The Corporation of the Town of Tecumseh POLICY MANUAL POLICY NUMBER: 59/11 EFFECTIVE DATE: October 11, 2011 SUPERCEDES: PPC 23/07 - April 24, 2007 APPROVAL: RCM October 11, 2011 (RCM-343/11) SUBJECT: Confined Space Entry Policy PURPOSE: 1.1 Pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act R.S.O. 1990 C.O.1. O.Reg. 632/05, the Town of Tecumseh is required to develop, implement and maintain a Confined Space Entry Policy to protect employees from hazards within the confined space. SCOPE: 2.1 This policy is intended to provide direction for the development of effective confined space programs to protect all employees who enter and perform work in confined spaces. 2.2 The employer shall develop and maintain a written program for the confined space, including procedures for the control of hazards identified an assessment of the confined space prior to the employee entering the area. POLICY: 3.1 The attached policy, Confined Space Entry Policy and Procedures, details the Town of Tecumseh assessment process, entry procedures, and rescue procedures.
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 2 of 11 PURPOSE: 1.1 To affect a uniform procedure to ensure maximum protection for Workers required to enter confined spaces. SCOPE: 2.1 This procedure applies to all workers required to work in confined space situations. GENERAL: 3.1 Definition: Confined Space 3.1.1 A confined space is any area that is not designed or intended for continuous Worker / human occupancy. It has, or may have limited or restricted entry and exit because of its design, structure or location. Atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location, or contents, or because of the work that has been done in it. The space may contain or produce dangerous accumulations of hazardous gases, or have a lack of, or enrichment of oxygen. A confined space may be, for example, a tanker car, crawl space, boiler, pipeline, manhole or any vault above or below ground. 3.2 Hazards 3.2.1 Confined spaces present a number of possible hazards to Workers, including: oxygen deficiency or enrichment, fires and explosions, toxic gases, vapours, dust or fumes, mechanical equipment hazards, electrical shock, temperature extremes, and the risk of shifting or collapse of bulk material/equipment. 3.3 Permit System 3.3.1 An entry permit is a written authorization for entry into a confined space, for stated purpose, during a specific time. It must be prepared by a competent person. 3.3.2 A work permit system ensures that the potential hazards of a particular confined space have been identified and assessed, that the necessary preventive procedures have been established, and the Workers are aware and reminded of these procedures before each and every entry.
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 3 of 11 3.3.3 The permit includes room to record the following information: (See Appendix A) a. Date, location and description of the work to be done. b. Hazards that might be encountered. c. Sources of hazards to be isolated by blanking off, and/or disconnecting. d. Sources of electrical or mechanical hazards to be locked out; e. Special clothing or equipment to be used, such as safety harnesses and retrieval systems. f. Pre-entry atmospheric test readings for explosive or flammability levels, oxygen levels, toxic substances and any others if required. g. Type of atmospheric monitoring to be performed while work is in progress. Monitors continuous use while entrant in con space. h. Recognition that personnel have been trained and have complete understanding of the hazards and procedures. i. Names of stand by Worker who will monitor the work from outside the confined space, & names of all entrants. j. Authorization by Supervisor for work to be done. k. The Emergency procedures in place and the location of a first aid station / kits. 3.3.4 These permits are dated and are valid for only one shift / part shift. 3.3.5 The permit should be reviewed and authorized by the works' Site Superintendent / supervisor before he / she issues an entry permit for the job. 3.3.6 Before entering the confined space, the permit must be posted outside the entrance to warn others that work is going on inside the confined spaced. 3.4 The Buddy System 3.4.1 Working in confined spaces must never be attempted alone. 3.4.2 The number one rule for a Worker assigned to work in a confined space is to pair up with another Worker trained in all aspects of confined space entry and rescue. 3.4.3 Before entering, all Workers involved in the entry should agree upon a system of communications. This could range from simple hand signals to two-way radios. A system must also be in place for contacting the fire department, police and ambulances in the event of an emergency.
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 4 of 11 3.5 Site Preparation 3.5.1 The site should be prepared by clearing the area surrounding the entrance of anything that might ignite combustible gases. 3.5.2 Equipment to be used in or around the confined space should be grounded and explosion resistant. 3.5.3 Welding and cutting hoses should only be brought in when needed, and removed immediately after the work is completed. 3.5.4 Barriers, caution tape, pylons, etc. should be put around the confined space area to block entrance to unauthorized persons. 3.5.5 To avoid the risk of toxic contamination of Workers, smoking or eating near or inside the confined space is forbidden. 3.5.6 Locking out and or blanking off hazardous sources: a. All mechanical equipment and electrical systems inside the space should be locked out. b. All lines and systems leading to the confined space that may permit the entry of hazardous materials should be blanked off, or blocked. c. Where it is impractical to use blanks, as in welding piping systems, written work procedures should be included in the company's training program. d. Only the Worker in the confined space should carry the key which restarts the locked out or blanked off equipment. e. Once the sources of danger have been cut off, tags must be put on the locked out or blanked off equipment to keep other Workers from attempting to restart them. 3.6 General Confined Space Entry Procedures 3.6.1 Pre-planning: Legal requirements for entry may vary slightly, depending on whether they fall under the construction or the industrial regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This depends upon site location, existing structure, and / or new facility under construction 3.6.2 Checking equipment: all detection equipment must be calibrated as per the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations). The correct personal protective equipment, including head, eye, ear, foot and respiratory protection, must be on hand and in good condition.
