Annex F (Revision 4) To Loughborough University Estates Services Health and Safety Policy

Transcription

1 Annex F (Revision 4) To Loughborough University Estates Services Health and Safety Policy Confined Spaces (Including Excavations). 1. Commitment a. Senior management realises that work associated with Confined Spaces involves inherently greater risk than that occurring in other workplace environments. b. The term 'Confined Space' 1 applies to work spaces inside which one or more of the following hazardous conditions could be present or could possibly develop: i. Personal Confinement. ii. Unstable interior condition. iii. Flowable solid materials or residual liquids or sludges. iv. Release of energy through uncontrolled or unpredicted motion or action of equipment. v. Atmospheric confinement: vi. Toxic substances. vii. Oxygen deficiency/enrichment. viii. Flammable/combustible atmosphere. vi. Chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic, mechanical, process and safety hazards within the above. NB. Certain facets associated with accessing confined spaces will also be covered by other permit systems, such as High Voltage Electrical Switch rooms, Pressure systems etc. c. Loughborough University Estates Services will support all endeavours to reduce the risk when working within these workspaces to the minimum possible; accordingly a programme of continuous improvement of managing the hazards associated with confined spaces will be supported. d. In pursuit of this goal, all levels of management will conduct activities involving confined spaces in a manner that will minimise the risk to which employees will be subjected and take reasonable steps and support all initiatives to minimise such risk and management expects constructive and active participation at all levels. e. Work practices shall incorporate all elements necessary to ensure success of the stated policy. f. The satisfactory measure of the adopted approach to Confined Spaces is that associated operations are illness, injury and fatality free. 1 Safety and Health in Confined Spaces 1999, N McManus, Lewis Publishers, London Estates Services Page 1 of 15 20/06/2008

2 2. Inventory a. The development of a detailed inventory is a requisite of any ongoing confined spaces policy. However, the absence of such detail should not discourage active participation following the above guidelines as to the term 'Confined Space'. b. As a guide, the term confined space within Loughborough University Estates Services will be deemed to include: An enclosed or partially enclosed workspace. (e.g. the internal spaces of a boiler). Limited means of entry and exit. (e.g. West Park voids). Subject to accumulation of toxic or flammable contaminants. (e.g. Boiler flue ways). May develop an oxygen deficiency. (e.g. foul drainage chambers, waterside of boilers). Not intended for continuous employee occupancy. (e.g. Service voids or risers with limited 2 access and egress). 3. Identification a. Currently, four specific areas have been designated as confined spaces involving access by Estates Services personnel and contractors, including the self-employed who undertake work on their behalf. These are: - 4. Security Boiler watersides, combustion chambers and flue ways Foul, Grey and Surface water chambers Excavations where Flowable solids or oxygen deficiency may be experienced. East Park Voids have been designated as Controlled areas and afforded a specific access procedure. (See Appendix 1). a. Establishing the security of confined spaces against casual entry by unauthorised personnel is essential. To this end, once operatives enter a space that has been designated as a confined space, warning signs and barriers should be utilised to prevent casual entry. b. Where the prevention of unauthorised entry to confined spaces is essential for operational reasons, but physical barriers may be breached, it will be necessary to post a watch during break periods where access cannot be prevented in any other way. c. The Risk management plan should state the communications methods and responsibilities of all those concerned with any rescue plan. 2 Access to/egress from a location that might involve the use of specialist services or equipment, should the health and safety of anyone accessing the space to assist place those them in similar danger. Estates Services Page 2 of 15 20/06/2008

