http://www.jlab.org/div_dept/dir_off/public_affairs/logo/JLab_logo_text_white1.jpg

TITLE

ES&H Manual

 

DOCUMENT ID

6160 Appendix T3:

Entry Procedure for Permit Required Confined Spaces

 

 

At Jefferson Lab, a Confined Space Entry (CSE) Permit is considered to be a Work Control Document and thus a Standard Protecting Measure. Only when all hazard issues associated with the PRCS and the work activity are acknowledged and mitigated in accordance with this program, can the area’s associated Risk Code be considered <2. At a minimum, all work requiring entry into a PRCS is discussed with the entry supervisor prior to commencement of work. 

 

A formal Task Hazard Analysis and Operational Safety Procedure is required for work considered to be Risk Code >2 in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 3210 Work Planning, Control, and Authorization Process.

 

For information on all PRCS posting and entry requirements contact Industrial Hygiene.

 

1.0           Purpose

This appendix provides the process steps used to ensure adequate controls are implemented and maintained during entry into a PRCS. Steps include initiating a Confined Space Entry (CSE) Permit, complying with CSE Permit requirements, and ensuring adequate close-out.

 

If the only hazard posed by the PRCS is a hazardous atmosphere (actual or potential) AND it can be demonstrated that continuous forced air ventilation ALONE is sufficient to maintain safety use ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T4 Alternate Entry Procedure for PRCS.

 

2.0           Scope

This appendix applies to Jefferson Lab’s PRCS as defined in ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T1 Listing of Permit-Required Confined Space Locations. The process steps for this procedure are performed in coordination with ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Confined Space Program.

3.0           Responsibilities

Note:   Management authority may be delegated to a task-qualified TJNAF employee at the discretion of the responsible manager.

3.1            Entry Supervisor

·       Maintain appropriate training (SAF907 Confined Space Entry and other applicable training for the tasks performed inside the PRCS).

·       Confirm Qualified Attendant(s) and Authorized Entrant(s) are trained, qualified, and have read and understand the requirements for the work.

·       Contact Newport News Fire Department (NNFD) prior to entry to ensure that emergency rescue service is available. When notified that NNFD is not available for rescue services, prevent or discontinue PRCS entries until services capability have been reactivated.

·       Initiate the CSE Permit or an Alternate Entry Certification as appropriate.

·       Authorizes entry into the PRCS.

·       Terminate entry and cancel the entry permit when entry operations have been completed or a condition not allowed by the entry permit arises in or near the permit space.

3.2            Qualified Attendant

·       Maintain appropriate training (SAF907 Confined Space Entry and other applicable training for the tasks performed inside the PRCS).

·       Read and comply with the requirements listed on the CSE Permit or Alternate Entry Certification. Suspend work if conditions alter (refer to ES&H Manual Chapter 3330 Appendix T1 Suspend Work for Safety Procedure).  

·       Remain stationed outside the permit space monitoring entrants.

·       Perform continuous air monitoring as assigned by the Entry Supervisor.

·       Prevent unauthorized entry into the PRCS.

·       Order an evacuation if hazard conditions change.

 

3.3            Authorized Entrant

·       Maintain appropriate training (SAF907 Confined Space Entry, or equivalent as approved by Industrial Hygiene).

·       Read and comply with CSE Permit requirements or Alternate Entry Certification. Suspend work if conditions alter (refer to ES&H Manual Chapter 3330 Appendix T1 Suspend Work for Safety Procedure).

·       Authorized by Entry Supervisor to enter the permit space and perform work.

·       Perform continuous air monitoring as assigned by the Entry Supervisor.

·       Maintain communication with the Attendant during the entry.

·       Evacuate immediately if directed, alarm activates, or if judgment tells you to evacuate.

 

3.4            Confined Space Coordinator

·       Ensure monitoring instruments are appropriately maintained, calibrated, and bump tested prior to issuing for CSE.

·       Provide Confined Space Entry training.

4.0           Process Steps

4.1            Prior to Initiating a PRCS entry, notify NNFD of confined space entry activity:

·       Entry Supervisor call the NNFD Station 6 at 757-881-5043, and Station 10 at 757-591-4915 to state the following: “This is not a request for an emergency response, just a notification that Jefferson Lab will be performing confined space entry on (state date and approximate time).”

·       If NNFD rescue services are not available, prevent or discontinue PRCS entries until services capability have been reactivated.

 

4.2            Initiate the Confined Space Entry (CSE) Permit

 CSEP image

The Entry Supervisor initiates the CSE Permit prior to authorizing entry into any recognized or suspected PRCS. Use the instructions below to complete the CSE Permit.

                           

NOTE: When the only hazard posed within the PRCS is an actual or potentially hazardous atmosphere AND it can be demonstrated that continuous forced air ventilation is sufficient to mitigate the hazard, use ES&H Manual Chapter 6140 Appendix T4 Alternate Entry Procedures for PRCSs.

