HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Atascadero-Confined Space ProgramCITY OF ATASCADERO
Confined Space Entry Program
May 20, 2010
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROGRAM
Table of Contents
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 POLICY ............................................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................. 2
SECTION 2. GENERAL OVERVIEW/ DEFINITIONS ......................................................................... 2
2.1 CONFINED SPACE OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................... 2
2.2 CATEGORIES OF CONFINED SPACES ................................................................................................. 3
2.3 HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES ............................................................................................................. 3
2.4 OTHER RELEVANT DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................ 4
SECTION 3. WORKPLACE EVALUATION FOR CONFINED SPACES ........................................... 5
3.1 IDENTIFIED SPACES .......................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 NEWLY DISCOVERED SPACES ........................................................................................................... 5
SECTION 4. EMPLOYEE NOTIFICATION AND TRAINING .............................................................. 6
4.1 CONFINED SPACE NOTIFICATION ....................................................................................................... 6
4.2 TRAINING ......................................................................................................................................... 6
SECTION 5. NON-PERMIT SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES ............................................................ 8
5.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................ 8
5.2 PRE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................. 8
SECTION 6. PERMIT SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES ..................................................................... 9
6.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................ 9
6.2 ATMOSPHERIC TESTING .................................................................................................................... 9
6.3 ISOLATION ...................................................................................................................................... 10
6.4 CONTROLLING IGNITION SOURCES .................................................................................................. 10
6.5 PURGING AND VENTILATION ............................................................................................................ 10
6.6 ENTRY PERMIT SYSTEM ................................................................................................................. 11
6.7 DESIGNATED ROLES ....................................................................................................................... 11
6.8 RE-CLASSIFICATION OF A PERMIT SPACE TO A NON-PERMIT SPACE ................................................. 14
SECTION 7. RESCUE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES .................................................................. 15
7.1 GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................................................................. 15
7.2 NON-ENTRY RESCUE ..................................................................................................................... 15
7.3 ENTRY RESCUE.............................................................................................................................. 16
SECTION 8. EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................................ 16
SECTION 9. CONTRACTOR NOTIFICATION ................................................................................. 17
ATTACHMENT A
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 1
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background Information
Confined spaces present many potential dangers to persons who are required to enter
them, and many of the hazards can be invisible to the human eye. Consequently efforts
should be made, whenever possible, to avoid entering confined spaces altogether.
When confined space entry operations are required, special precautions must be taken
to protect the persons involved.
Because of the inherent serious dangers posed by confined space entry work, the State
of California, Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and
Health (Cal-OSHA) regulations require that employers take specific precautions to
protect the health and safety of employees required to perform such work. Those
requirements are contained in Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Sections 5156
through 5158 (T8, CCR, §5156-5158).
1.2 Policy
The City of Atascadero is committed to protecting employees from potential
hazards associated with working in confined spaces and to complying with
applicable rules and regulations. To this end, it is the policy to:
Evaluate the workplace for the presence of confined spaces;
Assess the potential hazards of identified confined spaces, and in turn
classify them as permit-required confined spaces (permit spaces) or non-
permit required confined spaces (non-permit spaces);
Inform potentially exposed employees of the presence of any identified
spaces and prevent unauthorized entry;
Implement specific procedures and practices for safe non-permit and permit
space entry operations, including the use of “Entry Permits” in connection with
permit space entry work, and procedures for re-classifying permit spaces as
non-permit spaces;
Provide, maintain, and train employees on the equipment needed to safely
enter non-permit and permit spaces at no cost to the employees;
Ensure all persons involved with non-permit and permit space entry
operations are properly trained on their specific duties;
Inform contractor personnel or other visitors of the presence of identified
confined spaces and prevent unauthorized entry;
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Review entry operations whenever it is suspected that the protective
measures taken may not offer adequate protection and revise this program as
necessary to correct any identified deficiencies;
Review this program, using cancelled permits, within one year after each
permit space entry to ensure affected employees are adequately protected,
and revise this program as necessary to correct any identified deficiencies;
and
Make this program available for inspection/review by employees and their
authorized representatives.
