[PRE TASK PLAN TITLE]

Project: [PROJECT NAME]

Date: 2025-08-22

Location: [LOCATION]

Supervisor: [SUPERVISOR NAME]

Task Overview

Confined space entry into manholes located in public right-of-ways and occupied streets, including hazard assessment, atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and traffic control measures to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance.

Expected Duration: Varies depending on the task; typically 4-8 hours

Number of Workers: Minimum of 3 (Entrant, Attendant, Supervisor)

Required PPE and Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment

• Hard Hat: Provides head protection from impacts, falling objects, and electrical hazards. Must meet ANSI Z89.1 standards. Ensure proper fit and suspension are intact.
• Safety Glasses/Goggles: Protects eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. Select appropriate lens tint for lighting conditions.
• Safety Boots: Provides foot protection from impacts, punctures, and electrical hazards. Must meet ASTM F2413 standards. Select appropriate style for the work environment (e.g., steel-toe, EH-rated).
• Appropriate Gloves: Gloves appropriate for the task to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, chemical exposure, and electrical hazards. Examples include: Leather gloves for general handling, Nitrile gloves for chemical resistance, Rubber gloves for electrical insulation. Ensure gloves are in good condition and fit properly.
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or Supplied Air Respirator (SAR): Used when atmospheric testing indicates hazardous conditions or potential for exposure to toxic gases. Must be NIOSH-approved and fit-tested. Ensure proper training on use, maintenance, and limitations.
• High-Visibility Safety Apparel: High-visibility vest or clothing to ensure visibility to vehicular traffic and equipment operators. Must meet ANSI 107 standards. Ensure clothing is clean and in good condition.

Tools and Equipment

• Multi-Gas Meter: Used to test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances (e.g., hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide). Must be calibrated and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions. Ensure users are trained in proper operation and interpretation of readings.
• Ventilation Blower: Used to provide continuous ventilation to the confined space. Ensure blower is properly grounded and positioned to avoid recirculation of contaminated air.
• Ladder: Used for safe entry and exit from the manhole. Must be in good condition and secured properly.
• Explosion-Proof Lighting: Used to illuminate the work area within the confined space. Must be explosion-proof and intrinsically safe.
• Two-Way Radios: Used for communication between the entrant and attendant. Ensure clear communication is maintained at all times.

Hazard Analysis

Identified Hazards

Hazard	Risk Level	Potential Consequences
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment	High	Asphyxiation, impaired judgment, increased fire risk
Presence of toxic gases (e.g., H2S, CO)	High	Poisoning, illness, death
Flammable or explosive atmosphere	High	Fire, explosion, burns
Engulfment hazards (e.g., water, sewage)	High	Drowning, suffocation
Traffic hazards	Medium	Struck by vehicle, injury, death
Slip, trip, and fall hazards	Medium	Sprains, fractures, head injuries
Electrical hazards (exposed wires, faulty equipment)	Medium	Electrocution, burns

Control Measures

• Use a calibrated multi-gas meter. If levels are outside the acceptable range, do not enter until corrected.: Test the atmosphere before entry and continuously monitor during entry. Ensure oxygen content is between 19.5% and 23.0%. [6]
• Use a ventilation blower to introduce fresh air. Ensure the blower is positioned to avoid recirculation of contaminated air. Continue ventilation during the entire entry.: Ventilate the confined space to remove hazardous atmospheres. [1] [2]
• Use cones, barricades, and signage to create a safe work zone. Use flaggers to direct traffic if necessary. Ensure high-visibility clothing is worn.: Implement traffic control measures to protect workers from vehicular traffic. [6]
• Follow established lockout/tagout procedures. Verify isolation before entry.: Implement lockout/tagout procedures to de-energize and isolate any electrical equipment or other energy sources. [3]
• Ensure PPE is in good condition, fits properly, and is used correctly. This includes hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, safety boots, and respiratory protection if required.: Provide appropriate PPE to all entrants. [3] [5] [7]
• The attendant must monitor the entrant, maintain communication, and be prepared to initiate rescue procedures.: Ensure a trained attendant is stationed outside the confined space. [8]
• Complete a confined space entry permit before entry. The permit must identify hazards, control measures, and authorized entrants.: Implement a confined space entry permit program. [1] [2] [4]

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Contact Information

• Site Emergency: 911
• First Aid: To be determined by site supervisor
• Supervisor: To be determined by site supervisor

Emergency Response Steps

1. Immediately call 911 for any serious injury or life-threatening situation.
2. Remove the entrant from the confined space if it is safe to do so. Use retrieval equipment if available.
3. Administer first aid and CPR as needed.
4. Secure the area to prevent further incidents.
5. Notify the supervisor and complete an incident report.

Evacuation Routes

Evacuation routes will be determined based on the location of the manhole and potential hazards. Primary and secondary routes will be identified during the pre-entry briefing. Routes should be clear of obstructions and provide a safe path away from the manhole and any traffic hazards.

Designated assembly point will be determined on site based on the location of the manhole and potential hazards. The assembly point should be upwind and away from the manhole opening.

Required Permits and Certifications

• Confined Space Entry Permit - Required before any entry into the manhole. The permit must be completed and signed by the entry supervisor.
• Hot Work Permit - Required if any hot work (e.g., welding, cutting) is to be performed inside the confined space.
• Traffic Control Permit - Required if work will affect public traffic flow.
• Competent Person Certification - Personnel performing atmospheric testing and confined space entry must be trained and certified as competent.

Additional Safety Considerations

• Ensure all workers are trained on confined space entry procedures, hazard recognition, and emergency response. [1] [2]
• Conduct a pre-entry briefing to discuss the hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.
• Continuously monitor the atmosphere during entry and work. If alarm conditions change adversely, entry personnel shall exit the confined space and a new confined space permit issued. [1] [2]
• Ensure proper communication between the entrant and the attendant at all times.
• Prevent unauthorized entry into the confined space. [3] [6]

Pre-Task Plan Verification

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand this pre-task safety plan:

Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

Workers:

1. Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: __________
2. Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: __________
3. Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: __________

This pre-task plan must be reviewed and updated if conditions or scope of work changes.

Safety powered by SALUS