Confined Space Entry

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This procedure outlines the safe work practices for entering and working in confined spaces. It includes requirements for hazard assessment, atmospheric testing, ventilation, personal protective equipment, and emergency rescue procedures. This procedure applies to all employees who are required to enter confined spaces. Confined spaces may occur in locations such as bins, boilers, pits, manholes, tanks, incinerators, scrubbers, concrete pier columns, sewers, transformer vaults, HVAC ducts, storm drains, water mains, precast concrete and other pre-formed manhole units, drilled shafts, enclosed beams, vessels, digesters, lift stations, cesspools, silos, air receivers, sludge gates, air preheaters, step up transformers, turbines, chillers, bag houses, and/or mixers/reactors. [9]

2. Definitions

Confined Space A space that (1) is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and (2) has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and (3) is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Permit-Required Confined Space A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross- section; or Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard. [8]

Permit-required confined space program (permit space program) The employer's overall program for controlling, and, where appropriate, for protecting employees from, permit space hazards and for regulating employee entry into permit spaces. [8]

Physical hazard An existing or potential hazard that can cause death or serious physical damage. Examples include, but are not limited to: Explosives; mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic energy; radiation; temperature extremes; engulfment; noise; and inwardly converging surfaces. Physical hazard also includes chemicals that can cause death or serious physical damage through skin or eye contact (rather than through inhalation). [8]

Prohibited condition Any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit during the period when entry is authorized. A hazardous atmosphere is a prohibited condition unless the employer can demonstrate that personal protective equipment (PPE) will provide effective protection for each employee in the permit space and provides the appropriate PPE to each employee. [8]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure. [6]
• Verify 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. [6]
• Terminate the entry and cancels the permit as required. [6]
• Verify that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operable. [6]
• Remove unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter the permit space during entry operations. [6]
• Determine, whenever responsibility for a permit space entry operation is transferred and at intervals dictated by the hazards and operations performed within the space, that entry operations remain consistent with terms of the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained. [6]

3.2 Workers

• Be familiar with and understand the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure. [10]
• Properly use equipment as required. [10]
• Communicate with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to assess entrant status and to enable the attendant to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space. [10]
• Alert the attendant whenever there is any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation. [10]

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel entering a confined space must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Hard Hat: Provides head protection from falling objects or bumping into overhead structures.
• Safety Glasses: Protects eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes.
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): Provides respiratory protection in hazardous atmospheres. Ensure the SCBA is properly fitted and maintained. [1]
• Safety Harness with Lifeline: Provides full body protection and includes a lifeline for rescue. [2]
• Gloves: Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.
• Safety Boots: Protects feet from punctures, impacts, and chemical exposure.

PPE must be inspected before each use for defects or damage. Any damaged or defective PPE must be replaced immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used in confined spaces must be inspected before use to ensure they are in good working condition. Any defective equipment must be removed from service immediately.

• Direct Reading Gas Monitor: Used to test the atmosphere for oxygen deficiency, flammable gases and vapors, and toxic gases.
• Portable Ventilation Fan: Used to provide continuous ventilation to the confined space.
• Two-Way Radio: Used for communication between the entrant and the attendant.
• Intrinsically Safe Lighting: Used to provide illumination inside the confined space.

Test instruments used to monitor atmospheres in enclosed spaces shall be kept in calibration and shall have a minimum accuracy of +10 percent. [11]

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training: Any employee required or permitted to pre-check or enter a permit-required confined space shall have successfully completed, as a minimum, the training as required by the following sections of these procedures. [1]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Entry Briefing: A pre-entry briefing must be conducted to discuss the hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures. All personnel involved in the entry must attend the briefing.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers. [1]

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Initial Assessment: All spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. [7]
2. Permit Acquisition: A 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. [1]
3. 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. [1]
4. 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. [1]
5. Entry Procedures: All personnel must be trained. A self contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by any person entering the space. 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. [1]
6. Continuous 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. [2]
7. Emergency Response: If at any time there is any questionable action or non- movement by the worker inside, a verbal check will be made. If there is no response, the worker will be moved immediately. Exception: If the worker is disabled due to falling or impact, he/she shall not be removed from the confined space unless there is immediate danger to his/her life. Local fire department rescue personnel shall be notified immediately. The standby worker may only enter the confined space in case of an emergency (wearing the self contained breathing apparatus) and only after being relieved by another worker. 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. [2]

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• All spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. [7]
• A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. [1]
• Continuous gas monitoring shall be performed during all confined space operations. [2]
• When covers are removed from enclosed spaces, the opening shall be promptly guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other barrier designed to prevent an accidental fall through the opening and to protect employees working in the space from objects entering the space. [4]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately activate the emergency response plan. This includes notifying emergency services and initiating rescue procedures. Ensure all personnel are accounted for and that the area is secured to prevent further incidents.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Worker inside the confined space is injured or incapacitated.: 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. [2]
• Worker is disabled due to falling or impact.: If the worker is disabled due to falling or impact, he/she shall not be removed from the confined space unless there is immediate danger to his/her life. Local fire department rescue personnel shall be notified immediately. The standby worker may only enter the confined space in case of an emergency (wearing the self contained breathing apparatus) and only after being relieved by another worker. 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. [2]
• If alarm conditions change adversely during continuous gas monitoring.: Entry personnel shall exit the confined space and a new confined space permit issued. [2]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A formal incident report must be completed within 24 hours of the incident. The report should include a detailed description of the incident, the cause of the incident, and any corrective actions taken.

A thorough investigation will be conducted for all reported incidents. The investigation will be led by the safety department and will include interviews with all involved parties, a review of the work area, and an analysis of the procedures in place at the time of the incident. The goal of the investigation is to determine the root cause of the incident and to develop recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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