1.3 Scope
This program sets forth the minimum requirements associated with permit space entry
operations, and as such, applies to all employees involved with such work.
SECTION 2. GENERAL OVERVIEW/ DEFINITIONS
2.1 Confined Space Overview
2.1.1 A "confined space" is defined as any enclosed area that 1) is large enough for an
employee to enter and perform assigned work, 2) has limited or restricted means
of entry or exit, and 3) is not designed for continuous human occupancy. Typical
examples of a confined space include:
Storm drainpipes
Sewers
Utility vaults
Underground water wells
Underground reservoirs
Storage tanks
Utility pipelines
Manholes
Large vacuum vessels
Large trenches
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2.1.2 Confined spaces may pose numerous health and physical hazards, including, but
not limited to 1) atmospheric hazards (i.e. toxic vapors, flammable gasses,
oxygen deficient or enriched environments); 2) engulfment by a liquid or finely
divided solid substance; 3) an internal configuration that may cause an entrant to
slip/fall or be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls, etc.; and 4)
any other physical hazards (e.g. posed by mechanical equipment that may be
present, etc.).
2.2 Categories of Confined Spaces
2.2.1 A non-permit space is a confined space that does not contain, or, with respect
to atmospheric hazards, does not have the potential to contain, a hazard capable
of causing death or serious physical harm.
2.2.2 A permit-space is a space that:
Contains, or has the potential to contain, a hazardous atmosphere (see
definition below);
Contains a material with the potential to engulf (see definition below) an
entrant;
Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or
asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or a floor that slopes downward and
tapers to a smaller cross section; and/or
Contains any other serious safety or health hazard.
2.2.3 Under certain circumstances (e.g. an equipment failure, illegal dumping,
chemical usage, etc.), a non-permit space may become a permit space. For
example, the use of cleaners, paints, solvents, or welding equipment in or near a
non-permit space could increase the atmospheric hazard potential such that it
would become a permit space.
2.3 Hazardous Atmospheres
An atmosphere presenting a reasonably expected potential for death, disablement,
injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:
A flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10% of its lower explosive limit
(LEL);
An airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its
LEL, or obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet or less;
An oxygen deficient (i.e. less than 19.5% oxygen) or oxygen enriched (i.e.
greater than 23.5% oxygen) atmosphere;
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An atmospheric concentration of any toxic, corrosive, or asphyxiant
substance in excess of recommended or regulated (e.g. by Cal-OSHA)
exposure limits; and/or
Any other condition immediately dangerous to life or health (see definition
below).
2.4 Other Relevant Definitions
Acceptable Entry Conditions: The conditions that must exist in a permit-required
space to allow entry and ensure that employees involved with a high-hazard confined
space entry can safely enter into and work within the space.
Attendant: An individual stationed outside one or more permit-spaces to monitor
authorized entrants and responsible for performing all “Attendant” duties as described in
this program.
Authorized Entrant: An employee authorized (via training and demonstration of
knowledge/competency) to enter a permit space.
Blanking or Blinding: The absolute closure of a pipe, line, or duct by fastening a solid
plate (e.g. a spectacle blind or skillet blind) that completely covers the bore and is
capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with no leakage
beyond the plate.
Double Block and Bleed: The closure of a line, duct, or pipe by closing and locking or
tagging two in-line valves and by opening and locking or tagging a drain or vent valve in
the line between the two closed valves.
Emergency: Any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or monitoring of
equipment) or internal or external event to the permit-space that could endanger
entrants.
Engulfment: The surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely
divided (flowable) solid substance that can be aspirated to cause death by filling or
plugging the respiratory system; or that can exert enough force on the body to cause
death by strangulation, constriction, or crushing.
Entry: Takes place when any part of the body breaks the plain of any opening of a
confined space, and includes any subsequent activities inside the space.
Entry Certificate: Written documentation of entry, under established conditions, into a
permit space reclassified as a non-permit space.
Entry Permit: The department’s written authorization for entry, under established
conditions, into a permit-space.
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Entry Supervisor: The designated individual with overall responsibility for a permit
space entry, and for performing all “Entry Supervisor” duties as described in this
program.
