City of Clovis Confined Space Entry Procedures

Transcription

1 City of Clovis Confined Space Entry Procedures 1

2 City of Clovis Public Utilities Department Confined Space Entry Procedures 1. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE General Confined spaces are dangerous because often there are no apparent signs of danger, and rescuing a fellow employee who needs help is usually difficult. All existing hazards in confined spaces must be thoroughly evaluated before each entry into the space and monitored continuously thereafter. The work to be performed in the confined space shall be evaluated to assure that it will not pose an undue hazard during the entire duration of the work. Purpose The purpose of this section is to define the confined space program for the City of Clovis Public Utilities Department. It contains the procedures that are needed to safely enter confined spaces and maintain regulatory compliance. Application The requirements of this program apply to entries that are made by Public Utilities employees into Permit Required Confined Spaces (PRCS). These requirements also apply to Departments which own confined spaces. There is also guidance on entries made by contractors or utility workers who are not City employees but make entry into City owned confined spaces. 2. DEFINITIONS Acceptable Entry Conditions means the conditions that must exist in a permit space to allow entry and to ensure that employees involved with a permitrequired confined space entry can safely enter into and work within the space. Alternate Procedure Non-Permitted Confined Space (C-5) - A confined space that has only an atmospheric hazard that can be controlled by continuous fixed 2

3 forced air ventilation. Examples include; lift station dry wells, attics, chemical supply rooms. Attendant means 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. Authorized Entrant means an employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space. Block and Bleed means the closure of a line, duct, or pipe by closing and locking or tagging the in-line valve and by opening and locking or tagging a drain or vent valve. Confined Space - A space that: Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. In general, confined spaces are considered to be; enclosures with limited openings for entry and exit or open-topped enclosures with depths that restrict the natural movement of air. Examples of confined spaces include: storage tanks, manholes, bins, vaults, boilers, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers, underground utility vaults, tunnels, pits, elevator vaults and pipelines. 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. 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. Entry means the action by which a person passes through an opening into a permit-required confined space. Entry includes ensuing work activities 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. Entry Permit (permit) means the written or printed document that is provided by the employer to allow and control entry into a permit space and that contains the information specified in subsection (f). 3

4 Entry Supervisor means 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 by this section. Note: An entry supervisor also may serve as an attendant or as an authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped as required by this section for each role he or she fills. Also, the duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation. Hazardous Atmosphere - An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (escape without help from others), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes: Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10% of its Lower Flammable Limit (LFL); Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL; Note: This concentration may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet or less. Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5% or above 23.5%; Any other atmospheric condition that is Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH). Hot Work Permit means the employer's written authorization to perform operations (for example, riveting, welding, cutting, burning, and heating) capable of providing a source of ignition. IDLH - Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health 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 space. Non-permit Confined Spaces - A non-permit confined space is a confined space that does not contain any physical or atmospheric hazards; nor is there a potential for these hazards to develop or permanent equipment is installed to prevent hazards from entering or developing within the space. Entry into confined spaces that do not require a permit should still be made with caution and follow the non-permit entry procedure in section 4. Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere means an atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume. Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere means an atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume. 4

5 Permit Required Confined Space (PRCS) - A confined space that has at least one of the following characteristics: Contains or has the 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 smaller cross-section; or Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard; such as close proximity to operating machinery due to space configuration. Pre-Entry briefing tailgate briefing by entry supervisor prior to a confined space entry to assign roles and review hazards. Prohibited condition means any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit during the period when entry is authorized. Rescue service means the personnel designated to rescue employees from permit spaces. Retrieval system means the equipment (including a retrieval line, chest or fullbody harness, wristlets, if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor) used for non-entry rescue of persons from permit spaces. Testing means the process by which the hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are identified and evaluated. The testing equipment must be approved for use in such explosive or flammable conditions as required by section Note: Testing enables employers both to devise and implement adequate control measures for the protection of authorized entrants and to determine if acceptable entry conditions are present immediately prior to, and during, entry. 3. RESPONSIBILITIES Identification and Classification of Confined Spaces Each Manager/Supervisor shall perform a workplace risk assessment to identify confined spaces, the hazards in or around the spaces, and the potential for hazards to develop in or around the spaces. The assessment shall identify all PRCS's and update the Confined Space inventory as needed. The PRCS inventory is located: PW Pub:Utilities Section Safety\Confined Space Inventory.doc. 5

