CONFINED SPACES SOP

​ . Lavoie/ M. Saucedo/ J. Dunlop/ Mtn. Supervisor

Author(s): T

 
CONFINED SPACES SOP Print Date: 2018-05-22

TABLE OF CONTENTS
REVISION HISTORY 3
.........................................................................................................................
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 4
...
2.0 DEFINITIONS..................................................................................................................... 4
...
3.0 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CONFINED SPACES............................................................... 4
4.0 CONTROL OF 5
HAZARDS.......................................................................................................
5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................................................. 5
...
5.1 Supervisor ........................................................................................................................ 5
5.2 Employees and Contractors ............................................................................................ 5
6.0 PROCEDURES.................................................................................................................... 6
...
6.1 Method of Clearing ......................................................................................................... 6
6.2 Methods of Isolation ....................................................................................................... 6
6.3 De-Energizing Equipment ................................................................................................ 6
6.4 Atmospheric Testing of Confined Spaces ........................................................................ 6
6.5 Duties .............................................................................................................................. 7
6.6 Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) Entry ................................................ 8
6.7 Use of Electrical Equipment ............................................................................................ 9
6.8 Welding and Cutting ........................................................................................................ 9
6.9 Ventilation ..................................................................................................................... 1
0
6.10 Temperature ................................................................................................................. 1
0
6.11 Entry Permits ................................................................................................................. 1
0
6.12 Training .......................................................................................................................... 1
0
6.13 Record Keeping ............................................................................................................. 1
0
7.0 REFERENCES...................................................................................................................... 1
1
8.0 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT EXAMPLE..................................................................... 1
2
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REVISION HISTORY
Date Sections Reason for Change
Rev Approved Affected Remarks and/or Change Details Name
-- 03/21/2017 Initiated T. Lavoie

Approved by:

Name, Facilities Manager

Name, Mountain Facilities Supervisor

Tammie Lavoie 21 March 2017

Tammie Lavoie, Safety Manager Date
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The control of confined spaces is enforced by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146. This procedure will
pertain to all NOAO-North employees and contractor personnel who may be required to
conduct work inside of a confined space, or a permit-required confined space. This policy
outlines the acceptable safety measures when dealing with confined space procedures.

2.0 DEFINITIONS
Attendant

A trained and capable individual, stationed outside the confined space, who monitors the
entrants and can perform required duties during an emergency.

Confined Space

A confined space is a space that is large enough for a worker to enter, has limited or restricted
means for entry and exit, and is not designed for continuous worker occupancy.

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)

IDLH means any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life, would cause
irreversible, adverse health effects, or would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape
unaided from a permit space.

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)

The minimum flammable vapor in air concentration below which flame propagation does not
occur on contact with an ignition source. The LEL is expressed as a volume percentage of
vapors in air.

Non-Permit Required Confined Space

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.

Permit-Required Confined Space

A permit-required confined space is a space that has one or more of the following
characteristics: 1) contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, 2)
contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant, 3) has an internal
configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated, and 4) contains any
other recognized, serious safety or health hazard.

3.0 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CONFINED SPACES

The hazards associated with confined spaces are as follows:

• Excessive Heat
• Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres
• Flowing Liquids or Free-Flowing Solids
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• Oxygen Deficiency
• Oxygen Enrichment
• Toxic Atmosphere

4.0 CONTROL OF HAZARDS

Administrative
∙​ All employees must review this
document upon hire, and refresh as
needed.
∙​ Review training requirements in
6.12.
Engineering
∙​ Ventilation is the most commonly
used engineering control in confined
spaces. Ventilation is acceptable in
the forms of mechanical, natural,
and exhaust.
∙​ If mechanical ventilation is used, a
warning system must be in place so
that workers can be notified in the
event of a hazard, or ventilation
failure.
Elimination/Substitution
∙​ Substitute entrants and attendants with
authorized personnel, if needed.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers must wear suitable PPE when working
with hazards in confined spaces. This may
include:
∙ Appropriate clothing
∙ Closed-toe shoes
∙ Gloves
∙ Hard hat
∙​ Harness and retrieval system
∙​ Respiratory protection (must have
clearance)
∙ Safety glasses
∙ Other, as needed

5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 ​Supervisor

Ensure that persons within their areas of responsibility comply with this policy and its
implementing documents, and, in particular, have completed the required training
prior to beginning work.

5.2 ​Employees and Contractors

Follow all guidance provided in training and work processes to safely complete tasks inside
confined spaces, and permit-required confined spaces.
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6.0 PROCEDURES
6.1 ​Method of Clearing

Under normal conditions, all confined spaces will be drained and cleared of any vapors or
residuals by the Facilities Department. Proper personal protective equipment will be
used as required during clearing operations. Various methods such as using exhaust fans,
natural ventilation, or blowers could be used to clear the area of possible vapors. Most
tanks of water can be drained, and the residual can be pumped out.