Hot Work Permit: A written authorization to perform riveting, welding, thermal or
oxygen cutting, heating or other fire or spark producing operations.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH): Any condition that poses an
immediate or delayed threat to life, or that would cause irreversible adverse health
effects, or that would interfere with an individual's ability to escape unaided from a
confined space.
Inerting: Displacement of the atmosphere in a permit-space by a noncombustible gas
(e.g., nitrogen) to such an extent that the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible.
NOTE: This procedure will produce an oxygen-deficient atmosphere that is IDLH.
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): The lower and
upper concentration of an ignitable gas or vapor in air (usually expressed in percent by
volume at sea level) that will burn if a source of ignition is present, respectively.
Retrieval System: Equipment used for non-entry rescue of persons from permit-
spaces, and generally including a retrieval line, full-body harness, wristlets (if
appropriate), and a lifting device or anchor.
SECTION 3. WORKPLACE EVALUATION FOR CONFINED SPACES
3.1 Identified Spaces
Several confined spaces have been identified that are or may be encountered by
employees. A list of the known confined spaces appears in the “Confined Space
Inventory,” see attachment A.
3.2 Newly Discovered Spaces
Due to the nature of work routinely performed by employees, confined spaces may be
encountered that have not yet been discovered. Consequently, potentially affected
employees shall be properly trained and instructed to maintain an awareness of the
potential for encountering new spaces, and to in turn notify their supervisor prior to
entering any such spaces. Entry into a newly discovered space will only be permitted
after the supervisor has appropriately evaluated and classified (as non-permit or permit)
the space. The definitions provided in sub-section 2.2, “Categories of Confined
Spaces,” along with the considerations listed below, shall provide the criteria for which
to classify newly discovered confined spaces:
The physical characteristics of the space that may pose a hazard;
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Any current and/or past uses of the space that may have left a residue or
material that might fall on, engulf, or otherwise injure or expose an employee;
Any special hazards that may arise from the location of the space (e.g.,
relative to other operations, processes or structures) that may endanger an
entrant; and
Any operations or processes that are to be carried out in, or which involve,
the space while employees are inside.
The Confined Space Inventory shall be promptly updated to include any newly
discovered confined spaces.
SECTION 4. EMPLOYEE NOTIFICATION AND TRAINING
4.1 Confined Space Notification
4.1.1 All potentially affected employees shall be informed of the presence of identified
confined spaces in their workplace, as well as the potential presence of confined
spaces yet to be identified, during training they shall receive prior to performing
work in which such spaces may be encountered.
4.1.2 The initial training will include the provision of the current Confined Space Table,
and will instruct participants not to enter any confined spaces without having
received the proper training, equipment, authorization, etc.
4.1.3 All potentially affected employees shall receive an updated version of the
Confined Space Table whenever changes to the table are made (i.e.
addition/deletion of spaces, or reclassification of spaces).
4.2 Training
4.2.1 All employees shall participate in specific training prior to being authorized to
enter non-permit or permit spaces. Such training shall include, at a minimum, the
following:
An overview of confined spaces and their potential hazards, including the
relevant definitions provided in Section 2 of this program.
Detailed instruction on the specific procedures to be utilized in connection
with non-permit space entry, including:
o The proper guarding of space openings as necessary to prevent
accidental falls;
o Pre-entry atmospheric testing (including the proper calibration and
use of the necessary equipment);
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o The specific duties of designated “Buddies” during entry operations;
Detailed instruction on the specific procedures to be utilized in connection
with permit space entry, including:
o Pre-entry atmospheric testing (including the proper calibration and
use of the necessary equipment);
o The proper use of any other necessary equipment (e.g. personal
protective equipment, emergency retrieval equipment, ventilation
equipment, communications devices, etc.);
o Emergency procedures, including non-entry rescue procedures;
o The specific duties of persons with active roles during permit space
entry operations (Authorized Entrants, Attendants, Entry
Supervisors, and Atmospheric Testing Personnel);
o The proper use of Entry Permits in connection with permit space
entry operations; and
o The proper use of Entry Certificates in connection with the re-
classification of permit spaces to non-permit spaces.
