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TITLE

ES&H Manual

 

DOCUMENT ID

6160 Appendix T4:

Alternate 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. 

 

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

 

1.0           Purpose

An alternate entry procedure may be used when the only hazard posed by a PRCS is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere AND it can be demonstrated that continuous forced air ventilation ALONE is sufficient to maintain a safe atmosphere. This appendix provides the process steps used by Jefferson Lab to ensure adequate controls are implemented and maintained during a PRCS entry. Steps include obtaining an Alternate Entry Certificate, complying with the certificate requirements, and ensuring adequate close-out.

 

If there are additional hazard(s) posed by the PRCS or the work activities use ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T3 Entry Procedure for PRCS.

 

2.0           Scope

This appendix applies to confined spaces defined in 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.

 

Using the Alternate Entry Procedure, the Entry Supervisor and Authorized Entrant is permitted to perform dual roles for PRCS entries when the only hazard posed by a PRCS is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere AND it can be demonstrated. The procedure may be performed by one person given that the conditions for Alternate Entry are met. An example of when Alternate Entry may be used includes entry into a telecommunications hand-hole or man-hole.  The Entry Supervisor may decide, as part of this procedure, if an Attendant is required for the Alternate Entry (for example, the Entry Supervisor may determine an attendant is required when full body access into the space is required).

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

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

·       Determine if an attendant is required for the entry and assign an attendant if necessary (i.e. attendant required if the entry is more than reaching in to the confined space with a limb).

·       Initiate the Alternate Entry Certification Form.

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

·       Ensure all equipment for the confined space entry is inspected and available at the work location.

·       Notify the Newport News Emergency Services prior to entry and terminate operations when rescue services are not available, prevent or discontinue PRCS entries until services capability have been reactivated.

·       Order an evacuation immediately 4-gas meter alarm activates or if judgment tells you to evacuate.

·       Close-out the Alternate Entry Certificate.

3.2            Attendant (when required as determined by the Entry Supervisor)

·       Ensure current 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 Alternate Entry Certification. Suspend work if conditions are altered (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            Entrant

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

·       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 (if attendant is required) 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 instruction on monitoring instrument operation(s) prior to issuance.

4.0           Process Steps

The following process steps can only be performed by the Entry Supervisor/Authorized Entrant

4.1            Prior to Initiating an 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 Alternate Entry Certification

The Entry Supervisor initiates the Alternate Entry Certification Form prior to entering into any recognized or suspected PRCS.

 Rectangle: Rounded Corners: Click For
Alternate Entry Certification Form

 

If there are additional hazard(s) posed by the PRCS then ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T3 Entry Procedure for PRCS is used

 

Use the instructions below to complete the Alternate Entry Certification Form.

 

Section 1 – Introduction

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

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

o   Find its associated number on the tables provided, and

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

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

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

 

NOTE: Emergency Communications are always required (e.g., cellphone or landline telephone)

 

 

Section 2 – Hazard Evaluation (consult system or Subject Matter Experts if assistance is needed)

·       Denote with a Ö that all hazards have been evaluated and are not present, nor will they be introduced. Describe as required. This means that the following conditions are not present and will not be introduced during the entry:

o   Electrical or mechanical hazards

o   Engulfment or entrapment hazards

o   Chemical use

o   Hot work

 

If any additional hazard(s) are or will be introduced into the PRCS then use ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Appendix T3 Entry Procedure for PRCS.

 

Section 3 – Authorized Signature

·       The Entry Supervisor certifies, by signature, that the only hazard posed by the above referenced Permit-Required Confined Space is an actual or potentially hazardous atmosphere; that continuous forced air ventilation is sufficient to maintain the space for safe entry; and authorizes entry to Authorized Entrants listed, per OSHA 29 CFR1910.146(c)(5).

 

Section 4 – Role Assignments

·       Authorized Entrant(s): Ensure all who are listed have the appropriate training, qualifications, read and understand the requirements of the Alternate Entry Certification. The Entry Supervisor may also be the entrant for Alternate Entry work.

·       Attendant(s): Entry Supervisor determines if an attendant is required. 

 

4.3            Alternate Entry Set-up and Certificate Compliance

NOTE:  If conditions alter from those stated on the Certification, suspend work immediately (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: 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 limited to:

·       Turning the instrument on in an uncontaminated area.

·       Ensuring there is ample power for the 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

 

NOTE: If contacted by emergency services Qualified Attendant must evacuate the PRCS, immediately suspend work, and inform the Entry Supervisor. Work cannot proceed until emergency services are available.

 

Section 2 – Atmospheric Testing

 

Step 1:        Pre-Entry Monitoring Performed: Prior to ventilating, or otherwise disturbing the air within the PRCS, perform an initial atmospheric test from outside the PRCS. If this cannot be done, contact Industrial Hygiene. Ensure all entrants, and others who are to use or rely on the monitoring instrument, observe the initial atmospheric test and everyone understand the display and audible alert(s). Initial that the monitoring has occurred.

·       Person Performing Test (Initials): The person performing the test initials to indicate that the test was performed at the indicated time. 

·       Time: Denote the time each test was performed.

·       Acceptable Entry Conditions: This column denotes the acceptable conditions for entry and prolonged occupancy of a PRCS.

·       Denote the Pre- Entry Monitoring readings on the first column of the Hourly Test Results. 

 

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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.

 

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ASDUCTING.jpg

 

 

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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  

·       Entrant carries the sampling meter into the confined space or an attendant monitors the meter when a sample tube is used to pull air samples to the gas meter outside of the space.

·       Document results at appropriate (minimally 1-hour) intervals. 

·       In case continuous monitoring is not available, (i.e. no existing meter for the contaminant then colorimetric tubes may be used) then periodic monitoring is required at a minimum of 1-hour intervals.

 

NOTE:  If at any time atmospheric conditions deviate from Acceptable Entry Conditions, evacuate the PRCS immediately and contact Industrial Hygiene.

 

4.4            Conduct work using controls document on the certificate.

 

4.5            Certificate Close-Out

When the entry is complete,

·       Close-out comments: note any observations or changes regarding the condition of the confined space on the Alternate Entry Certification.

·       Return the monitoring instrument(s) and the completed Alternate Entry Certification to Confined Space Coordinator.

5.0           Revision History

rev

summary

date

2.3

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

2.2

periodic review; updated header or footer, other minor typos, no approval needed.  

09.27.2021

2.1

periodic review; no changes per TPOC

10.14.2019

updated Responsibilities to define the attendant role per CATS# STR-2018-05-07-01

10.03.2018

2.0

periodic review; formerly titled ‘General Procedure for Entry into Permit-Required Confined Spaces’, this chapter is significantly revised to comply with new PRCS requirements; previous content is incorporated into ‘Appendix T3 Entry Procedure for Permit Required Confined Space (PRCS)’; updated TPOC from ROwen to JWilliams  

10.14.2016

1.1

update TechPOC from JKelly to ROwen

07.23.2014

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

2.3

 

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.