HOW TO ENTER AND WORK IN
CONFINED SPACES
(CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROGRAM)
Entering and working in confined spaces is an important yet dangerous job for many employees of the City of
These policies and procedures are official policy of the City of
Note: You can obtain a copy of the City’s Written Confined Space Entry Program by contacting the Risk Management Department at City Hall.
This chapter on Confined Space Entry has been organized into four sections:
a. Identifying confined spaces
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b. Identifying confined space hazards
c. Elements of the City’s Confined Space Entry Program
d. Responsibilities and training requirements
The section on Identifying Confined Spaces answers the question, “How should confined spaces be identified?” Specifically, this section outlines how department heads or their designated representatives should determine whether employees should enter and conduct work in a confined space or not.
The section on Identifying Confined Space Hazards answers the question, “How do I identify specific hazards within confined spaces?” Specifically, the section gives information on the types of hazards that may be present in a confined space. It should be reviewed whenever the hazards of a confined space are being evaluated.
The section on Elements of the Confined Space Entry Program answers the question, “What is included in the City’s Confined Space Entry Program?” It details all elements of the City’s program, including how the “The Permit System” should be implemented.
The section on Responsibilities and Training Requirements answers the question, “Who is responsible for confined space training and entry?” This section lists the responsibilities and training requirements of each individual involved in a confined space entry along with those persons overseeing confined space entry work.
How should confined spaces be identified?
The first step in evaluating a confined space is to assume the space is potentially dangerous. Therefore, all City employees must treat confined spaces as “Class I- Extremely Hazardous” until pre-planning activities and the City’s Entry Evaluation has been completed.
A Confined Space is any space that is large enough or so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work. In addition to this, a confined space has the following elements:
· It has limited or restricted means for entry or exit.
à Confined-space openings are limited primarily by size and location. Openings may be small in size and may be difficult to move through easily. However, in some cases openings may be very large; for example, open-topped spaces such as pits or excavations. Entrance and exit may be required from top, bottom, or side. Size or location may make rescue efforts difficult.
· It is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
à Most confined spaces are not designed for employees to enter and work in on a routine basis. They may be designed to store a product, enclose materials and process, or transport products or substances. Therefore, occasional employee entry for inspection, maintenance, repair, cleanup, or similar tasks, is often difficult and dangerous. The danger associated with entry may come from chemical or physical hazards within the space.
A Non-Permit Confined Space means a confined space that does not contain, nor has the potential to contain, any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm. Although these spaces do not require a posted permit, the permit process (including initial and continuous monitoring and entry evaluation) must be performed before any work can be conducted. A completed copy of the City’s Entry Evaluation must be kept at the job site until all work has been completed. If at anytime a hazard is identified, the space should become designated as a “permit-required confined space.”
Permit-Required Confined Space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
· Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere (oxygen deficient, flammable, explosive, toxic, etc.),
· 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 that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section, or
· Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
Based on the definition of a “permit-required confined space,” many types of spaces may be considered "confined," and therefore, hazardous. Some examples of confined spaces include sewers, electrical vaults, steam tunnels, mechanical rooms, and other similar types of enclosures.
It is the responsibility of department heads, their qualified representatives, and confined space entry supervisors to evaluate potentially hazardous spaces in all areas under their control to ensure that the proper precautions are taken for safety. This responsibility may also be delegated to a “competent person” within the department provided he/she is qualified.
Note: “Competent persons” have been trained specifically to identify existing and predictable hazards of confined spaces. Only competent persons may take corrective measures to eliminate hazards.
It may appear that a confined space presents no real danger for employees. However, the permit process must begin before any work will be allowed, and until the space has been evaluated and tested, it shall be assumed to be potentially dangerous. Once a space has been evaluated and it has been determined that hazardous characteristics are present, a permit should be obtained and the space should be labeled as “permit-required.” If no hazards exist, test results should be documented and the space should be labeled “non-permit confined space.”
Confined Space Entry Evaluation and Permit forms are found in Appendix F-C4.
How do I identify specific hazards within confined spaces?
Once a space has been identified as confined, the hazards that may be present within the confined space must be identified. Confined-space hazards can be grouped into the following categories:
· oxygen deficient atmospheres,
· flammable atmospheres,
· toxic atmospheres, and
· mechanical and physical hazards
Every confined space must be evaluated for these four types of hazards. The three types of atmospheric hazards are often the most difficult to identify since they are normally invisible.
How do atmospheres become oxygen-deficient?
