OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

SCOPE AND APPLICATIONIt is the policy of this company to protect the safety and health of all employees whose work assignments may require entering or working in permit-required confined spaces and to comply with 29 CFR 1910.146.

Our written confined space entry program is contained in this document and includes:

• Assignment of responsibilities

• Workplace and permit space evaluation

• Provision of space and entry equipment

• A written permit system

• A rescue plan

• Annual program audit

• Provisions for permit space attendant

RESPONSIBILITIESManagement: Though management has the ultimate responsibility for the implementation, maintenance, and the success of this confined space program, the responsibilities are delegated to a Program Administrator, supervisors, and employees.

Management will:

• Provide the necessary monitoring equipment used in evaluating confined space conditions, equipment used to access confined spaces, the proper personal protective equipment, respirators if required and the appropriate entrant retrieval equipment.

• Ensure proper employee safety training is provided on all equipment used in confined space hazard assessments, use of applicable personal protective equipment and/or respirators and use of entrant retrieval equipment, etc.

• Establish and enforce safe operating rules and procedures

The Confined Space Program Administrator is:

The Program Administrator is responsible for the administration of this program and has full authority to make necessary decisions to ensure its success and has the complete authority to halt any operations where there is a risk of employee injury associated with the entry into or activities conducted in a confined space. The Program Administrator will review and evaluate this confined space entry program on an annual basis, as changes occur to the OSHA standards that mandate review, if there is an accident or close-call related to confined space entry, or any time the program contents do not appear adequate.

In addition, the Program Administrator will:

• Assist supervisor(s)/job-foremen(s) in determining the classification of confined spaces

• Purchase the appropriate monitoring, ventilation, personal protective, and rescue equipment

• Maintain and calibrate monitoring equipment to assure proper working order

• Provide designated persons training on the operation, use, and limitations of instruments

• Assist the Entry Supervisors in the completion of the “Confined Space Evaluation Form”

• Assist in completing appropriate pre-entry checklists and entry permits

• Conduct initial and annual confined space safety training sessions

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

DUTIES OF ENTRY SUPERVISORS Entry Supervisors are responsible for assuring employees follow proper entry procedures; training employees in confined space safety and entry procedures; and ensuring necessary equipment for entry is maintained in proper working order. In addition the entry supervisor must:

• Complete a “Confined Space Evaluation Form” with the assistance of the Program Administrator

• Maintain an inventory of confined spaces in an open file

• Post signs near permit-required confined spaces reading, “Danger—Permit-Required Confined Space—Do Not Enter” or notification by an equally effective means

• Plan the entry by determining the potential hazards within each confined space

• Complete the pre-entry/entry checklist before each entry

• Perform atmospheric testing of the confined space when trained and assigned to do so

• Maintain and calibrate monitoring instruments to assure good working order

• Provide designated persons training on operation, use, and limitations of instruments

• Post a copy of the completed pre-entry checklist and entry permit for workers at the confined space entrance.

• Verify, by checking that the appropriate entries were made on the permit, that all tests specified by the permit were conducted and that all procedures and equipment specified by the permit are in place before endorsing the permit and allowing entry to begin

• Establish emergency procedures specific to each confined space. Assure that entering workers and standby persons are trained on these procedures and on work done in the space

• Verify that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operable

• Terminate the entry

DUTIES OF ATTENDANTS

The Program Administrator must ensure that each attendant:

• Knows the hazards they may face during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure

• Is aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in entrants

• Continuously maintains an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit space and ensures that the entry permit accurately identifies who is in the permit space

• Remains outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another attendant

• Communicates with entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space

• Monitors activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space and immediately orders an evacuation if any of the following conditions are detected: - A prohibited condition - The behavioral effects of hazard exposure is evident in an entrant- A situation outside the space that could endanger the entrants - The attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties required

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

• Summons rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant determines that authorized entrants may need assistance to escape

• Takes the following actions when unauthorized persons approach or enter a permit space while entry is underway: - Warn the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space - Advise the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they entered the permit space - Inform the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the permit space

• Perform non-entry rescue as specified by rescue procedures

• Does not perform duties that might interfere with the attendant’s primary duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrants

DUTIES OF ENTRANTSThe Program Administrator must ensure that each entrant:

• Knows the hazards they may face during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure

• Properly uses equipment

• Communicates with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to monitor entrant status and to enable the attendant to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space

• Notifies the attendant when an unexpected hazard is detected

• Leaves the space when a warning sign of exposure is detected, if an alarm sounds, or when asked by the attendant

