SPP 1910-146 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space

Author:

M. Heminuk

Revision #:

Approved By:

Ronnie Keeter

Date Revised:

April 2022

SAFETY POLICY & PROCEDURE

Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 1

Confined Permit and Non-Permit

SPP#

1910.146

Required Confined Space

Quick Reference

1.0 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 2

2.0

Scope

and Applicability .................................................................................................................... 2

3.0 Reference ......................................................................................................................................... 3

4.0 Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 3

5.0

General

Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 3

6.0 Procedure ......................................................................................................................................... 3

6.1 Definitions .............................................................................................................................. 3

6.2 General

Provisions

.................................................................................................................. 5

6.2.1

Training

.................................................................................................................... 5

6.2.2

Confined Spaces ...................................................................................................... 6

6.2.3

Hazards if

Confine Spaces ........................................................................................ 7

6.2.4 Identifying Confined Spaces at Your Facility ......................................................... 8

6.2.5 Evaluating Confined Spaces .................................................................................... 8

6.2.6 Permit Required Confined Space Entry Requirements ........................................... 9

6.2.7 Recordkeeping .......................................................................................................... 12

6.3

Specific

Responsibilities ....................................................................................................... 13

6.3.1 Managers & Unit Heads ........................................................................................ 13

6.3.2 Supervisors ............................................................................................................. 13

6.3.3

Employees

.............................................................................................................. 13

6.3.4

Entrant

.................................................................................................................... 13

6.3.5

Attendant

................................................................................................................. 14

6.3.6

Entry Supervisor

..................................................................................................... 14

6.3.7

Qualified Person

...................................................................................................... 14

6.3.8

Safety and Risk Management

................................................................................... 14

APPENDIX

Certification Training Form

for

Authorized

Employees ..................................................... 15

APPENDIX

Confined Spaces Inventory

............................................................................................... 196

APPENDIX

Atmospheric Testing Procedure

.......................................................................................... 17

APPENDIX

Confined Space Evaluation Form

....................................................................................... 18

APPENDIX

Confined Space Entry Permit

.............................................................................................. 19

APPENDIX F: Confined Space Entry Program Elements ........................................................................ 20

APPENDIX G: Confined Space Entry Team Responsibilities.................................................................. 21

APPENDIX H: Confined Space Decision Tree Flowchart ....................................................................... 23

SAFETY POLICY & PROCEDURE

Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 2

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this safety policy and procedure is to protect North Carolina

Department of Transportation (NCDOT) employees who enter confined spaces.

2.0

Scope

and Applicability

A Confine Space by design is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter

and perform assigned work, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed

for continuous employee occupancy.

A Permit-Required Confined Space 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. Permit-

Required Confined Spaces are located throughout NCDOT with different types of hazards

associated with them. Permit-Required Confined Spaces can present dangerous hazards to

NCDOT employees who perform work activities in them.

This safety policy and procedure provides guidelines for entry into Permit-Required Confined

Space to protect NCDOT employees who work in them. It includes provisions for training

and discussion on what defines a confined space. This safety policy and procedure presents

details on the hazards of Permit-Required Confined Spaces and on identifying them.

Additionally, it presents discussion on evaluating Permit-Required Confined Spaces and the

requirements for Permit-Required Confined Space entry. This document also provides

recordkeeping requirements.

This safety policy and procedure details the areas of responsibility for managers/unit heads,

supervisors, employees, entrants, attendants, entry supervisors, qualified persons, Safety and Risk

Management, and Central Equipment Unit within NCDOT.

This document applies to any operation that requires NCDOT employees or contractors to enter

or work inside any existing tank, tank car, tower, sewer, manhole, sump, vault, vat, process

vessel, pit, tunnel, or similar confined spaces. This safety policy and procedure applies to but is

not limited to the following NCDOT employees and operations:

• Employees who enter weigh station pits.

• Employees who enter trenches.

• Ferry Maintenance employees who enter areas below the weather deck excluding the

engineering room below deck.

• Maintenance and Bridge employees who work in pipes and culverts.

• Inspectors and Maintenance employees who work in specified bridge beam areas.

• Employees who work on sewage and water treatment facilities located at rest stops or

welcome centers.

• Maintenance employees who work in catch basin areas.

• Maintenance employees who enter weigh scale pits for operational service.

• Traffic Service employees who enter paint tanks.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 3

• Any employee who enters boilers.