6.2 ​Methods of Isolation

The accepted methods of isolation are listed below.

1. Use of Blinds and Blanks

The use of blinds and blanks must have pressure ratings equivalent to the maximum potential
process pressure. Blinds and blanks must be made of a suitable, resistant material
and, if possible, they must be installed between flanges next to the vessel. This will
ensure the accumulation of the material between the vessel and the blind is
minimized. An energy isolation plan must be completed for each vessel requiring
entry, as well as hazardous energy associated with the entry utilizing the
Lockout/Tagout Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) (1000-AD-015-0001).

6.3 ​De-Energizing Equipment

Prior to entering a confined space, all power-driven equipment that has the potential to
endanger the workers or cause additional hazards must be rendered inoperable
according to the Lockout/Tagout SOP (1000-AD-015-0001).

6.4 ​Atmospheric Testing of Confined Spaces

Once a confined space has been properly isolated and verified by the supervisor, testing of the
atmospheric conditions must be done. The atmosphere of the confined space will be
tested for oxygen, and flammable gases. If necessary, testing for toxic chemicals (such as
chlorine vapors) will also be completed. All testing must be done by the Entry
Supervisor, and witnessed by the attendant before entry is allowed. Fresh, outside air
has the potential to dilute the samples, so caution must be taken to prevent this from
occurring. Air moving devices should be shut down while obtaining samples at or near
the opening of the space. All readings must be written on the Entry Permit. Supervisors
and workers must check the appropriate Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for the safe toxicity
ranges. All confined spaces will be deemed as having insufficient atmospheric conditions
until the tests prove otherwise. All testing must be done approximately thirty minutes or
less before entry. The sequence of sampling and testing is listed below.

1. Oxygen Deficiency Testing

An atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5% is considered an oxygen deficient
environment, and an atmospheric oxygen concentration above 23.5% is considered
an oxygen enriched environment.

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Oxygen Content Effects and Symptoms

(% by Volume) (At Atmospheric Pressure)
˃23.5% Oxygen enriched, extreme fire hazard
20.9% Oxygen concentration in normal air
19.5% Minimum permissible oxygen level
Decreased ability to work strenuously; may impair
15% to 19% coordination and may cause early symptoms for persons of
coronary, pulmonary, or circulatory problems
10% to 12% Respiration further increases in rate and depth; poor
judgement, blue lips
8% to 10% Mental failure, fainting, unconsciousness, ashen face, nausea,
and vomiting
6% to 8% Recovery still possible after four to five minutes. 50% fatal
after six minutes. Fatal after eight minutes.
4% to 6% Coma in 40 seconds, convulsions, respiration ceases, death

2. Flammable Gases
The atmosphere must have a 0% LEL.
3. Chlorine Vapors

The atmosphere should contain less than 0.5 ppm of chlorine, or less than 1 ppm of chlorine for
entries lasting less than 15 minutes.
4. Other Contaminants

Where other contaminants are present, the Entry Supervisor must consult with the Safety
Manager to coordinate additional testing.

6.5 ​Duties

1. Entry Supervisor

The Entry Supervisor must know what hazards are associated with the confined space(s), as well
as what may be encountered during entry. The Entry Supervisor must remove any
unauthorized individual who enters, or attempts to enter, the confined space. The
Entry Supervisor must verify that the information included on the Entry Permit is
current, accurate, and appropriately filled out. This person must also confirm that
the applicable tests for confined space(s) have been conducted correctly and that the
results have been recorded on the Entry Permit. Before the Entry Permit is endorsed
and entry is allowed, all procedures and equipment specified on the permit must be
in place. Once these steps have been completed, the Entry Supervisor is able to sign
the permit. If any situation arises that puts the entrants in immediate danger, the
Entry Permit must be terminated until a solution is reached. The completed Entry
Permit and any problems encountered with the permit must be forwarded to the
Safety Manager for review.
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2. Entrants

Authorized entrants must know what hazards are associated with the confined space(s), as well
as what may be encountered during entry. Entrants must be authorized to enter the
confined space(s) and understand how to properly use the equipment provided. A
stable line of communication must be established between the entrants and the
attendant at all times. The entrants must inform the attendant of any new hazards
discovered, or signs of exposure that are presumably unsafe. If any situation arises
that puts the entrants in immediate danger, evacuation protocol from the attendant
must be followed. Entrants must sign the Entry Permit, signifying these duties are
understood and agreed to.