3 5. Risk Assessment a. A task specific Risk Assessment (RA) must be carried out prior to entry into any confined space or controlled area, focussing on the anticipated hazards that might arise in the environment, predicting the possible severity, assessing the level of risk and its acceptability. (See Risk Assessment section). b. A generic risk assessment (81G) has been carried out for work in West Park voids and the associated procedure is at Appendix 1. c. Such Risk Assessment should only be carried out by persons competent, through education, training and experience of the requirements associated with the particular situation at hand. d. The Mechanical Services Supervisor in the case of boilers, and the Buildings Supervisor in the case of drainage systems, having attended suitable training or their equivalent in status and/or knowledge would exemplify such competent persons within Loughborough University Estates Services. Specially trained personnel who manage and effect entry to confined spaces regularly and are appointed by the Maintenance manager or the Departmental Health, Safety and Sustainability Coordinator in their prolonged absence may be authorised to issue permits to enter Confined Spaces. e. The Risk Assessment should be approached as indicated below: i. Inspection/appraisal of the undisturbed space. ii. Preparation prior to entry for pre-work inspection. iii. Pre-work inspection. iv. Work phase. (Including permits and safe systems of work) v. Emergency response plan, to include reference to and details of contacting the emergency services for assistance where appropriate. e. It is imperative that the initial appraisal is undertaken and recorded prior to any entry, as hazardous conditions can occur at any stage during the cycle. 6. Site preparation, Entry and Work (Including Excavations). a. These phases must be consistent with the Risk Assessment. The Risk Assessment must be specific to the task at hand; generic Risk Assessment only being used where conditions remain the same from entry to entry. b. Work activities involving confined spaces are often time critical. Loughborough University Estates Services management will encourage safe practices at all times and shortcuts or non-compliance with Risk Assessment and this code of practice will not be tolerated. c. No person shall enter or allow others under their control to enter an excavation deeper than 1.2 meters (4 feet) unless the area being accessed has been suitable shored. Where access and egress to separate areas of an excavation is Estates Services Page 3 of 15 20/06/2008

4 effected through the excavation, all the excavation shall be suitably shored. The risk assessment for the work may reduce the depth at which shoring is required depending on site and weather conditions. (E.g. during rain storms or following prolonged periods of wet weather). 7. Atmospheric and Environmental Testing a. Testing provides the basis for evaluating the environment within the workspace and gives warning not to enter, or when to leave under adverse conditions. Atmospheric testing must be appropriate to the contaminant of interest. Initial testing in new areas should be carried out in association with the University Health and Safety officers. However, operatives and those supervising the work must carry out subsequent testing during the work. 8. Ventilation a. Airborne contaminants can arise from residual contents and contaminants that arise from the work process itself. Ventilation to overcome such contaminants may utilise natural ventilation and convective air movement or portable ventilation equipment. b. Particular note must be made regarding the potential for contamination of West Park voids by fumes and vapours from the laboratories and workshops below. c. The Risk Assessment should identify the requirement for and suitability of ventilation. Particular attention must be paid to the volumetric flow rates and pressure. d. Extreme care should be taken in the siting of generators and petrol or diesel driven pumps to ensure that exhaust gases do not enter the work area. Exhaust fumes are heavier than air and will settle in excavations causing a build up which could lead to asphyxiation and/or carbon monoxide poisoning. 9. Respiratory Protective and Personal Protective Equipment (RPE and PPE) a. Due to the possible impracticality of alternative control methods, Respiratory Protective Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment may be required under certain conditions, with the need to rely on Respiratory Protective Equipment possibly greater than in normal working environments. b. It is imperative that great care is taken with the selection of suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment to ensure that it is suitable protection against the contaminants, that it does not adversely hinder rapid egress should an emergency situation befall the occupants of the space and that an excessive burden is not placed on the individual by the equipment itself, such as claustrophobia, physiological and psychological stress and heat stress. Estates Services Page 4 of 15 20/06/2008

5 c. No person shall use or rely on the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment without having undergone thorough training specific to the equipment being used. d. Respiratory Protective Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment are covered elsewhere within this policy. 10. Emergency Preparedness and Response a. The preparation of a suitable emergency plan will bridge the gap between what is supposed to happen during a job of work and what could happen. b. Determining what could happen is an integral part of the Risk Assessment. It is a well-documented fact that the lack of a suitable emergency plan has been responsible for the inability of people to respond to unacceptable conditions. c. If the level of initial response to unacceptable conditions is less than that sufficient to alleviate a realistic (though theoretical) situation, then a reappraisal must be undertaken. The intention and preparedness to use a rescue plan and/or rescue equipment will be accompanied by a suitable training regime. d. The Emergency Services should form an integral part of any proposed emergency plan with contact details and arrangements known to all who enter confined spaces. 11. Contractors a. Due to the nature and specialised expertise required for certain operations, contractors undertake much of the work carried out within confined spaces. However, such contractors will seldom be as versed in the particular environment under consideration as Loughborough University Estates Services staff and must be inducted into the fundamentals of this code of practice by the Estates Services person in charge of the work, before being allowed to work in any confined space. b. Contractors shall be made to produce suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment and operating procedures or method statements prior to working in any confined space. c. The Estates Services permit system shall be utilised at all times unless the Contractor has sole control of the workplace, as would be the case where a building site is formally handed to a building contractor. In such instances, the contractor shall be responsible for the management of anyone working within such spaces and shall impose suitable safe systems of work. d. Estates staff requiring access to spaces under the control of a contractor shall accord to the requirements imposed by the contractor. Where such standards are considered inadequate, the matter should be referred to the Estates manager responsible for the contract in question. Estates Services Page 5 of 15 20/06/2008