• Employees who use and/or maintain grease pits at equipment shops.

• Bridge employees who enter caissons.

3.0 Reference

This safety policy and procedure is established in accordance with Occupational

Safety and Health Standard for General Industry (29 CFR 1910.146) and Occupational Safety

and Health Standards for the Maritime Industry (29 CFR 1915.11-16) and Occupational Safety

and Health Standards for Construction (29CFR 1926.1200-1213.

4.0 Policy

It is the policy of NCDOT to provide a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards

that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees or the public.

Therefore, at each NCDOT facility and/or jobsite, confined spaces will be identified and, as

applicable, permitted and posted with warning signs. When confined space hazards exist that

cannot be eliminated, then engineering practices, administrative practices, safe work practices,

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and proper training regarding Permit-Required Confined

Space Entry will be implemented. These measures will be implemented to minimize those

hazards to ensure the safety of employees and the public.

5.0

General

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of each manager/unit head, supervisor, and employee to ensure

implementation of NCDOT’s safety policy and procedure on Permit-Required Confined Space

Entry It is also the responsibility of each NCDOT employee to report immediately unsafe

conditions to his or her supervisor. Specific responsibilities are found in Section 6.3.

6.0 Procedure

This section provides applicable definitions, establishes general provisions, and identifies

responsibilities required by NCDOT’s safety policy and procedure on Confined Space Entry.

6.1 Definitions

Attendant

An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized

entrants and who performs all attendant's duties assigned in the employer's permit space

program.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 4

Non-Permit Required Confined Space

A confined space by design large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily

enter and perform assigned work, 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 is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Controlling Contractor is the employer that has overall responsibility for

construction at the worksite.

Entrant

An employee who is authorized and trained by the employer to enter a permit required

confined space.

Entry Permit

A written document that is provided by the employer to allow and control entry into a

permit required space.

Entry Supervisor

The person responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a

permit space where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations,

and for terminating entry as required.

Hazardous Atmosphere

An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, and

impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a permit space), injury, or

acute illness from one or more of the following causes:

1. Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent

2. Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit

(LFL)

3. Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL

4. Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or a permissible

exposure limit is published in Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental

Control, or in Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, of this Part and which

could result in employee exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure

limit

5. Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.

Host Employer

The employer that owns or manages the property where the construction work is taking

place.

Hot Work Permits

A permit allowing employees to perform work involving welding, cutting, or any

task that would deplete oxygen, create toxic fumes and vapors, or create the potential for

fire or explosion.

IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health)

Any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life or that would cause

irreversible adverse health effects or that would interfere with an individual's ability to

escape unaided from a permit space.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 5

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)

The minimum concentration of a combustible/flammable gas or vapor in air which will

ignite if an ignition source is present.

Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere

An atmosphere containing oxygen at a concentration of less than 19.5% by volume as

measured by an oxygen measuring device.

Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere

An atmosphere containing oxygen at a concentration of more than 23.5% by volume as

measured by an oxygen measuring device.

Permit-Required Confined Space

A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

1. Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;

2. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;

3. 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

4. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

Qualified Person

A person who has been trained and authorized to perform atmospheric testing.

Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)

The maximum concentration of a combustible/flammable gas or vapor in air before its

saturation point which will ignite if an ignition source is present.

6.2 General

Provisions

This section details the provisions of this safety policy and procedure with each provision

discussed in a separate subsection. These provisions are:

• Training

• Confined Spaces

• Hazards of Confined Spaces

• Identifying Confined Spaces

• Evaluating Confined Spaces

• Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Requirements

• Recordkeeping

• Rescue

• Coordination w/ Contractors

6.2.1

Training

Confined space entry training is to provide employees with the necessary

understanding, skills, and knowledge to safely perform their jobs. Components for

confined space entry training include:

• Types of confined spaces

• Confined space hazards

• Atmospheric testing of confined spaces

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 6

• Cleaning and ventilation

• Lockout of confined spaces

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Respirator use and care

• Buddy systems and emergency procedures

• Communication procedures

• Emergency rescue and procedures

• Hot work

Initial and refresher training are to be provided to employees. Refresher training must

be conducted whenever an employee’s duties change, whenever hazards in the confined

space change, or whenever an evaluation of the confined space entry program identifies

inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge.