 

Section 1 – Introduction

·       Space Designation, Nearest Permanent Building/Location, and Type of Space:  

o   Using ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T1 List of Permit-Required Confined Space Locations, locate the PRCS to be entered.

o   Find its associated number on the tables provided.

o   Fill in the blanks on the form with the requested information.

·       Start Date/Time: Anticipated date and time work will commence.

·       Estimated Duration: Approximate number of hours required to do job (no more than eight hours.)

·       Purpose of Entry: State the tasks to be performed.

 

Section 2 – Hazard Control Measures

·       Denote with a Ö all that apply and describe as requested. Consult system or Subject Matter Experts if assistance is needed.

o   Identify supporting utilities (e.g. electrical systems, gas systems, fluid systems, and HVAC) and secure as appropriate. This information must be noted on the CSE Permit.

o   Determine if intrinsically safe ventilation is required per hazards identified. 

 

NOTE: If Hot Work is to be conducted during PRCS entry, contact the Industrial Hygiene. 

 

Section 3Equipment (denote with a Ö all equipment required for the PRCS entry)

·       Emergency Communications: Always required.

·       Retrieval Gear (lifeline and body harness): Required unless it constitutes a greater hazard or hinders rescue operations. Consult with CSC and document reason(s) in the space provided. Some typical scenarios include:

o   The PRCS has objects that could snag the lifeline or harness.

o   The lifeline poses a significant trip hazard.

o   The route taken by the entrant makes retrieval impossible without injuring the entrant.

o   By prior agreement between Emergency Manager, Industrial Hygiene, and Newport News Fire Department.

·       Retrieval Hoist: Required for entry into below-grade spaces.

·       Other - Based on Actual Conditions:

o   Lighting (vapor-tight)

o   GFCI for electrical equipment

o   Portable generator

o   Pump

o   Batteries

o   Other – Describe what other equipment is needed that has not been identified on the permit

 

Section 4 – Role Assignments

·       Authorized Entrant(s): Ensure all who are listed have the appropriate training, qualifications, read and understand the requirements of the CSE Permit.

·       Qualified Attendant(s) Required: Ensure all who are listed have the appropriate training, qualifications, read and understand the requirements of the CSE Permit.

 

Section 5 – Authorizing Signature

·       Entry Supervisor: Signing the form indicates appropriate diligence has been performed to ensure compliance with requirements.

 

4.3            CSE Set-Up and Permit Compliance (Entry Supervisor)

 

NOTE: If conditions alter from those stated on the CSE Permit, order an immediate evaluation and suspend work (see ES&H Manual Chapter 3330 Appendix T1 Suspend Work for Safety Procedure).

 

Section 1 – Instrument Verification

 

Step 1:        Obtain monitoring instruments* from Industrial Hygiene. Be prepared to provide the following information:

·       Work processes taking place in, around, or near the PRCS, particularly those generating toxic or asphyxiating gases or vapors, such as CO2, helium, refrigerants, etc. 

·       Estimated duration of work. 

·       Known depth and “worst-case” condition(s) of the PRCS.

·       Permanent mechanical ventilation or other Engineering Controls in PRCS, if functioning.

·       Need for other toxic-detection capability (e.g., colorimetric indicator tubes) for conditions such as: acetylene, hydrogen, NOx or ozone. 

·       Any additional information, as provided by the system owner, area manager, Industrial Hygiene, or others. 

 

*Jefferson Lab offers multi-function gas meters. These monitoring instruments are able to detect the following parameters:

  • Oxygen Concentration (in percent O2)
  • Flammability (in percentage of lower explosive limit)
  • Carbon Monoxide Concentration (in parts per million (ppm)
  • Hydrogen Sulfide Concentration (also in ppm)

 

A confined space meter, equipped with an audible alarm, must continuously monitor the atmosphere within a PRCS. A visible alarm may also be necessary in high noise areas.

 

Other Accessories include tubing adequate for the PRCS’s depth/length; auxiliary sampling pumps; and spare battery(s) adequate for the estimated duration of the work.

 

Step 2:        Ensure instrument(s) is functioning properly

Industrial Hygiene will provide instruction and training for the proper use and function of the instruments provided including, but not be limited to:

·       Turning the instrument on in an uncontaminated area.

·       Ensuring there is ample power for duration of work. For safety, consider continuous operation limit to be no more than five hours. A spare set of batteries is always recommended.

·       Allowing instrument to perform self-diagnostics.

·       “Zeroing” the meter.

Step 3:        Denote monitoring instruments on the permit

·       Instrument’s Make/Serial No.: Identify the specific monitoring instruments obtained from Industrial Hygiene. 

·       Calibration Expiration Date: Denote the Instrument’s calibration expiration date (i.e. the last date an instrument may be used). If this date is not displayed on the instruments, ask Industrial Hygiene for clarification.

