MASTER BUILDERS OF IOWA CONFINED SPACE

Transcription

1 MASTER BUILDERS OF IOWA CONFINED SPACE

2 Disclaimer The purpose of this program is to provide information as general reference material concerning the subject. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. Since is not possible to include specific instructions for every situation, safety and health condition, or local regulation, always remember that the safe common sense way is better than the wrong way. When in doubt, ask your supervisor. This program may not meet all of OSHA s or other government requirements. The information is general in nature and the specific facts of any legal problem may vary the applicability of such material. Specific legal questions should be addressed to the attorney of your choice. Property of CSSI/MBI

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Outline for confined space Introduction..4 Permit and Non permit CS....5 Entry into..6 Classifications and responsibilities (duties). 8 Contract personnel..11 The permit system..12 CS hazards. 14 Acceptable concentrations. 16 Ventilation.. 17 Monitoring..18 Physical hazards. 19 Retraining...20 Rescue.21 Behavioral objectives. 24 AppendixI (canceled permits)..27 AppendixII(pre-entry briefing) Appendix III (CS entry permits) Confirmation of understanding Property of CSSI/MBI

4 OUTLINE FOR CONFINED SPACE Sign in sheet Start through program The videos are set up to show throughout the program. In the program there are cues as to when to show which video. Suggested Videos consist of: Confined Space Safety (Your choice) Confined Space Air Monitoring (Your choice) Things to have set up: Get air-monitoring equipment set up for demonstration. Get retrieval equipment set up for trainees to try on and use. Give confirmation of understanding and correct Property of CSSI/MBI

5 Introduction Millions of workers enter confined spaces each year during the course of their jobs. The permit-required confined space rule (29 CFR ) was issued to protect employees who must enter confined spaces. There is no current confined space rule for the construction industry. OSHA references confined spaces for the construction industry in (b)(6)(i) employees required to enter confined spaces,.353(b) welding, cutting and heating in confined spaces, and.352(g) fire prevention in confined spaces. OSHA will also cite the standard under the General Duty Clause. This OSHA regulation focuses on those spaces with immediate risk to health or safety, called "permit-required" confined spaces. Under this rule, employers must: * Identify all permit-required confined spaces. * Prevent unauthorized entry into them. * Protect authorized workers from hazards through a permit-required confined space program. It is extremely important that procedures are followed at all times when entering and working in confined spaces. Proper training, supervision and use of proven safety procedures can prevent confined space entry disasters. Avoid entry into a confined space by determining if there is a practical alternative. Maintenance and repair work or dislodging material can, in some instances, be performed safely from outside the confined space. Any confined space entry performed will follow specific safety procedures established by management. Individuals responsible for approving confined space entry must be familiar with all potential hazards and necessary safety precautions. Only personnel who are trained in proper safety procedures and practices outlined in this section are allowed to enter or work in or around confined spaces. Any personnel entering a confined space without being trained and authorized will face disciplinary action up to and including discharge. WHAT IS A CONFINED SPACE? A confined space is defined by OSHA as an area which: 1. Has adequate size and configuration for an employee to enter 2. Has limited means of access or egress. Openings are usually small in size and difficult to move through. Small openings may make it difficult to get needed equipment in or out of spaces, especially personal protective equipment needed for entry and work, or life saving equipment needed for rescue, and 3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Most confined spaces are not designed for employees to enter and work in on a routine basis. They are usually designed to store products, enclose materials and processes, or to transport products or substances. However, employees must enter these spaces occasionally for inspection, maintenance, or cleanup. Property of CSSI/MBI

6 PERMIT REQUIRED confined spaces (permit space) are those spaces that have: Atmospheric or mechanical hazards in the space that could cause harm to personnel entering the space and require steps to be taken to protect the entrants from those hazards through the use of a permit required confined space program. Entry to these permit spaces requires careful planning and extensive precautions. They have one or more of the following characteristics: Contains or has potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant Has an internal configuration such that the 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 mechanical devices such as agitators that could cause injury. Also electrical hazards NON-PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES Those spaces that do not have atmospheric or mechanical hazards in the space but meet the definition of confined space. A space classified by the employer as a permit-required confined space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space under the following procedures: (i) If the permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated without entry into the space, the permit space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space for as long as the nonatmospheric hazards remain eliminated. (ii) If it s necessary to enter the permit space to eliminate hazards, such entry shall be performed by following our Confined Space Permit. If testing and inspection during that entry demonstrate that the hazards with in the permit space have been eliminated, the permit space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space for as long as the hazards remain eliminated. NOTE: Control of atmospheric hazards through forced air ventilation does not constitute elimination of the hazards. Non permit space becomes a permit space ex: A semi trailer. When repairing this trailer toxic and noise levels could turn this non-permit into a permit space. ENTRY INTO A CONFINED SPACE Whenever entering a confined space, any conditions making it unsafe to remove an entrance cover shall be eliminated before the cover is removed. The opening shall be promptly guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other temporary barrier that will prevent an accidental fall through the opening. This will also protect each employee working in the space from foreign objects entering the space. Property of CSSI/MBI