6 e. Contractors working in West park Voids shall be given clearance that safe conditions exist by the Estates Services Project Manager, who shall ascertain this by contacting the Chief Technician for the area being accessed, and this detail shall be included on the permission. See Appendix Permit to Enter Procedures a. Work should never be undertaken within a confined space without first obtaining a written permit to enter. b. Entering and Working in Ceiling Voids is strictly controlled by Loughborough University Estates Services. The current procedure for entry into Ceiling voids is given at Appendix 1 to this Annex. c. A copy of a permit to enter confined spaces is given in Appendix 2 to this Annex. And its guidance should be utilised as an aide-memoir to offering assistance to anyone wishing to enter a confined space. d. Where the information required on the permit is inapplicable, N/A shall be entered in each of the spaces provided. Appendix 1 - Entering And Working In Ceiling Voids Appendix 2 - Access Request Form Controlled Areas (Including West Park Voids) Appendix 3 - Procedure For Entry Into Drains On Campus Estates Services Page 6 of 15 20/06/2008

7 Annex F Appendix 1 (Revision 4) To Loughborough University Estates Services Health and Safety Policy Entering And Working In Controlled Spaces (Including West Park Voids) 1. The Risk a. The risk to the health and safety of any person entering or working within the service void areas of the original West Park buildings (Originally designated as W, S, T and Civil Teaching buildings), require that job specific Risk Management procedures be put into place. b. Services within the voids themselves, and for which account has to be taken include: - Electrical Services up to 415 Volts 3 phase with wiring running within trunking and surface on suitable supports. Lighting controls and wiring, including electrical flexible connections that might easily be damaged. High Temperature Hot Water pipe work up to 130 degrees centigrade working at a pressure of 5.8 bar (g), and the possible release of energy release and steam displacing oxygen. Hot and cold water storage tanks and services pipework that might be easily damaged. Note no access to storage tanks or cold-water services is allowed other than by Estates Services personnel or contractors authorised by Estates Services carrying out maintenance and cleaning duties. Ventilation plant and ductwork, including a potential release of hazardous fumes or vapours should transfer ductwork integrity be breached. Remotely controlled plant and machinery. The possibility of asbestos contaminated electrical trunking and bundled data and telephone wiring. Sharp edges and objects within the structure and on services ducts and pipe supports that could lead to injury to anyone not wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Piped natural and other gases. Limited access/egress due to disposition of plant and equipment, particularly relevant during emergency evacuations. Estates Services Page 7 of 15 20/06/2008