·       Bump Test Date: Industrial Hygiene will ensure monitoring instrument and auxiliary sampling pumps are functioning adequately by performing a bump test to force the alarm to sound

 

Section 2 – Atmospheric Testing

 

Step 1:        Pre-Entry Monitoring (prior to entry or otherwise disturbing the air within the PRCS)

·        Assemble all entrants, and others who are to use or rely on the monitoring instrument, to observe the initial atmospheric test.

·        Test the Audible Alarm: Ensure everyone understand the display and audible alert(s) 

·        Perform an initial atmospheric test from outside the PRCS. (If this cannot be done contact the Industrial Hygiene.) 

·        Person Performing Test (Initials): Initial that the monitoring has occurred.   

·        Time: Denote the time each test was performed.

·        Acceptable Entry Conditions: The first column on the permit denotes the initial atmospheric test results.

 

https://www.jlab.org/ehs/ehsmanual/6160T4_files/image004.jpg

NOTE: If you are using colorimetric indicator tubes, promptly write down the concentration as indicated by the length and degree of color change. The stained area will likely continue to change (+) after exposure, and the tube will become useless as a record.

 

Read the tube instructions carefully for proper sample volume (pump strokes), interfering substances, and any temperature/humidity corrections that may be required. Also check the expiration date for the tubes; do not use them if the date has passed.

 

Step 2:        Setup Ventilation

·       Set-up blower(s) or other ventilation equipment to ensure forced air reaches most distant point in the confined space.

·       Run the equipment for the appropriate period of time. 

 

moz-screenshot-61.jpg

ASDUCTING.jpg

 

 

https://www.jlab.org/ehs/ehsmanual/6160T4_files/image008.gif

Example of a typical ventilation set-up

 

Step 3:                  Retest Atmosphere

·       Perform another atmospheric test from outside the PRCS. If this cannot be done contact Industrial Hygiene. 

·       Denote the readings, initials, and time on the second column of the permit.

 

NOTE: Entry is only authorized when atmosphere is at acceptable levels. Continue re-testing or contact Industrial Hygiene

 

Step 4:                  Continuous Atmospheric Testing - Qualified Attendant must be in continuous communication with Authorized Entrant(s).

Atmosphere air in the PRCS must be continuously monitored with a confined space meter equipped with an audible alarm; a visible alarm indicator may be necessary in high noise areas. Continuous monitoring can be achieved by either of the following methods:

·       Authorized Entrant: Carries the meter into the space. Constantly communicating the meters results to the Qualified Attendant.

·       Qualified Attendant: Documents results on the CSE Permit at appropriate intervals (minimally 1-hour).

OR

·       Qualified Attendant: Attaches an air sampling hose to a draw-pump meter with air drawn pump and the meter is observed by the CSE Attendant outside the PRCS and documents the results at appropriate intervals (1-hour interval).

·       Authorized Entrant: Carries the hose into the space. 

·       Qualified Attendant: Constantly observes and communicates status to the Authorized Entrant.  Documents results on the CSE Permit at appropriate intervals (minimally 1-hour).

 

NOTE: If at any time atmospheric conditions deviate from Acceptable Entry Conditions, evacuate the PRCS and immediately suspend work. Inform the Entry Supervisor.

 

In case continuous monitoring is not available colorimetric tubes may be used; when colorimetric tubes are used then periodic monitoring is required at a minimum of 1-hour intervals.

 

4.4            Permit Close-Out - when the entry is complete:

·       Close-out comments – note any observations or changes regarding the condition of the confined space on the CSE Permit.

·       Submit the permit for the Entry Supervisor signature to confirm entry compliance and completion. 

·       Return the monitoring instrument(s) and the completed CSE Permit to Confined Space Coordinator.

5.0           Revision History

rev

summary

date

2.2

periodic 3-year review, no changes per TPOC

ES&H Manual Editor: updated 3.0 Note; general format updates; change to table format of Revision History; updated header and footers; changed ESH&Q to ES&H

03.04.2023

2.1

updated header and footer. Minor edits only, no approval needed.

09.08.2021

2.0

periodic review; formerly titled ‘Atmospheric Testing of Confined Spaces’; incorporated content from ‘Appendix T4 General Procedure for Entry into PRCS Rev. 1.1’ to comply with new PRCS requirements; updated TPOC from ROwen to JWilliams

10.14.2016

1.1

TPOC updated from NWalker to ROwen

05.27.2014

1.0

update to reflect current laboratory operations

06.19.2012

 

 

 

ISSUING AUTHORITY

TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT

APPROVAL DATE

REVIEW DATE

REVIEW CYCLE

rev

 

 

ES&H Division

Jennifer Williams

10.14.2016

03.04.2023

3 years

2.2

 

This document is controlled as an online file.  It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document. 

It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current online file.  This copy was printed on 3/6/2023.