7 ENTRY means the action by which a person passes through an opening into a permitrequired confined space. Entry includes any work activity in that space and is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant's body breaks the plane of an opening into the space. Three Different Ways Into A Confined Space: Side Entry, Top Entry and Bottom Entry. SIDE ENTRY Entry into a confined space from the side is the common practice in industry. Along with top entries, side entries into confined spaces also require proper training, supervision, and use of proven safety procedures. Precautions 1. When entering from the side, product level should be so it has stopped its natural flow. Otherwise the angle of repose is too steep. If someone entered under these circumstances, product could begin to move and possibly bury the authorized entrant. 2. Depending on how high above the ground the manhole is, a ladder might be necessary to reach and enter the manhole. The ladder should be the right type and size as required by OSHA, in good condition, and be placed and used properly. 3. If material inside the tank, silo, vessel, etc. is hung up it must first be dislodged in a safe manner. This means never standing below the material while it is hung up - it could break loose and could bury anyone standing beneath it. 4. All equipment taken into the confined space must be approved for that environment. TOP ENTRY Any permit space whose opening is above the entrant is considered to be a "vertical type permit space. If the space is more than 5 feet deep it requires a mechanical device for retrieval to be attached to the entrant. Whenever a tank is entered through the top without a ladder, and requires lowering the authorized entrants by a rope or cable, an approved hoisting apparatus must be used to lower and lift the entrants safely. There must also be a fall arrest device hooked to the entrant. Property of CSSI/MBI

8 SAFE HOIST USE 1. Keep area around the manhole clear of loose material which could fall into the opening. 2. The surface supporting the hoisting apparatus must be clean, free of debris and be capable of supporting the maximum design load of the hoist. 3. The hoist operator must remain at the hoist controls and maintain communication and visual contact at all times with the authorized entrants working in the bin or tank. 4. The wire rope should be kept as nearly vertical as possible. (A maximum variation of 10 degrees is considered a safe limit.) 5. The lifeline required for anyone working in a silo or tank should be adequately secured to an independent portion of the structure. 6. The rope must be securely attached to the drum and several wraps of wire rope should be maintained on the wire winder at all times. 7. When lowering a person into a bin or tank, never allow the cable to run free and rely on a brake for control. 8. Equipment or tools to be used in the silo or tank should be lowered in first and come out last, using a separate line. 9. Always make sure that the person is completely out of the silo or tank, and safely onto the work platform before disconnecting the lifeline and harness. BOTTOM ENTRY Do not enter under hung up material. Make sure that the material will not collapse, plugging the entrance while you are inside of the space. GENERAL a) A Permit Required Confined Space should be identified by a sign stating: Caution Confined Space, Permit Required For Entry. b) Spaces which are not approved for entry will be marked with a sign stating Danger, Confined Space, Do Not Enter. c) The Entry Supervisor will verify that a Confined Space Permit is completed and the space is safe for entry and will confirm that the pre-entry briefing has been completed and reviewed with everyone involved with the Confined Space entry. Property of CSSI/MBI

9 CONFINED SPACE WORKERS, (CLASSIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES) ENTRY SUPERVISOR Definition: The person (such as the employer, supervisor etc.,) responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit space where entry is planned, authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and terminating entry as required by this section. Their evaluation of the space before entry must take into account those additional sources of hazardous atmospheres that will be introduced into the space during entry (ex. welding or toxic or flammable cleaning materials). Note: An entry supervisor also may serve as an attendant, or an entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped for each role. Also, the duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation. If the entry supervisor is relieved, the new entry supervisor will review the permit, determine that acceptable entry conditions have been maintained and will sign the permit accepting the responsibilities as the new entry supervisor. DUTIES OF ENTRY SUPERVISORS 1. Knows the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure 2. Verifies, by checking that the appropriate entries have been made on the permit, that all tests specified by the permit have been conducted and that all procedures and equipment specified by the permit are in place before endorsing the permit and allowing entry to begin, Assures that a pre-entry briefing has been conducted 3. Terminates the entry and cancels the permit when: a) The entry operations covered by the entry permit have been completed. b) A condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises in or near the space. 4. Verifies that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operable; 5. Removes unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter the permit space during entry operations; and 6. Determines, 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. 7. Properly use the following equipment: a) Testing and monitoring equipment b) Ventilating equipment c) Communication equipment d) Personal protective equipment e) Lighting equipment (Explosion proof) f) Barriers and shields g) Equipment such as ladders h) Rescue and Emergency equipment (such as retrieval lines or clothing as needed for safe entry and exit.) i) Any other equipment necessary for entry or rescue. Property of CSSI/MBI