8 2. Method Of Entry a. Anyone requiring access to the service voids within West Park shall obtain a permit to enter from the Director of Estates Services or his Nominated Deputy 3. b. No person shall enter the Service voids without first undergoing basic Health and Safety Induction Training, by the Estates Services manager in charge of the work, a Nominated Deputy, the Building Services Health and Safety Risk Management Coordinator or the Estates Services Health, Safety and Sustainability Coordinator. c. Standing authority for Estates Services personnel to enter voids shall be obtained from the Head of their section ( Development, Building, Electrical, Mechanical) or the Estates Services Health and Safety Officer in their prolonged absence. An Estates Services Health and Safety induction plus an assessment of individual competence shall be pre-requisites for any Estates Services employee being given standing authority to access the voids. Unless a specific risk assessment indicates previously unidentified risks, Estates Services Employees obtaining such authority shall not be required to obtain an access request form but must comply fully with all other aspects of this procedure. d. Such access authority for Estates personnel shall remain in force unless revoked by the Deputy Director or Maintenance Manager or in their prolonged absence the Health, Safety and Sustainability Coordinator. e. A draft Access Request Form 4 shall be completed by the person requesting the access (sponsor), confirming that a suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment has been undertaken for the work within the void area. Where the sponsor has not certified the suitability and sufficiency of the Risk Assessment, a copy of the assessment (and method statement where required) should accompany the Access Request Form. f. In the absence of certification by the sponsor, the Nominated Deputy shall ensure that the RA produced is specific to the task before signing the Access Request and authorising a key. g. The Key Office Clerk shall not issue keys to access any void area without an Access Request Form - Controlled Areas being suitably endorsed and fully completed by the Director of Estates Services or their Nominated Deputy. NB. This is a strict requirement, imposed for Risk Management reasons and the key office has no power of discretion. h. Estates Services personnel entering a void shall always use a radio from Estates Services. 3 A list of Nominated Deputies appears at the end of this Appendix. 4 See example at Appendix 2, a copy of which may be infilled in preparation. The official authority forms part of a duplicate permit authority book, held in Estates Services. Estates Services Page 8 of 15 20/06/2008

9 i. Contractors and Departmental staff shall report to the Estates Maintenance Office with the completed Risk Assessment and sign the Access Request Form Controlled Areas (See Appendix 2). before entering the voids. j. Radios, keys and a Schematic drawing identifying access points to the voids shall be obtained from the Estates Maintenance Section. k. Entry to voids is by way of a drop down loft-type ladder, by ladder accessed from a floor hatchway in corridor, or by ladder in the stairwell leading to vertical doors. It should be noted that the access doors and hatches to the voids might contain asbestos, which in its undisturbed state poses no risk. However, no work should be carried out on these doors and access hatches except by suitably trained (asbestos) and qualified personnel. l. Where entry is from the stairwell, a vertical ladder tie is provided just inside the door. These must be used at all times to secure the ladder. m. Ladders are not provided for departmental staff or contractors. Estates personnel are provided with ladders. Estates staff should ensure that they have been suitably trained in the use of ladders before entering the voids. n. Warning triangles stating 'Caution Men Working' must always be placed either side of the corridor access point or on the landings above and below if access is from the stairwell and at either side on corridors. o. Warning triangles are obtained from the Estates Maintenance Section when permits and keys are issued. p. Before entering the void, on each occasion contact must be made with Estates Services Helpdesk via the radio to inform them of the exact area of void being entered or worked in. NOTE: Estates Services Helpdesk will respond on call sign ESTATES 15. Each access and egress point has a local identifying sign. q. On each occasion, the void accessed or vacated or at the end of the working period, Estates Services Helpdesk shall be informed via radio that the persons/contractors have vacated the void. This applies at meal break times as well as any other time when work has finished in the voids. 3. General Precautions. NOTE: Every Entry/Exit point to the voids has a unique number a. Methods of entry above must be complied with at all times. b. The Estates Services guidance for issuing permits (Annex Z) shall be followed. c. Radios, issued by Estates Services, must be carried by Estates Services personnel or contractors entering voids at all times and must not be left at the entry to the void area. Estates Services Page 9 of 15 20/06/2008

10 d. All persons working in the voids MUST evacuate immediately and report to the Fire Marshal or Fire Coordinator at the designated assembly point should the fire alarm sound. e. Should the integrity of any heating or compressed air pipe be breached accidentally all staff other than those nominated to attend the incident should withdraw from the voids and report the matter immediately to the Estates Helpdesk. Call sign Estates 16 and to the local technicians if possible. f. A minimum of two people shall be in the void at any one time, single person working is not permitted under any circumstances. g. The void must be left secure when staff or contractors are not working in the area, including during lunch breaks etc. h. Unauthorised personnel should not be permitted to enter the voids by staff or contractors already working there, anybody requiring access should be referred to the Estates offices and should conform to the requirements contained within this guidance. i. The radio and keys shall be returned to the Estates Section at the end of the working period/day and will be re-issued the following morning as required. j. Safety clothing, safety footwear and helmets must be worn at all times when working in the voids. Individual Risk Assessments may additionally require that gloves, knee and elbow pads should be worn. k. Emergency lighting is provided in the voids, although staff and contractors are required to carry a torch at all times. l. The taking of food or drink into the voids is forbidden. m. The playing of radios or smoking is forbidden in the voids. n. Estates Personnel should inform the Helpdesk by radio or by telephone if there is no reply via the radio, of their intention to enter the voids to ensure that radio communication is established. 4. Nominated Deputies o. Nominated deputies shall include: - The Maintenance Manager, Maintenance Officer, Assistant Maintenance Officer Mechanical Services Engineer, Electrical Services Engineer, Assistant Electrical Services Engineer Estates Services Page 10 of 15 20/06/2008