Employees designated to enter confined space work areas will be trained in the

following areas (this includes entrant, attendant, and rescue team):

• Emergency entry and exit procedures

• Applicable respirators

• First Aid and CPR

• Lockout barriers at worksites

• Safety equipment use

• Rescue equipment

• Permit system

• Work practices

Appendix A presents a training certification form to document the affected employees’

training on confined spaces.

Qualified persons shall be trained in:

• Atmospheric testing methods

• Meter calibration

• Atmospheric behaviors of oxygen, combustible, and toxic gases

Qualified persons shall receive initial and refresher training

6.2.2

Confined Spaces

In NCDOT, a confined space is one by design that:

• Is large enough for a person to enter and perform assigned work

• Has entry and exit openings that may be limited in size and/or number

• Is not intended for continuous human occupancy

Confined spaces in NCDOT can include any existing tank, tank car, tower, sewer,

manhole, sump, vault, vat, grease pit, tunnel, or other similar confined spaces as shown

in Figure 1.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 7

6.2.3 Hazards if

Confine Spaces

Confined spaces present many

hazards to employees due to the

nature of the space’s shape, size,

lack of ventilation, proximity to

toxic gases, and other contributing

substances. Potential confined

space hazards include hazardous

atmospheres, and general safety

hazards.

Hazardous atmospheres expose

employees to risks of death,

incapacitation, injury, or acute illness.

These hazardous atmospheres

include:

Figure 1

• A flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of ten percent of its lower flammable

limit (LFL)

• An airborne combustible dust at a concentration that obscures vision at a

distance of five feet or less

• An atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent

• An atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a permissible

exposure limit is published in Subpart Z of 29 CFR Part 1910 and could result

in employee exposure in excess of its permissible limit(s)

• Any atmospheric condition recognized as immediately dangerous to life or

health (IDLH)

General safety hazards include but are not limited to:

• Physical hazards include non-chemical, physiologic stressors and include noise,

vibration, slick/wet surfaces, falling objects, temperature extremes, employee

fatigue, and engulfment

• Structural hazards include confined space areas that may contain converging or

sloping/tapered walls

• Electrical hazards include shock, burns, and/or electrocution due to exposed

or ungrounded electrical energy sources.

• Mechanical hazards include any inadvertent mechanical movement of or

within a confined space that threatens the safety of the employee working in

the confined space.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 8

• Biological hazards include bacterial action that can consume oxygen to

produce carbon monoxide or emit hydrogen sulfide or methane.

• Radiation hazards include those sources that can inadvertently expose

employees to dangerous levels of radiation.

6.2.4 Identifying Confined Spaces at Your Facility

All confined spaces at your worksite/facility must be identified and located so the

permit-required confined space permit program can be established. Visually survey

your worksite/facility to identify confined spaces that are present and that will be

included in the confined space inventory. List all suspected confined spaces.

If a work space meets the confined space criteria, note it for inclusion into your

worksite/facility’s confined space inventory. Appendix B provides a convenient format

for inventorying your confined spaces.

6.2.5 Evaluating Confined Spaces

Once all the confined spaces have been identified, then those confined spaces must be

evaluated to determine the hazards that may be present. Hazardous atmospheres and

general safety hazards must be evaluated for all the confined spaces.

A hazardous atmospheric evaluation must be performed by conducting atmospheric

testing to assess the conditions in the confined space. Appendix C presents

atmospheric testing procedures that should be followed by a qualified person. Results

of the atmospheric testing should be documented for later use.

General safety hazards should be assessed by physical observation. This physical

observation should include a visual assessment of:

• The engulfment potential

• The internal configuration of the confined space

• Other safety hazards such as exposed live electrical components , mechanical

moving parts, pressurized lines. thermal, etc.)

Additionally, assessment should be based on knowing the existing conditions and use

of the confined space along with the actual and potential hazards posed by materials

and substances in the confined space. Appendix D presents a Confined Space

Evaluation Form.

If any of these hazards are present, then the confined space is a permit- required

confined space. If none of these hazards is present, then it is not a permit-required

confined space.

If a change in use or configuration of a non-permit-required confined space increases

hazards to entrant, then the space must be reevaluated for possible reclassification to a

permit-required confined space.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 9

A permit-required confined space may be reclassified to a non-permit- required

confined space if:

• The permit-required confined space poses no atmospheric hazards and all non-

atmospheric hazards are eliminated without entry

• Entry is necessary to eliminate hazards and such entry is performed in

accordance with the confined space entry program, and testing and inspection

during entry indicate that hazards have been eliminated

• The basis for determining that all hazards are eliminated is documented and

certified

Reclassification is effective as long as the hazards remain eliminated.

