Section Date Passed Resolution # Reviewed Date Repealed Resolution # Operations - Safety & Fire February 18, 2014 31230 Currently under review <date> <date> <date> POLICY Entry into confined spaces can pose atmospheric and physical hazards which may be life threatening. The premise for this policy shall be to ensure safety of all persons entering confined spaces, in compliance with applicable legislation and regulations. REFERENCE The Workplace Safety and Health Act (C.C.S.M.c.W210) & Manitoba Regulation 217/2006. 1.0 DEFINITION Confined Space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that: (a) except for the purpose of performing work, is not primarily designated nor intended for human occupancy; (b) has restricted means of access or egress; Hazard/Risk Assessment in relation to this policy means the process of identifying ways in which a worker may suffer harm while in a confined space. As a general requirement, employers must identify and take measure to reduce, control or eliminate hazards associated with confined spaces including: (a) doing the work in a way that will not require a worker to enter the space; and (b) changing the physical characteristics if the confined space to ensure safe entry and exit. Level A Confined Space Any space meeting the definition of a confined space and containing any recognized hazard which may be immediately dangerous and cannot be eliminated before entry or any confined space where the hazards cannot be identified prior to entry. Confined spaces in which hot work is performed are Level A spaces under all circumstances (i.e. flame, sparks, high temperature, potential for ignition). Level B Confined Space A confined space which is dangerous, but does not contain any hazards which are immediately life threatening. Level C Confined Space A confined space that does not contain any exposed hazard risk capable of causing death or serious harm, or would not require special modification procedures. Standard rescue and working alone procedures will apply. Lock Out the disconnection, blocking or bleeding of all sources of energy that may create a motion or action by any part of a machine and its auxiliary equipment. 2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 Employer Responsibilities Page 1 of 10
To provide workers with information, instruction, training, supervision, facilities, tools and equipment to ensure the worker s safety, health and welfare. Continually evaluate worker competency and changes in the workplace to determine training needs, re-training and upgrading. 2.2 Employee Responsibilities To comply with the safe work practices and procedures respecting work in confined spaces. 3.0 TRAINING 3.1 Training will provide awareness of safe work procedures and focus on identifying specific hazards. All staff are to be provided training, including those who supervise workers, those who perform the work or those assigned as standby or rescue persons. 3.2 Trainers, and workers shall have a thorough working knowledge of the following: a. The confined space associated with the work activity; b. Hazards involved; c. Work practices and procedures; d. Atmospheric testing and monitoring requirements within the confined space; e. Safety equipment (i.e. respirators, clothing, additional protection); f. Emergency response and rescue; and g. Evaluation 4.0 EQUIPMENT SAFETY PROVISIONS AND CHECKS 4.1 A worker entering a confined space shall be equipped with all safety apparatus, testing and monitoring equipment relative to the hazard/risk assessment for that confined space. 4.2 Workers to regularly check all necessary equipment, both in advance of, and following use. a. Lighting - only explosive-proof lights may be used. b. Ladders approved standard, in good condition; available on-site at all times and within a ten foot reach of all workers; must be of a length extending at least two rungs above the surface of the ground. c. Eye protection - mandatory in instances of corrosive materials. d. Breathing apparatus approved standard supplied air or SCBA, or airline respirator. e. Safety hard hats approved standard; required by all workers; mandatory for entrants. f. Gas detectors approved standard; available on-site at all times and monitored constantly. Verify alarm devices are working. g. Harness and lifeline approved standard, attached to a man lift hoist. Page 2 of 10