10 AUTHORIZED ENTRANT Definition: An employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space DUTIES OF AUTHORIZED ENTRANTS: 1. They will know the hazards they may face during entry. Be able to recognize signs or symptoms of exposure, and understand the consequences of exposure to hazards. 2. Properly use the following equipment: a) Testing and monitoring equipment b) Ventilating equipment c) Communications equipment d) Personal protective equipment e) Lighting equipment (suggest lighting be made up for confined space per class I Division I.) f) Barriers and shields g) Equipment such as ladders h) Rescue and Emergency equipment ( such as retrieval lines or clothing as needed for safe entry and exit.) i) Any other equipment necessary for entry or rescue. 3. Communicate with attendant for monitoring purposes. 4. Alert attendant whenever: a) The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation. b) The entrant detects a prohibited condition. 5. Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever: a) An order to evacuate is given by entry supervisor or attendant. b) The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation. c) The entrant detects a prohibited condition. d) An evacuation alarm is activated. 6. Performs at least one practice entry and rescue per year. ATTENDANT Definition: An individual stationed outside a permit space who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all attendant's duties assigned in the permit space program. ATTENDANTS DUTIES: 9. Knows the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms and consequences of the exposure. 9. Is aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in authorized entrants. 9. Continuously maintains an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit space. This will be accomplished by the use of the permit or a roster which will enable the attendant to determine quickly and accurately which authorized entrants are inside the permit space. 4. Remains outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another attendant; AT NO TIME SHALL AN ATTENDANT ENTER A CONFINED SPACE THAT THEY ARE MONITORING. Property of CSSI/MBI

11 5. Communicates with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space. 6. Monitors activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space and orders the authorized entrants to evacuate the permit space immediately under any of the following conditions: a) If the attendant detects a prohibited condition; b) If the attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in an authorized entrant; c) If the attendant detects a situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants; or d) If the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties required or must leave the area. 7. Summon rescue and other emergency services (Ambulance service, Fire dept. etc.) as soon as the attendant determines that authorized entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space hazards; 8. Takes the following actions when unauthorized persons approach or enter a permit space while entry is underway: a) Warn the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space; b) Advise the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they have entered the permit space; and c) Inform the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the permit space, and cancels the permit immediately. 9 Performs non-entry rescues 10 Performs no duties that might interfere with the attendant's primary duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrants. 11 Performs at least one practice entry and non-entry rescue/year. An attendant should not be in charge of more than one permit space at a time. Note: Attendants can perform other duties as long as it will not hinder their primary function of monitoring and protecting entrants. Ex: They may pass tools to authorized entrants, they may monitor the atmosphere of the permit space, provided they do not break the plane of an opening into the space. They cannot go for parts or any other place without being relieved of duty, by a replacement. Property of CSSI/MBI

12 CONTRACT PERSONNEL All contractors or subcontractors must have an orientation as to our Policy. Any time a contractor is required to perform work that involves permit space entry, coordination needs to be made with the Safety Department. We must inform the contractor that permit space entry is allowed only through compliance with a permit space program. We must inform the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and our experience with the space, that make the space in question a permit space. Inform the contractor of any precautions or procedures that we have implemented for the protection of employees in or near permit spaces. When a contract employer plans to send his employees into a permit space which is under our control, management must provide the contractor with all available information on permit space hazards, facility safety rules and emergency procedures, and if necessary, rescue team(s). Permit Required Spaces that our employees do not enter but contract employee do, will be handled in the following manner: 1. Take measures to prevent our employees from entering the confined Space. Ex. signs, training, bulletins. 2. Ask the contractor what permit space program he will follow. 3. Tell contractor about the confined space including hazards involved with space. 4. Tell the contractor of any procedures you have for employee protection in or near the permit space. Ex. barriers 5. Meet with the contractor at the end of job regarding any additional hazards they may have encounter so that you can update your appendix I. (canceled permits) Note: A boiler inspector is a contractor and enters under your rules and regulations. Whenever our employees, and contract employees enter a confined space at the same time our permit system will be used and the contractor is to follow our rules. If our employees do not enter the space, but the contractor does, then review their permit and coordinate with them. AFFECTED PERSONNEL Need training on the following: - Recognition of signs such as "permit required do not enter" - Recognition of possible hazards - Non-entry when work is in progress NEVER TRUST YOUR SENSES TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS AIR IN THE CONFINED SPACE OR IF THE AIR IN A CONFINED SPACE IS SAFE! YOU CAN NOT SEE OR SMELL MANY TOXIC GASES AND VAPORS, NOR CAN YOU DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF OXYGEN PRESENT Property of CSSI/MBI