6.2.6 Permit Required Confined Space Entry Requirements

Once all permit-required confined spaces have been identified, no employee can enter

that space until several requirements are met. These requirements include:

• Establishing a permit system

• Conducting pre-entry atmospheric testing

• Isolating energy sources (lockout/tagout)

• Ventilating and cleaning the confined space

• Posting permit-required confined spaces with warning signs

• Having appropriate PPE

• Having appropriate tools in place

• Having attendants in place

• Having rescue teams in place

• Having provisions for contractor compliance

with these requirements

The permit system for each worksite/facility shall

include a listing of all permit-required confined

spaces, a warning sign/label at each permit-required

confined space, and permit issuance by a qualified

supervisor or safety professional.

Once all permit-required confined spaces are

identified, they will be marked with a sign (examples

shown in Figure 2) advising personnel and the

general public as to the dangers involved. Where

practical, all permit-required confined spaces will be

locked or blocked to prevent entry

A qualified supervisor must authorize entry, prepare

and sign written permits, order corrective measures if

necessary, and cancel permits when work is

completed.

Figure 2

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 10

The entry permit is completed and posted in a conspicuous location near the

entrance.

Permits must be available to all permit space entrants at the time of entry and should

extend only for the duration of the task. They must be retained for a year to facilitate

review of the confined space program.

Appendix E presents a Confined Space Entry Permit. This permit must be completed

prior to a permit-required confined space entrance. Appendix F presents a Confined

Space Entry Program Element Contact List. These forms shall be maintained at each

facility or operation by the individual charged with administering the Confined Space

Permit Program.

If welding, cutting, burning, riveting, heating, or any other tasks where a source of

ignition is present are to be performed in the confined space (permit-required or

non-permit-required), a hot work permit must also be obtained. See Welding, SPP #

1910.252 for additional information.

Pre-entry atmospheric testing for the confined space shall be performed prior to

employee entrance. See Appendix C for atmospheric testing procedures.

Energy sources will be completely isolated by

physical disconnection, double blocking, bleeding,

or by lockout/tagout procedures. Figure 3 presents

some typical lock/tagout devices. Also, see SPP#

1910.147,

Lockout/Tagout, for additional details.

Figure 3

Ventilation and cleaning shall be performed

to empty, flush, or purge spaces from the

outside if feasible. Figure 4 presents a typical

ventilation configuration to empty, flush, or

purge a confined space.

Figure 4

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 11

During pre-entry ventilation, the blowing duct outlet should be positioned for uniform

dilution and elimination of any hazardous atmospheres pockets as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5

When a hazardous atmosphere is detected, ventilation will continue until:

• The space has no harmful concentration of toxic gases or vapors and acceptable

oxygen concentrations

• The space shall be tested 3 times until safe levels are maintained.

• Upon entry, the atmosphere will be continually monitored by the entrant to

ensure safe levels are maintained. The gas monitor will have audible alarms to

signal when unsafe conditions are detected signaling that space should be

immediately evacuated.

The appropriate PPE should be worn based on the hazard(s) and include:

• Eye and face protection

• Head protection

• Foot and leg protection

• Body protection

• Hearing protection

• Respiratory protection

• Hand and arm protection

• Harness, safety belts, and lifelines

See SPP# 1910.132, Personal Protective Equipment, for details on matching

PPE to the hazard.

Appropriate equipment and tools must be in place and in good condition. See SPP#

1910.241, Hand and Portable Power Tools, for additional details.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 12

The attendant shall be stationed immediately outside permit-required confined spaces

and shall:

• Be trained in non-entry rescue

• Not enter the permit-required confined space

• Be within sight or call of the entrant

• Have means to summon assistance

• Have tripod set-up w/ lifeline attached to entrant for non-entry rescue

The attendant shall be physically capable of assisting any employee inside the

confined space in the event of an emergency. This individual will be responsible for

alerting others that a rescue is in progress and for taking appropriate measures to ensure

the safety of all co-workers in the area. No employee is to enter a confined space if

another employee goes down! The attendant shall always seek assistance.

Appropriate communications shall be established such as radios or walkie- talkies if the

employee gets out of sight or earshot.

Rescue teams must be available and on-call for permit-required confined space entry.