h. Man lift hoist approved standard and capacity, inspected regularly; used at all times until a safe egress has been accomplished from the confined space. i. Communication equipment dependant on circumstances, may be visual, two-way radios, wired communication, or any combination thereof. j. Compressed gas cylinders If needed for works, shall not be taken into a confined space. k. Welding and cutting hoses Shall only be allowed in a confined space for immediate use and removed immediately after use. l. Safety Clothing in good repair (CSA footwear, gloves, etc.) m. Firefighting equipment Readily available (911). 4.0 DETERMINING A CONFINED SPACE 4.1 To determine whether a space is a confined space, apply the definition in Section 1.0 in conjunction with the following questions (reference in chart form - Appendix A): (a) (b) (c) Is the space enclosed, or partially enclosed? Is risk of a person being overcome by the conditions within the space (i.e. harmful levels of contaminants, lack of safe oxygen level, substances that could cause engulfment other hazards of conditions present or created by work to be performed)? Does the space have limited or restricted entry or exit (i.e. is there physical difficulty to get into or out of a space and whether it would be difficult to remove an injured or unconscious person from the space)? 4.2 Dependant on the situation and circumstances, instances may exist whereby the answer to criteria (a) through (c) may be no, but other requirements for safe entry may be required. 4.3 Employees should also consider if the space is or may become hazardous to a worker entering it (within it) because of: i. it s design, construction or atmosphere; the materials or substances in it; i the work activities to be performed in it or processes used in it, or; iv. any other conditions or hazards relating to it. 4.4 In instances of uncertainly the default will be confined space entry, to which proper permitting and protocol will be required. 4.5 Examples of a confined spaces (not an all-inclusive list) 1. Caissons (large watertight chambers) 2. Machinery & equipment (i.e. cement truck mixer tank, etc.); 3. Manholes, pits, wells, cisterns; 4. Sewage handling systems, lift stations; 5. Silos, hoppers & storage bins (grains, materials, chemicals); 6. Storage tanks (fuel, water, other); 7. Tunnels and pipelines (includes the subsurface channel around the pool); Page 3 of 10
8. Underground vaults; 9. Ventilation ducts; reactors and process vessels; 5.0 HAZARD/RISK ASSESSMENT & CLASSIFICATION Confined spaces shall be classified based on the varying degrees of hazards. Classifications may change depending on the work being performed. Workers shall utilize the following chart as the basis for risk assessment and space hazard classification. ASSESSMENT & CLASSIFICATION Parameters Level A Level B Level C Characteristics Oxygen Flammability/Explosion Characteristics Toxicity Immediately dangerous to life - Rescue procedures require the entry of more than one individual fully equipped with life support equipment. Maintenance of communication requires an additional standby person stationed within the confined space. 19.5% or less or greater than 23% 10% or greater of lower flammable limit (LFL) or the lower explosion limit (LEL) Immediately dangerous to life or health Dangerous, but not immediately life threatening - Rescue procedures require the entry of no more than one individual fully equipped with life support equipment - Indirect visual or auditory communication with the worker. Potential hazard - Requires no modification of work procedures - Direct communication with workers from outside the confined space. 19.5% to 23.0% 19.5% to 23.0% 10% or less LFL/LEL 10% LFL/LEL or less Greater than the occupational environmental level (OEL) Less than the occupational environmental level IMPORTANT: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be used to help determine flammability/explosion and/or toxicity levels for chemicals used in the confined space work. 6.0 SAFE WORK PROCEDURE LEVEL A CONFINED SPACE PERMIT REQUIRED 6.1 Worker Duties & Function Attendants shall be equipped with a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), control unauthorized entry into the space, maintain visual or voice contact with the entrant at all times, monitor the entrant, conduct atmospheric monitoring, terminate the entry if required and contact emergency personnel if necessary. Entrants shall be aware of all potential hazards within the space, know and follow safety procedures and be trained to perform the work safely. Page 4 of 10
