CONFINED SPACE OR HIGH RISK LOCATION ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Transcription

1 LEARNING GUIDE FOR CONFINED SPACE OR HIGH RISK LOCATION ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Section 1 VERSION: 2.0 IMPLEMENTATION DATE: 26 SEPTEMBER 2011 REVISION DATE: 01 OCTOBER 2012 REFERENCE NUMBER: ALLSM-ALL-HLH-SUP-0003

2 Learning Guide title Section 1 LG reference number Version of this document ALLSM-ALL-HLH-SUP-0003 V2 Date of LG issue September 2011 Last revision date of LG October 2012 Domain Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Your name Date of this training The facilitator LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 2 of 26

3 Foreword Before you can be issued with a Certificate of Isolation and lockout training, you must be trained and found competent to carry out the requirement for Confined Space or High Risk Location entry. These requirements are extremely important this is why we have dedicated separate Lesson guides to the Confined Space entry requirements detailed in the Smelter Operational Standard ALLSM-ALL-HLH-PRO LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 3 of 26

4 Confined Space or High Risk Location Lesson Guide Introductory Notes: This Lesson Guide is made up of Two Sections: Section 1: Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Procedure Requirements Section 2: Training Requirements for Persons designated to declare the Atmosphere in a Confined Space or High Risk Location Safe for Entry. It is important to remember the following: 1. All persons required to undergo Isolation and Lock-Out Training must undergo Confined Space or High Risk Location entry procedure training (Section 1) and be found competent in these requirements before being issued with a Certificate of Isolation and Lock-Out Training. 2. Persons who undertake Isolation and Lock-Out training and who are not designated to declare the Atmosphere and Surface Temperatures in a Confined Space or High Risk Location safe for entry need not undergo training in atmosphere and surface temperature exposure level testing and instrument usage (Section 2) before being issued with a Certificate of Isolation and Lock-Out Training. 3. Persons who are designated to declare the atmosphere and surface temperatures in a confined Space or High Risk Location Safe for Entry must undergo training in the requirements for atmosphere and surface temperature exposure level testing and instrument usage within a Confined Space or High Risk Location (Section 2) The above training on the use of the instrument/s for testing atmosphere and surface temperature exposure levels must be provided by person/s designated by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist for this purpose. ** Remember no work is so important or urgent that it should be conducted in an unsafe manner. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 4 of 26

5 Section 1 CONTENTS: Gaining an understanding of the following elements are covered by Section 1 of this learning guide: 1.1 Definition of terms used in the Smelter Standard for Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Requirements Explanatory Overview of a Confined Space or High Risk Location Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit Requirements Signage displaying names of persons authorised to declare the Atmosphere and Surface Temperatures in a Confined Space or High Risk Location Safe for Entry Validity period for Safe Atmosphere and Surface Temperatures Declaration Personal Exposure Monitors Atmosphere and Surface Temperatures Safe for Entry Declaration Form Requirements before issuing a Permit to Work Hazards that are known to have caused injury in a Confined Space or High Risk Location Guideline Summary of Hazards and Associated Risks Summary of Entry Preparation requirements Cancellation of a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit Record keeping of the Atmosphere Safe for Entry declaration forms Legal requirements 25 LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 5 of 26

6 1.1 Definition of terms used in the Smelter Standard for Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Requirements. Term Confined Space Definition A confined space in terms of this procedure means: i. a confined space as defined in the OHSA i.e. an enclosed, restricted or limited space in which, because of its construction, location or contents, or work activity carried on therein, a hazardous substance may accumulate or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere may occur, and includes any chamber, tunnel, pipe, pit, sewer, container, valve, pump, sump or similar construction, equipment, machinery or object in which a dangerous concentration of gas, vapour, dust or fumes may be present. ii. any space that could restrict escape therefrom or complicate rescue procedures in an emergency because of access and/or layout restrictions including but not limited to: a pressure vessel as defined in the MHSA and/or any other type of vessel which requires periodic entry. any silo, tank, bin, discharge/control chute or similar equipment/structure constructed from steel, glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and/or any other type of material; the area above the draw off point and /or any other section of a stock-pile, spoil-pile, storage heap and/or dump containing particulate material that has been cleared to gain access for work within the section cleared. High Risk Location iii. See Appendix 10 - alternative confined space definition used by AA Thermal Coal. Any location that may have unrestricted access but for which an entry permit is required because of the health and safety hazards and risks identified therein. Such locations include but are not limited to : a Hazardous location as defined under Chapter 10 (Miscellaneous and General Provisions) of the MHSA. any large water containment dam and its surrounding. any unrestricted process pit, silo, tank, bin or similar equipment/structure constructed from steel, glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and/or any other type of material. any other unrestricted place where there is a danger of engulfment and/or the presence of dangerous gas, fumes, dust or vapour. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 6 of 26

