1 GENERAL This procedure provides an elementary rundown on the process to be followed when entering a confined space. Confined space entry is only to be performed by appropriately trained staff. Confined space entry is to comply with the requirements of AS2865 and Occupational Health & Safety legislation. 2 DEFINITIONS 2.1 Atmospheric Monitoring: The continuous measurement of oxygen levels and selected atmospheric contaminants over an uninterrupted duration of time. 2.2 Atmospheric Testing: The short term testing, which are not continuous, of oxygen level and selected atmospheric contaminants. 2.3 Confined Space: An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy and is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work, and a) Is liable at any time to (i) (ii) (iii) Have an atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminant Have an oxygen deficiency or excess; or Cause engulfment; and b) Could have restricted means for entry and exit. 2.4 Explosive Limit 2.4.1 Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) In relation to flammable contaminant, the concentration of the contaminant in air below which the propagations of a flame does not occur on contact with an ignition source. 2.4.2 Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) In relation to a flammable contaminant, the concentration of the contaminant in air above which the propagation of a flame does not occur on contact with an ignition source. 2.5 Flammable Range The flammable range contaminant (percentage by volume), in air in which an explosion can occur upon ignition. Expressed by lower explosive limit (LEL) and upper explosive limit (UEL). 2.6 Hot Work Welding, thermal or oxygen cutting, heating, including fire-producing or spark-producing operations that may increase the risk of fire or explosion. A specific procedure exists for performing hot works on site. 2.7 Safe Oxygen Range A minimum oxygen content in the atmosphere of 19.5 percent by volume under normal atmospheric pressure (equivalent to a partial pressure of oxygen (po 2 ) of 19.8 kpa (148mm Hg), and a maximum oxygen content in the atmosphere of 23.5 percent by volume under normal atmospheric pressure (equivalent to a partial pressure of oxygen (po 2 ) of 23.8 kpa (179mm Hg). Page 1 of 14
2.8 Stand-by Person (emergency response initiator) A competent person assigned to remain on the outside of, an in close proximity to the confined space and capable of being on continuous communication with and, if practical, to observe those inside. In addition, where necessary, initiate emergency response procedures and operate and monitor equipment used to ensure safety during entry and work in the confined space. 2.9 Supervisor The supervisor is to be directly in charge of the operation and is to co-ordinate contact with emergency services and rescue operations in the event of an accident. The supervisor is to oversee the risk assessment process and complete the Authority to Enter. 2.10 Written Authority A document which permits entry to or work in a confined space. NOTE: The written authority is sometimes known by other name, for example as an entry permit, an access authority or a permit to work. 2.11 Rescue Harness A harness specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a spreader bar to extricate a victim utilising a rope recovery system or similar. 2.12 SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) Consisting of an air cylinder and harness, regulator, gauge and whistle and positive pressure fullface mask. 3 TRAINING No person may enter a confined space on the Brisbane Markets site unless they have completed a comprehensive Confined Space & Rescue training course (or refresher) in accordance with Section 11 of AS2865. All staff entering a confined space (and acting as stand-by and supervisors) are to have a current senior first aid certificate including up to date resuscitation. Staff are also required to have current oxygen administration certification. 4 CONFINED SPACES The definition of a confined space is expressed in Section 2 (as per AS2865). Specifically on the Brisbane Markets site, the typical requirement for confined space entry is:- The underground chambers of the front dry well pumping station. The pits of the various pumping stations around the site. 5 RISK ASSESSMENT Section 10 is a risk assessment for general maintenance and service work in the pumping station facilities. If another type of confined space is to be entered, a risk assessment in accordance with Section 9 of AS2865 is to be completed. (Refer to guidelines Section11). Where general maintenance and service work is to be conducted in a pumping station the risk assessment in Section 10 is to be reviewed to identify if any changes have occurred or if there are elements of the work etc that are outside the scope of what is covered. Where risks are identified they are to be addressed as per Section 10 of AS2865. 5.1 Minimum Requirements. Where a confined space is entered the following is required to be conducted/be at hand. Page 2 of 14