Normal atmospheres are composed of approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. An atmosphere containing less than 19.5% oxygen is considered “oxygen-deficient.” The oxygen level inside a confined space may be decreased as the result of either consumption or displacement.
There are a number of processes which consume oxygen in a confined space. Oxygen is consumed during combustion of flammable materials, as in welding, cutting, or brazing. Operation of combustible engines like gas powered saws or diesel hammers can also consume oxygen . A more subtle consumption of oxygen occurs during bacterial action, as in the fermentation process. Oxygen can also be consumed during chemical reactions such as in the formation of rust on the exposed surfaces of a confined space. The number of people working in a confined space and the amount of physical activity can also influence oxygen consumption. Oxygen levels can also fall when oxygen is displaced by other gases.
How do atmospheres become flammable?
Flammable atmospheres are generally the result of flammable gases, vapors, or too much oxygen in an atmosphere.
When there is too much oxygen in an atmosphere, that atmosphere is considered “oxygen-enriched.” Oxygen-enriched atmospheres are those atmospheres which contain an oxygen concentration greater than 22%. An oxygen-enriched atmosphere will cause flammable materials such as clothing and hair to burn violently when ignited.
Combustible gases or vapors can accumulate within a confined space when there is inadequate ventilation. Gases that are heavier than air will accumulate in the lower levels of a confined space. Therefore, it is especially important that atmospheric tests be conducted near the bottom of all confined spaces.
The work being conducted in a confined space can generate a flammable atmosphere. Work such as spray painting, coating, or the use of flammable solvents for cleaning can result in the formation of an explosive atmosphere. Welding or cutting with oxyacetylene equipment can also be the cause of an explosion in a confined space. Such activities are called “hot work” and shall not be allowed without filling out the City’s Hot Work Permit.
Note: A sample of the City’s Hot Work Permit is available in Appendix FC4 of this manual.
Oxygen and acetylene hoses may have small leaks in them which could generate an explosive atmosphere and, therefore, should be removed when not in use. The atmosphere shall be tested continuously while any hot work is being conducted within the confined space.
How do atmospheres become toxic?
Toxic atmospheres may be present within a confined space as the result of one or more of the following:
a. Products that are stored in the confined space
b. Work conducted in the confined space
c. Toxic areas adjacent to the confined space
Certain products that are stored in confined spaces can be absorbed by the walls and give off toxic vapors when removed or when cleaning the residual material. These products can also produce toxic vapors which will remain in the atmosphere due to poor ventilation.
Certain types of work conducted in confined spaces may also generate toxic atmospheres. Examples of such work include: Welding or brazing with metals capable of producing toxic vapors, painting, scraping, sanding, etc. Gas powered motors can produce carbon monoxide, and many of the solvents used for cleaning and/or degreasing produce highly toxic vapors.
Toxic fumes may also be produced by processes taking place in areas adjacent to the confined space. These fumes may enter and accumulate in the confined space. For example, if the confined space is lower than the adjacent area and the toxic fume is heavier than air, the toxic fume may "settle" into the confined space.
What kinds of mechanical and/or physical hazards do confined spaces present?
Problems such as rotating or moving mechanical parts or energy sources can create hazards within a confined space. All rotating or moving equipment such as pumps, process lines, electrical sources, etc., within a confined space must be identified.
Physical factors such as heat, cold, noise, vibration, and fatigue can contribute to accidents. These factors must be evaluated for all confined spaces.
Excavations can present the possibility of engulfment. Employees must be protected from cave-ins by sloping, benching, or shoring systems when the depth of the excavation is more than four feet.
Note: Procedures specific to trenching and shoring can be found in “Chapter B5a- Trenching & Shoring” of this manual.
What is included in the City’s Confined Space Entry Program?
The City’s Confined Space Entry Program consists of the following activities:
· Identifying Confined Spaces
· Preventing Unauthorized Entry
· The Permit System
· Planning the Entry
· Conducting Pre-entry Briefing
· Preparing the Confined Space for Entry
· Utilizing Safety Equipment
· Atmospheric Testing Procedures
· Confined Space Cleaning Procedures
· Rescue Procedures
· Employee Training on Confined Space Entry
What are the specific procedures for identifying confined spaces under the City’s Confined Space Entry Program?
All confined spaces located within departmental facilities or under a department's control should be identified by that department. Once the space has been identified as “confined,” a department head, supervisor, or another “competent person” shall determine if a permit is required.
All employees shall be made aware of these confined spaces through training or instruction provided by department heads, departmental supervisors, or their designated representatives. Training may also be provided by the Safety Division of the City’s Risk Management Department.