7 1.2 Explanatory overview of a Confined Space or High Risk Location. Many serious accidents have occurred and continue to occur because the same hazards often exist in certain (High Risk) Locations as in a Confined Space but the locations were not identified as locations that require making safe, gas testing, or an entry permit before entering because the locations did not conform to a particular general understanding of what constitutes a Confined Space. i.e. a large process pit with two entry stairways filled with oxygen, unstable material along the edge of a run of mine stockpile, gas/heat exposures above large pyro-metallurgical furnace roof, heat exposure in a furnace transformer room etc. The OHSA alludes to places other than confined spaces that must be identified in which the regulations applicable to confined spaces should also be applied. These places are areas adjacent to or affected by the conditions within a confined space or a stockpile or other place where there is a danger of engulfment and/or the presence of dangerous gas, fumes, dust or vapour. The only name that can be applied to such a place would be a High Risk Location. Definitions of a Confined Space not only vary between countries but are known to vary from one type of industry to another. The MHSA gives no definition of a Confined Space. Besides the OHSA definition of a confined space, the understanding of a Confined Space could vary from a location that has a single entry in which entrapment could occur to a closed or partially closed vessel with a single small opening or a layout with obstructions that make entry and exit difficult and could complicate rescue procedures in the case of an emergency. It is generally accepted as a space not designed for someone to work in regularly but into which entry is periodically required for workers to carry out tasks such as inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and/or repair. Take away single entry entry and/or a layout with obstructions and we are left with High Risk Locations that must be identified and for which a permit should be issued before entry. We dare not make the mistake of confining entry permit requirements to locations that have restricted access and/or uncomfortable work spaces. In short we need to identify High Risk Locations (that include our general understanding of what constitutes a Confined Space) and implement an access control system that requires a Permit-to-Work. This will allow for the implementation of the AFRS isolation requirement No. 7 (as determined by risk assessment, isolation of highenergy or other high risk work requires a permit-to-work) as well as the implementation of the equipment safeguarding requirement No. 4 (where safeguarding and interlock systems are insufficient to protect people, access to plant and equipment shall be controlled and monitored) with specific reference to a Confined Space or High Risk Location. No person may enter a Confined Space or High Risk Location without having been issued a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit by the Responsible Operator. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 7 of 26

8 1.3 Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit requirements. ** No person may enter a Confined Space or High Risk Location unless he/she has been issued with a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit. As far as reasonably practicable, the entry at each Confined Space or High Risk Location must have appropriate signage, approved by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist in consultation with the Responsible Engineer that describes identified hazards that may be present upon entry and prohibits entry without an entry permit. Remember: Service Man-Hole covers (bolted to tank/vessel entries or placed over stormwater drains, sewer systems, cable trenches etc.) shall be regarded devices that prohibit entry into a Confined Space without such signage being displayed because of the difficulties involved in attaching permanent signage to Service Man-Hole covers. The Responsible Operator may give permission for entry into a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry to a Responsible Artisan/Person (issue a Confined Space or High Risk Location Permit) within his/her area of authority by signing the Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit section of a Clearance to Work document. The above permission may not be given for Vessel or Similar Confined Space Entry that has inlet and/or outlet pipe connections to its shell or housing unless each such pipe is fitted with a valve, designated for this purpose, that has been closed and locked-out and a barrier spade, designed for this purpose, has been inserted and fastened between two designated flanges that are situated as close as possible to the Vessel or similar Confined Space. Where the Atmosphere within a confined Space or High Risk Location may pose an entry risk, in addition to taking into account the following risks and risk control requirements, the Responsible Operator must ensure that the Responsible Occupational Hygienist (or another person to whom this responsibility has been delegated in writing) has declared the atmosphere in the aforementioned Confined Space or High Risk Location safe for entry and that this declaration is prominently displayed at each entrance to the Confined Space or High Risk Location before granting a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit to any person. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 8 of 26

9 Remember: Only the Responsible Occupational Hygienist or a suitably qualified and authorised Occupational Hygiene Technologist may declare an atmosphere safe for entry when hot work is required in any particular Confined Space or High Risk Location. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 9 of 26

10 1.3.1 Confined Space or High Risk Location Notice Boards - Typical LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 10 of 26