Atmospheric testing for explosive gas levels and oxygen content as well as CO & H 2 S levels is to be conducted and then continuously monitored whilst personnel are present in the confined space (see Section 7). A rescue harness is required to be work by every person entering the confined space to work to facilitate the extraction of an unconscious person utilising lifting apparatus. Lifting equipment such as a rope recovery system is to be immediately available at the entry of the confined space site. Suitable attachment points are required above each access way such as a fixed eye or a tripod. The hatch on the front pump station is to be open. All staff are to be aware as to the location of these. SCBA is to be immediately available at the entry to the confined space site. The unit should be fully assembled, checked and turned on for use by the rescuer in the event of an emergency. A stand-by person (emergency response person) is required at all times when workers are in the confined space. This person is to have the same level of training as specified in section 3 above. They are to be in constant contact with the personnel in the confined space and at least one of the persons listed below as supervisor. Communication with the personnel in the confined space and the stand-by person is required at all times. The stand-by person is to also be in constant communication with at least one of the following acting as the Supervisor:- - The Supervisor Site Maintenance. - The Supervisor Operations - The Site Infrastructure Manager - The Operations Manager - Maintenance Team Leader - A person delegated by one of the above Communication may be by any method as described in 13-11 AS2865, however verbal communication by voice or 2-way radio is preferred. Persons entering or standing by the confined space are to have PPE as required for the task to be performed including but not limited to - Hard hat (mandatory) - Boiler suit (or other fully covered clothing) - Safety shoes (mandatory) - Eye protection (mandatory as appropriate to the nature of work) - Hearing protection (as required) Mechanical ventilation is required at all times whilst personnel are in the confined space in accordance with Section 10 of AS2865. This should be started at least 30 minutes prior to personnel entering the confined space. Oxygen resuscitation and breathing equipment is required to be available at the entry to the confined space. This should be substantially full, assembled and ready for use. An Authority to Enter is required as per the form in Section 12. This is to be completed and displayed prior to personnel entering the confined space in accordance with Section 10 AS2865. Page 3 of 14
6 ISOLATION The authority can only be issued by one of the following:- - Supervisor Site Maintenance - Supervisor Operations - Site Infrastructure Manager - Operations Manager - Maintenance Leader Isolation as required is to be performed in accordance with BML Danger Tag/Isolation Procedure Guidelines and the requirements of AS2865. The power is to be isolated to the pumps if there is a risk of personnel contacting moving parts or if electrical work is to be performed. Generally there will be no requirement to isolate liquid lines when working in the dry wells of the front pump station unless their discharge poses a hazard or interferes with the work being done, in any case the consequences of incoming liquid lines needs to be assessed and addressed as part of the risk assessment and isolation. 7 ATMOSPHERIC TESTING (minimum requirements pump station) Prior to entering a confined space, the space is to be ventilated for at least 30 minutes with a mechanical blower. The atmosphere is to be sampled for: - Oxygen level - Explosive gas level - C0 - H 2 S Subsequently the confined space is to be continuously monitored whilst staff are present in it. Staff are only to be present in the confined space if: - - The atmosphere is below 5% of the LEL - The oxygen level is between 19.5 and 23.5%. - The C0 level is below - The H 2 S level is below No gas bottles (other than compressed air or oxygen for resuscitation) are to be taken into the confined space. 8 HOT WORKS Any hot works within a confined space will require a hot work permit. Hot works are to be conducted in accordance with the BML Hot Works Guidelines AS2865 Appendix F and AS1674. 9 FSP PANEL CONSTRUCTION & MODIFICATION When work involves the modification or installation of Foam Sandwich Panel within a confined space, the requirements of BML s Foam Sandwich Panel Work Guidelines are to be followed. Page 4 of 14