How are unauthorized entries prevented?
All employees shall be instructed by department heads, departmental supervisors, or their designated representatives that no person shall be allowed entry into a confined space without an authorized permit.
Department heads or their designated representatives shall instruct all employees to list their names on the authorized permit before they will be allowed to enter a confined space.
How does the City’s permit system work?
When a confined space must be entered, the City’s Confined Space Entry Evaluation and Confined Space Permit shall be completed and authorized by department heads, departmental supervisors, or their designated representatives prior to entry of the confined space. This permit shall serve as certification that the space is safe for entry. Permits will also be used to document conditions and develop recorded histories of all confined spaces. Each permit shall contain the date, the location of the space, and the signature of the person providing the certification.
A permit shall not be authorized until all conditions of the permit have been met. The permit to be used by the City of
Note: A permit must be kept at the job site at all times until work is completed.
What should be done to prepare for a confined space entry?
The first step towards conducting a safe confined-space entry is to plan the entry. This will allow for the identification of all hazards and for the determination of all equipment necessary to complete the project. A proper
confined space entry plan should address the following elements:
a. Gathering general data
b. Identifying the hazards
c. Ventilation of the confined space
d. Isolating the confined space
e. Purging/cleaning the confined space
f. Placement of warning signs
g. Identifying all personnel
h. Identifying necessary equipment
Gathering general data involves identifying the confined space, providing the name or location of the space, and giving the reason for entering the space. Also, entry supervisors should identify and document if any hot work needs to be done. Contents of the confined space should also be identified. Specifically; chemicals, energy, or other materials present in the confined space must be identified.
Identifying hazards should be done by the entry supervisor. The entry supervisor will first determine the oxygen content and describe the testing procedures and equipment used. The entry supervisor will determine flammable gas content and describe the testing procedures and type analyzer used. If a toxic substance is determined to be in the confined space during testing by the entry supervisor, the Safety Division of the City’s Risk Management, the department head responsible for the confined space entry, or any designated representative shall be contacted to assist in obtaining a Material Safety Data Sheet or other chemical information to determine what type of personal protective equipment is required, the potential health effects, the Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL’s), and any other information needed to safely conduct the work.
Department heads or their designated representatives will determine mechanical and physical hazards. They should list all items and energy that will require lockout/tagout, blanking and bleeding, disconnecting, or securing. Physical hazards must also be listed.
Note: It is recommended that atmospheric tests be conducted by the entry supervisor prior to the opening of any covers.
Ventilation of the confined space should always be considered when planning a confined space entry. Plans must indicate whether mechanical or natural ventilation will be used. Plans should also describe the procedures to be used.
Note: If mechanical ventilation is to be used, the exhaust must be pointed away from personnel or ignition sources. Also, mechanical ventilators should be bonded to the confined space.
Isolation of the confined space should always be part of the planning process. Plans must describe the procedures for disconnecting equipment or locking and tagging out. All mechanical, electrical, or heat-producing equipment should be disconnected and locked or tagged out before entry. This includes pumps that pull fluid from, or pump fluid into, the confined space. In addition to this, the use of flow stopping techniques may be necessary to isolate pipes whenever there is a potential for leakage and or breakage of lines.
Any purging/cleaning the confined space must be addressed when planning an entry. Persons responsible for the pre-entry planning must indicate if the confined space will be purged. Purging with inert gas is not recommended.
Plans should also indicate the type of cleaning methods to be used. If chemical cleaners are to be used, name the type and describe the procedures. The MSDS for the chemical should be consulted prior to use.
Note: When introducing a chemical into a confined space, the compatibility of that chemical with the contents of the confined space must be checked. If in doubt, consult the Risk Management Department. If steam is to be used, the hose should be bonded to the confined space.
Placement of warning signs must be addressed when planning an entry. Plans must indicate if warning signs or barriers will be needed to prevent unauthorized entry or to protect workers from external hazards. If the confined space will be left open and unattended for any length of time, warning signs and barriers must be used.
Identifying all personnel means listing all employees that will be required to prepare the confined space and complete the work inside the space.
Identifying necessary equipment means listing all equipment that will be necessary to complete the project.
What else must be accomplished before entering a confined space?
Pre-entry briefing of employees and a final preparation of the confined space must be completed before anyone is allowed to enter.
The pre-entry briefing shall be conducted by the entry supervisor. The briefing should be conducted no earlier than one day before the entry is to be made. All employees involved in the entry must be briefed before they are allowed to enter the space.