11 1.4 How do we know who is authorised to declare the Atmosphere and Surface Temperatures in a Confined Space or High Risk Location safe for entry? This information will be displayed in the Control Room of the Smelter Concerned. 1.5 Validity period of a Declaration that the Atmosphere in a Confined Space or High Risk Location is Safe for Entry All Declarations that the Atmosphere in a Confined Space or High Risk Location is Safe for Entry are only valid for a period of 8 hours or until a break requiring the evacuation of the Confined Space or High Risk Location for longer than 1 hour is taken, in which case atmosphere testing must be repeated and recorded before entry is permitted again. Remember: (i) a declaration that the atmosphere inside a Confined Space or High Risk Location is safe for entry is not valid unless the declaration was signed by the person trained, certified competent and designated to conduct atmospheric testing of the particular Confined Spaces or High Risk Location about to be entered. 1.6 Personal exposure monitors. (ii) where the above person designated to carry out atmospheric testing calls for additional measures to be taken before entry is permitted, the pre-work HIRA for the work to be carried out must be reviewed, taking such additional control measures into account i.e. the introduction of a forced draft fan to bring about acceptable heat exposure levels, the use of specialised PPE when carrying out epoxy coating repairs etc. (iii) no work involving the use of potentially toxic, flammable and/or oxygen depleting substances may be performed inside a Confined Space or High Risk Location unless a Risk Assessment, approved by the site s Hazardous Materials Coordinator, Responsible Occupational Hygienist and Responsible Engineer has been carried out and relevant MSDS/SDS information is attached to the risk assessment for record keeping. You may be required to wear continuous exposure monitors make sure that the requirements for its correct use are explained to you by the person designated to carry out atmosphere testing before you enter the Confined Space or High Risk Location. 1.7 Confined Space or High Risk Location Atmosphere and Surface Temperatures Safe for Entry Declaration form. REMEMBER: THE ATMOSPHERE AND SURFACE TEMPERATURES SAFE ENTRY DECLARATION FORM MUST BE DISPLAYED AT THE ENTRY OF EVERY CONFINED SPACE OR HIGH RISK LOCATION WHERE WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 11 of 26

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13 1.8 Requirements before issuing a permit to work. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) A Risk Assessment must always be conducted for any work to be carried out in a Confined Space or High Risk Location. The above Risk Assessment should be facilitated by the Responsible Engineering Forman concerned and must be approved by the Responsible Engineer. The Risk Assessment must always consider and assess whether breathing and resuscitation apparatus, lifeline attachments and attendance is required in case of an emergency. The Risk Assessment must assess the suitability of lighting and noise protection in the Confined Space or High Risk Location while work is being performed. Entry may not be permitted unless (at least) one person remains in attendance at all times outside the Confined Space or High Risk Location and the manner by which effective communication will be maintained between this person and the person/s in the Confined Space or High Risk Location forms part of the Risk Assessment. The risk of losing communication with persons inside the Confined Space or High Risk Location because of noise generated in and around the Confined Space or High Risk Location must be assessed and where necessary, suitable signalling systems, approved by the Responsible Engineer, must be used to allow for communication in the case of an emergency i.e. two way telephone, alarm/bell systems etc. Entry may not be permitted unless a rescue plan has been established that includes having persons trained in rescue operations appropriate to the conditions under which the work is carried out immediately available for rescue operations - the need for emergency entry using breathing apparatus with a lifeline attached to a safety harness and a guard (trained in appropriate rescue and resuscitation requirements) stationed at the entry to the Confined Space or High Risk Location with an additional breathing apparatus, as allowed for in terms of Regulation (3) of the General Safety Regulations of the OHSA, must be considered when drawing up the rescue plan. (viii) The Responsible Operator must refer any confusion or dispute with regard the requirements for entry into a Confined Space or High Risk Location to the Responsible Engineer. 1.9 Hazards that are known to have caused injury in a Confined Space or High Risk Location Although additional hazards that require identification may be present, the following uncontrolled hazards are known to have been the cause of injury in a Confined Space or High Risk Location. Consideration (acknowledged by the Responsible Foreman/Supervisor) must therefore be given to the possible existence of each of LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 13 of 26