13 SHOW FIRST VIDEO (clearing the air) Explain and describe our permit system A written program that describes precautions to prevent unauthorized entry, identify and evaluate confined space hazards, and establishes procedures and practices for safe entry. A permit system is required for permit-required confined space entry. An entry supervisor must authorize entry, prepare and sign written permits, order corrective measures if necessary, and cancel permits when work is completed. Permits must be available to all permit space entrants at the time of entry and should extend only for the duration of the task. The permits should be kept on file for one year. THE PERMIT SYSTEM Permit system-means the employer's written procedure for preparing and issuing permits for entry and for returning the permit space to service following termination of entry. The sequence below shall be followed before entering a permit-required confined space: 1. Before entry can begin the entry supervisor shall hold a pre-entry briefing with everyone involved and completely fill out an entry permit utilizing the pre-entry form. A sample pre-entry briefing form is located in appendix II. A sample of the entry permit is located in appendix III. Entry Permit means the written or printed document that is provided by the employer to allow and control entry into a permit space. 2. The entry supervisor identified on the permit shall sign the entry permit to authorize entry. This signature states that the permit items have been answered (in other words the permit blanks have been filled in and all areas have been accounted for) and they are confident the space is safe to enter. 3. The completed permit shall be made available to all authorized entrants. It will also be posted at the site as close to the entrance as possible. It is advisable to use a clipboard to hold it since entries periodically may be necessary. A copy of this original permit should be kept in the office. 4. The permit may not exceed the time required to complete the task or job identified on the permit. 5. The entry supervisor shall terminate entry and cancel the entry permit: a) When the operation covered by the permit has been completed. b) When a condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises in or near the confined space. c) If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry: 1) Each employee shall leave the space immediately; 2) The space shall be evaluated to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed; and 3) Measures shall be implemented to protect employees from the hazardous atmosphere before any subsequent entry takes place. 4) When entry has been terminated because of a hazard, the original permit must be canceled and a new permit fill out before re-entry into the permit space is allowed. 6. The canceled entry permit shall be retained for one year after date of cancellation. Any problems encountered during the entry operation shall be noted on the back of the Property of CSSI/MBI

14 entry permit under comments. During the permit-required review these canceled permits and comments will help decide if revisions are necessary to our permit space program. Note: Examples of circumstances requiring the review of the permit-required confined space program are: any unauthorized entry of a permit space, the detection of a permit space hazard not covered by the permit, the occurrence of an injury or nearmiss during entry, a change in the use or configuration of a permit space, and employee complaints about the effectiveness of the program. Prohibited Condition means any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit during the period when entry is authorized. Acceptable Entry Conditions means the conditions that must exist in a permit space to allow entry and to ensure that employees involved with a permit-required confined space entry can safely enter into and work within the space. OVERHEAD; OUR PERMIT FORM The entry permit shall include: 1. The permit space to be entered 2. The purpose of the entry 3. The date and the authorized duration of the entry permit 4. The authorized entrants within the permit space, by name to enable the attendant to determine quickly and accurately, for the duration of the permit, which authorized entrants are inside the permit space 5. The personnel, by name, currently serving as attendants 6. The individual, by name, currently serving as entry supervisor, with a space for the signature or initials of the entry supervisor who originally authorized entry 7. The hazards of permit space to be entered 8. The measures used to isolate the permit space and to eliminate or control permit space hazards before entry Note: Those measures can include the lockout or tagging of equipment and procedures for purging, inerting, ventilating, and flushing permit spaces. 9. The acceptable entry conditions; 10. The results of initial and periodic tests performed, accompanied by the names or initials of the testers and time of day the tests were performed; 11. The rescue and emergency services that can be summoned and the means (such as the equipment to use and the numbers to call) for summoning those services; 12. The communication procedures used by authorized entrants and attendants to maintain contact during the entry; 13. Equipment, such as personal protective equipment, testing equipment, communications equipment, alarm systems, and rescue equipment, to be provided for compliance with this section; 14. Any other information whose inclusion is necessary, given the circumstances of the particular confined space, in order to ensure employee safety; and Property of CSSI/MBI