Entry supervisors must include the following in their pre-entry briefings:
· Identify the confined space, the reason(s) for entry
· Identify the work detail
· Identify all entrants and standby persons (attendants)
· Inform entrants of all known or suspected hazards
· Identify isolation procedures
· Identify purging and/or ventilation procedures
· Identify all equipment needed
· Determine necessary personal protection equipment
· Establish communication
· Protect from external hazards
· Pre-plan rescue procedures
· Place the confined space back into operation
To identify the work detail, entry supervisors must assign each employee the job(s) he/she is to perform in the entry project (entrant, standby person, etc.). If an employee is required to use a piece of equipment, be sure that he/she is capable of using the equipment properly. Inform all employees that no one is to enter the confined space unless the standby person is present at the work site.
To inform entrants of all known or suspected hazards entry supervisors should inform employees about potential access or exit problems. They must inform employees of all equipment that must be locked out or tagged out, inform employees of the contents of the confined space, and finally, inform employees about all atmospheric levels that must be maintained before entering and working in the confined space.
If a toxic atmosphere or substance is present or could become present, employees must be informed about the following hazards:
· If respiratory protection is not going to be used, inform employees of the maximum permissible exposure level (PEL) that can exist within the confined space and the method used to monitor PEL.
· Inform employees of the potential health effects of exposure to the toxic atmosphere or substance.
· Inform employees of the signs and symptoms of exposure to toxic fumes.
Note: If known hazardous materials are present in a confined space, MSDS sheets for the materials should be obtained and used for making decisions, planning, and preparing employees for entry.
· Inform employees of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that they will be required to wear.
· If employees are unaware of the proper use of the PPE, they must be trained in the proper use of this equipment.
Note: The Safety Division of the City’s Risk Management Department provides consultation and general training on personal protection equipment (PPE).
No employee shall be assigned to tasks requiring use of a respirator unless they have been certified by Risk Management to wear a respirator (see Chapter C3- Respiratory Protection Program).
To identify isolation procedures, entry supervisors should use the results from pre-entry planning activities. With this information, supervisors should decide which equipment should be isolated using lockout/tagout techniques. Next, employees trained in lockout/tagout procedures must be directed to isolate the equipment.
Note: The City’s lockout/tagout procedures can be found in “Chapter C5- Energy Control Program” of this manual.
To identify purging and/or ventilation procedures, the entry supervisor should use the results of the pre-entry testing and planning to select the procedures appropriate for the confined space. Once this is accomplished, the entry supervisor must inform all employees involved in the entry about the specific methods which will be used.
To properly identify all equipment needed for entry, the entry supervisor must inform all persons involved in the project about the equipment that will be used. Beyond that, the entry supervisor must make sure that all employees are capable of using the assigned equipment properly.
To determine necessary personal protective equipment, entry supervisors must select equipment based on pre-entry planning and testing. The supervisor must then inform all persons involved about what personal protection equipment will be used to ensure their safety. Then, the supervisor must make sure that all employees who will use the personal protection equipment have been trained in its proper use.
To establish proper communication for the confined space entry, the entry supervisor must select a mode of communication. The supervisor must then inform all employees involved in the confined space entry of the type of communication they are to use. Once this is done, the entry supervisor should stress that entrants are required to maintain communication with the standby person at all times.
Note: Standby Person(s) or Attendants shall perform no duties other than monitoring entrants during confined space entries. Standby Person(s) shall not leave their post(s) unless all entrants have exited the space or they have been relieved by another designated standby person.
To protect employees from external hazards, the entry supervisor must direct and inform employees about the proper placement of signs and barriers to prevent unauthorized entry and any other external hazards.
To establish pre-plan rescue procedures, the entry supervisor must inform the designated standby person(s) about specific rescue procedures to be followed. The standby person should be informed that he/she can have no other duty but to maintain contact with the employee(s) inside the confined space. Entry supervisors must also inform the standby person(s) that they must not enter the confined space under any circumstances.
To brief employees on placing the confined space back into service, entry supervisors should direct employees on the specific steps to be taken to place the confined space back into service. Steps may include lockout/tagout removal, ventilation/ purging equipment removal, sign and barrier removal, and securing the space so no unauthorized person(s) may enter.
How should the confined space be prepared for entry?
Once the entry has been planned and personnel have been briefed accordingly, the confined space can be prepared for entry.