• Follows permit requirements

• Obtains and uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), monitoring instruments, protective hand retrieval equipment, and other safety equipment as designated by the job/project supervisor

• Notes problems on entry permits and relays them to the supervisor at the end of the shift or when work is completed

The entrant will alert the attendant whenever:

• The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation

• The entrant detects a prohibited condition

• Exits from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:- An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry supervisor- The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation- The entrant detects a prohibited condition - An evacuation alarm is activated

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

RESCUE AND EMERGENCY SERVICE When arrangements are established to provide rescue services by an outside organization, the Program Administrator will evaluate prospective rescue service organizations for their ability to respond in a timely manner, and their functional capabilities, and will:

• Inform the rescue service of the hazards they may confront when called on to perform rescue

• Provide the rescue service with access to all permit spaces so that the rescue service can develop appropriate rescue plans and practice rescue operations

The Program Administrator shall facilitate non-entry rescue through the use of retrieval systems or methods whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant. Retrieval systems must meet the following requirements:

• Each authorized entrant must use a chest or full body harness, with a retrieval line attached at the center of the entrant’s back near shoulder level, or above the entrant’s head. Wristlets are permitted in lieu of the chest or full body harness if it is demonstrated that the use of a chest or full body harness is not feasible or creates a greater hazard and that the use of wristlets is the safest and most effective alternative.

• The other end of the retrieval line must be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the permit space in such a manner that rescue can begin as soon as the rescuer becomes aware that rescue is necessary. Make available a mechanical device to retrieve personnel from vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet deep.

If an injured entrant is exposed to a substance for which a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or other similar written information is required at the worksite, the Program Administrator must ensure the MSDS or written information is made available to the medical facility treating the exposed entrant.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTSEvaluate our workplaces /jobsites using the decision flow chart in Appendix A to determine if there are any permit-required confined spaces. Post danger signs to inform employees of permit spaces or use an equally effective means to inform employees of the existence, location and danger posed by permit spaces.

NOTE: A sign reading “DANGER -- PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER” or using other similar language would satisfy the requirement for a sign.

Develop and implement a written permit space entry program before any employee enters a confined space. Make the written program available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.

The Program Administrator may determine that alternate entry procedures are acceptable to use to enter confined spaces when all of the following conditions are met:

• The permit space contains only atmospheric or potentially atmospheric hazards; and

• Continuous forced air ventilation alone is sufficient to maintain that permit space safe for entry.

• The Program Administrator must also document these determinations.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

Appendix C provides a template for alternate entry procedures.

When there are changes in the use or configuration of a non-permit confined space that might increase the hazards to entrants, the Program Administrator must reevaluate that space and, if necessary, reclassify it as a permit-required confined space.

The Program Administrator may reclassify permit-required confined spaces as a non-permit confined spaces under the following procedures:

• If the permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards, and if it is possible to eliminate all hazards within the space (removed, locked out, etc.) without entry into the space, it is permissible to reclassify the space as a non-permit confined space for as long as the non-atmospheric hazards remain eliminated.

• If testing and inspection during that entry demonstrate that the hazards were eliminated, the Program Administrator may reclassify the space as a non-permit confined space for as long as the hazards remain eliminated.

NOTE: Control of atmospheric hazards through forced air ventilation does not constitute elimination of the hazards. Appendix D covers permit space entry where the employer can demonstrate that forced air ventilation alone will control all hazards in the space.

• The Program Administrator is responsible for making the determination that all hazards in a permit space were eliminated, The Program Administrator will document the certification including the date, space location, and his /her signature. All entrants and any authorized representatives must have access to the certification.

• If a hazard arises in a non-permit space, all entrants must exit immediately. The Program Administrator must reevaluate the space to determine if it is necessary to reclassify the space as a permit space.

CONTRACTORSWhen we arrange to have employees of another employer (contractor) perform work that involves permit space entry, the Program Administrator will:

• Inform the contractor that the workplace contains permit spaces and that permit space entry is allowed only through compliance with a permit space program meeting OSHA standards;

• Apprise the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and our experience with the space, that make the space in question a permit space;

• Apprise the contractor of any precautions or procedures that we implemented for the protection of employees in or near permit spaces where contractor personnel are working;

• Coordinate entry operations with all contractors (including on-site contractors), when any combination of our personnel and/or contractor personnel are working in or near permit spaces; and

• Debrief the contractor at the conclusion of the entry operations regarding the permit space program followed and regarding any hazards confronted or created in permit spaces during entry operations.