15 15. Any additional permits, such as hot work, that have been issued to authorize with in the permit space. Based on confined space classification, establish the means, and provide written procedures and practices by which the permit spaces can be entered safely. The entrant may need to wear a harness. The atmosphere may need to be monitored constantly. Regardless of the situation, do whatever necessary to make the entry, the work inside the space, and the exit as safe as possible. Issuing entry permits can be the most time-consuming part of the program, but it's also what assures that this program will provide the greatest confined space safety. With confined spaces you must document the entry sequence before an authorized person can enter a confined space. CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS Permit space atmospheres may be extremely hazardous because of the lack of natural air movement. NEVER TRUST YOUR SENSES TO DETERMINE IF THE AIR IN A CONFINED SPACE IS SAFE! YOU CAN NOT SEE OR SMELL MANY TOXIC GASES AND VAPORS, NOR CAN YOU DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF OXYGEN PRESENT. Hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, 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. Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres - where the percent oxygen is less than 19.5% will not support life. This type of atmosphere has to be entered only with an approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Our employees shall not enter an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Life ceases quickly without oxygen. The oxygen content in the air can become fatally low in a brief period of time. The particular danger of asphyxiation is the inability to detect and diagnose the problem. For example, with an oxygen level of 16 percent, an individual begins to feel drowsy and is unable to think clearly. He or she will experience difficulty in breathing, and the ears may begin to ring. None of these symptoms are particularly alarming; however, more serious symptoms will follow. Euphoria (a false sense of well being) develops, and the individual is lulled into inactivity. If the percentage of oxygen goes much below 16 percent, the individual could lose consciousness and die. The brain becomes damaged between 4-6 minutes without oxygen. Stress non-entry rescue methods. There are different ways that oxygen levels in a confined space can become deficient: because of work being done, such as welding, cutting, or brazing. Certain chemical reactions (rusting) or bacterial action (fermentation) can also decrease it. The oxygen level also decreases if oxygen is displaced by another gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen. Total displacement of oxygen by another gas will result in unconsciousness, followed by death. Property of CSSI/MBI

16 2. Flammable Atmospheres, two things make an atmosphere flammable: 1) Oxygen in air. 2) A flammable gas or vapor in excess of 10% of its lower flammable limit (LFL) or dust in the proper mixture with air at a concentration that meets or exceeds it LFL. This concentration may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet or less. Different gases have different flammable ranges. If a source of ignition (e.g., a sparking or electrical tool) is introduced into a space containing a flammable atmosphere, an explosion will result. An oxygen-enriched atmosphere (above 23.5%) will cause flammable materials, such as clothing and hair, to burn violently when ignited. Therefore, never use pure oxygen to ventilate a permit space. Ventilate with normal air. 3. Toxic Atmospheres, many substances (liquids, vapors, gases, mists, solid materials, and dusts) should be considered hazardous in a permit space. Atmospheric concentration of any substance that is in excess of the permissible exposure limit (PEL). Toxic atmospheres are generated in various processes. For example, cleaning solvents are used in many industries for cleaning/degreasing. The vapors from these solvents are very toxic in a permit space. Even if you are working in an area adjacent to a confined space, toxicants produced by work near the space can enter and accumulate, making permits necessary to enter. MSDS's can provide guidance in establishing acceptable atmospheric conditions along with other reference books. (e.g. D.O.T. hand book, the Occupational Health and Environment Control,( ). Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) means 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. Note: some materials-hydrogen fluoride gas and cadmium vapor, for example- may produce immediate transient effects that, even if severe, may pass without medical attention, but are followed by sudden, possibly fatal collapse hours, after exposure. The victim feels normal until collapse. These are considered immediately dangerous to life. In some of the processes, or through natural conditions, gases can be generated. The most commonly encountered toxic gases are, hydrogen Sulfide and Carbon Monoxide. The following is a description of the known possible gases and the required precautions that must be taken. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) -colorless and smells like rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide can be generated from the decomposition of animal tissue, blood and hair. Methane (CH 4 ) natural gas- Could be found in the decomposition of organic waste most likely occurrence would be "dry" manure, in water treatment facilities or near old landfills where bacteria are decomposing the organic waste. Property of CSSI/MBI