14 these hazards when identifying the hazards that may be present in Confined Space or High Risk Location: Noise Hearing protection approved by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist and suited to the work activity must be provided and used by all persons entering the Confined Space or High Risk Location where noise levels within the Confined Space or High Risk Location are likely to exceed 85 db. Remember: the risk of losing communication with persons inside the Confined Space or High Risk Location because of noise generated in and around the Confined Space or High Risk Location must be assessed and where necessary, suitable signaling systems, approved by the Responsible Engineer, must be used to allow for communication in the case of an emergency i.e. two way telephone, alarm/bell systems etc Inadequate and/or unsuitable lighting Lighting must be provided that allows for safe entry into the Confined Space or High Risk Location and for all work to be carried out safely therein. The safety requirements for the lights and supply cables to lights must be approved by the Responsible Engineer in consultation with the Responsible Occupational Hygienist after considering the risk of fires and explosions presented by the atmosphere and/or other substances in the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Supply voltages to temporary lights should generally not exceed 32 Volt unless permitted by the Responsible Engineer. In which case, adequate precaution must be taken to prevent inadvertent electrocution resulting from damaged cables, light fittings etc Inadvertent contact with moving equipment or resulting from inadvertent starting of equipment. Wherever the normal use of moving machinery is required within a Confined Space or High Risk Location i.e. thickener rakes, agitator blades, movable inlet/discharge chutes etc: the Responsible Operator must ensure that such moving machinery is Isolated and locked out before permitting entry into the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Remember: wherever the hazard of moving machinery has been identified in a Confined Space or High Risk Location, Isolation and locking out must include preventing the release of stored energy and securing any equipment that may move and cause injury because of stored energy i.e. cylinder operated discharge chutes, out of balance bucket elevator chains, conveyor drive pulleys etc. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 14 of 26

15 1.9.4 Inadvertent starting of auxiliary equipment external to the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Wherever auxiliary equipment, external to the Confined Space or High Risk Location could present a hazard or cause injury if started inadvertently, the Responsible Operator must ensure that such equipment is isolated and locked out before permitting entry into the Confined Space or High Risk Location i.e. bag filter extraction fans, flash drier burners, gas/water fire suppression systems etc Working at heights (falling in a Confined Space or High Risk Location). Where the design of a Confined Space or High Risk Location does not allow for measures to control the risk of falling through openings while work is being carried out therein: (a) (b) Temporary open grid type covers that do not restrict ventilation must be installed over discharge chutes or holes through which persons may fall. Scaffolding and/or work platforms must be provided where the work has to be carried out from an elevated position in the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Remember: (i) an approved ladder may be used should the HIRA indicate that the work can be carried out safely from a ladder. (ii) safety harnesses must be worn with lanyards suitably attached should the HIRA for the work indicate a possibility of falling a distance exceeding 2 metres within the Confined Space or High Risk Location. (ii) the rescue plan will include having persons trained in rescue operations appropriate to the Confined Space or High risk Location conditions (as well as Working at Heights Rescue) under which the work is carried out immediately available to retrieve and rescue any person who may suffer a fall in the Confined Space or High Risk Location Water, liquid or slurry (drowning inside a Confined Space or High Risk Location) (a) Where entry is required into any Confined Space or High Risk Location in which water, liquid or slurry is normally contained in bulk, or through which such a liquid or slurry is designed to pass, a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit may not be granted by the Responsible Operator unless the liquid or slurry feed arrangements have been Isolated and Locked-Out and the Confined Space or High Risk Location has been emptied and cleared of the liquid or slurry. (i) Isolation and Locking-Out of Gravity flow controlled systems: Where the design is such that the water, liquid or slurry is gravity fed into the Confined Space or High Risk Location, the pipe or trough feeding into the LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 15 of 26

16 Confined Space or High Risk Location, as well as the tank/container from which the water, liquid or slurry was fed, must be emptied and the valves feeding into both the Confined Space or High Risk Location in which work is to be carried out as well as its feed tank/container must be closed and Locked Out. Remember: the Responsible Engineer may approve an alternative method (for which a HIRA has been conducted) for preventing inadvertent ingress of liquid or slurry into the Confined Space or High Risk Location while work is being carried out therein if it is not possible to carry out either of the aforementioned requirements for Isolating and Locking-Out the gravity feed systems. (ii) Isolation and Locking-Out of Pumping systems: Where the design is such that the liquid or slurry is normally pumped into the Confined Space or High Risk Location, the pipeline feeding from the feedpump to the Confined Space or High Risk Location must be drained completely and the pipeline s drain valve must be Locked-Out in the open position. In addition, the designated Isolation Device for the feed pump s drive system must be Locked-Out with the pump s suction/feed and delivery valves Locked-Out in the closed position. Remember: the Responsible Engineer may approve an alternative method (for which a HIRA has been conducted) for preventing inadvertent ingress of liquid or slurry into the Confined Space or High Risk Location while work is being carried out therein in the case where a drain valve has not been fitted to the aforementioned feed pipeline by design. (b) Where a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit is required for access into fenced-off areas of dams or to the edges of tanks containing water into which a person could fall and drown, lifelines restricting the approach to the edge of the water should be provided wherever practicable and buoyancy jackets must be provided and worn by any person permitted such access Oxygen deficient atmosphere. Oxygen displacing gasses i.e. N 2 ; CO 2 etc. may not be released into a Confined Space or High Risk Location while persons are working therein. No substances that are likely to release oxygen displacing gasses (because of temperature changes, when mixed or any other reason/s) may be taken into a confined space or High Risk Location. The Responsible Operator must take reasonable measures to ensure that a procedure, approved by the Responsible Engineer, is in place and the necessary ventilation equipment is provided to ensure that an oxygen deficient atmosphere does not develop inside a Confined Space or High Risk Location before granting a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit to any person. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 16 of 26