11 Assistant Mechanical services Engineer University Surveyor, Assistant Building Surveyor, Small Works Manager, Development Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Anyone authorised in writing by the Director of Estates Services. Estates Services Page 11 of 15 20/06/2008

12 Appendix 2 Access Request Form Controlled Areas ( Including West Park Voids) (Example only Original to be issued from duplicate held in Estates Services) Exact Location (s) of Area to be entered (Name of Building and Access/Egress point) Purpose for which Entry is Required: Dates for which access is required: Personnel/Company Authorised to Enter. Hazards possible within the space: See LUES Annex F Appdx 1(Rev4) Name of person Authorising access: Position: Communications method and equipment to be used by the attendant (top man) and authorised entrants: Radio Communication immediately before each access and immediately on exiting void. Telephone communication is an acceptable alternative where radio communication is not possible but this alternative arrangement must be authorised before use. Equipment Required for compliance with this authority: Personal Protective Equipment: Full overalls, hard hat, gloves as necessary. See also Individual RA for work to be undertaken. Testing Equipment: See individual Risk Assessment Communications Equipment: Alarm Systems: Use of Radio (or mobile telephone if authorised). Other Equipment: See Risk Assessment Any additional Permits required covering the space or services affecting the space to be accessed: I hereby declare that I have read and will comply with Estates Services policy ENTERING AND WORKING IN CONTROLLED AREAS and have undertaken a suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment for the intended work. All persons under my charge have been suitably trained and made aware of the risks associated with entry into the voids. Signed: - Print: - Date: - (Person In charge of the work) Issue 3 dated 26 th November 2007 I certify that: - I have viewed the Risk Assessment that it is specific to the work at hand, I have contacted the Senior Technician controlling the area being accessed regarding possible hazardous substances and that keys may be issued to access the area(s) identified above. Signed: - Print: - Date: - ( Estates Services Nominated Deputy or Authorised Manager permitting access to the area) Estates Services Page 12 of 15 20/06/2008

13 Annex F Appendix 3 (Revision 4) To Loughborough University Estates Services Health and Safety Policy Procedure For Entry Into Drains On Campus 1. Entry to drains or similar confined spaces is governed by this strict procedure, which must be adhered to at all times. Only authorised, suitable trained personnel shall be allowed entry into drains. 2. No work whatsoever shall be undertaken without first referring to the current Risk Assessment for the job, or after carrying out a Risk Assessment for the work to be undertaken. 3. A 'Permit To Enter a Confined Space' is to be issued by the relevant Supervisor or their authorised assistant prior to each and every entry. In the absence of the Supervisor, the Head of Direct Labour, Maintenance Engineer, Buildings Officer or Maintenance manager may issue the necessary Permit once they have thoroughly acquainted themselves with the job at hand. An example of a Permit to Enter a Confined Space is given in Annex F Appendix 2 to this Policy document. 4. All work where descent or entry into drains is necessary shall be a two-man operation. 5. The following safety equipment should be obtained before journeying to the drain entry point in question. Tripod, Winch and accompanying Harness. Sabre ELSA Sprint Compressed Air Escape Breathing Apparatus Status PGD2 Portable Gas Detector Personal Protective Equipment. (Bump Cap, Safety torch etc.). 6. Tripod, Winch and accompanying harness. Rescue Harness supplied by Pammenter and Petrie Ltd; type SH14 RESCUE, serial No; a. It is mandatory that the User Manuals are read and fully understood before using any of the equipment. b. Each time the Rescue Harness is used, record the details in the Record Sheet. Copies of the above documents are in the Building Supervisor s Office. 7. Manual Restraining Winch and Tripod supplied by Pammenter and Petrie Ltd; type PP/IKAR HRA 12 MANUAL RESTRAINING WINCH and TRIPOD, makers No; 274(717). Estates Services Page 13 of 15 20/06/2008

