verifies completion of items listed below. This permit shall be kept at the job site for the duration of the job. If circumstances cause an interruption in the work or a change in the alarm conditions for which entry was approved, a new Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed. [5]
4. Atmospheric Testing: The confined space atmosphere shall be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be used. Testing shall be performed by the SUPERVISOR who has successfully completed the gas detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL and hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written record of the pre- entry test results shall be made and kept at the work site for the duration of the job. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. The most hazardous conditions shall govern when work is being performed in two adjoining, connected spaces. [5]
5. Space Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation systems, where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. Where possible, open additional manholes to increase air circulation. Use portable blowers to augment natural circulation if needed. After a suitable ventilating period, repeat the testing. Entry may not begin until testing has demonstrated that the hazardous atmosphere has been eliminated. [5]
6. Continuous Gas Monitoring: Continuous gas monitoring shall be performed during all confined space operations. If alarm conditions change adversely, entry personnel shall exit the confined space and a new confined space permit issued. [5]
7. Standby Worker: At least one worker shall stand by the outside of the space ready to give assistance in case of emergency. The standby worker shall have a self-contained breathing apparatus available for immediate use. There shall be at least one additional worker within sight or call of the standby worker. Continuous powered communications shall be maintained between the worker within the confined space and standby personnel. [5]
8. Safety Belt and Lifeline: Safety belt or harness with attached lifeline shall be used by all workers entering the space with the free end of the line secured outside the entry opening. The standby worker shall attempt to remove a disabled worker via his lifeline before entering the space. [5]
9. Record Exit Time: After exiting the confined space, the time of exit should be noted on the entry permit. [2]

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry. [10]
• Use warning signs to prevent unauthorized entry to the confined space. [6]
• All pumps and lines which may reasonably cause contaminants to flow into the space shall be disconnected, blinded and locked out, or effectively isolated by other means to prevent development of dangerous air contamination or engulfment. [7]
• The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from the tanks, piping, or sewers. [7]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

Call the fire department services for rescue. Where immediate hazards to injured personnel are present, workers at the site shall implement emergency procedures to fit the situation. [5]

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Hazardous Condition: If a situation arises where there is a hazardous condition and the worker does not leave or is unable to leave the confined space, rescue procedures should begin immediately. [2]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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