10 GENERIC RISK ASSESSMENT PUMP STATION The following risk assessment is to be reviewed each time a permit is issued to assess applicable issues and factors outside the scope of this risk assessment. Appropriate control measures are to be taken to minimise the risk identified. The details in Section 11 contains general hazard identification material and risk control information for confined spaces beyond the scope of the generic risk assessment for pump stations. CONFINED SPACE RISK ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST Risk Assessment completed by: Date: Time: Description and location of confined space: Pump Station Brisbane Markets Description of work: Generic Risk Assessment Range of possible work methods: Method A Method B Method C Identified Hazards Risk Level Control Measures Revised Risk Level 1. Hazardous Substances Vent Space. Continuous monitoring 2. Flammable Contaminates 3. Oxygen Level Safe 4. Engulfment Isolate & Tag. As required. 5. Mechanical Isolate & Tag. As required 6..Uncontrolled Introduction of Substance(s) Isolate & Tag. As required 7. Electrical/Gen Isolate before entry. As required. 8. Noise/Traffic PPE 9. Radiation Hot Work Proc. 10. Manual Handling Follow Proc. Lower Equip Sep. 11. Environment Monitor/Vent Page 5 of 14
12. Biological hazards Insects/spiders 13. Hot Work/Ignition Source Hot work proc. 14. Entry and Exit Follow procedure. 15. Emergency Exit Follow procedure 16. Additional Hazards Highlight trip areas A copy of this risk assessment is to be kept for a minimum of five (5) years. (Allocate a score if required NA if not applicable) Page 6 of 14
GENERAL CONFINED SPACES (NOT COVERED BY GENERIC RISK ASSESSMENT SECT 10) Section 11 Step 1 CONFINED SPACE RISK ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST Checklist completed by: Date: Time: Description and location of confined space: Description of work: 1. Hazardous Substances (Chemicals), inhalation, skin uptake and ingestion, gases, vapours, fumes, dusts, liquids or solids (check MSDS) 2. Flammable Contaminates, oxygen in air, flammable gas or vapour, source of ignition. 3. Oxygen Level Safe, eg Deficiency, oxidisation, dilution, absorption, welding, cutting, rust, fire, curing concrete, rotting organic matter, intrusion. Excess: leaking oxy hoses, oxy/fuel. 4. Engulfment, plunge into and be immersed by materials, eg sands, aggregates, fluids, solids. 5. Mechanical, eg Entanglement, crushing, cutting, piercing, shearing. 6. Uncontrolled Introduction of Substances eg steam, water, gases, hot, cold temperatures, solids, liquids. 7. Electrical, eg lines, cables, exposed terminals, capacitors, relays, transformers, tools, wet surfaces or damp conditions. 8. Noise eg plant and equipment, work method or process. 9. Radiation eg lasers, welding flash 10. Manual Handling eg moving plant or equipment in or out; using plant or equipment in the space; restrictions due to the use of PPE; restrictions due to confinement of space. 11. Environment eg heat or cold stress arising from work, process or conditions, wet or damp environments, slips, trips, falls from slippery surfaces. Page 7 of 14
Step 2 CONFINED SPACE RISK ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST Risk Assessment completed by: Date: Time: Description and location of confined space: Description of work: Range of possible work methods: Method A Method B Method C Identified Hazards Risk Level Control Measures Revised Risk Level 1. Hazardous Substances 2. Flammable Contaminates 3. Oxygen Level Safe 4. Engulfment 5. Mechanical 6..Uncontrolled Introduction of Substance(s) 7. Electrical 8. Noise 9. Radiation 10. Manual Handling 11. Environment 12. Biological hazards 13. Hot Work/Ignition Source 14. Entry and Exit 15. Emergency Exit 16. Additional Hazards Page 8 of 14
A copy of this risk assessment is to be kept for a minimum of five (5) years. (Allocate a score if required NA if not applicable) RISK SCORE MATRIX Risk score matrix will be conducted considering Likelihood and Consequence. These scores will assist sites in determining the severity of an identified risk and also help in assigning a priority for corrective actions. Likelihood Ratings A. Almost certain: Expected to occur in most circumstances. B. Likely: Will probably occur in most circumstances. C. Possible: Might occur at some time. D. Unlikely: Could occur at some time. E. Rare May occur only in exceptional circumstances. Consequences Ratings 1. Insignificant: No injuries, low financial loss. 2. Minor: First aid treatment, medium financial loss. 3. Moderate: Medical treatment, high financial loss. 4. Major: Extensive Injuries, major financial loss. 5. Catastrophic: Death, huge financial loss. The table below shows the method to calculate the risk using Likelihood and Consequence. Simply pick the column that matches the likelihood then choose the row that matches the consequence and follow until they intersect. CONSEQUENCES 1 2 3 4 5 E = Extreme Risk Immediate action required. Likelihood A H H E E E B M H H E E C L M H E E H High Risk Action required ASAP M = Moderate Risk Appropriate control measures needed D L L M H E E L L M H H L = Low Risk Manage with written procedures Page 9 of 14