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 5 of 11 3.6.3 Testing the confined space atmosphere: a. Testing must be completed prior to entry. b. Testing must be performed by a trained employee and/ or the Site Superintendent. c. If possible, atmospheric testing should be done prior to opening a cover. This test should be for 02 deficiency or enrichment, explosives/combustibles and toxins. The equipment required for this testing can include separate oxygen meters, explosive meters and toxic gas detectors, or multi-function instruments which simultaneously and continuously monitor for all three hazards. Individual tests will be done in this order: 1. Oxygen deficiency or enrichment 2. Explosives (%LEL) 3. Toxins (H2S, CO etc.) d. Ranges: Oxygen Combustible Gas Carbon Monoxide 19.5-22.0% safe entry <19.5% supplied air required. >22% no entry 0-5% safe entry 5-10% enter cautiously >10% no entry 0-25ppm safe entry >25ppm supplied air required Hydrogen Sulphide 0-5ppm safe entry >5ppm supplied air required 3.6.4 Recording: all pre-opening test results are to be logged on the Confined Space Work Permit in order that the results can be noted in the log book for that particular confined space for future reference. 3.6.5 Opening the confined space: The removal of any confined space cover or lid should be done with the proper tools, such as a special lid remover or appropriate wrench, taking care not to create a spark. 3.6.6 Purging or ventilating: Dangerous atmospheres can sometimes be controlled or eliminated through ventilation. Usually a portable fan can provide sufficient good air in exchange for bad air. Generally a fan that provides 750-1000 cubic feet of air per minute is used for manhole orvault operations. In larger areas, such as large tanks and vessels, fans capable of moving up to 5000 cubic feet of air per minute or more may be required. For combustible/explosive atmospheres, an explosion proof fan and/or ducting is required, or natural ventilation must be created by an opening other covers to create air flow. A minimum safe equipment is 20 air changes per hour. Ventilation must be carried out for a minimum of 10 minutes, and retested prior to entry.
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 6 of 11 Explosive atmospheres that have a concentration greater that 50 per cent of the lower explosive limit must not be entered for any reason. 3.6.7 Retesting the confined space atmosphere: This test should be done with the same type of equipment as the initial test. Care should be taken to ensure that the entire area and full depth of the space are tested. In addition, sufficient time must be allowed for the sensors to respond properly (approximately two minutes). Never change equipment through the shift and be consistent from start to finish. 3.6.8 Recording: A record similar to the pre-opening test record is required. 3.6.9 Assign a Watcher: At least one worker should be standing guard, ready to initiate an emergency rescue immediately, should the worker inside the space appear hurt, overcome, or to be acting strangely. 3.6.10 Setting up a means of escape/retrieval: a. Every confined space entry procedure must include provisions for a method of rescue. The minimum requirement is a full body harness worn by the person entering the confined space. The safety harness must be equipped with a rescue rope of sufficient strength which will extend from the work location to outside the confined space. b. A system must also be in place to evacuate and unconscious/disabled worker from the confined space from outside the area. This system of rescue should include: Sufficient personnel outside the confined space to remove the disabled Worker. A system which incorporates mechanical assistance to remove the Worker. A link by radio (intrinsically safe equipment if required), telephone, or other means to summon help (local emergency numbers such as ambulance, fire department, and police should be readily available). A Worker stationed outside the confined space who is trained in artificial respiration. c. If rescue is not possible from the outside, the equipment must be available (harness, rope, breathing apparatus, etc.) for a trained person to enter the space in order to perform the rescue. If the initial problem was a combustible/explosive atmosphere, then entry should not be made until this condition has been corrected.
