TITLE:

ES&H Manual

 

DOCUMENT ID:

6160 Appendix T4

General Procedure for Entry into Permit-Required Confined Spaces

 

 

1.0            Introduction

 

This procedure is for the general entry into a permit-required confined space (PRCS), and it anticipates “ordinary” confined space hazards experienced at Jefferson Lab.  It is used when the conditions for using the less-detailed ventilated entry procedure cannot be met.  See ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T2 Ventilated (or Alternate) Entry Procedure for more information.

 

General procedures are not adequate for entries into sewer manholes, wastewater pump pits, and similar areas.  While entry into these spaces is rare at Jefferson Lab, they present potentially greater hazards that require special skills in their evaluation and hazard mitigation.  Confer with your division ESH&Q staff before attempting entry.

 

Though previous entry experience in a particular confined space is useful, treat every entry as a new activity.  Make no assumptions about the absence of hazards.  Evaluate the space by its current conditions, the nature of the planned entry, and intended work within.  Confined spaces regularly kill the uninformed and complacent.

 

The entry supervisor is responsible for hazard identification, mitigation, and specifying the requirements for safe entry.  These are recorded on the entry permit, a sample of which appears at the end of this appendix.  The procedure that follows is primarily oriented to the entry supervisor’s role, with additional information included as appropriate for entrants and attendants.

 

2.0            Procedure

 

Preparation:

·       Ensure that everyone who will be involved in the entry has Confined Space Entry Training.  If you have any doubts, contact the supervisor/sponsor/ Subcontracting Officer’s Technical Representative (SOTR).

 

·       Assemble necessary or potentially needed equipment such as:

o   Ventilation equipment

o   Barricade system for below-grade

o   Atmospheric monitoring equipment

o  Communications equipment (2-way radios, etc.)

o  Safety-approved (Class I) flashlights, and/or Class I temporary lighting and extension cord(s); portable Ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI)

o  Protective clothing (eye wear, gloves, coveralls, boots, hard hats, etc.)

o  Retrieval gear: full body harness, hoist, and lifeline (these must be at the site even if not needed)

o  Portable tools (electric, pneumatic, hand)

o  Fire extinguisher(s) (never use a CO2 extinguisher in a PRCS)

o  Means to lift/lower heavy equipment

o  Pipe blinds or blank flange plates

o   Ladder(s) openings

 

·       Obtain any other work permits in advance (Fire Hazard Work or Radiation Work Permit, for example)

 

Step 1              Assure yourself that this space meets all four conditions for a permit-required confined space:

 

·         Large enough to enter

·         Limited egress

·         Not intended for continuous occupancy

·         An actual or potential hazard is present

 

And make certain that entry is really required.  Can the work be accomplished without entering?  Remember that entry is defined as any part of the body breaking the plane of the opening.  Also, ensure that this entry does not qualify for Ventilated Entry Procedure (ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T2 Ventilated (or Alternate) Entry Procedure).

 

Step 2              Determine the hazards associated with this confined space.  Use the permit to help make a systematic evaluation of the possible hazards.  Factor in hazards introduced by the planned work activities, equipment, and materials.  Be alert to nearby or transient conditions that could affect people within the space.  Consult documentation from past entries into this space—these are retained by the Division Safety Officer.

 

Step 3              Devise control strategies to mitigate the hazards, and specify them on the permit.

 

Call ESH&Q staff or system experts for advice in assessing or mitigating hazards unfamiliar to you.

 

Step 4              Determine the specific duties for the entry attendant and specify them on the permit.

 

Step 5              Determine the need for retrieval gear, and stipulate that on the permit.

 

Text Box: NOTE: Retrieval gear (harness, lifeline, external attachment point, hoist, etc.) is required to be worn by entrants unless it constitutes a greater hazard itself, or if it will not contribute to safe and quick rescue. Some typical contra-indications: • The PRCS has objects that could snag the lifeline or harness. • The lifeline poses a significant trip hazard. • The route taken by the entrant makes it impossible to retrieve with the life line without injuring the entrant. A retrieval hoist is required for entry into below-grade spaces more than 5-feet in depth.

 

Step 6              Meet with entrants and attendants and discuss the intended work, the hazards and controls, and the other conditions specified on the permit.

 

Solicit input from everyone, and make certain that there is complete agreement on how this entry is to be made.  If you – the entry supervisor – will not be present for the entire duration of the entry, ensure there are reliable means to contact you at all times. 

 

            Record on the permit the names of all staff involved with the entry.

 

            Review key points common to all PRCS entries:

·         Importance of continuous ventilation and actions to take if it fails

·         Strategy for periodic monitoring of air quality and by whom

·         Accounting for everyone who has entered the space (attendant’s role)

·         Location of nearest phone (verify that it works!)

·         How to summon help (call 911, Newport News Fire & Rescue)

·         On-site emergency response (call 4444)

·         How and when to attempt non-entry rescue

 

Step 7              Establish control of the work zone.  Erect barricades around below-grade openings.

 

            Install retrieval winch on barricade as appropriate.  It may also be useful to delineate the area with barricade tape or signs to alert others of the confined space entry.

 

Step 8              Brief anyone working nearby about the PRCS entry, and ensure that they know what actions are expected of them to avoid endangering the entrants: gas/vapor release, falling objects, vibration, disruption of electrical power, etc.  Ensure there is effective coordination between multiple work groups, and make certain you will be contacted if there are changes to adjacent work activities.

 

            Inform the area safety warden of the PRCS entry whenever possible.

 

Step 9              Perform initial air testing of the confined space.  (See ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T3 Atmospheric Testing of Confined Spaces for more information.)  Test from outside whenever possible.  If this cannot be accomplished, supplied-air respiratory protection is required for the entrant who makes the initial test.

 

Text Box: Remember that respirator users must be trained and medically certified for that particular respirator.

 

Step 10            Establish ventilation.  (See ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T2 Ventilated (or Alternate) Entry Procedures for information on proper ventilation.)  Re-test the atmosphere if the initial readings were unsafe for entry.  It may be advisable to apply lockout/tagout to minimize the possibility of interruption to the ventilator’s power source.

 

Step 11            When you are satisfied the work can proceed safely, sign the permit, and display it at the entrance.

 

Text Box: Your signature attests to your best efforts at making this entry safe.

 

Step 12            When the entry is completed, cancel the permit, and release the participants. 

 

Cancellation is accomplished by writing CANCELLED diagonally across the face of the permit followed by a signature, date, and time.

 

Step 13            Make a record of problems encountered during the entry on the back of the permit and submit the cancelled permit to the Division Safety Officer.

 

 

 

 

ISSUING AUTHORITY

APPENDIX AUTHOR

APPROVAL DATE

EFFECTIVE DATE

EXPIRATION DATE

REV.

 

 

 

ESH&Q Division

John Kelly

08/30/06

08/30/06

08/30/09

0

 

This document is controlled as an on line 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 on line file.  This copy was printed on 8/19/2009.