6 Identifying Confined Space Hazards Employees shall evaluate the hazards of a confined space prior to entry. The potential hazards to identify are any of the following: Atmospheric Hazards Asphyxiating Flammable Toxic Physical Hazards Moving machinery Engulfment Falls Electrocution Hazardous material Noise Burns Heat stress Any other hazard Managers/Supervisors and Leadworkers shall: 1. Identify his/her personnel who will be required to enter confined spaces. 2. Provide detailed instructions and training on confined space hazards and entry procedures to those who may enter confined spaces. 3. Identify and report work areas that have the potential to be confined spaces. Classify confined spaces as either "non-permit required" or "permit required". 4. Inform employees, and other employees who may enter the PRCS by posting danger signs that read DANGER PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER or similar language; and by listing in inventory or by training. 5. Prevent unauthorized entry into confined spaces. 6. Evaluate respiratory hazards and train personnel on the use of testing devices for routine measurement of respiratory hazards in confined spaces. 7. Provide verbal and practical instruction to personnel on the proper use of equipment required for confined space entry. 8. Maintain equipment that is used to enter confined spaces. 9. Conduct pre-entry briefing to inform entrants of the possible hazards that may be encountered in a confined space. 10. Issue and cancel entry permits. 11. Maintain canceled permits on file for one year. 6

7 12. Maintain and calibrate gas detection equipment as required by manufacturer. Train employees on procedures to perform span calibrations with known concentration gases and fresh air calibrations prior to use. 13. Provide equipment necessary for safe entry into and exit from permit spaces (testing, monitoring, ventilation, communication, lighting, barriers, PPE, etc.) 14. Identification of authorized entrant(s) and stand-by attendant(s). Employees who enter confined spaces shall: 1. Obtain the required training before entering a confined space. 2. Follow the confined space entry procedures and any additional instructions given by their supervisor. 3. Understand emergency procedures for confined spaces entry. 4. Not enter a confined space that is suspected of having a hazardous atmosphere, even to rescue a fellow employee. 5. Be responsible for the proper use of equipment. 6. Know the hazards, symptoms, and consequences of exposures. 7. Communicate with Attendant as necessary to enable Attendant to monitor entrant status and to enable the Attendant to alert entrant(s) of the need to evacuate the space as required. 8. Exit from a permit space as quickly as possible whenever an order to evacuate is given, a warning sign or symptom of exposure is detected. Confined Space Attendants shall: 1. Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure; 2. Be aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in authorized entrants; 3. Continuously maintain an accurate count of authorized entrants in the confined space and ensures the means used to identify authorized entrants; 4. Remains outside the confined space during entry operations until relieved by another Attendant; 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 confined space to determine if it is safe for entrant(s) to remain in the confined space and orders the authorized entrant(s) to evacuate the confined space immediately should it be deemed necessary. 7

8 7. Initiates on-site rescue procedures and, if necessary, summon additional rescue and other emergency services 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 person(s) approach or enter a permit space while entry is underway: i. Warn the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the confined space; ii. Advise the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they have entered the confined space; and iii. Inform the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the confined space; 9. Performs non-entry rescues or other rescue services as part of the employer's on-site rescue procedure; and 10. Performs no duties that might interfere with the Attendant's primary duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrants. Contractors who enter confined spaces shall: 1. Not allow their employees or subcontractors to enter a PRCS without having received confined space training and instruction in their individual duties. 2. Have a written PRCS Entry Program and Permit system that is in compliance with OSHA regulations. 3. Obtain any available information regarding permit space hazards or necessary entry procedures from the City. 4. Coordinate entry operations with the Public Utilities Department when both City personnel and contractor personnel will be working in permit spaces. 5. Inform Public Utilities Department personnel of any hazards confronted or created in confined spaces, either through a debriefing or during the entry operation. 6. Upon request, provide a copy of the entry permit used for entry. 4. PROGRAM PROCEDURES 8