Proper training on the necessary procedures to address any other potential
hazards (e.g. fall protection, electrical hazards, etc.).
4.2.2 Refresher training will be conducted at least annually, or whenever:
There are changes in entry operations that present new hazards about which
employees have not been previously trained; or
There is reason to believe that there are deviations from the required entry
procedures or that there are inadequacies in the employees’ knowledge of the
required procedures.
4.2.2 Employees authorized to act as Attendants shall be additionally trained and
certified to perform first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
4.2.3 All training shall establish employee proficiency (using a test) and shall be
certified.
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SECTION 5. NON-PERMIT SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES
5.1 General Requirements
5.1.1 Non-permit space entry shall only be performed by authorized employees who
are appropriately trained in accordance with the requirements of this program.
5.1.2 All non-permit space entries shall involve the use of the buddy system, meaning
at least one employee will accompany the entrant over the duration of the entry
operation. The specific procedures to be utilized in the event of an unexpected
emergency (e.g. communications to emergency services, etc.) shall be reviewed
by all participants prior to the commencement of the entry operation.
5.2 Pre-Entry Requirements
The following specific measures shall be taken prior to any entry into a non-permit
space:
5.2.1 Eliminate any hazards associated with the removal of the entrance cover (e.g.
pressure).
5.2.2 After removing the entrance cover, guard openings as necessary to prevent
accidental falls and foreign object entry (using a railing, temporary cover, or other
temporary barrier).
5.2.3 Test the atmosphere with appropriately calibrated direct reading instrumentation.
The test shall be performed using a rope or other effective means to lower the
instrument into the space to allow for the test to be performed without entering
the space. Test for the following in the order noted:
Oxygen content (20.9% oxygen is normal; must not be lower than 19.5% or
greater than 23.5%);
Flammable gases and vapors (must be < 10% LEL); and
Other potential toxic air contaminants, including but not limited to hydrogen
sulfide gas and carbon monoxide.
If gasoline or diesel like odors are noted, additional testing for volatile organic
compounds shall be required.
5.2.4 In the event an atmospheric hazard is identified within the space, the space will
not be entered and will be immediately reclassified as permit space. The entry
operation shall not resume until the participants are prepared and capable of
meeting all of the requirements contained in the following section.
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SECTION 6. PERMIT SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES
6.1 General Requirements
6.1.1 Permit space entry shall only be performed by authorized employees who are
appropriately trained in accordance with the requirements of this program.
6.1.2 An initial identification/evaluation of the potential hazards of the space shall be
performed prior to entry to determine the specific means, procedures, and
practices necessary for safe entry, which may include, but not limited to:
Isolating the space;
Purging, inerting, flushing or ventilating the space to eliminate or control
atmospheric hazards;
Providing pedestrian, vehicle, or other barriers necessary to protect entrants
from external hazards; and
Verifying that conditions in the space are acceptable throughout the duration
of the entry.
6.1.3 The specific measures taken to ensure safe entry shall be documented using the
Entry Permit provided as an attachment.
6.2 Atmospheric Testing
6.2.1 Atmospheric testing shall be performed 1) prior to an entry to verify the initial
acceptability of atmospheric entry conditions; and 2) continuously, or at frequent
enough intervals, to ensure safe atmospheric conditions persist over the duration
of the entry. The following conditions should be tested for in the order noted:
Oxygen content (20.9% oxygen is normal; must not be lower than 19.5% or
greater than 23.5%);
Flammable gases and vapors (must be < 10% LEL); and
Other potential toxic air contaminants, including hydrogen sulfide gas, carbon
monoxide, and any other potential toxic contaminants (e.g. volatile organic
compounds).
The services of a professional/expert consultant shall be retained to perform
any necessary testing that cannot be accomplished using the standard testing
equipment.
6.2.2 Testing should only be performed by an appropriately qualified and trained
individual using properly maintained and calibrated instrumentation, and in a
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manner so as to ensure the sampling is representative of the total atmosphere in
the space (e.g. at different levels within a deep tank).