17 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Colorless, odorless gas- When an organic compound e.g. blood, tissue, hair, is decomposing it is being oxidized. In the process the carbon can ultimately form. It is also formed from the combustion of machinery and vehicles. ACCEPTABLE CONCENTRATIONS There may be no hazardous atmosphere within the space whenever any employee is inside the space. Before entry is allowed into a confined space, a determination must be made as to the presence of these chemicals and if they are below the acceptable limits. Acceptable limits are defined as: I. The 8-hour time weighted average/permissible exposure level. Hydrogen Sulfide 10ppm Carbon Monoxide 35ppm Other Chemicals Determination made for each specific chemical II. 10% or less of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) for Methane, which is equal to 5% by volume or 50,000 ppm. III. Airborne grain dust and fumigants - At a concentration that obscures vision at a distance of five (5) feet or less, or has the potential for an explosion. IV. Planned/scheduled entry into a confined space shall not be done based on the usage of a respirator or SCBA. The space shall be ventilated and/or cleaned from the outside until such time as respiratory protection is not required. The atmosphere must be tested prior to each entry and as the entry proceeds, using an appropriate direct reading instrument and a remote sampling probe and testing in the following sequence: Oxygen concentration, combustible gas or vapor, and potential toxic contaminants. The reason the test for oxygen is always run first is because most combustible gas meters are oxygen dependent and will not provide reliable readings in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. If the space has the potential for a hazardous atmosphere, the atmosphere must be shown to be, and to remain, acceptable for entry using one of the following means: a) Ventilation of the permit space prior to entry using a mechanically powered ventilator and continuously throughout the entry; or b) A combination of mechanically powered ventilation and atmospheric testing; or c) Continuous atmospheric monitoring. The requirement for fresh air must also be considered when any process that consumes oxygen is being used, e.g. a torch being used in the confined space. Ventilation needed to help avoid heat stress must also be considered. Property of CSSI/MBI

18 VENTILATION Ventilation by a blower or fan may be necessary to remove harmful gases and vapors from a permit space. There are several ways to ventilate a permit space. The method and equipment chosen depend on the size of the openings, the gases to be exhausted (e.g., are they flammable?) and the source of makeup air. Caution: under certain conditions flammable gases or vapors will displace oxygen but are too rich to burn. Forced air ventilation may then dilute them until they are within the explosive range. Also, if inert gases (i.e., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon) are used in the permit space, the space should be well-ventilated and re-tested before a worker enters. A common way to ventilate is to connect a fan to the space via a large hose. The air intake (fan) should be placed in an area that will draw in fresh air only. Ventilate continuously where possible, because the hazardous atmosphere often forms again when the airflow is stopped. What must be done if any entry permit confined space needs to be entered, but you do not have an acceptable oxygen level, or toxic or combustible gases or vapors are present in amounts above an acceptable level? We allow two alternatives: Natural ventilation or forced ventilation. DIFFERENT WAYS OF VENTILATING Natural Ventilation: Opening all covers, doors or lids may allow for a natural exchange of air that would bring the oxygen level into an acceptable range. The drawback with using natural ventilation is that it may take a long time to obtain the correct level, if indeed it can ever be attained. Forced Ventilation: If there is a time constraint, it may be necessary to use a large blower or exhaust fan to force ventilation. Major considerations are portability, suitability for the location it is to be used in, and the cubic feet per minute (CFM) it will move. Remember that continuous forced air ventilation controls atmospheric hazards-it does not eliminate them. Continuous forced air ventilation shall be used, as follows: 1) An employee may not enter the space until the forced air ventilation has eliminated any hazardous atmosphere; 2) The forced air ventilation shall be so directed as to ventilate the immediate areas where an employee is or will be present within the space and shall continue until all employees have left the space; 3) The air supply for the forced air ventilation shall be from a clean source and may not increase the hazards in the space. The atmosphere within the space shall be periodically tested as necessary to ensure that the continuous forced air ventilation is preventing the accumulation of a hazardous atmosphere. Entry Will Not Be Permitted When Adequate Ventilation Can Not Be Accomplished. Property of CSSI/MBI

19 SHOW SECOND VIDEO (air monitoring) MONITORING THE ATMOSPHERE Testing means the process by which the hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are identified and evaluated. Testing includes specifying the tests that are to be performed in the permit space. Testing enables employers both to devise and implement adequate control measures for the protection of entrants and to determine if acceptable entry conditions are present, both before and during entry. Avoid atmospheric hazards-it is important to understand that some gases or vapors are heavier than air and will settle to the bottom of a permit space. Also, some gases are lighter than air and will be found around the top of the permit space. Therefore, it is necessary to test all areas (top, middle, and bottom) of a permit space with properly calibrated instruments to determine what gases are present. If testing reveals oxygen-deficiency or the presence of toxic gases or vapors, the space must be ventilated and re-tested before workers enter. If ventilation is not possible and entry is necessary (for emergency rescue, for example), rescue workers must have appropriate respiratory protection. Diagram of a confined space that shows where different gases accumulate. Methane Carbon Monoxide Hydrogen Sulfide Your atmospheric testing equipment shall be properly calibrated as prescribed by the manufacture of the testing equipment. The equipment must be operational calibration each time it is used. A function test in the field will verify the sensors and alarms do respond. Exhale into the oxygen sensors to test for oxygen deficiency, (reading will drop below 19.5% oxygen and the alarm will go off.) To test for combustible gas you can use a solvent marker. HINTS FOR SUSPECTING ATMOSPHERIC PROBLEMS It is important to recognize that the normal atmosphere does not contain dangerous levels of gases or vapors that are considered to be toxic or combustible or deficient in oxygen. Thus, something must cause a change to create such an atmosphere. This is true for any atmosphere, but particularly for the atmosphere inside of pits, manholes, bins, tanks, silos, or other confined spaces. Property of CSSI/MBI