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 7 of 11 3.6.11 Donning protective gear: a. Protective gear must still be worn even where monitoring shows the space is safe, since conditions in a confined space can change quickly. b. A body harness is vital should a rescue be necessary. c. The lifeline cable attached to the harness must be a wire rope with a minimum thickness of half a centimetre (or another acceptable rigging). d. Other protective equipment, such as hard hats, protective gloves and footwear, goggles, coveralls, etc., may be needed as determined by the employer's original evaluation of the potential hazards. 3.6.12 Once the preliminary stages are complete, the Worker may enter the confined space with continuously operating detection equipment located close to his/her breathing area, and commence the job. 3.7 Outside Sub-Contractors 3.7.1 All outside Sub-contractors performing work in a confined space entry permit area must be informed of any fire, explosion, health or safety hazards of that confined space. 3.7.2 All Sub-contractors and their employees are required to follow these Confined Space Entry Procedures at all times. All Sub-contractors are to receive a copy of this Policy/Procedure prior to starting work and receive proper training if required. 3.8 Emergency Rescue 3.8.1 If someone in a confined space is in trouble and not attached to a harness, or is attached to a harness but is stuck, the outside Worker must not jump in to rescue the co-worker. 3.8.2 The rescuer must don a suitable, breathing apparatus and should have another Worker standing by outside the confined space in case of a second emergency. 3.8.3 The person going in must be trained in rescue procedures. 3.8.4 Once the victim is out, contact should be made quickly with outside emergency services and artificial respiration given until the victim revives or help arrives. 3.8.5 A worker who suffers loss of consciousness, or serious injury should be taken immediately to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 8 of 11 3.9 Training 3.9.1 Supervisors or salaried personnel who may be required to supervise confined space entry shall receive training in the Confined Space Entry procedure, the use and interpretation of the atmospheric meter, and emergency procedures. 3.9.2 All employees who may be required to enter a confined space shall receive training on general confined space entry rules. The following should be included as part of the Confined Space Training Program: a. basic hazard and risk assessment; b. lock out and blanking off procedures; c. use of monitoring equipment; d. use of respiratory equipment specific to the hazards involved; e. use of other safety equipment including fall protection and rescue harnesses; f. emergency entry procedures and rescues; g. communication systems between Workers and emergency crews; h. Workers first aid training. PROCEDURE: 4.1 Site Superintendent / Supervisor: 4.1.1 Will ensure that a Confined Space Work Permit is initiated before entry. 4.1.2 Will review the Confined Space Work Permit before authorizing it. 4.1.3 Will ensure that the permit is signed by the individual making the air quality test, the "Watcher" and the Safety Representative for the area. 4.1.4 Will ensure that the permit is posted at the job site for no more than one shift. 4.1.5 Will ensure that the permit is kept on file for a period of one year. 4.1.6 Will ensure that all Employees in the surrounding area are notified of the confined space entry. Ensure area has been isolated. 4.1.7 Will ensure that all Workers involved with Confined Space Entry have been adequately trained. 4.1.8 Will ensure that all applicable emergency equipment is available (safety harness and lines, etc.). 4.1.9 Will review permit check list with individuals entering the space.
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 9 of 11 4.1.10 Will assign a "Watcher' and ensure that he/she clearly understands their responsibilities. 4.1.11 Will ensure that a welding permit is obtained and posted should welding or burning be required in the confined space. 4.1.12 Will assume responsibility for crowd control in the event that an Emergency Rescue is required. 4.1.13 Will notify Site Superintendent and the Project Manager immediately of the requirements for an Emergency Rescue. 4.2 Watcher / Observer 4.2.1 Will keep constant visual or voice contact with the Worker entering the confined space. 4.2.2 Will ensure that they know the location of the nearest emergency equipment. 4.2.3 Will ensure that they know how to shut down any welding equipment or power sources to the space in the event of an emergency. 4.2.4 Will not enter the confined space in an emergency, but seek assistance immediately. 4.2.5 Will never leave the jobsite except to report an emergency. 4.3 Entrant 4.3.1 Will participate in and apply knowledge learned from all training required by this procedure. 4.3.2 Will follow all steps required by this procedure. 4.3.3 Will lock out all electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic sources prior to entering the confined space. 4.3.4 Will ensure that welding/burning equipment other than torches and hoses are not taken into the confined space. 4.3.5 Will wear all personal protective equipment required by this procedure. 4.3.6 Will inform supervisor immediately of any concerns regarding the particular entry.
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 10 of 11 4.4 Management Supervisors, etc. 4.4.1 Will provide all outside Sub-contractors required to work in a confined space with a copy of the Confined Space Entry Procedures prior to entering a site. 4.4.2 Will inform the Sub-contractor that he/she must contact the Project Manager to arrange a meeting to discuss the policies required by the Town of Tecumseh. 4.5 Employers 4.5.1 Will ensure that all safety procedures for confined spaces are implemented. FORMS: 4.5.2 Will ensure that all safety training requirements are met and that appropriate records are maintained on file permanently. 4.5.3 Will ensure that the Site Superintendent will meet with all Sub contractors required to perform work in confined spaces prior to start of work. During this meeting he will require a copy of training records from the Subcontractor for each employee who will be performing work in a confined space. 4.5.4 Will ensure appropriate training is provided and that all necessary equipment is available. 4.5.5 Will ensure that the Ministry of Labour is informed in the event of an Emergency Rescue, if required by law. 4.5.6 Will inform the Town of any Emergency rescue requirement whether Workers are injured or not. 5.1 Confined Space Work Permit Appendix A REFERENCE DOCUMENTS: 6.1 Including but not limited to: Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Industrial Establishments. a. Regulations 19 and 77: Access (Permanent and Portable Ladders), b. Regulation 46: Electrical; c. Regulation 54: Silo Bin Hopper; d. Regulation 72: Routine Confined Space; e. Regulation 73: Hazards Likely;
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 11 of 11 f. Regulation 74: Hazardous Rescue; g. Regulation 75: Explosive Flammable; h. Regulations 79 and 80: Lockout; i. Regulations 83, 84, 85, 86 and 88: Personal Protective Equipment; j. Regulations 89 and 90: Fall Arrest 6.2 Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Construction Projects a. Regulations 60, 61, 62 and 63: Confined. Spaces