Step 3 CONFINED SPACE HAZARD CHECKLIST The purpose of this checklist is to assist in identifying hazards and suggesting controls. This checklist is to be used as a guide when conducting Risk Assessment. This list is not exhaustive and other hazards may occur and other controls may be used. Typical Hazards Associated with Confined Spaces 1. Hazardous Substances (Chemicals) Inhalation, skin uptake and ingestion Bases, vapours, fumes, dusts, liquids or solids (check MSDS) 2. Flammable contaminates Oxygen in air Flammable gas or vapour Source of ignition 3. Oxygen Level (safe = minimum 19.5% - maximum 23.5% by volume). Shortage: oxidisation, dilution, absorption, welding, cutting, rust, fire, curing concrete, rotting organic matter, intrusion, hot work. 4. Engulfment, plunge into and be immersed by materials. Sands Aggregates Fluids Solids 5. Mechanical Entanglement Crushing Cutting Piercing Shearing 6. Uncontrolled introduction of substances Steam, water, gases Hot, cold temperatures Solids, liquids Some Suggested Controls Conduct atmospheric test as per procedure. Whilst using any substances, provide any adequate ventilation and strictly follow the manufacturers recommended safe work practices as instructed on the MSDS. Use non-epoxy based repair materials. Follow manufacturers directions. Wear PPZE such a facemask, full respirator, overalls, gloves, safety boots and goggles. Wash well with water after exit. Do not use heat to cut any lining material without first referring to manufacturers instructions on cutting with heat in a confined space. Conduct atmospheric test as per procedure. Follow hot work compliance/procedure/ Do not enter ventilate until oxygen level completely safe. Fire fighting equipment. Conduct atmospheric test as per procedure. Do not enter until oxygen level sae. Fire fighting equipment. Purge the space with fresh air. Ventilate the space. Check air supply (medical air) Do not attempt to walk over materials in silos. Lockout in accordance with site lockout procedures. Ensure harness is worn at all time with adequate weight rated anchor. Climb on fixed ladders only. Lockout and clear chutes, hoppers, filler pipes, air filter, mixers and conveyors etc prior to entry. Empty vessel before entering (if possible). Lockout all equipment in compliance with site lockout procedure. Ensure all guards are in place. Check boundaries of lockout. If the conveyor needs to be running, Lanyard wire, (emergency stop) must be tested prior to work commencing. Wear overalls, helmets, gloves and safety boots. Lockout all equipment in compliance with site lockout procedure. Wear overalls, helmets, gloves and safety boots. Petrol, diesels or any pump that may cause fumes is to be located outside of the space and where fumes will not enter the space. Exhaust fumes must discharge to open atmosphere and well away from the space. Do NOT use carbon dioxide (CO 2) fire extinguishers. Page 10 of 14
7. Electrical Lines, cables, exposed terminals, capacitors, relays, transformers, tools. Wet surfaces or damp conditions Isolation Lockout all equipment in compliance with site lock out procedure. Be aware of water on floor, base of confined space. Use electrical tools only in totally dry tank. Ensure cables are secured above the water line. Use low voltage tools and lighting. Use battery-operated equipment. Wear rubber soled boots Ensure earth leakage is available and working. 8. Noise Plant and equipment Work method or process Exceeding 85 Dba 9. Radiation Lasers Welding flash 10. Manual Handling Moving plant or equipment in or out. Use of plant or equipment in the space. Restrictions due too the use of PPE. Restrictions due to confinement of space. 11. Environment Heat or cold stress arising from work, process or conditions. Wet or damp environments. Slips, trips, and falls from slippery surfaces. 12. Biological Hazards Needle stick injuries Hepatitis A and B 13. Hot work/ignition sources Wire cuts Falling tools, or materials and rocks Hitting hardened steel. 14. Entry and Exit Slips, trips and falls. 15. Emergency Exit Openings blocked. Opening size restrictions. Unable to use safety line and winch. Height of confined space well above ground. Indirect route to confined space. Reduce source of noises where possible. Rotate employees to reduce exposure. Consider low noise tools or work procedures. Measure noise and wear suitable hearing protection. Install beam stopes. Ensure eyes are protected from welding flash Ensure stretching prior to starting and take break for stretching every ½ hour or more as required and feels comfortable. Do not attempt to lift large objects, stretch and break regularly. Remember you may be working in a size-restricted environment where sprain/strain injuries are more likely to occur. Either share lift or use fixed swing arm and block and tackle. Plan job to reduce manual handling. Cycle crews to prevent heat stress. Lock out all equipment in compliance wit site lockout procedure. We aware of water on the floor. Consider all electrical hazards. Pump out space and relocate water. Ensure harness worn at all times and secured to suitable weight rated winch. Climb on fixed ladders only. Ensure steady footing. Wear overalls, helmets, gloves and safety boots. All relevant injections or vaccinations. Chemical suits. Kneepads, rubber gloves, and PPE. Disposable overalls, waders. Complete relevant hot work permits. Lock out in accordance to site lock out procedure. Wear overalls, helmets, gloves and safety boots. Whilst using any substances, provide adequate