The Rescue team must be able to respond in a timely matter, be properly trained, and

equipped with rescue equipment including SCBAs.

Contractors who perform permit-required confined space entry must comply with all

the OSHA requirements.

• If NCDOT owns the property on which the construction activity occurs and has

contracted with an entity for the general management of that property, and has

transferred to that entity the information specified in § 1926.1203(h)(1), OSHA

will treat the contracted management entity as the host employer for as long as

that entity manages the property. Otherwise, OSHA will treat NCDOT as the

host employer. In no case will there be more than one host employer.

• Permit space entry communication and coordination with Contractors before

entry operations begin, NCDOT must provide the following information, if it

has it, to the controlling contractor:

1) The location of each known Permit-Required Confined Space;

2) The hazards or potential hazards in each confined space or the reason it

is a permit space; and

3) Any precautions that the host employer or any previous controlling

contractor or entry employer implemented for the protection of

employees in the Permit-Required Confined Space.

6.2.7 Recordkeeping

Recordkeeping requirements include:

• Retaining each cancelled permit for at least one year to facilitate review

of Permit-Required Confined Spaces program.

• Noting problems encountered during entry on permit to facilitate

revisions to program.

• Certification of training with name, identity of trainers and training dates.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 13

• Reclassification from permit to non-permit space certification with date,

location, and signature of person making determination.

6.3

Specific

Responsibilities

6.3.1 Managers & Unit Heads

Managers/Unit Heads are responsible for ensuring that adequate funds are available and

budgeted for the purchase of confined space equipment in their areas. They will also be

responsible for identifying the employees affected by this safety policy and procedure

Managers/Unit Heads shall be responsible for having Safety Engineers or Safety

Officers identifying confined spaces at their worksite/facility. Additionally, they will be

responsible for ensuring all confined spaces are evaluated to determine if a permit is

required prior to entry.

Managers/Unit Heads shall also designate entry supervisors and qualified persons.

Managers/Unit Heads will obtain and coordinate the required training for affected

employees. Managers/Unit Heads will also ensure compliance with this safety policy

and procedure through their auditing process.

6.3.2 Supervisors

Supervisors will not allow any employee who has not received the required training to

perform any of the tasks or activities associated with this safety policy and procedure.

Supervisors will be responsible for communicating appropriate needs to managers/unit

heads and/or supervisors.

Supervisors will be responsible for knowing where confined and permit- required

confined spaces are located at their worksite/facility. They will also be responsible for

ensuring permit-required confined spaces are posted with warning signs.

Supervisors will ensure employees are provided with PPE as necessary for their job.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that only employees trained and qualified will

operate material handling equipment

6.3.3

Employees

Employees shall comply with all applicable guidelines contained in this safety policy

and procedure.

It is the responsibility of the employee to follow all instructions pertaining to confined

spaces. Employees are never to enter confined spaces unless authorized by training and

job duties.

6.3.4

Entrant

The attendant is responsible for maintaining communication with the entrant at all

times. Appendix G presents additional details on the attendant’s responsibilities.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 14

6.3.5 Attendant

Safety and Risk Management will provide prompt assistance to managers/unit heads,

supervisors, or others as necessary on any matter concerning this safety policy and

procedure. Safety and Risk Management will assist in developing or securing required

training. Safety and Risk Management will work with Purchasing and Central

Equipment Unit to ensure that all newly purchased Locks and Tags comply with this

safety policy and procedure.

Safety and Risk Management shall be responsible for monitoring the Lockout/Tagout

Program and any changes in the machinery and equipment that may require

modification of the Program.

Additionally, Safety Engineers will provide consultative and audit assistance to ensure

effective implementation of this safety policy and procedure.

6.3.6

Entry Supervisor

Entry supervisor is responsible for ensuring that only employees who are trained are

allowed to enter confined spaces. The entry supervisor is responsible for ensuring

proper permits and safety procedures are followed closely at the jobsite.

The entry supervisor must also be familiar with all hazards associated with the entry

operation. He is responsible for all safety precautions, rescue procedures, and safety

equipment needed for the operation. Appendix G presents additional details on the

entry supervisor’s responsibilities.

6.3.7

Qualified Person

Qualified person is responsible for checking the atmosphere of a confined space and

correctly reading and using the gas detection instruments. Qualified Person is also

responsible for documenting all confined space measurements

6.3.8

Safety and Risk Management

Safety and Risk Management will provide prompt assistance to managers/unit heads,

supervisors, or others as applicable on any matter concerning this safety policy and

procedure. Safety and Risk Management will assist in developing or securing the

required training. Safety and Risk Management will provide guidelines for using air

monitoring and gas detection equipment.