The following steps are to be followed when preparing the confined space for entry:
· If warning signs or barriers are to be used to prevent unauthorized entry or to protect entrants from external hazards, they should be placed on or around the confined space as planned and discussed during the pre-entry briefing.
· Place all tools, safety equipment, monitoring equipment, etc., near the confined space.
· Isolate all mechanical and/or electrical hazards as planned and discussed during the pre-entry briefing.
· The entry supervisor will test the atmosphere as discussed during the pre-entry briefing.
· If oxygen content is less than 19.5% or greater than 21.5%, perform ventilation. Then, shut off ventilation equipment and re-test the oxygen content.
· If oxygen content is between 19.5% and 21.5%, continue entry preparation.
· The entry supervisor will test for flammable gas level as planned and discussed in the pre-entry briefing.
· Purge/ventilate the confined space as planned and discussed during the pre-entry briefing.
· If the meter reading is less than 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL), continue entry preparations.
· If the meter reading is above 10% of the LEL, continue ventilation of the confined space. Then, shut off the ventilation and have the atmosphere re-tested.
· If the meter reading is still above 10% of the LEL, the confined space must be cleaned before entry is permitted. If the confined space must be entered for cleaning purposes, the cleaning procedures outlined in this chapter must be followed.
· The entry supervisor will determine the toxicity of the atmosphere as planned and discussed in the pre-entry briefing. If a toxic atmosphere is present, no person should be permitted to enter the confined space at a level exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) without proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The Safety Division of the City’s Risk Management Department should be contacted if assistance is needed in identifying proper precautions.
· Assemble all employees involved in the confined space entry and conduct a simulated rescue drill.
· The entry supervisor will add any needed information, then complete and sign the permit.
How should atmospheric testing be conducted?
Atmospheric testing is the most important precaution one can take to avoid accidents in confined spaces. Because of this, it is extremely important that the results of such testing are accurate. To ensure accurate testing, entry supervisors must take the following precautions when testing atmospheres.
· All testing equipment shall be calibrated by the entry supervisor as instructed by the manufacturer.
· All of the manufacturer's operating instructions must be followed.
· The test equipment should be tested in a known atmosphere to insure its accuracy.
· Ventilation equipment must be shut off before conducting any atmospheric tests.
· The atmosphere must be tested at the bottom, top, and middle of all confined spaces.
· The atmosphere must be continuously monitored while work is being conducted in the confined space.
· If the confined space is left for any reason, the atmosphere must be re-tested before re-entering the space.
How should confined spaces be cleaned for safe entry?
If cleaning must be conducted in a confined space to achieve acceptable atmospheric conditions, the following procedures must be followed:
· All entrants must be equipped with designated safety equipment.
· All entrants must be equipped with an SCBA.
· No spark-producing tools will be allowed for use.
Are there any established procedures and equipment which must be used for confined space rescues?
Yes. First of all, every confined space entry team must be equipped with retrieval lines secured at one end to the entrants by full-body harnesses with the other ends secured to a tripod lifting hoist.
In the event of an emergency, standby persons should:
1) Immediately summon the City of
2) Attempt to remove the victim with the retrieval line from outside the confined space if it can be accomplished without creating additional hazards.
3) If the standby person is able to remove the victim with the retrieval line, he/she should administer aid within the limits of his/her training until the Fire Department arrives.
4) If the standby person is unable to remove the victim by using the retrieval line, he or she must wait for help to arrive. Just as many unqualified, “would be” rescuers are killed each year as those entrants who are trapped in confined spaces. For this reason, no person(s) other than Fire Department personnel will be allowed to enter confined spaces to rescue entrants.
5) Give Fire Department personnel any information they request.
Who is responsible for the training, administration, and other activities of the City’s Confined Space Entry Program?
Everyone involved in a confined-space entry project has certain responsibilities and should receive the required training. It is very important that every individual is familiar with their responsibilities. This section outlines the responsibilities and training requirements of the following individuals who should be involved in a project:
· Safety Coordinator
· Department heads or their designated representatives
· Entry supervisors
· Authorized entrants
· Standby persons (attendants)
What are the responsibilities of the Safety Coordinator?
The Safety Coordinator or a designated representative shall be responsible for the following:
· Review and update of the City of
· Insure compliance with standards set forth in the program by periodic inspection of entry sites and canceling permits where unsafe conditions are present.
· Consulting department heads, managers and supervisors on:
à providing training as set forth in the program,
à identifying confined spaces,
à identifying spaces that require a permit for entry,
à labeling permit-required confined spaces.