20 Potentially dangerous atmospheres may occur due to natural reactions of by-products with air, space location or shape, or reaction of the substance stored in the tank. Chemicals used in boiler treatment may reduce oxygen levels inside boiler drums. A methane leak may fill pits or manholes resulting in combustible or oxygen deficient atmosphere. Any manhole, pit, or tank that contains stagnant or foul water should be suspect due to the possibility of oxygen deficiency or toxicity. HOT WORK PERMITS Hot Work/Welding permits will be used in all confined spaces and special care will be taken to insure the spaces are continuously ventilated. Oxygen and acetylene tanks will never be brought into confined spaces. Review the instructions for air monitors. PHYSICAL HAZARDS In addition to atmospheric evaluation discussed above, you should evaluate potential physical hazards including; temperature extremes (hot or cold) that may need to be tested before entering, noise, hazardous energy (such as electrical shock, moving equipment) slick \ wet surfaces, falling objects or being trapped and drowned by small particles such as grain or sawdust (called "Engulfment") Use locks and tags to prevent accidental startup of equipment while someone is working in the permit space. Cut off steam, water, gas, or power lines that lead to the permit space. Use only safe, grounded, explosion-proof equipment. Refer to the companies Lockout / Tagout program for detailed procedures. Blanking or blinding means the absolute closure of a pipe, line, or duct by the fastening of a solid plate (such as a spectacle blind or a skillet blind) that completely covers the bore and that is capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with no leakage beyond the plate. Double block and bleed means the closure of line, duct, or pipe by closing and locking or tagging two in-line valves and by opening and locking or tagging a drain or vent valve in the line between the two closed valves. Isolation means the process by which a permit space is removed from service and completely protected against the release of energy and materials into the space by such means as: blanking or blinding; misalign or removing sections of lines, pipes, or ducts; a double block and bleed system; lockout or tagout of all sources of energy; or blocking or disconnecting all mechanical linkages. Securing mechanical moving parts within confined spaces with latches, chains, chocks, blocks, or other devices. Property of CSSI/MBI

21 Locking open rooms, enclosures, trailer, etc. Whenever entering an enclosure you shall implement a means of locking the entrance in an open position. Eliminating the chance of someone locking you in the enclosure. When entry into a confined space is necessary and a physical hazard can not be eliminated such as rotating parts or live electrical parts, restraints or barriers must be used to prevent contact. Know the hazards they may face during entry, signs and symptoms of exposure, consequences of exposure to hazards. If at any time there is any questionable action or non-movement by the worker inside, a verbal check will be made. If there is no response, the rescue team will be notified. If the entrant can be rescued from the outside of the space, then the attendant may do so. Exception: If the worker is disabled due to falling or impact, they should not be removed from the confined space unless there is immediate danger to life and the rescue team immediately notified. Equipment that confined space workers will learn to operate: a) Testing and Monitoring equipment b) Ventilating equipment c) Communications equipment d) Personal protective equipment e) Lighting equipment (suggest lighting be made up for confined space per Class I Division I.) f) Barriers and shields g) Equipment such a ladders h) Rescue and Emergency equipment (such as retrieval lines or clothing as needed for safe entry and exit i) Any other equipment necessary for entry or rescue Boiler mud drums: If the entrants feet don't enter the permit space (on most mud drums the persons feet stick out) then a retrieval line is not necessary. This is a good definition of OSHA's comment that the retrieval system could increase the risk to authorized entrants or the system would not contribute to rescue. The lifeline is his feet. Grab them and pull him out. RETRAINING Periodic retraining is dependent upon the extent to which confined space entry was performed during the year. If confined space entry happens frequently then re-training could be minimal. If confined space entry is infrequent, more time will be needed to assure that the skill level remains high. Each Attendant, Authorized Entrant, Rescue Team Member, and Entry Supervisor will perform at least one practice entry and rescue, or the equivalent actual experience, annually. Remember to include the local Fire Department when training takes place. We want the rescue team to know our Confined Spaces. Property of CSSI/MBI