Safety and Risk Management will provide guidance to the qualified person on

atmospheric testing. As applicable, the air monitoring data will be evaluated for

completeness, accuracy, and precision.

Additionally, the Safety & Risk Management and the Safety Engineer will provide

consultative and audit assistance to ensure effective implementation of this safety policy

and procedure.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 15

PPENDIX

Certification Training Form

for

Authorized

Employees

Location:

Instructor:

Employee Name:

Employee #

Has the OSHA required training been completed in the following categories?

Topic Completion Instructor’s Employee’s

Date Initial Initial

Types of Confined Spaces

Confined Space Hazards

Atmospheric Testing of Confined Spaces

Evaluating Confined Spaces

Cleaning and Ventilation

Lockout of Confined Spaces

PPE

Respirator Use and Care

Buddy Systems and Emergency Procedures

Communication Procedures

Emergency Rescue

Employees designated to

enter confined spaces

(includes entrant, attendant,

and rescue team) shall also

be trained in the following

topics

Completion Instructor’s Employee’s

Date Signature Initial

Emergency Entry and Exit Procedures

Applicable Respirators

First Aid and CPR

Lockout Barriers at Worksites

Safety Equipment at Worksites

Rescue Equipment

Permit System

Work Practices

Attach Course Roster to this Form

(See SPP# 1926.21 for Course Roster Form)

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 16

APPENDIX

Confined Spaces

Inventory

Facility:

Location:

Inventory Date:

All permit-required confined spaces shall be posted with signs stating “Confine Space-Do Not Enter” or “Unauthorized Entry Prohibited

Confine Space

Purpose

Hazards

Work Done

Permit Required

This inventory must be kept up to date. All operational changes should always be evaluated for its impact on this

facility’s confined spaces.

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Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 17

PPENDIX

Atmospheric Testing

Procedure

A qualified person shall test spaces a minimum of 3 times at all stratified levels prior to permit

required confined space entry. Figure 5 illustrates the common gases found

at each of these (3) stratified levels. Using

a direct reading instrument with remote

sampling capacity, the qualified person shall

test the atmosphere for in the following

order:

1. Oxygen level (19.5 percent

minimum/maximum 23.5 percent)

2. Potential flammable hazard, not to

exceed (10 percent LEL Max.) or

Lower Flammable Limit (LFL)

3. Toxic materials which potentially could

be present: Carbon Monoxide – 35 ppm

Max., Hydrogen Sulfide 10ppm Max. &

other gases must be less

than the known

TLV for that gas.

Figure 5

The qualified person shall record all atmospheric test results on the permit prior to entry. A

qualified person shall perform atmospheric testing during occupancy; if the entrant wears the

four-gas monitor with audible alarms for continuous monitoring, this will fulfill the requirement

for periodic testing and will not need

Each testing instrument shall be:

• Calibrated per manufacturer’s instructions (instruments out of calibration or that fail

field checks cannot be used until calibrated).

• At least annually calibrated by the manufacturer.

• Field checked immediately prior to use. This field check shall include checking with a

test gas at least monthly.

SAFETY POLICY & PROCEDURE

Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 18

PPENDIX

Confined Space Evaluation Form

Confined Space Evaluation

Confined Space Identification number:

Confined Space Description:

Location of space:

Is a Permit Required?

List the typical tasks performed:

Potential Hazards:

Required Work Procedures

Flammable or Explosive atmosphere

Atmospheric Testing Prior to Entry

(see acceptable limits below)

Oxygen deficient atmosphere

Continuous Atmospheric Testing

(see acceptable limits below)

Toxic atmosphere / Specify:

Standby attendant required

Eye contact

Lock/Tag equipment*

Skin contact

Blank or Disconnect lines*

Electrocution

Double block and bleed*

Moving mechanical equipment

Ventilation/Purge (continuous forced air)

Slip or fall

Inert/Purge space prior to Ventilation

Heat stress or thermal contact

Decon/Clean space prior to work

Engulfment

Barricade area

Entrapment

Communications equipment

Drowning

Attach MSDS to permit

Other / Specify:

* Attach Job specific hazardous work permit

Other / Specify:

Atmospheric testing acceptable limits: Oxygen 19.5% - 23.5%, Combustibles <10% LFL / LEL, Toxics See MSDS

Elimination of Hazards §(c)(7) applicable? (note: if §(c)(7) used, this hazard assessment may not apply)

Alternate Procedures §(c)(5) applicable? (note: if §(c)(5) used, this hazard assessment may not apply)

Required Equipment for entry

Survey atmosphere monitor

Tripod with hoist (gantry hoist)

Personal monitor, continuous

Harness with retrieval line

Respirator:

Ladder

Gloves:

Spark/Explosion proof or

Intrinsically safe equipment required

Boots:

GFCI Protected equipment

Eye/Face protection

Additional illumination

Chemical protective clothing (CPC):

Personal fall arrest system (PFAS)

Hearing protection

Fire extinguisher

Other equipment / Specify:

Emergency Plan

Non-entry retrieval rescue attempted after notification

Non-entry notification rescue only

Rescue team must be on On Call Standby:

Initial assessment reviewed by: Date:

Annual review by: Date:

SAFETY POLICY & PROCEDURE

Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 19

PPENDIX

Confined Space Entry Permit

(Valid for one 8-hour shift only)

All copies of permit will remain at jobsite until job is completed

Entry Supervisor Approval Signature:

Location and Description of Confined Space:

Date:

Scheduled Work to be Done:

Time Started:

Division / Unit:

Time Completed:

Persons Authorized to Enter:

Continuous Monitoring By

Entrant w/ 4 Gas Monitor

Yes

Entry Supervisor:

Attendant:

Check Yes or No for Each Potential Hazard Present

Potential Physical Hazards Present

Yes

Potential Hazard Atmosphere Present

Yes

Engulfment

Low Oxygen (<19.5%)

Moving Machinery

High Oxygen Enriched (>23.5%)

Hazardous Materials

Flammable (>10% LEL)

Converging Walls

Carbon Monoxide (>35 ppm)

Exposed Electricity

Sulfur Dioxide (>10 ppm)

Slips/Falls

Other (list):

Check Yes / No or Enter N/A for Each Special Requirement

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Yes

Lockout/Tagout - Deenergize

Tripod for Non-entry Rescue

Lines Broken - Capped or Blanked

Body Harness

Ventilation

Life Line

Purge - Flush and Vent

Fire Extinguisher

Secure Area

Alternate Procedure

Hot Work Permit

Respirator

Communication Equipment

Rescue Procedure

Record Gas Monitor Readings & Enter Time for Initial Check. If the entrant is wearing a four gas meter w/

audible alarms, periodic checks do not have to be entered. If continuous monitoring is not feasible, Periodic

Checks must be completed w/ readings and time documented.

Atmospheric Checks

Permissible

Entry Level

Initial Check

(Enter Time)

Periodic Checks (Enter Time)

% Oxygen

19.5% to 23.5%

%of Lower Explosive Limit

Less than 10%

Carbon Monoxide

35 ppm

Hydrogen Sulfide

10 ppm

Other

Continuous Monitoring shall be performed during the job unless not feasible.

State Reason for not feasible:

Name of Qualified Person - Gas Tester(s):

Monitor Name & Model

S/N

Date Calibrated

Never Enter a Confined Space to Attempt Rescue; Tripod for Non-Entry Rescue Must Be Set-up Prior to Entry w/

Entrant Wearing Body Harness &Lifeline Attached to Tripod.

Arrangements Must Be Made for Nearest Entry Rescue Team to be On Call Stand-By:

List:

Rescue team must be On-Call Standby. If not available reschedule confined space entry.

SAFETY POLICY & PROCEDURE

Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 20

APPENDIX F: Confined Space Entry Program Elements

Facility:

Program Element

Contact Person

Hazard Identification

Hazard Control

Written Permit System

Posting Confined Spaces

Confined Space Training

Special Safety Equipment

(i.e. Four Gas Direct Reading

Monitor w/ Audible Alarms &

Remote Sampling Capabilities,

Tripod, Life Line)

Written Rescue Plan & Procedures

External Hazard Protection

Communication Equipment

Contractor Notification

Notes:

SAFETY POLICY & PROCEDURE

Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 21

APPENDIX G: Confined Space Entry Team Responsibilities

A permit-required confined space team performs four functions:

• The attendant (observer) who remains outside while the work is being done

• The entry supervisor who authorizes permits

• The rescue team who performs rescue

The entrant:

• Does the assigned task

• Reviews the permit before entry

• Wears appropriate personal protective clothing, as required

• Uses appropriate PPE, as required

• Uses and attends to area and personal monitoring equipment

• Pays attention to own physical reactions that could signal an unsafe condition

• Maintains contact with the attendant and responds to evacuation orders

• If the entrant senses any reaction to the environment, he or she should signal the attendant

for help, if necessary, and leave the confined space immediately

The attendant:

• Reviews the permit before entry

• Keeps track of who is in the space at all times

• Keeps unauthorized people out of the area

• Maintains continuous communication, visual or voice, with the entrant during the entry

• Makes sure the ventilation equipment, if used, is working

• Monitors the atmospheric testing equipment

• Attends to the lifeline, if worn by the entrant

• Attends to the airline, if used, to prevent tangles and kinks

• Remains alert for early symptoms of danger within the space

• Watches for hazards outside and inside the space

• Maintains clear access to and from the space

• Notifies the entrant and orders evacuation if conditions warrant or if the permit limits expire

• Is prepared to call for emergency help, if needed

SAFETY POLICY & PROCEDURE

Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 22

APPENDIX G: Confined Space Entry Team Responsibilities (Continued) 2

The Entry Supervisor (person authorizing permits) :

• Plans each entry. Planning means to:

▪ Describe the work to be done

▪ Identify the workers involved

▪ Evaluate the hazards of the space

▪ Perform (or arrange for) atmospheric testing and monitoring

▪ Develop rescue plans

• Ensures that the permit is complete, dated, and signed

• Determines the need for certain equipment

• Ensures atmospheric testing

• Ensures that all necessary procedures, and equipment for safe entry are in effect

• Determines, at “appropriate” intervals, that operations remain acceptable

• Cancels the permit and terminates the work if the conditions are not acceptable

• Trains (or provides training for) all workers on the Confined Space Entry Team

• Keeps records on training, safety drills, test results, equipment inspections, and equipment

maintenance.

• Cancels the permit and secures the space when the work is done

• Determines if a written rescue plan is necessary for a particular confined space entry

• Verifies that emergency help is available and that the method of summoning help is operable

SAFETY POLICY & PROCEDURE

Rev. 3 Confined Permit and Non-Permit Required Confined Space Entry 23

APPENDIX H: Confined Space Decision Tree Flowchart

Does the workplace contain Confine Spaces as defined by 1910.146(b)?

Does the workplace contain Permit Required Confine Spaces as defined by 1910.146(b)?

Yes

Inform employees as required by 1910.146 (c)(2).

Will permit spaces be entered?

Yes

Consult other

Applicable OSHA

Standards

Stop

Prevent employee entry as required by

1910.146(c)(3). Do task from outside of space.

Task will be done by contractor s employees. Inform

contractor as required by 1910.146(c )(8)(3)(i), (ii) and (iii).

Contractor obtains information required by 1910.146(c

(9)(i), (ii) and(iii) from host.

Will contractors enter?

Both contractors and host employees will enter the space?

Coordinate entry operations as required by

1910.146(c)(8)(iv) and (d)(11). Prevent unauthorized entry.

Prevent unauthorized entry.

Stop

Will host employees enter

to perform entry tasks?

Does space have know or potential hazards?

Not a permit-required confine space. 1910.146

does not apply. Consult other OSHA standards.

Can hazards be eliminated?

Employer may choose to reclassify space to non-permit

required confined space using 1910.146(c)(7).

Can the space be maintained in a condition safe to

enter by continuous forced air ventilation only?

Space may be entered under 1910.146 (c)(5).

Stop

Prepare for entry via permit procedures.

Verify acceptable entry conditions (Test results recorded, space isolated if needed,

rescuers/means to summon available, entrants properly equipped, etc.

Permit not valid until conditions

meet permit specifications.

Stop

Permit issued by authorizing signature. Acceptable

entry conditions maintained throughout entry.

Entry task completed. Permit returned and canceled.

Audit permit program and permit based on evaluation of

entry by entrants, attendees, testers and preparers, etc.

Emergency exists (prohibited condition. Entrants

evacuated entry aborts. (Call rescuers if needed). Permit is

void. Reevaluate program to correct/prevent prohibited

condition. Occurrence of emergency (usually) is proof of

deficient program. No re-entry until program (and permit)

is emended. (May require new program).

Yes