9 Non-Permit Required Entry Procedure A non-permit confined space is a confined space that does not contain any physical or atmospheric hazards; nor is there a potential for these hazards to develop or permanent equipment is installed to prevent hazards from entering or developing within the space. 1. Enter the confined space only under the direction of their leadworker or supervisor. 2. Notify the leadworker/supervisor in charge of the area where the confined space is located that an entry will take place. 3. Determine if there has been any change in the use or configuration of the confined space that changes its classification. 4. Determine if any activities in the area could cause a hazardous atmosphere to build up in the confined space. 5. Do not perform any activities in the confined space that could cause a buildup of a hazardous atmosphere, (i.e. welding, painting, or use of chemicals) without proper mechanical ventilation. 6. Never work alone, a minimum of two personnel are required. One entrant and one standby personnel. 7. Use pre-entry gas/oxygen testing and continuous monitoring during occupation. If a hazardous atmosphere is detected, the confined space shall then be considered a permit required confined space and personnel must follow the permit required procedure. Permit Required Confined Space (PRCS) Entry Procedure A permit required confined space is a confined space in which there is a physical hazard or an atmospheric hazard that can not be controlled by continuous forced air ventilation alone. Persons desiring to enter a PRCS shall: 1. Review the permit information and instructions. Permit shall be on site during entry. 2. If possible, eliminate the physical hazards by: Locking out - electrical sources at switches that are remote to the space. Blocking & bleeding - pneumatic and hydraulic lines. Disconnecting - mechanical linkages and belt or chain drives. Securing - mechanically moving parts with chains, blocks, or other devices when possible. Plugging plug pipe inlets when the inflow to a space presents a greater hazard than the actions of removing the flow. For example, the normal inflow into a sewer manhole may present less of a hazard then plugging the upstream side and building up pressure behind the plug. 9

10 If all physical hazards can be eliminated, the space can be entered as either an Alternate Procedure Non-Permitted Confined Space or Nonpermit Confined Space, depending on the condition of the atmosphere. 3. Never work alone, a minimum of three personnel are required. One entrant, one attendant and one additional employee who may have other duties shall be within sight or call of the attendant. 4. Assign all entry team members a specific role to serve with detailed instructions. 5. Determine method of communication between entrants and attendant. Direct visual and audible contact to the entrant should be maintained at all times; gas detectors are equipped with visual and audible alarms. In spaces where direct contact is not possible, two methods of communication should be utilized; hand held radio and tug line. The entrant and attendant will agree on tug signals and test radios prior to entry. Communications shall be made in clear text. 6. Test atmosphere prior to employee entry and provide continuous monitoring, secured to the entrant, upon entry. Depending on the size and configuration of the space, a second detector can be used to periodically test atmospheric strata at four foot increments for logging on the permit. 7. If pre-entry atmospheric testing identifies hazards, ENTRY IS NOT ALLOWED. Atmospheric hazards must be eliminated by plugging, flushing or ventilating the space. Ventilate space for a minimum of five (5) air exchanges. Square Spaces: Height x Width x Length = volume Round Spaces:.785 x Diameter squared x H = volume 8. Retest atmosphere to confirm that acceptable entry conditions are present. If continuous ventilation is required to render the confined space safe, a Utility Manager must be consulted prior to entry. 9. Set up non-entry rescue equipment, (tripod and hoist or vehicle mount davit system). 10. Put on body harness with line attached, (entrants only). 11. Connect body harness to line from tripod or other mechanical device. 12. Enter space and check for hazards that may not have been detected. 13. Monitor atmosphere throughout entry and record results every 5 minutes on the entry permit. 14. Exit the space immediately if any of the following occurs: A hazardous atmosphere is detected. Any health or safety hazard is detected. If entrants start to show signs of exposure to atmospheric hazards. (fatigue, confusion, unresponsive) (Re-evaluate space, contact a supervisor and modify entry procedure to render the space safe before re-entering.) 10

