A
confined space is defined as a place:
that
is partially or fully enclosed
that
is not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy
and
where
atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location,
or contents, or because of work that is done in it.
All three
criteria have to be met before a space is defined as a confined
space.
Training
Only
trained personnel may enter a confined space. They must be trained on
the use of PPE required for the job. All training records must be
kept on the job site.
Hazard
Assessment
Before
each entry a competent worker as described by OSHA must perform a
written hazard assessment. The hazard assessment should consist of
any physical or atmospheric hazards that may exist or develop in the
confined space. It should also contain there name signature and date.
In the event of a change in hazards a new assessment shall be written
and assessed.
Plan
for controlling hazards
Once the
hazards have been identified in the assessment a competent person
must develop a plan to eliminate or control the hazards. The plan
must consist of eleven mandatory requirements:
Duties
of workers
Coordination
document (prepared by the constructor) if workers of more than one
contractor enter the same confined space
On-site
rescue procedures
Rescue
equipment (inspected by a competent worker) and methods of
communication
Protective
clothing and protective equipment (supplied by the employer)
Isolation
of energy and control of material movement
Attendants
Adequate
means of access and egress
Atmospheric
testing (conducted by a competent worker)
Adequate
procedures for working in the presence of explosive or flammable
substances
Ventilation
and purging
Duties
of workers
Do
not enter or re-enter (if the confined space has been left
unoccupied and unattended) the confined space unless testing has
been performed.
Know
the hazards that may be faced upon entry. Know the route of exposure
(e.g., inhalation or skin absorption), signs and symptoms, and
long-term effects of exposure.
Know
how to use the equipment (including personal protective equipment
and tools) properly.
Maintain
communication with the attendant so that the attendant can monitor
your safety and be able to alert workers to evacuate the confined
space.
Alert
the attendant whenever:
you
recognize any warning sign or symptom of exposure
you
see a dangerous condition
an
alarm is activated.
6. Get
out of the permit space immediately whenever:
A
warning system indicating a ventilation failure is activated or the
attendant gives an evacuation order.
A
worker recognizes any signs or symptoms of exposure.
A
person inside detects a dangerous condition.
An
evacuation alarm is activated.
Rescue
Personnel
An
adequate number of people must be available to carry out the rescue
procedures immediately. They must be trained in onsite rescue
procedures, first aid, CPR and the rescue equipment necessary to
carry out the rescue.
Rescue
Procedure
The
confined space plan must include written procedures for safe onsite
rescue that can be implemented immediately in case of an emergency.
An adequate number of people must be available to carry out the
rescue procedures immediately.
Record
of rescue equipment inspections
The
rescue equipment must be readily available, appropriate for the
confined space, and inspected by a competent worker. The competent
worker must keep a written record of the inspection. Examples of
rescue equipment include harnesses and lifelines, hoist/retrieval
systems, respirators, and other personal protective equipment.
Record
of tests
Results
of atmospheric tests must be recorded on the entry permit.
Entry
Permits
An entry
permit shall be issued by the employer before any worker enters the
confined space. A competent person must verify that the permit issued
complies with the plan before every shift. Entry permits should be
understood and available to everyone involved in the job. An entry
permit should at least consist of:
The
location and description of the confined space
A
description of the work
A
description of the hazards and the corresponding controls
The
time period for which the entry permit applies
The
name of the attendant
A
record of each worker who enters and leaves the confined space
A
list of the equipment required for entry and rescue, and
verification that the equipment is in good condition
The
results of the atmospheric testing
Additional
procedures and control measures if hot work is to be done
It may
also include
A
record of the hazard assessment
The
hazard control plan
Worker
training records
Each
entrance to the confined space must be secured against unauthorized
entry and or has adequate barricades or signs warning against
unauthorized entry.
Record
Keeping
Records
shall be given to the office manager or the worker health and safety
rep to be kept for minimum of one year after project completion and
should consist of:
Hazard
assessment
Plan
Coordination
document
Worker
training
Entry
permit
Record
of rescue equipment inspection
Record
of tests
