Jefferson Lab > ESH&Q
Privacy and Security Notice
ES&H Manual
Chapter 6160 Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS) Entry Program

Purpose
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.

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.


Scope
Only individuals authorized by Jefferson Lab's Confined Space Coordinator may enter sewer manholes, wastewater pump pits, or similar areas.

Jefferson Lab does not have on-site fire brigade resources, but has written agreements from the City of Newport News to provide emergency services through its 911 system. These include emergency medical response and transport, emergency technical rescue, and hazmat incident response. Letters confirming these services are on file with the Emergency Manager.
Jefferson Lab defines a "PRCS" to be any area that meets all of the following criteria:
  • Sufficient space for a person to enter and perform work;
  • Limited/restricted means for entering/exiting;
  • Not designed for continuous occupancy;
AND
  • An actual or potential hazard.
Typical PRCS hazards include:
  • A hazardous atmosphere;
  • Toxic materials that affect the skin or can be absorbed through it;
  • A material with the potential for engulfing a person or hindering quick escape;
  • Internal configuration can trap a person;
Entry is not allowed into a PRCS if there is a hazard that cannot be mitigated to RC<2 or lower by use of conventional controls (as listed on a permit). Inform the Confined Space Coordinator if this situation exists.

Technical Appendices:

T1 Listing of PRCS Locations
ES&H Manual 6160 Appendix T1 Listing of Permit-Required Confined Spaces Locations provides a listing of Jefferson Lab's currently known PRCSs. They are generally located underground and entered through manholes. Entry is infrequent and normally made by a Jefferson Lab authorized subcontractor.
T2 PRCS Training Requirements
No one at Jefferson Lab, including subcontractors, can authorize, enter, or attend work within designated PRCSs unless they are properly trained. ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T2 Confined Space Entry Training Requirements presents the process steps used to obtain the required training.
T3 CSE Permit
An approved CSE Permit is required prior to entry into a Jefferson Lab PRCS. ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T3 Confined Space Entry Permit provides the process steps for completing the CSE Permit.
T4 Atmospheric Testing and Ventilation Monitoring
Atmospheric testing for oxygen, toxics, and flammables, and subsequent ventilation to ensure proper levels, is mandatory during Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS) entry. ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T4 Atmospheric Testing and Ventilation of Permit-Required Confined Space provides the process steps used to ensure adequate precautions are implemented and maintained during entry.
T5 PRCS Identification and Signage
Jefferson Lab identifies areas that qualify as PRCSs during a Facility Design and Modification Review (see ES&H Manual Chapter 3110 Facility Design and Modification Review). ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T5 Permit-Required Confined Space Identification and Signage describes:
  • Typical area signage; and
  • How to update, repair and maintain signage.
Responsibilities:

Note: Management authority may be delegated at the discretion of the responsible manager.

Qualified Attendant
  • Maintain appropriate training (SAF907 Confined Space Entry, or equivalent as approved by the Confined Space Coordinator).
  • Read and abide by the requirements listed on the CSE Permit. (Suspend work (see ES&H Manual Chapter 3330 Appendix T1 Suspend Work for Safety Procedure) if conditions are altered.)
  • Ensure that work remains consistent with the terms of the permit. (Order an evacuation if conditions are altered.)
  • Prevent unauthorized entry into the PRCS.
  • Perform air monitoring during PRCS work as designated by the Entry Supervisor.
Authorized Entrant
  • Maintain appropriate training (SAF907 Confined Space Entry, or equivalent as approved by the Confined Space Coordinator).
  • Read and abide by the requirements listed on the CSE Permit. (Suspend work (see ES&H Manual Chapter 3330 Appendix T1 Suspend Work for Safety Procedure) if conditions are altered.)
  • Perform air monitoring during PRCS work as designated by the Entry Supervisor.
Entry Supervisor/Subcontracting Officer's Technical Representative (SOTR)/ Sponsor
  • Know the PRCSs under your authority. Ensure they are appropriately identified and secured.
  • Maintain appropriate training (SAF907 Confined Space Entry, or equivalent as approved by the Confined Space Coordinator).
  • Complete the CSE Permit.
  • Assign only Qualified Attendants and Authorized Entrants to perform work within a PRCS.
  • Ensure Qualified Attendant(s) and Authorized Entrant(s) read and understand the requirements listed on the CSE Permit.
  • Determine the testing method and designate the person (the Authorized Attendant, Qualified Entrant, or yourself) to be responsible for performing the initial and subsequent tests.
  • Submit documentation of all CSE to the Confined Space Coordinator after entry is complete.
  SOTR also:
  • Inform subcontractors that a written CSE Program is required to be submitted or abide by Jefferson Lab's prior to entry into a PRCS. Program must satisfy OSHA requirements and include subcontractor's Entry Supervisors, Entrants, and Attendants training and qualifications, minimally to Jefferson Lab requirements.
    • If provided, submit subcontractor's CSE Program to Jefferson Lab's Confined Space Coordinator for approval prior to commencement of work.
Confined Space Coordinator
  • Maintain the listing of PRCSs.
  • Oversee the on-site confined space training program.
  • Make confined space equivalent training determination.
  • Maintain listing of Authorized Entrants, Attendants, and Entry Supervisors in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 4200 ES&H Training Overview
  • Maintain copies of CSE Permits
Industrial Hygiene
  • Ensure monitoring instruments are appropriately maintained and calibrated.
  • Only issue monitoring instruments to Authorized Entrant, Qualified Attendant, or Entry Supervisor.
  • Provide instruction on monitoring instrument operation(s) prior to issuance.
  • Perform a hazard evaluation and provide appropriate signage as required.
  • Provide OSHA-prescribed confined space danger signs as requested.
Flow Chart:
Document Control:
  • ISSUING AUTHORITY:   ESH&Q Division
    TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT:  John Kelly
    APPROVAL DATE:   06/20/12
    EXPIRATION DATE:   06/20/15
    Revision 1 - Rewritten to comply with current laboratory operations.

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. .