In addition to complying with the permit space requirements that apply to our company, each contractor who is retained to perform permit space entry operations shall:

• Obtain any available information regarding permit space hazards and entry operations from the Program Administrator;

• Coordinate entry operations with the Program Administrator, when our personnel and the contractor personnel are working in or near permit spaces; and

• Inform our Program Administrator and affected employees of the permit space program procedures that the contractor will follow and of any hazards confronted or created in permit spaces, either through a debriefing or during the entry operation.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE PROGRAMThe Permit-Required Confined Space Program is established to:

• Implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry

• Identify and evaluate hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them

• Develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including, but not limited to the following: - Specifying acceptable entry conditions- Isolating the permit space - Purging, inerting, flushing, or ventilating the permit space as necessary to eliminate or control atmospheric hazards- Providing pedestrian, vehicle, or other barriers as necessary to protect entrants from external hazards - Verifying that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout the duration of an authorized entry- Providing each entrant and their authorized representative the opportunity to observe any monitoring or testing of permit spaces

The Program Administrator will coordinate to provide the following equipment, maintain that equipment properly, and ensure that employees use that equipment properly:

• Testing and monitoring equipment.

• Ventilating equipment.

• Communications equipment.

• Personal protective equipment.

• Lighting equipment.

• Barriers and shields as required.

• Equipment such as ladders needed for safe ingress and egress.

• Rescue and emergency equipment.

• Any other equipment necessary.

The Program Administrator will designate the persons who are to have active roles in entry operations, identify the duties of such persons, and provide such persons with the training required.

The Program Administrator and/or the entry supervisors will coordinate to develop and implement procedures for:

• Summoning rescue and emergency services

• Rescuing entrants from permit spaces

• Providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees

• Preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

Permit space conditions are evaluated as follows when entry operations are conducted:

• Conditions in the permit space are tested to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin, except that, if isolation of the space is infeasible because the space is large or is part of a continuous system (such as a sewer), pre-entry testing is performed to the extent feasible before entry is authorized and, if entry is authorized, entry conditions are continuously monitored in the areas where authorized entrants are working;

• The permit space is tested or monitored as necessary to determine if acceptable entry conditions are being maintained during the course of entry operations; and

• When testing for atmospheric hazards, we test first for oxygen, then for combustible gases and vapors, and then for toxic gases and vapors.

• Each authorized entrant or that employee’s authorized representative is provided with an opportunity to observe the pre-entry and any subsequent testing or monitoring of permit spaces;

• Permit spaces are re-evaluated in the presence of any authorized entrant or that employee’s authorized representative who requests such reevaluation because the entrant or representative has reason to believe that the evaluation of that space may not have been adequate;

• Each authorized entrant or that employee’s authorized representative is immediately provided with the results of any testing results

The Program Administrator will develop and implement a system for the preparation, issuance, use, and cancellation of entry permits.

The Program Administrator must develop and implement procedures to coordinate entry operations when employees of more than one employer are working simultaneously as authorized entrants in a permit space, so that employees of one employer do not endanger the employees of any other employer.

The Program Administrator will develop and implement procedures necessary for concluding the entry after entry operations are completed.

The Program Administrator will ensure adequate testing of any permit space and provide for participation in that testing by entrants and their authorized representatives as called for by OSHA standards.

The Program Administrator will review entry operations when anyone has reason to believe that the measures taken under the permit space program may not protect employees and revise the program to correct deficiencies found to exist before subsequent entries are authorized.

The Program Administrator will review the permit-required confined space program, using the canceled permits within one year after each entry and revise the program as necessary, to ensure that employees are protected from permit space hazards.

NOTE: If no entry is performed during a 12-month period, no review is necessary.

ENTRY PERMITBefore entry is authorized, the Program Administrator will document the completion of measures by preparing an entry permit. A copy of the entry permit is shown in Appendix B. The Program Administrator will make available the completed permit at the time of entry to all authorized entrants, by posting it at the entry site so that the entrants can confirm that pre-entry preparations were completed.

The duration of the permit may not exceed the time required to complete the assigned task or job identified on the permit. The entry supervisor and/or the Program Administrator will terminate entry and cancel the entry permit when:

• The entry operations covered by the entry permit are complete; or

• A condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises in or near the permit space.

The Program Administrator will retain each canceled entry permit for at least one year to facilitate the review of the program. The Program Administrator will note any problems encountered during an entry operation on the pertinent permit and make appropriate revisions to the program.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

TRAININGSenior Management and our Program Administrator will ensure that proper hands-on training is provided to all employees whose work is regulated by our confined space program ensuring that they have acquired the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of their duties.