6.2.3 Initial and continuous testing should be performed using lines or other means to
test the space without entry so as to avoid exposure to the individual performing
the test. In the event this is not feasible, appropriate supplied-air respiratory
protection would be required by any person entering the space to perform the
test.
6.2.4 If the prescribed testing indicates a hazardous atmosphere, the Entry Supervisor
shall be immediately notified so that the appropriate measures (e.g. purging and
ventilation procedures, use of respiratory protection, etc.) can be initiated.
6.3 Isolation
Isolation is the process whereby a confined space is removed from service and
protected from the release of energy and material into the space. Specific means that
may be required to achieve isolation include, but are not be limited to:
Disconnecting lines that may allow hazardous materials to enter the space;
Misaligning or removing sections of lines, pipes, or ducts;
Taking open chemical or gas lines apart, capping ends, and inserting blanks
between flanged connections (blanks must be strong enough to handle
pressure buildup in the event the pump is accidentally turned on);
Using a double-block-and-bleed system;
Using lock-out/tag-out procedures on pumps or any other hazardous energy
sources (e.g. electrical and mechanical hazards, water lines or pipes, and
compressed air).
6.4 Controlling Ignition Sources
6.4.1 All ignition sources, including lit cigarettes, shall be prohibited in confined spaces.
6.4.2 If sources such as welding or cutting equipment are required, a hot work permit
must be obtained.
6.4.3 If open flames are to be used in the space, extra precautions shall be taken to
ensure adequate ventilation.
6.5 Purging and Ventilation
6.5.1 If an actual or potential atmospheric hazard exists, the space shall be purged
with fresh air and positive ventilation shall be provided prior to and throughout
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entry. Efforts shall be made to provide a continuous supply of fresh air as close
as possible to the employee work area, and care shall be taken to locate the inlet
upwind and at least 25 feet away from the space or any other potential
contaminants (e.g., vehicle exhaust).
6.5.2 If the removal of any residue is required, proper flushing techniques should be
utilized (starting at the top, and flushing the space with water or steam to ensure
proper cleaning). Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn, and
proper entry procedures must be utilized, by any persons entering the space to
perform such operations.
6.6 Entry Permit System
6.6.1 The entry permit shall be completed in connection with every permit space entry
operation, and entry shall not commence until all of the necessary precautions
noted on the permit have been taken.
6.6.2 The entry permit shall authorize entry by only the named employees, into a
specified confined space, on a specified day, and during a particular shift.
6.6.3 The entry permit shall specify by name the designated Entry Supervisor, who
shall be responsible for confirming that all pre-entry requirements are met,
signing the permit, authorizing entry, and briefing Entrants, Attendants, and any
other involved persons on the specific hazards and their responsibilities towards
ensuring a safe entry.
6.6.4 The completed entry permit shall be read, understood, and initialed by all
employees involved prior to the commencement of the entry, and shall be posted
in a readily visible location.
6.6.5 Copies of the entry permit shall be provided to the employee’s Supervisor within
five working days, and such copies shall be retained for a minimum of one year.
6.7 Designated Roles
Every permit space entry operation shall involve the designation of persons responsible
for fulfilling the roles of Authorized Entrant, Attendant, Entry Supervisor, and
Atmospheric Testing Personnel. Multiple roles can be taken on by a single individual
(e.g. an Attendant may also act as the Entry Supervisor) provided that the individual is
appropriately trained and equipped to perform the duties of each role. The specific
responsibilities of the various roles are outlined below.