22 RESCUE TEAM The on-site host employer or an off-site service may provide rescue services. We will use the on-site or the off site rescue team. Our employees will not enter a confined space to attempt a rescue. These are the qualifications the Rescue Team must have: * Be qualified as an authorized entrant. * Have training in the proper use of personal protective equipment * Have training in the use of rescue equipment. * Each member of the rescue service shall be trained in basic first-aid/cpr. At least one member of the rescue service holding current certification in first aid and in CPR shall be available. * Must practice making permit space rescues at least once every 12 months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies mannequins, or actual persons from the actual permit spaces or from representative permit spaces. A rescue may be as simple as planning to use a retrieval system, which means using the equipment (including a retrieval line, chest, or full-body harness., wristlets, if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor) used for non-entry rescue of persons from permit spaces. THIS WOULD BE THE PREFERRED METHOD! Our employees will only perform rescue from outside of confined spaces. NON-ENTRY RESCUE To facilitate non-entry rescue, a retrieval system must be used, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of the employee or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant. Each authorized entrant must use a chest or full body harness, with a retrieval line attached at the center of the entrant s back near shoulder level, or above the entrant s head. Wristlets may be used in the place of the chest or full body harness if the employer can demonstrate that the chest or full body harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and that the wristlets are the safest and most effective alternative. The other end of the retrieval line must be attached to a mechanical device or a fixed point outside the permit space so that rescue can begin as soon as it is needed. In vertical spaces deeper than 5 feet a mechanical device must be available to retrieve personnel. RESCUE SERVICE At no time shall our employees enter a confined space for rescue. Just as steps must be taken to recognize and address the hazards associated with entering and working in confined spaces, so must preparations be made should an emergency arise. The time to prepare for such an event is before something happens. Emergency rescue drills must Property of CSSI/MBI

23 be held to ensure that each member is aware of his or her responsibility, and can perform the rescue procedures properly. Over half the workers who die in permit spaces are attempting to rescue other workers. Rescuers must be trained in, and follow, established emergency procedures and use appropriate equipment and techniques. We will only perform rescue from outside confined spaces. Rescue should be well planned and drills should be frequently conducted on emergency procedures. Unplanned rescue, such as when someone instinctively rushes in to help a downed coworker, can easily result in a multiple fatality. An unplanned rescue may be the last! CONFINED SPACE EMERGENCY RESCUE PROCEDURES PREPLANNING 1. Determine what kinds of rescue equipment may be needed. a) Hoists b) Lifelines c) Harness d) Ladders e) Lights f) First Aid Equipment and Supplies. What MSDS sheets shall be available. g) S.C.B.A.'s 2. Personnel capabilities a) First aid/cpr trained b) Trained in the use of rescue equipment c) Trained in rescue procedures 3. Outside emergency help (i.e. fire department, rescue squad) a) Method of contact (phone, radio etc. ) b) Time required to reach facility IDENTIFYING AND COMMUNICATING THE EMERGENCY 1. Types of emergency a) Overcome by unsafe atmosphere b) Injury c) Entrapped/buried by product Emergency means any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or monitoring equipment) or event internal or external to the permit space that could endanger entrants. RESCUE PROCEDURES: Injury Methods for rescuers in case of injury a) De-energize the object that caused the injury, if appropriate Property of CSSI/MBI

24 b) Call for help (rescue team or facility contact) c) Remove injured entrant (depending on the nature of the injury and if it can be done safely) d) Render first aid e) Transport injured (if necessary) to medical facility RESCUE PROCEDURES: Overcome Methods of rescue in case entrant has been overcome a) Call for help b) Remove person from confined space ONLY if this can be done by hoist or lifeline. Do not enter the space. c) If removal of the entrant can not be accomplished before the rescue team arrives *Provide increased ventilation to the space *Transport victim to medical facility as needed. Making sure you take the MSDS for the hazard involved, if appropriate. RESCUE PROCEDURES: Engulfed or Buried Engulfment means the surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely divided (flowable) solid substance that can be aspirated to cause death by filling or plugging the respiratory system or that can exert enough force on the body to cause death by strangulation, constriction, or crushing. Methods for rescue of an entrant engulfed/buried in product a) Call for help b) Shut down all conveying equipment (stop product flow!) c) Call to person trapped buried to see if you can get a response d) Determine if the entrant's head is above the product and if the entrant can breathe e) Determine if the entrant can be removed from the product by hoist or lifelines and harness. If so, remove the entrant from the product and confined space if possible. If it is not possible, go on to the next step f) If possible get aeration fans pulling air through the product so the entrant has air to breathe g) Wait for help to arrive outside the space, brief them on all information concerning the attempted rescue. Offer the following suggestions: h) Locate the buried entrant, remove the product from around the head and chest. Provide air to the entrant, if possible. i) If the entrant is buried and the head cannot be freed, try to provide air (i.e. airline, hose forced into the product, low flow) j) Make every effort to dig the entrant out - use a 55-gallon drum or other structure to help keep the product from caving back in around the entrant. k) It may be advisable to draw off the product from a side opening or, once a person is secure or will not slip further down into the product, from the bottom opening. Property of CSSI/MBI