14 a. Before use, read the instructions of use. A copy of which is in the Building Supervisor s Office. b. The Winch inspected by the Competent Person on behalf of the University's Insurers once a year and is serviced annually (December/January) by Pammenter and Petrie Ltd specialists. c. The Contracts Engineer is responsible for organising the Winch inspection and relevant service documentation. d. Any defects in the equipment noted during use are to be reported to the Building Supervisor. 8. Sabre ELSA Sprint Compressed Air Escape Breathing Apparatus a. The Sabre ELSA Sprint Compressed Air Escape Breathing Apparatus and associated Harness assembly will be inspected before every use and maintained and stored in the Building Supervisor s Office. 9. Status PGD2 Portable Gas Detector Serial Number SSC a. This will be stored in the building Supervisor s office and maintained and serviced by the specialist supplier. A PPM reminder will be issued for testing and calibration once per year. b. This detector will test for the presence of toxic, flammable and oxygen deficient atmospheres. 10. Personal Protective Equipment Gloves, overalls, safety boots, bump cap, eye protection etc, is to be worn as appropriate to the task. 11. Procedure a. Before entry, remove the chamber covers on the same drain run, both upstream and downstream of the entry chamber. This will assist the ventilation of the drainage system. b. Inform Security of intention to enter a Confined Space and the location. c. Ensure that barriers and/or cones protect all open chambers as soon as the covers are removed. The barriers/cones are not to be removed until the covers have been replaced. d. After removing the entry chamber cover, set up the Portable Gas Detector as described in the Status Controls Limited Operating Instructions that accompany the detector. If the instructions are missing, obtain a copy from the Departmental Health and Safety e. Whilst the gas detector is going through its self-test routines, carry out the tests on the Air Escape Breathing Apparatus as required in the user instructions (Part Nr Estates Services Page 14 of 15 20/06/2008

15 ) that accompany the apparatus. If a copy is not available, obtain a copy from the Building Supervisor. Do not proceed with the work without reading the operating instructions before each operation. f. Lower the Portable Gas Detector on a rope to within 300mm of the invert level of the Drain Chamber and allow a minimum of 5 minutes to test the atmosphere. A visible and audible alarm will activate if any of the above gases are present at unacceptable levels. If this occurs, do not proceed any further but keep checking the atmosphere on a regular basis. g. Only when the monitor indicates an acceptable atmosphere; check first then assemble the Tripod Hoist System over the chamber to prepare for entry. See accompanying literature. h. Climb into and fit the Harness don the Escape Breathing Apparatus in the dedicated bag, ensuring that the lid is still sealed. i. Clip the winch line overhead to the centre shoulder point and climb into the chamber with the second operator controlling the hoist line and Fresh Air Hose as the first operator descends into the chamber. j. On reaching the floor of the chamber, attach the Portable Gas Detector to using the clips supplied with the instrument. 12. Should the Portable Gas Detector Alarm sound during the work in the chamber, fit the Air Escape Breathing Apparatus immediately. Notify the second operator and withdraw from the chamber with his assistance on the Winch if necessary. 13. Should the operator in the chamber be out of view of the Winch operator (top man), regular communication (at least every minute) between both operatives shall to be made. 14. In the event of the operative in the chamber either not responding to regular communication or not appearing shortly after the alarm sounds. Immediately contact security by radio offering a brief description of the situation and commence winching the operative out of the space. 15. When operations are complete, all equipment needs to be checked, thoroughly cleaned and stored neatly such that it is immediately available for future use. Advice is contained within the operating manuals provided with the equipment. 16. To switch off the RAE Multigas Detector hold down the on button for 6 seconds and remove the push fit filter/tubing connector. 17. Return the detector to the Heath and Safety Office and leave on charge. Estates Services Page 15 of 15 20/06/2008