17 The Responsible Engineer, in consultation with the Responsible Occupational Hygienist must; by introducing forced ventilation if required, ensure that the atmosphere inside any Confined Space or High Risk Location into which persons are required to have access, does not have an oxygen content which is less than 20 per cent by volume. Remember: a procedure must be in place: that includes initial and periodic testing for an oxygen deficient atmosphere, to ensure that conditions within the Confined Space or High Risk Location remain safe for the work to be carried out therein Harmful substance/s including but not limited to gas, dust, acid solutions and compounds/caustic solutions and compounds (risk of injury resulting from contact with, ingestion or ingress of a harmful substance through a person s mouth, nose, eyes, ears and/or skin) (a) (b) (c) Any Confined Space or High Risk Location, including a sump provided for pumps or other machinery, that is used for the containment or periodic containment and/or through which a harmful substance passes as part of a process, must be clearly identified as such by warning signage, which clearly describes or indicates what the harmful substance is. The Responsible Operator must issue a Hazardous Substance Isolation Permit in addition to a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit before he/she issues a Clearance to Work for any work required in a Confined Space or High Risk Location that is used for the containment (or periodic containment) of a hazardous substance and/or through which a hazardous substance passes as part of a process. Wherever a hazardous substance has been passed through and/or contained in any Confined Space or High Risk Location requiring work, the Confined Space or High Risk Location must, in addition to being Isolated and Locked-Out, be purged, flushed and/or washed clean of the substance to the extent that risk/s resulting from contact with and/or ingress of the substance through the mouth, nose, eyes, ears and/or skin are safely controlled. Remember: effective PPE must be provided where it is not possible to carry out the aforementioned purging, flushing and/or washing. (d) Where PPE is used to control residual risks, no person may enter the Confined Space or High Risk Location until the Responsible Occupational Hygienist or other person designated in writing for this purpose carries out an assessment of: (i) the necessity of chemically neutralising any substance residue that could not be removed by flushing or washing; and/or (ii) the need for forced ventilation in, order to prevent a harmful concentration of gas and/or an oxygen deficient atmosphere, inside the Confined Space or High Risk Location; and/or LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 17 of 26

18 (iii) the use of PPE to control the aforementioned risks in relation to the work to be carried out; and declares the Confined Space or High Risk Location safe for entry, subject to such risk control measures and/or use of PPE as he/she may require. (e) The Responsible Engineer must, after consulting with the Responsible Occupational Hygienist, approve the procedure and risk control measures, including but not limited to initial and periodic testing for harmful substances/fumes/gasses and/or an oxygen deficient atmosphere, as well as the evacuation procedure, required to ensure safe entry and safe working conditions in such a Confined Space or High Risk Location. Remember: (i) The effect of any chemical repair compounds such as epoxy compounds used for the repairs of GRP tanks or other compounds that may emit harmful fumes or gas while being used, must be taken into account when consideration is given to preventing an oxygen deficient atmosphere and/or harmful gas emissions inside the Confined Space or High Risk Location. (ii) The aforementioned procedure must be attached to the HIRA undertaken for the intended work and in the case where the procedure has not been implemented as part of a routine maintenance procedure; the Responsible Engineer must approve and sign the procedure as such Substances (including oxygen) and/or work that could result in fire and/or explosion. (i) (ii) (iii) Work may not be carried out in any Confined Space or High Risk Location unless the Confined Space or High Risk Location has been examined and found to be free of any explosive/combustible; particles, dust, liquid, gas, and/or substance in any other form. When Hot Work is required to be carried out in a Confined Space or High Risk Location, a Hot Work Permit is required for such work in addition to a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit. Welding, flame cutting, heating and/or grinding may not take place inside or on the outer surface of a Confined Space or High Risk Location, which is lined by or contains a rubber, epoxy or other combustible liner or object unless the measures taken to prevent the ignition thereof, have been approved by the Responsible Engineer. Remember: where the aforementioned measures do not form part of a routine maintenance procedure, the Responsible Engineer must evaluate and sign approval for such measures. (iv) All oxygen lines normally feeding into a Confined Space or High Risk Location must be Isolated and Locked-Out to prevent an oxygen enriched atmosphere inadvertently developing therein. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 18 of 26