Entry Supervisors shall determine if appropriate pre-entry procedures have been met, issues permits, revoke permits, cancel permits, and ensures all safety measures have been taken to protect the entrant. 6.2 Pre-Entry Hazard/Risk Evaluation i. Mandatory completion of the Confined Entry Permit (Appendix B ), prior to entry and following exit. i iv. Ensure the confined space standby team (trained in first aid/cpr and rescue procedures) is available and on site. Ensure there is safe entry and access in and out of all accessible parts of the space. Conduct a hazard/risk assessment and check the general conditions of the space to: a. Disconnect, blind or lock entryways that may allow hazardous materials in; b. Identify all energy sources and put them to a zero energy state (lock out/tag out); and c. Where the potential of fire or explosion exists, eliminate all ignition sources. v. Without entering, in the following order, test and measure the confined space for: a. Oxygen; b. Combustible gases - flammable or explosive potential; c. Toxic or poisonous gases. vi. v Deep spaces to be measured every four feet. Measurements must be made horizontally and vertically and recorded on the permit form. If gases are present, or a lack of oxygen is indicated, the confined space must be ventilated for a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes. Retest and repeat as necessary. vi Ventilation to be provided at all times work is being carried out. Workers must check for adequate natural ventilation and if necessary, install explosion proof fans. ix. In the instance that gases cannot be dispersed, approved breathing apparatus will be mandatory at all times. 6.3 Protection of Confined Space Opening i. Place danger signs and barricades around the opening; utilize railings, temporary cover or other means to protect employees working near the opening and to prevent materials from falling into the space and injuring the entrant. Ensure workers understand the procedures, practice safety in and around the opening, and are knowledgeable of the rescue plan in the event of an emergency. 6.4 Entry i. Barring circumstances that would impede rescue operations, entrants must wear a retrieval apparatus for permit spaces over five feet deep to enable non-entry rescue in the event of an emergency. Only individuals trained in Entry Rescue shall be permitted to enter a space Page 5 of 10
in cases of emergency and in the absence of qualified individuals on scene, rescue operations shall default to the designated emergency team (Neepawa Fire Department), if rescue services are necessary. i iv. One (1) dedicated attendant is required. Entrants and attendants must be trained on the hazards of the space to be entered and symptoms of exposure to atmospheric hazards, as well as safety measures needed to protect the entrant. Refer to Section 9.0, if necessary to enter via hoist. v. The Employer shall equip the entrant and other workers with personal protective equipment necessary for protection from hazards that could not be eliminated. vi. v If an entrant is exposed to or uses materials for which MSDS is available, the MSDS information must be available on site. Continuous monitoring of the air is required if forced ventilation is used to remove an atmospheric hazard. Readings to be recorded every two hours at a minimum. vi When ventilating a confined space, the fresh air supply intake must be positioned so that only clean air is introduced into the space. Atmospheric readings must be taken at an adequate interval to ensure contaminants are effectively removed. 7.0 SAFE WORK PROCEDURE LEVEL B CONFINED SPACE PERMIT REQUIRED 7.1 Worker Duties & Function Entry teams shall consist of at least two people. An entrant and an attendant. Attendant to monitor the atmosphere of the space and low level hazards, maintain contact with the entrant, maintain communications with the entrant and control entry into the space. Attendants to be present at all times and give aid in the case of an emergency. However in cases whereby the entrant becomes unconscious, the attendant shall never enter the space to attempt rescue but shall initiate contact with emergency services. Entrants shall be aware of all potential hazards within the space, know and follow safety procedures and be trained to perform the work safely. 7.2 Pre-Entry Hazard/Risk Evaluation Meet all conditions of Section 6.2 of Level A confined space 7.3 Protection of Confined Space Opening Meet all conditions of Section 6.3 of Level A confined space. Dependant on circumstances, signage may reflect Caution or Warning. 7.4 Entry Page 6 of 10
If there are no hazards or all hazards have been eliminated, entry may proceed in compliance with modified provisions per Level A entry requirement in Section 6.4. 7.5 Air Monitoring Requirements Continuous monitoring of the air is required, after entry, to ensure that work activities have not altered the atmosphere. 8.0 SAFE WORK PROCEDURE LEVEL C CONFINED SPACE PERMIT REQUIRED 8.1 Worker Duties and Function Entry teams shall consist of at least two people. An entrant and an attendant. Attendant to monitor activity, communicate with the entrant and be readily prepared to summon emergency personnel if necessary. Workers shall ensure that communication equipment is clear and in good working order. 