ventilation. Strictly follow manufacturers recommended safe work practices as instructed on the MSDS. Do not use heat to cut any material as mentioned in hazards column without first referring to instructions to cutting with heat in a Confined Space. Petrol, diesel or any pump that may cause fumes is to be located outside the space. Exhaust fumes must discharge to open atmosphere and well away from opening. Keep flammable products a minimum of 15m away from the entrance. Safety harness, full arrester and tripod. Check steps, ladders and landings. Housekeeping Anchorage point for safety lines and winch cables. Planning is the only method of effective control. Plan in consultation with your emergency service and service people, as they will need to be involved in difficult rescue. Ensure all persons involved including emergency service and fire people conduct regular rescue training drills. Document an appropriate rescue and emergency procedure. Page 11 of 14
16. Additional Hazards Wire cuts. Falling tools, or materials and rocks. Hitting hardened steel. Wear hard hat with chin straps. Wear appropriate gloves and additional PPE. Barricade the area and signpost. Tie tools with rope where practicable. 12 CONFINED SPACE AUTHORITY (to be completed by the supervisor nominated below) Location of work: Date: Description of work:...... CONTROL MEASURES Isolation Space needs to be isolated from: Location/Method/NA Water/gas/steam/chemicals.. Mechanical/electrical drives.. Auto fire extinguishing systems Hydraulic/electric/gas/power. Sludge/deposits/wastes. Tags have been affixed as per isolation procedure..yes/no Atmosphere Minimum ventilation period (30min minimum)..y/n Service date of equipment (req 6 monthly) / / Challenge check 0 2 in air (20.9%) reading % 0 2 in test gas actual % reading % C0 in test gas actual.. % reading % H 2 S in test gas actual % reading % Explosive gas LEL in test gas actual.. % reading % Personal Protective Equipment/Other Basic Equipment Persons entering confined space and on standby fitted with a rescue harness Yes/No Communication with personnel in confined space Type (eg Radio, Voice, Rope, Phone etc). Stand-by person to be in communication with supervisor..yes/no Method of communication with supervisor (radio, voice, rope, phone etc.).. All persons to have - Hard hat - Boiler suit/protective clothing - Safety Shoes - Eye protection Other PPE required (hearing protection, gloves, respirator etc).. Other Precautions Warning notices/barricades Yes/No All persons have been briefed Yes/No Ventilation Requirements (minimum mechanical ventilation for 30 minutes and continuous while personnel are in confined space). Other Requirements Note: No smoking is allowed in or around the confined space. Page 12 of 14
Results of test: Date/time / / : am/pm Oxygen % (max 23.5% min 19.5%) Flammable gases % LEL (< 5% LEL) H 2 S.ppm (less than 10ppm) CO..ppm (less than 35ppm) Challenge check & testing conducted by: Name.. Signature. Emergency Response Procedures/Equipment Tripod/lifting eyes in place Yes/No Lifting equipment available Yes/No SCBA available Yes/No 0 2 resuscitation equipment available Yes/No Supervisor/nominated person per list - Site Maintenance Supervisor - Site Infrastructure Manager - Site Operations Supervisor - Site Operations Manager - Leading Hand QUALIFICATIONS SUPERVISOR/STANDBY SUPERVISOR (name) I have completed a confined space training/refresher course in the last 12 months YES/NO I have completed a first aid course within the last 2 years YES/NO I have completed resuscitation & O 2 training in the last 12 months..yes/no Signed: (Supervisor in direct control) Date: STANDBY (name) I have completed a confined space training/refresher course in the last 12 months YES/NO I have completed a first aid course within the last 2 years YES/NO I have completed resuscitation & O 2 training in the last 12 months..yes/no Signed: (Standby) Date: AUTHORITY TO ENTER The control measures and precautions appropriate for the safe entry and execution of the work in the confined space have been implemented and the persons required to work in the confined space have been advised of and understand the requirements of this written authority. Signed: (Supervisor in direct control) Date: Time:.. This written authority is valid until:. Date: Time:.. PERSONS REQUIRED TO ENTER CONFINED SPACE I have been advised of and understand the control measures and precautions to be observed with the entry and work within the confined space. I have completed a confined space training/refresher course in the last 12 months. I have completed a first aid course within the last 2 years. I have completed resuscitation & O 2 training in the last 12 months. Name All training up to date (yes/no) ENTRY EXIT Sign Date Time Sign Date Time Page 13 of 14
WITHDRAWAL OF WRITTEN AUTHORITY All persons and equipment accounted for Yes/No Equipment checked and restored correctly Yes/No Signed:.(Supervisor in direct control) Date:.Time:... Remarks or comments about the work:..... PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO SITE SERVICES Page 14 of 14