19 The maximum Oxygen content within any Confined Space or High risk Location (or any other place) must never exceed 23 % by volume. (v) Cutting torches, heating torches and/or any other equipment which uses oxygen, flammable gas and/or a flammable substance must be removed, complete with supply hoses, from a Confined Space or High Risk Location when not being used and effective controls (that include continuous monitoring of oxygen, flammable and explosive gas levels) must be in place to prevent an inadvertent and/or uncontrolled release of oxygen, acetylene, or any other flammable gas/substance into the Confined Space or High Risk Location at any time. Care must always be taken to prevent (un-burnt) flammable or explosive gas from being released into the Confined Space or High Risk Location. (vi) No person may enter a Confined Space or High Risk Location used for acid, caustic or other chemical processes unless the Responsible Occupational Hygienist or another competent person, designated by the Occupational Hygienist for this purpose: (a) (b) (c) (d) Establishes whether an explosive or combustible gas concentration may occur, as a result of fume or gas emissions from residue; that could not be flushed or washed from a Confined Space or High Risk Location that is normally used for any acid, caustic or other chemical process. Carries out an assessment of the risk control measures (including but not limited to forced ventilation, fire suppression and emergency response measures) in relation to the work to be carried out; Implements a program for initial and periodic / continuous monitoring for toxic, combustible and explosive substances/fumes/gasses, heat exposure, an oxygen deficient / enriched atmosphere and heat exposure. Declares the Confined Space or High Risk Location safe for entry Temperature extremes (risk of thermal stress injury resulting from excessively hot or cold conditions and burn injuries resulting from contact with hot surfaces) Wherever hot or cold atmospheric and/or surface temperature extremes, which may cause injury resulting from thermal stress, are introduced into a Confined Space or High Risk Location in which persons are periodically required to work, from a source external to the Confined Space or High Risk Location, the source of the temperature extremes must as far as reasonably practical be Isolated and Locked-Out at designated Isolation Points before a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit may be issued for work to be carried out in the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Remember: (i) Each Confined Space or High Risk Location subjected to the aforementioned atmospheric and/or surface temperature extremes must be clearly identifiable as such by warning notices displayed at its designated entry. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 19 of 26

20 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) No person may enter such a Confined Space or High Risk Location until the atmosphere therein is at a temperature that will allow for persons to enter and/or work in the Confined Space or High Risk Location. No person may enter such a Confined Space or High Risk Location until all surface temperatures are at a temperature that will allow for persons to enter and/or work in the Confined Space or High Risk Location without sustaining burn injuries from any of these surfaces. PPE approved by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist may be provided for protection against severe hot or cold conditions when required as part of the aforementioned procedure. The Responsible Engineer must, after consulting with the Responsible Occupational Hygienist, approve the procedure and risk control measures (which may include heating or cooling, forced ventilation and/or the use of PPE) that will ensure persons working inside a Confined Space or High Risk Location are not exposed to atmospheric and/or surface temperatures, above or below which, may be harmful to their health or safety - when work necessitates bringing equipment such as scaffolding, work platforms, special hand-held tools etc. into the Confined Space or High Risk Location, the procedure must also ensure that the surface temperature of this equipment remains at a temperature that is safe to touch while it is inside the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Where forced ventilation is required, the fan type and rating in terms kw and air flow in m 3 per second as well as the air ducting size and configuration details must be symbolically displayed (i.e. by means of colour coding) on the notice board designating the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Provided that: fan and ducting assemblies, corresponding in colour, must be made up and kept ready for use in a suitable place at all times. (vi) Where the aforementioned procedure has not been implemented as part of a routine maintenance procedure; the Responsible Engineer (in consultation with the Responsible Occupational Hygienist) must approve and sign the procedure as such. (vii) Periodic testing of the atmosphere/air temperatures inside a Confined Space or High Risk Location subjected to temperature extremes must be carried out at pre-determined time intervals by a person (designated for this purpose by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist) to ensure that safe working temperatures LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 20 of 26