What are the responsibilities and training requirements of department heads, designated representatives, and entry supervisors?
Department heads, designated representatives, and entry supervisors shall be responsible for the following:
· Identifying confined spaces within facilities or areas under their control,
· Identifying hazards within confined spaces under their control,
· Insuring that the required atmospheric tests are performed at the confined space and results recorded on the permit prior to entry authorization,
· Obtaining and maintaining all equipment necessary to complete the confined-space entry project,
· Authorizing confined space entries by signing the entry permit after all conditions for a safe entry have been met, and
· Providing safety equipment (retrieval line, full-body harness, tripod lifting hoist, etc.) to entrants.
· Terminating the entry and canceling the permit when:
à entry operations covered by the entry permit have been completed,
à a condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises in or near the permit space, and
à determining, 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.
What are the responsibilities and training requirements of authorized entrants?
Person(s) authorized to enter confined spaces shall be responsible for and receive training in the following:
· Hazards that may be faced during entry, including the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of exposure to such hazards,
· Proper use of equipment, which includes:
à atmospheric testing and monitoring equipment,
à ventilating equipment needed to obtain acceptable entry conditions,
à Communication equipment necessary to maintain contact with the standby person,
à Personal protective equipment as needed,
à Lighting equipment as needed,
à Barriers and shields as needed,
à Equipment, such as ladders, needed for safe entry and exit,
à Rescue and emergency equipment as needed,
à Any other equipment necessary for safe entry into and rescue from permit spaces,
à Communication with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to monitor entrant status and to enable the attendant to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space if required.
· Alert the attendant (standby person) whenever:
à the entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, or
à the entrant detects a prohibited condition.
· Exiting the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:
à an order to evacuate has been given by the attendant or the entry supervisor,
à the entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation,
à the entrant detects a prohibited condition, or
à an evacuation alarm is activated.
What are the responsibilities and training requirements of the standby person(s)?
Persons authorized to perform duties as standby persons or attendants shall be responsible for and receive training in the following:
· Knowing the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of exposure.
· Being aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in authorized entrants.
· Continuously maintaining an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit space and ensuring that the means used to identify authorized entrants accurately identifies who is in the permit space.
· Remaining outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another attendant.
· Attempting non-entry rescue if proper equipment is in place and the rescue attempt will not present further hazards to the entrant or attendant.
· Communicating with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space when conditions warrant.
· Monitoring activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space and ordering the authorized entrants to evacuate the permit space immediately under any of the following conditions:
à If the attendant detects a prohibited condition,
à If the attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in an authorized entrant,
à If the attendant detects a situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants,
à If the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties required by this program,
à Summoning the Spokane Fire Department’s Rescue Team as soon as the attendant determines that authorized entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space hazards, and
à Taking the following actions when unauthorized person(s) approach or enter a permit space while entry is underway:
* Warn the unauthorized person(s) that they must stay away from the permit space.
* Advise the unauthorized person(s) that they must exit immediately if they have entered the permit space.
* Inform the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the permit space.
* Perform no duties that might interfere with the attendant's primary duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrants.
Who is responsible for the safety of contractors working in and around the City’s confined spaces?
Contractors are ultimately responsible for the safety of their own workers working in the City’s confined spaces. However, the City can become partly responsible for those workers if City supervisors do not inform contractors of hazards. In addition to this, the City can be held partly responsible when contractors are hired who do not meet or exceed the minimum standards and qualifications required by the state. For this reason, department heads, supervisors, or designated representatives who secure contracts should consider a contractor’s history of safety, established safety programs, and qualifications before finalizing a contract.
To protect employees of contractors and to avoid legal actions against the City; all department heads, supervisors, and designated representatives must take the following steps before permitting employees of contractors to enter confined spaces:
· Inform the contractor that the workplace contains hazardous confined spaces.
· Identify specific hazards within confined spaces the contractor will enter.
· Inform the contractor of the City’s procedures for protecting employees working in confined spaces.
· Make sure that the contractor has a confined space program that meets or exceeds state law.
· Coordinate entry operations with the contractor when the contractor’s employees and City employees will be working together in confined spaces.
Note: If a contractor does not have a confined space program as required by
Safety during confined space entry is a serious matter for the 1.6 million Americans who work in confined spaces each year. Accidents in confined spaces cause serious injury or death from asphyxiation, electric shock, engulfment, and falls. Now that you are familiar with the pre-entry planning and other safety measures which can prevent such accidents, you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your co-workers. So follow the proper procedures, work hard, and be safe.
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