The Program Administrator will ensure that appropriate training is provided to each affected employee:

• Before the employee is first assigned duties under this program;

• Before changing assigned duties;

• Whenever there is a change in permit space operations presenting a new hazard not covered by previous training; and

• Whenever management believes there are deviations from the entry procedures or there are inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of the procedures.

Training will establish employee proficiency in the required duties and shall introduce new or revised duties as necessary for compliance.

The Program Administrator will certify in writing that the training was accomplished. The written certification will include:

• Employee’s names

• Signatures or initials of the trainers

• Dates of training

The Program Administrator will make available the certification for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.

PROGRAM AUDITThe Program Administrator will review the effectiveness of this program periodically as necessary, but at least annually.

RECORDKEEPING• Cancelled entry permits are retained for at least one year.

• Employee training records and written certifications the employee understood the training and can apply the training in the workplace kept in the employee’s file.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

DEFINITIONSAcceptable entry conditions means the conditions that must exist in a permit space to allow entry and to ensure that employees involved with a permit-required confined space entry can safely enter into and work within the space.

Attendant means an individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all attendant’s duties assigned in the employer’s permit space program.

Authorized entrant means an employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space.

Blanking or blinding means the absolute closure of a pipe, line, or duct by the fastening of a solid plate (such as a spectacle blind or a skillet blind) that completely covers the bore and that is capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with no leakage beyond the plate.

Confined space means that:

• Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and

• Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and

• Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Double block and bleed means 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 means any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or monitoring equipment) or event internal or external to the permit space that could endanger entrants.

Engulfment means the surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely divided (flowable) solid substance that is aspirated and causes 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 means the action by which a person passes through an opening into a permit-required confined space. Entry includes ensuing work activities in that space and is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant’s body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.

Entry permit (permit) means the written or printed document that is provided by the employer to allow and control entry into a permit space and that contains the information specified within this program.

Entry supervisor means the person (such as the employer, foreman, or crew chief) responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit space where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and for terminating entry as required by this program.

NOTE: An entry supervisor also may serve as an attendant or as an authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped as required by this section for each role he or she fills. Also, the duties of entry supervisors may pass from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation.

Hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a permit space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:

• Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL);

• Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL;

NOTE: This concentration may approximate as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet or less.

• Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent;

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

• Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or permissible exposure limit is published in Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental Control, or in Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, of OSHA’s standards and which could result in employee exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit;

NOTE: An atmospheric concentration of any substance that is not capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness due to its health effects is not covered by this provision.

• Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.

NOTE: For air contaminants for which OSHA has not determined a dose or permissible exposure limit, other sources of information such as Material Safety Data Sheets that comply with the Hazard Communication Standard, §1910.1200, published information and internal documents can provide guidance in establishing acceptable atmospheric conditions.

Host employer means any employer who arranges to have the employees of another employer (contractor) perform work for them.

Hot work permit means the employer’s written authorization to perform operations (for example, riveting, welding, cutting, burning, and heating) capable of providing a source of ignition.

Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) means 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 permit space.

NOTE: Some materials - hydrogen fluoride gas and cadmium vapor, for example - may produce immediate transient effects that, even if severe, may pass without medical attention, but are followed by sudden, possible fatal collapse 12 - 72 hours after exposure. The victim “feels normal” from recovery from transient effects until collapse. Such materials in hazardous quantities are considered as “immediately” dangerous to life or health.

Inerting means the displacement of the atmosphere in a permit space by a noncombustible gas (such as nitrogen) to such an extent that the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible.

NOTE: This procedure produces an IDLH oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Isolation means the process by which a permit space is removed from service and completely protected against the release of energy and material into the space by such means as: blanking or blinding; misaligning or removing sections of lines, pipes, or ducts; a double block and bleed system; lockout or tagout of all sources of energy; or blocking or disconnecting all mechanical linkages.

Line breaking means the intentional opening of a pipe, line, or duct that is or was carrying flammable, corrosive, or toxic material, an inert gas, or any fluid at a volume, pressure, or temperature capable of causing injury.

Non-permit confined space means a confined space that does not contain, or with respect to atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm.

Oxygen-deficient atmosphere means an atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume.

Oxygen-enriched atmosphere means an atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume.

Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

• Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;

• Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;

• Due to the internal configuration, could trap an entrant or cause asphyxiation by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or

• Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit Required Confined Spaces

Permit-required confined space program (permit space program) means the employer’s overall program for controlling, and, where appropriate, for protecting employees from, permit space hazards and for regulating employee entry into permit spaces.

Permit system means the employer’s written procedure for preparing and issuing permits for entry and for returning the permit space to service following termination of entry.

Prohibited condition means any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit during the period when entry is authorized.

Rescue service means the personnel designated to rescue employees from permit spaces.

Retrieval system means the equipment (including a retrieval line, chest or full-body harness, wristlets, if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor) used for non-entry rescue of persons from permit spaces.

Testing means the process by which the hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are identified and evaluated. Testing includes specifying the tests that are done in the permit space.

NOTE: Testing enables employers both to devise and implement adequate control measures for the protection of authorized entrants and to determine if acceptable entry conditions are present immediately prior to, and during, entry.

Confined Space Entry Flowchart

NOTE: Spaces may not have to be evaluated and re-evaluated if hazards arise during entry.

Does the workplace contain Contained Spaces as defined by 1910.146(b)?

Does the workplace contain Permit-Required Confined Spaces as defined by 1910.146(b)?

Inform employees as required by 1910.146(c)(2).

Prevent employee entry as required by 1910.146(c)(3). Do task from outside space.

Both contractors and hosts employees will enter the space?

Coordinate entry cooperation as required by 1910.146 (c)(8)(iv) and (d)(11). Prevent unauthorized entry.

Task will be done by contractors’ employees. Inform contractor as required by 1910.146(c)(8)(i), (ii), and (iii). Contractor obtains information required by

1910.146(c)(i), (ii), and (iii) from host.

Not a permit-required confined space. 1910.146 does not apply. Consult other applicable OSHA standards.

Employer may choose to reclassify space to non-permit required confined space using 1910.146(c)(7).

Will permit space be entered?

Will contactors enter?

Will host employees enter to perform entry tasks?

Does space have known or potential hazards?

Can the hazards be eliminated?

Prepare for entry via permit procedures.

Permit not valid until conditions meet permit specifications.Verify accepted entry conditions (Test results recorded, space isolated if needed,

rescuers / means to summon available, entrants properly equipped, etc.)

Emergency exits (prohibited condition). Entrants evacuated, entry aborts. (Call rescuers if needed). Permit is void. Re-evaluate program to correct / prevent prohibited condition. Occurence of emergency condition

(usually) is proof of deficient program. No re-entry until program (and permit) is amended. (May require new program).

Can the space be maintained in a condition safe to enter by continuous forced air

ventilation only?

Prevent unauthorized entry.

Space may be entered under 1910.146(c)(5).

Consult other applicable OSHA standards STOP

STOP

STOP

NO

NO

YES

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

NO

YES

YES

YES

YES

Permit issued by authorizing signature. Acceptable entry conditions maintained throughout entry.

Entry tasks completed. Permit returned and cancelled.

Audit permit program and permit based on evaluation of entry by entrants, testers and perparers, etc.

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

YES

NO

Appendix A - Required Confined Space Decision Flow Chart

APPENDIX B -1 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT

Confined Space Entry Permit

Date and Time Issued: Date and Time Expires: Job site/Space I.D.: Job Supervisor: Equipment to be worked on: Work to be performed:

Stand-by personnel:

1. Atmospheric Checks: Time Oxygen % Explosive % L.F.L. Toxic PPM

2. Tester’s signature:

3. Source isolation (No Entry): N/A Yes No Pumps or lines blinded, disconnected, or blocked

4. Ventilation Modification: N/A Yes No Mechanical Natural Ventilation only

5. Atmospheric check after isolation and Ventilation: Oxygen % > 19.5% Explosive % L.F.L < 10% Toxic PPM < 10 PPM H(2)S Time

Testers signature:

6. Communication procedures:

7. Rescue procedures:

8. Entry, standby, and back up persons: Yes No Successfully completed required training? Is it current?

9. Equipment: N/A Yes No Direct reading gas monitor - tested Safety harnesses and lifelines for entry and standby persons Hoisting equipment Powered communications SCBA’s for entry and standby persons Protective Clothing All electric equipment listed Class I, Division I, Group D and Non-sparking tools

10. Periodic atmospheric tests: Oxygen ____% Time ____ Oxygen ____% Time ____ Oxygen ____% Time ____ Oxygen ____% Time ____ Explosive ____% Time ____ Explosive ____% Time ____ Explosive ____% Time ____ Explosive ____% Time ____ Toxic ____% Time ____ Toxic ____% Time ____ Toxic ____% Time ____ Toxic ____% Time ____

We have reviewed the work authorized by this permit and the information contained here-in. Written instructions and safety procedures have been received and are understood. Entry cannot be approved if any squares are marked in the “No” column. This permit is not valid unless all appropriate items are completed.