21 are maintained inside the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Provided that: the aforementioned periodic testing of atmosphere/air temperatures need not be carried out if continuous monitoring instruments with suitable alarms are used to monitor atmospheric/air temperatures. (viii) Persons may not be allowed to enter or remain in atmospheres that have wet and dry bulb temperatures above 32ºC and 37ºC respectively unless risk based controls in terms of exposure time and/or exposure time with PPE, approved by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist, are in place to prevent thermal stress related injuries inside a particular Confined Space or High Risk Location. (ix) Persons may not be allowed to enter or remain in a Confined Space or High Risk Location that has any surface temperatures above 44 0 C that are within reach of such persons unless controls, approved by the Responsible Engineer, are in place to prevent burn injuries from any surfaces inside a particular Confined Space or High Risk Location that have temperatures exceeding 44 0 C when entry that cannot be delayed is required. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 21 of 26

22 Solid, particulate, fluidised and/or material contained in slurry (risk of injury resulting from engulfment and/or falling objects) Where entry is required into any Confined Space or High Risk Location in which solid, particulate, fluidised and/or material contained in slurry, is normally contained/stored/processed in bulk or through which such material is designed to pass, a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit may not be granted by the Responsible Operator unless he/she has taken reasonable precaution to ensure that: (a) The Confined Space or High Risk Location has been emptied and cleared of all such material. Remember: (i) Under certain circumstances, the Responsible Engineer may permit material in a bin or silo to be used as a platform from which work can be performed in writing, subject to such conditions (including the use of safety harness attached to lanyards restricted in length) as he/she must call for, to ensure the safety of the persons who carry out the work. (ii) No persons are allowed to be in such a bin or silo while material is being drawn from the bin or silo. (b) Where the design is such that solid, particulate, fluidised and/or fluidised material contained in slurry passes through a feed chute or feed pipe into the Confined Space or High Risk Location, in addition to clearing the Confined Space or High Risk Location before allowing entry, the feed chute or pipe has been cleared of all such material regardless of whether any safety doors, gates and/or valve systems installed by design have been closed off. Remember: where such safety doors, gates and/or valve systems have been installed by design to prevent an inadvertent discharge of material into the Confined Space or High Risk Location, these must be closed off, secured, Isolated and Locked-Out. An Isolation procedure must clearly describe how Isolation and Locking-Out as well as any additional precautions that may be required such as the removal of spool pieces, spading etc. (c) (d) The main conveyor, vibratory feeder, screw feeder, and/or any other feeder system designed to feed and discharge solid, particulate and/or fluidised material, directly or through the aforementioned chute, into the Confined Space or High Risk Location has been cleared of all such material, Isolated and Locked-Out, and in addition, adequate precaution is taken to ensure that the material cannot flow over the aforementioned conveyor or feeder, into the Confined Space or High Risk Location. The area around the material transfer and/or discharge openings into the Confined Space or High Risk Location is adequately demarcated with NO ENTRY barrier tape (Yellow/Black) at a distance of at least two metres from the openings and that the openings are closed off to prevent any persons from inadvertently dropping an article into the Confined Space or High Risk Location. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 22 of 26

23 Remember: it may not be possible to close off openings through which spares, tools or other material/s required to carry out the work must be passed. In which case, adequate measures (according to the HIRA conducted for the work) must be taken to control the risks associated with this activity. (e) Where the area above the draw-off point and/or another section of any silo, bin, stockpile, spoil-pile, storage heap and/or dump containing particulate material has to be cleared to gain access for work, the method of controlling the risk of engulfment posed by the material collapsing/falling/flowing into the area of work (as identified and required in terms of the HIRA for the work) must be approved by the Responsible Engineer Entrapment. (a) (b) Where the manner by which persons enter, position themselves, work therein and/or evacuate a Confined Space or High Risk Location may result in the entrapment and injury of persons unless carried out correctly, such entry, positioning, work must as far as reasonably practicable, be carried out under the constant surveillance and supervision of a competent person designated this function. Where the manner by which tools and equipment are brought into, placed, used in or removed from a Confined Space or High Risk Location may result in the entrapment and injury of persons unless it is carried out in a specific manner, such work must also be carried out as far as reasonably practicable, under the constant surveillance and supervision of a competent person designated this function. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 23 of 26