6.7.1 Entry Supervisors shall be responsible for all personnel involved with a permit
space entry operation, and shall be required to:
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Ensure that all individuals involved with the operation are authorized and
appropriately trained to perform their duties;
Provide employees with advance notice of anticipated permit space entry
work so that arrangements can be made for the necessary equipment and
testing;
Perform pre-entry hazard assessment activities, and know the hazards that
may be faced by Entrants, including the mode, signs, symptoms, and
consequences of exposure;
Verify that the appropriate portions of the permit have been completed, that
testing specified on the permit has been completed, and that the necessary
procedures, practices, and equipment are in effect prior to endorsing the
permit and authorizing entry;
Ensure that onsite non-entry rescue services are available;
Ensure that additional (entry) rescue services are available, and that the
means for summoning them are operable;
Ensure that entry operations comply with the terms and conditions of the
permit;
Take appropriate measures to remove any unauthorized personnel who are
in, or attempt to enter, the space;
Ensure that transfer is made to another authorized supervisor whenever the
responsibility for a permit space entry changes, and that the terms and
conditions of the permit are maintained;
Direct employees to leave the area immediately and notify the responsible
health and safety personnel to facilitate a re-evaluation in the event
unexpected hazards arise;
Cancel the permit authorization whenever unacceptable conditions exist, or
upon completing permitted activities;
Provide copies of the permit upon completing the entry operation to the
employee’s Supervisor;
Maintain copies of all permits issued under their authority.
6.7.2 Authorized Entrants shall be required to:
Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including the mode, signs,
symptoms, and consequences of exposure;
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Review and understand the Entry Permit, and agree to accept and abide by
its conditions (by initialing);
Assist (as capable/qualified, and as directed by the Entry Supervisor) in the
implementation of the necessary safety practices and control measures
(isolation, ventilation, etc.);
Properly use any required equipment (e.g. personal protective equipment,
testing and monitoring equipment, ventilating equipment, etc.);
Maintain contact with the Attendant;
Alert the Attendant whenever a warning sign, symptom of exposure, or other
prohibited condition is detected;
Exit the space as quickly as possible whenever:
o Instructed to do so by the Attendant or Entry Supervisor;
o An alarm is activated; or
o Danger is perceived.
6.7.3 An Attendant shall be present outside the space over the duration of every
permit space entry operation to be in communication with the Entrants, monitor
the conditions of the space, and be ready to summon for help in the event of an
emergency. The Attendant shall maintain an effective means of communication
with Entrants whenever they are out of the Attendant's sight. Additional specific
responsibilities shall include:
Maintain an accurate count of all persons working in the space and ensure
their safety;
Maintain effective and continuous contact with the Entrants, utilizing
communications equipment as necessary;
Verify that the conditions and requirements of the Entry Permit are
maintained;
Prevent the fouling of airlines and/or lifelines, as necessary;
Direct Entrants to evacuate the space if a hazardous condition is observed;
Summon emergency services in the event of an emergency;
Attempt to perform non-entry rescue in the event of an emergency, if
possible, but do not enter the space during the emergency;
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Provide emergency rescue personnel with the Entry Permit and any other
relevant information concerning the events leading up to the emergency;
Do not perform other tasks that might interfere with the primary duty of
monitoring and protecting Entrants; and
Do not leave the assignment while personnel are inside the space, except to
get help in an emergency.
6.7.4 Atmospheric Monitoring Personnel shall be required to:
Maintain and calibrate, prior to each use, testing equipment in accordance
with the manufacturer's specifications to ensure that it functions properly;
Perform the tests indicated on the Entry Permit, including any additional tests
that may be deemed necessary, and record the results on the permit; and
Ensure that the testing performed is representative of all areas of the space.
6.8 Re-Classification of a Permit Space to a Non-Permit Space
6.8.1 A permit space may be re-classified as a non-permit confined space if the
following conditions are met:
The only hazard present is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere;
Continuous forced air ventilation alone can maintain safe entry conditions;
and
Monitoring and inspection data support the above two items, and are
documented and available to Entrants.
6.8.2 If initial entry is required to obtain the above information and data, the entry shall
be performed in accordance with the permit system requirements described
above.
6.8.3 Once a space has been re-classified as a non-permit space, provisions for
continuous forced air ventilation and periodic retesting for hazardous
atmospheric conditions shall be made to assure that potential hazardous
atmospheres are controlled.
6.8.4 An entry permit shall be completed to document the actions taken in connection
with the re-classification process, and a copy of the entry permit shall be
provided to the employee’s Supervisor following the completion of the operation.
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SECTION 7. RESCUE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
7.1 General Information
7.1.1 The City of Atascadero shall ensure that all Attendants are properly trained to
perform rescue and emergency services that may be needed in connection with
permit-space entry operations, including the performance of non-entry rescue,
first aid and CPR techniques, and the summoning of emergency services for
entry rescue.