11 15. When work is completed, return space to proper condition and secure opening. 16. Note problems encountered on the permit. 17. Retain cancelled entry permit in entry log book for a minimum of one year. 5. RESCUE 1. Self-Rescue Procedures Self-Rescue is the safest means for an entrant to be removed from any space. Self Rescue only applies to spaces that allow access for the entrant to enter and exit without any assistance. Any time an entrant of a confined space is directed to leave the space, experiences an alarm condition or feels any signs or symptoms of exposure, they are to vacate the space immediately. It is important to remain calm; an alarm warning on a gas detector is not a cause for panic. Simply stop your current activity, check your path of evacuation and remove yourself from the space. It is important for the entrant to always keep this path clear of tools and materials. Once free from the space, check the detector for the type of alarm condition. If the space was a non-permit confined space, it will now be considered a permit required space until the hazard is eliminated. 2. Non-Entry Rescue Procedures Non-Entry Rescue is provided by the attendant of a confined space entry. The Attendant will utilize the attached safety harness and lifeline to remove the entrant if the entrant cannot facilitate a self rescue. The Attendant shall proceed with a non-entry rescue upon any request from the entrant to be removed or alarm condition or any observation of signs or symptoms of the entrant to an exposure. An alarm warning on a gas detector is not a cause from panic. Make communication with the entrant and begin retrieval. Steadily hoist or pull the lifeline until the entrant is clear of the space. If the entrant requires medical attention, dispatch for emergency services. Following removal from the space check the gas detector for the alarm condition. Further atmospheric testing will be required before any re-entry is allowed. Report the alarm conditions to the section manager for confined space re-evaluation. Non-entry rescue is the only type of rescue to be provided by Public Utilities Department personnel. Entry Rescue procedures are provided by Clovis Fire Department. Public Utilities Department employees shall facilitate non-entry rescue by using retrieval systems and methods whenever entry into a PRCS is required, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk to the entrant or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant. A retrieval system should consist of a 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. The other end of the retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the permit space in such a manner that rescue can begin as soon as the Attendant 11

12 becomes aware that a rescue is necessary. For vertical spaces that are more than five (5) feet deep, a retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical device (tripod with a hoist) in order to retrieve personnel. If an entrant is exposed to a substance that is required to have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), that information shall be given to the EMS personnel treating the entrant. 3. Entry Rescue Procedures Rescue and Emergency Services Procedure Under no circumstances shall unauthorized personnel enter a confined space to attempt a rescue. The Clovis Fire Department (CFD) has the Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue teams that are needed for a confined space rescue. Fresno County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is responsible for providing emergency medical treatment. All permit required confined space entries in which a rescue cannot be accomplished via 1. Self-Rescue Procedures or 2. Non-Entry Rescue Procedures, the CFD and EMS will be at the work site ready to immediately perform entry rescue and first aid. 6. Written Permit System Each supervisor shall document the completion of preparation needed for a safe permit space entry by preparing an entry permit. The permit shall include the following: list the potential or existing hazards acceptable entry conditions procedures used to isolate the permit space steps necessary to control atmospheric hazards barriers needed to protect entrants from external hazards steps necessary to ensure acceptable entry conditions are present throughout the entry; The entry supervisor shall sign the permit to authorize entry. The completed permit shall be reviewed with all authorized entrants and posted at the site of entry. The duration of the permit shall not exceed the time required to complete the assigned task. The entry supervisor shall terminate the entry and cancel the permit when: the task listed on the permit has been completed; or a condition that is not allowed under the permit arises in or near the space. Each canceled entry permit shall be kept on file for one year to facilitate the annual PRCS program review. Comments concerning problems with entry 12

13 operations should be noted on the permit so that entry procedures can be evaluated and revised if necessary. 7. EQUIPMENT Historically, Confined Space Equipment has been owned and maintained by the Utilities Section of the Public Utilities Department. Most entries are performed by the Wastewater Collections Maintenance staff and Water Production staff. Equipment shall be stored in the following locations. Corp Yard, 155 N. Sunnyside Avenue Rm B-2: (one) DBI/Sala tripod with winch, (three) Biosystems 4 gas detectors with pump, (one) 600 cfm (positioned with a 90 degree elbow) axial blower, body harnesses. Lift Station E, 8400 E. Ashlan Avenue: Odor Control Rm: (one) Biosystems 4 gas detector, (one) 600 cfm (positioned with a 90 degree elbow) axial blower. SWTP, 800 N. Leonard Avenue: (One) Miller vehicle mounted mast (davit system) with auto retract winch, (one) Biosystems 4 gas detector with pump, body harnesses. 8. RECORDKEEPING Completed entry permits shall be kept for a minimum of one year. Records for entries at the SWTP will be kept at the plant. All other permit entries shall be retained by the Utilities Manager for the wastewater collections section. The wastewater collections section historically performs the most confined space entries and shall retain the log book for such entries. 13