24 1.10 Guideline summary of Hazards and Associated Risks that must be considered before entering a confined Space or High Risk Location. Possible Hazard Associated Risk/s 1. Noise. Permanent Hearing Loss Yes No Loss of Communication Yes No 2. Inadequate and/or unsuitable lighting. 3. Moving Equipment/Inadvertent starting of equipment 4. Inadvertent starting of auxiliary equipment external to the confined space or high risk location i.e. fan, pump, fuel injectors etc. Injury resulting from unclear vision in the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Injury resulting from contact with moving equipment in the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Injury dependent on nature of equipment started i.e. gassing, dust exposure, drowning, drawn into outlet duct etc. 5. Working at Heights. Injury resulting from falling / falling objects in the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Yes No 6. Water, Liquid or Slurry Drowning in the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Yes No 7. Oxygen Deficient atmosphere Asphyxiation in the Confined Space or High Risk Location. Yes No 8 Hazardous / Harmful Substances Injury resulting from contact with, ingestion or ingress of a hazardous / harmful substance through Yes No a person s mouth, nose, eyes, ears and/or skin. 9. Substances (including oxygen) and/or work that could result in fire and/or explosion. Burn injuries. Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No No 10. Temperature Extremes 11. Solid, particulate, fluidised and/or material contained in slurry. 12. Entrapment 13. Other/Additional Hazards identified by team about to enter the Confined Space or High Risk Location (i) Thermal stress injury resulting from excessively hot temperatures. Yes No (ii) Thermal stress injury resulting from excessively cold temperatures. Yes No (iii) Burn injuries from high surface temperatures. Yes No (i) Injury resulting from engulfment. Yes No (ii) Injury from falling objects. Yes No Injury resulting from entrapment. Yes No Risk/s dependent on hazards Identified. Yes No 1.11 Summary of Entry Preparation requirements for a Confined Space or High Risk Location. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 24 of 26

25 As far as reasonably practicable, the entry at each Confined Space or High Risk Location must have appropriate signage, approved by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist in consultation with the Responsible Engineer; that prohibits entry without written permission and describes the hazards therein. Remember: Service Man-Hole covers (over stormwater drains, sewer systems, cable trenches etc.) shall be regarded devices that prohibit entry into a Confined Space without such signage being displayed because of the difficulties involved in attaching permanent signage to Service Man-Hole covers.. The Confined Space or High Risk Location must be isolated from all pipes, ducts and other connecting openings that lead into or out of the Confined Space or High Risk Location, this includes removing spool piece sections or effectively blanking off wherever possible and isolating/closing and locking out all valves and cocks which are a potential source of danger. Were applicable, atmosphere testing and monitoring in any Confined Space or High Risk Location must be carried out in accordance with standard work instructions and procedures approved by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist in consultation with the Responsible Engineer. Where purging and/or forced ventilation is required, the Confined Space or High Risk Location must purged and/or ventilated under the direction of a trained, competent and designated person before the atmosphere is tested for exposure levels. Where applicable, surface temperature testing and monitoring in any Confined Space or High Risk Location must be carried out in accordance with standard work instructions and procedures approved by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist and the Responsible Engineer. External barriers and demarcation should be in place. Tools, equipment and work activities allowed inside the Confined Space or High Risk Location must be specified. Where additional lighting is required for the task/s to be undertaken, supply voltages to lights should generally not exceed 32 Volt unless permitted by the Responsible Engineer. In which case, adequate precaution must be taken to prevent inadvertent electrocution resulting from damaged cables, light fittings etc. The PPE required for use inside the Confined Space or High Risk Location must be specified and all required PPE must be made available before entry into the Confined Space or High Risk Location is permitted. All rescue and first aid personnel must be briefed and a means of communication, proven by test beforehand, must be available for the duration of entry. LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 25 of 26

26 1.12 Cancellation of a Confined Space or High Risk Location Entry Permit Cancellation of the Atmosphere and Surface Temperatures Safe for Entry declaration. After completion of the work the Responsible Occupational Hygienist or other person designated to measure and assess atmosphere exposure levels in consultation with the Responsible Operator cancels the Atmosphere Safe for Entry declaration form by drawing two lines from corner to corner through it and with the word CANCELLED written in between and also writes his/her name and date of cancellation on the form Cancellation of the Clearance to Work After completion of work and after the Atmosphere Safe for Entry declaration form has been cancelled by the Responsible Occupational Hygienist the Responsible person must then hand over both the Pre-Work HIRA and the cancelled Atmosphere Safe for Entry declaration form to the Responsible Operator before he/she will cancel the Clearance to Work in accordance with the Isolation, Lock-out and clearance to Work Code Record keeping of the Atmosphere Safe for Entry declaration forms. After the Responsible Operator takes possession of the cancelled Atmosphere Safe for Entry declaration form he/she will ensure that the document contains the unique Works Order number before retaining the document for record purposes Legal Requirement. Without being limited to these requirements, the requirements of Regulations 5 and Regulation 7 under the General Safety Regulations of the OSHA must be complied with whenever entry is required into a Confined Space or High Risk Location regardless of whether the site concerned falls under the legislative requirements of the MHSA or the OHSA. OHSA Regulation 5: Work in a Confined Space (General Safety Regulations OHSA) LG for Confined Space of High Risk Location Entry Requirements Page 26 of 26