7.1.2 Untrained employees shall not be permitted to perform entry rescue or to enter
confined spaces for any other reason during an emergency.
7.2 Non-Entry Rescue
7.2.1 In the event a person has collapsed or appears to be having difficulty while
working in a confined space, the Attendant shall:
Summon for emergency services using the predetermined procedures (e.g.
by dialing 911);
If possible, attempt to retrieve the person(s) from outside the space using the
harness retrieval system (at no time shall the Attendant be permitted to enter
the space during an emergency);
In the event a non-entry rescue is successful, immediately check for injuries
and render first aid and CPR as necessary until professional medical help
arrives; and
Brief and assist emergency services personnel upon their arrival.
7.2.2 To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or other methods shall be utilized
whenever Entrants enter a space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase
the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entry.
7.2.3 Retrieval systems shall meet the following requirements:
Each authorized entrant shall use a chest or full-body harness, with a retrieval
line attached at a suitable point so that when rescued, the entrant presents
the smallest possible profile (generally at the center of the back, near
shoulder level).
Wristlets may be used in lieu of a harness if it can be demonstrated that the
harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard, and that the use of wristlets
is the safest alternative.
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The other end of the retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical device
(e.g. tri-pod and lifting device) or fixed point outside the space; a mechanical
device shall be available from all vertical type spaces greater than five feet
deep.
7.3 Entry Rescue
The Fire Department shall act as the designated entry rescue team. City of Atascadero
employees performing confined space entry shall:
Verify that the Fire Department is available to respond prior to each permit
space entry;
Inform the Fire Department of the hazards they may confront when called on
to perform rescue services; and
Provide the Fire Department with access to all permit spaces from which
rescue may be necessary so that they can develop appropriate rescue plans
and practice rescue operations.
SECTION 8. EQUIPMENT
The following equipment shall be available for use during confined space entry
operations, at no cost to employees, to facilitate compliance with this program:
Atmosphere testing and monitoring equipment that detects the presence or
deficiency of oxygen, flammability, and toxic substances. A professional/
expert consultant shall be retained to perform any necessary monitoring
beyond the capabilities of on-hand instrumentation);
A portable ventilation blower and hose;
Lock-out/Tag-out devices;
A functioning tripod, hoisting device, harness, and lifeline;
A self-contained breathing apparatus with a minimum 30-minute air supply for
emergency purposes;
Personal protective equipment that may be deemed necessary, including
respiratory protection, head protection (hard hat), body protection (gloves
and/or coveralls designed to protect against the specific materials being
encountered), safety eyewear, safety footwear, and personal fall protection;
Adequate lighting (flashlights and/or extension lamps approved for the
environment to be used in);
Confined Space Entry Policy Page 17
Means for two-way communication (radios) with Entrants for use when they
are out of sight;
Non-sparking tools and low-voltage electrical tools for work in hazardous and
wet locations; and
Portable power tools and lamps that are properly grounded and equipped with
ground fault circuit interrupters.
SECTION 9. CONTRACTOR NOTIFICATION
The City of Atascadero shall inform all contractors, vendors, or other visitors who may
be required to work in confined spaces at facilities of the presence of identified permit
and non-permit spaces, of any specific hazards that may be associated with those
spaces (e.g. fire, explosion, or other health and safety hazard), and of the
contractor’s/vendor’s/visitor’s independent responsibility to comply with applicable
safety rules/regulations.
Affected contractors/vendors/visitors shall be required to prepare and implement written
confined space entry procedures that, at a minimum, meet the requirements contained
in this program.
ATTACHMENT A
1.0 Confined Space Inventory
Storage tanks
Pump wet wells
Degreasers
Digesters
Sewers
Manholes
Tunnels
Underground vaults
Dry wells
Boilers
Silos and Hoppers
Vessels
Grain elevators
Mixers
Open top tanks
Water towers
Rail car tanks
Structural Collapse
Ship hold and accesses
Cofferdams
Storm drains
Ovens and furnaces
Large trenches
Underground reservoirs
Underground water wells