8.2 Pre-Entry Hazard/Risk Evaluation i. Conduct a hazard/risk assessment and ensure there is safe entry and access in and out of the space. Dependant on circumstances, prior to entry, employees shall contact a designated person and provide them with: the worksite location; type of work to be carried out; anticipated duration of work; when next contact will be made. 8.3 Protection of Confined Space Opening i. Level C spaces do not require any site-specific protection or safety procedures, unless the tasks being carried out in the space generate site-specific hazards, which would then result in job specific safety measures. Ensure workers understand the procedures, practice safety in and around the opening, and are knowledgeable of the rescue plan in the event of an emergency. 8.4 Entry If there are no hazards or all hazards have been eliminated, modified permitting completion is required and entry may proceed. 8.5 Air Monitoring Requirements Increase ventilation in the space where possible by opening doors, windows, etc. Page 7 of 10
9.0 ENTRY VIA HOIST CONFINED SPACE i. Place lift into the stand and put the cable hoist in place. Ensure adequate number of workers - minimum of three (3) workers to be present: a. Worker one will be the attendant; b. Worker two will be the entrant, equipped with a harness and connected to the hoist; c. Worker three will be equipped with the SCBA (Self-contained Breathing Apparatus) on and will continually observe the confined space works from the ground level in preparation for entry into the confined space in cases of emergency or rescue. i iv. The lid may now be opened and all pre-entry testing and requirements performed. If the air is safe, the entrant with the harness on may enter. v. When the worker is descending, the cable should have no more than one (1) foot of slack. vi. v vi ix. When worker is down, communication with attendants and continuous air testing is required. Worker completes task and ascends back out. As worker is ascending, the cable should have no more than one (1) foot of slack. When worker is out: a. Close and secure any openings to the confined space; b. Clean and check all equipment and clean and secure the working area to remove any safety hazards; c. Return equipment to appropriate area and ensure it is in good functional condition in preparation for future usage. x. Complete the Confined Entry documentation and reporting. 10.0 ON-SITE RESCUE Workers who are not trained in proper rescue procedures shall not undertake or be permitted to undertake rescue operations. All workers shall know who the first aid attendant is on site. i. The attendant must be notified immediately if the entrant recognizes: a. Unusual action/behavior; b. An unexpected hazard; c. An unsafe act; or d. Detects a condition prohibited by the permit Page 8 of 10
i Entrants must exit the confined space as quickly as possible, when: a. An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or entry supervisor; b. An entrant recognizes a sign or symptom or over-exposure; c. An unacceptable condition arises; or d. An evacuation alarm is activated. In the event of a confined space rescue the attendant: a. Does not enter the confined space and immediately contacts emergency personnel; b. Stops and clears all work in the vicinity and ensures that no workers enter the confined space; c. Secures the site against further danger or injuries; d. Designates a worker to wait for emergency responders to lead them to the accident area; e. Hoists an injured worker to the surface; f. Commences First Aid until relieved of responsibilities; g. Begins accident investigation, documentation and timely reporting. 11.0 CANCELLING A PERMIT Permits are valid for the duration of the time to perform the work specified; or until the time limit on the permit expires; or unless terminated by the attendant or entry supervisor. Once expired, a new permit will be required. All permits will remain on file for review as necessary. 12.0 CONTRACTORS In instances whereby contract employees or self-employed individuals may be entering a confined or permit confined space to perform works on behalf of the Town of Neepawa, entry shall only be allowed through compliance with confined space entry and under the provisions of this policy. 13.0 GENERAL Never enter a confined space (or site) if alone, even for an extremely short period of time. Individuals who are claustrophobic or uncomfortable should notify management beforehand. IF YOU CANNOT FULLY ASSESS THE RISKS IF YOU CANNOT MONITOR OR TEST THE ATMOSPHERE FOR HARMFUL SUBSTANCES IF YOU DO NOT HAVE CONTINUOUS EXPLOSIVE GAS MONIORS AND BREATHING APPARATUS DO NOT ENTER Page 9 of 10
APPENDIX A DETERMINING A CONFINED SPACE CHART Is the space enclosed, or partially enclosed? Yes No Except for the purposes of performing work, is the space NOT designed nor intended for human occupancy? No This is NOT a confined space Yes No Does the space have limited or restricted means of access or egress? Yes This IS a confined space Page 10 of 10