Permit Prepared by: (Supervisor)

Approved by: (Unit Supervisor)

Reviewed by: (Cs Operations Personnel)

(printed name)

(signature)

This permit to be kept at job site. Return job site copy to Safety Office following job completion.

Copies: White Original (Safety Office) Yellow (Unit Supervisor) Hard (Job site)

APPENDIX B -2 ENTRY PERMIT

ENTRY PERMIT

PERMIT VALID FOR 8 HOURS ONLY. ALL COPIES OF PERMIT WILL REMAIN AT JOB SITE UNTIL JOB IS COMPLETED

DATE: SITE LOCATION and DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE OF ENTRY SUPERVISOR(S) in charge of crews Type of Crew Phone #

COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES

RESCUE PROCEDURES (PHONE NUMBERS AT BOTTOM)

* BOLD DENOTES MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BE COMPLETED AND REVIEWED PRIOR TO ENTRY*

REQUIREMENTS COMPLETED DATE TIMELock Out/De-energize/Try-out

Line(s) Broken-Capped-Blanked

Purge-Flush and Vent

Ventilation

Secure Area (Post and Flag)

Breathing Apparatus

Resuscitator - Inhalator

Standby Safety Personnel

Full Body Harness w/”D” ring

Emergency Escape Retrieval Equip

Lifelines

Fire Extinguishers

Lighting (Explosive Proof)

Protective Clothing

Respirator(s) (Air Purifying)

Burning and Welding Permit

Note: Items that do not apply enter N/A in the blank.

**RECORD CONTINUOUS MONITORING RESULTS EVERY 2 HOURS

CONTINUOUS MONITORING** Permissible TEST(S) TO BE TAKEN Entry LevelPERCENT OF OXYGEN: 19.5% to 23.5%

LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT: Under 10%

CARBON MONOXIDE: +35 PPM

Aromatic Hydrocarbon : + 1 PPM * 5PPM

Hydrogen Cyanide: (Skin) * 4PPM Hydrogen Sulfide: +10 PPM *15PPM

Sulfur Dioxide: + 2 PPM * 5PPM

Ammonia: *35PPM * Short-term exposure limit: Employee can work in the area up to 15minutes.+ 8 hr. Time Weighted Avg.: Employee can work in area 8 hrs (longer with appropriate respiratory protection).REKS:___________________________________________

GAS TESTER NAME & CHECK # INSTRUMENT(S) USED MODEL &/OR TYPE SERIAL &/OR UNIT #

SAFETY STANDBY PERSON IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CONFINED SPACE WORKSAFETY STANDBY PERSON(S) CHECK #

CONFINED SPACE ENTRANT(S) CHECK #

CONFINED SPACE ENTRANT(S) CHECK #

SUPERVISOR AUTHORIZINGALL CONDITIONS SATISFIED DEPARTMENT/PHONE

APPENDIX C

ALTERNATE PROCEDURES FOR ENTERING A PERMIT SPACEIt is acceptable to use alternate procedures for entering permit spaces under the following conditions:

a) Demonstrate that the permit space contains only atmospheric or potentially atmospheric hazards.

b) Demonstrate that continuous forced air ventilation alone will maintain safe entry conditions.

c) Develop monitoring and inspection data that supports a. and b.

d) Use full entry procedures if initial entry is needed to obtain data.

e) Document supporting data in a., b. and c. and make available to each entrant.

f) Enter under the following conditions.

PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY:a) Before cover is removed eliminate any conditions that may make it unsafe to remove the cover.

b) Guard entrance immediately after cover removal to prevent anyone from walking or falling into opening.

c) Check oxygen level; flammable gases and vapors; and toxic air contaminants with a calibrated direct-reading instrument.

d) No employee is allowed inside space if there is a hazardous atmosphere.

e) Use continuous forced air ventilation to remove contaminants. Draw air from uncontaminated source. Blow air into work area.

f) Test atmosphere periodically as needed.

g) If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry:

• Each employee will leave the space immediately;

• Evaluate the space to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed; and

• Implement measures to protect employees from the hazardous atmosphere before any subsequent entry takes place.

h) Verify it is safe to enter space with written certification that contains the date, location of space and signature of person providing certification. Make available to each entrant.