3. Attendant

All confined space entries require the constant presence of an attendant. If a break is
needed, another trained attendant must relieve the one on duty. The attendant
must know what hazards are associated with the confined space(s), as well as what
may be encountered during entry. Accurate identification and count of the
authorized entrants is also required. Any individual who is not an authorized entrant
must be warned to stay clear of the confined space and reported to the Entry
Supervisor. A stable line of communication must be established between the
entrants and the attendant at all times. The attendant must be aware of outside
conditions that are changing and order an evacuation, if needed. An evacuation is
warranted when an adverse condition is detected, when behavior effects of a
hazardous exposure are being exhibited from the entrant(s), or when a situation
outside of the confined space becomes too dangerous for the attendant to safely
perform his or her duties. In the event of an emergency, the Entry Supervisor and the
Safety Manager must be notified immediately. The attendant must sign the Entry
Permit, signifying these duties are understood and agreed to.

4. Contractors

All contractor personnel must provide documentation of completed Confined Space Training
prior to entering any confined space(s) on site. If two contractors from separate
companies are working together in the same confined space, special precautions
must be taken to prevent endangering one another. Both workers must also be
aware of each other’s work that is being performed. When two or more contractors
are present, an additional attendant is required for monitoring.

6.6 ​Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) Entry

There are some circumstances where it may be necessary for workers to enter an area that
cannot be cleared of chemical hazards, or where insufficient oxygen levels are
present. Non-emergency entry (planned situations) into an IDLH environment is
prohibited without a written working plan submitted to, and approved by the Entry
Supervisor. An IDLH entry is also considered to be a “last resort,” as every alternative
 must be exhausted before this step is considered and executed. The conditions for
entering into an IDLH confined space are listed below.

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1. Written Working Plan

A written working plan must be submitted to, and approved by the Entry Supervisor.

2. Members on Standby

A fully-equipped EMT, or an emergency response trained individual, must be available to

respond in case of an emergency. This person is in addition to the attendant,
and may be tasked with watching the air monitor.

3. Communication

Constant communication must be maintained with the entrant. Accepted forms of

communication include, but are not limited to, vocal interaction, radio, telephone,
and signal line use.

4. PPE

The entrant must be equipped with a safety harness, and a safety line. PPE should be appropriate
for the hazards within and around the confined spaces. Improper use of PPE can
lead to dangerous, and sometimes deadly, scenarios. More information on the Fall
Protection Plan and its corresponding Rescue Plan can be found in the
1000-AD-015-0003 and 1000-AD-015-0004 SOPs.

6.7 ​Use of Electrical Equipment

The use of electrically operated devices inside confined spaces must be reviewed by the specific
application of use and the potential hazards involved. The decision to allow electrically
operated devices to be used depends on if they are in accordance with the safety
control permit. All portable, electrical lighting above 12 Volts must be explosion-proof
and plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter. Other equipment, such as grinders,
can also be used if plugged into a ground circuit interrupter.

6.8 ​Welding and Cutting

When welding or cutting is necessary inside enclosed spaces, special precautions must be taken.
Compressed gas cylinders must never be used inside confined spaces. All oxy-acetylene
and inert gas hoses must be removed from the confined spaces, or the hoses must be
disconnected at the cylinder regulator during periods of non-use, such as breaks, lunch,
or overnight. Arc welding leads and hoses for oxy-acetylene hoses must be checked by
the welder prior to use in a confined space. Leaks in hoses, and damaged or broken
insulation on welding leads must be repaired prior to use. When welding operations are
paused, all electrodes must be removed from holders. Holders must be carefully placed
so that accidental contact cannot occur. An approved fire extinguisher must always be
available for emergency use at the entrance to the confined space(s). Burning or welding
is not permitted in a confined space where there are other activities present that would
increase the flammable gas levels inside. Any hot work completed must be recorded on
the Entry Permit.
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6.9 ​Ventilation

Adequate ventilation must be provided for all work completed in confined spaces to prevent
fumes from building up. In most cases, natural ventilation is sufficient. If natural
ventilation is not enough, forced air, or air movers, must be grounded and utilized.
Excavation and pits must be tested to determine the extent of the hazard. Ventilation is
required when it would help remove any accumulation pockets of hazardous materials.
The guidelines for following forced ventilation when natural ventilation is inadequate are
listed below.

1. Forced air ventilation must continue until all employees have left the confined space.

2. Air moving equipment must be able to pull through to evacuate the space of any
lingering contaminants. Blowing air through the space will stir and circulate lingering
contaminants.

3. The forced air ventilation supply must be from a clean source and may not increase
the hazards in the space. Compressed air will never be used for ventilation in a
confined space.

4. If achievable, at least two openings that are as far away from each other as possible
must be opened.

5. Air moving equipment must be kept in good condition. The Facilities Department is
responsible for maintaining this equipment.

6.10 ​Temperature

During periods of extreme temperatures, ambient air temperatures must be determined inside
the confined space prior to issuance of the Entry Permit. If the heat or cold presents a
problem to the worker inside of a confined space, substitution of another authorized
entrant is required.

6.11 ​Entry Permits

An example of what OSHA considers a valid Confined Space Entry Permit, including the
information that must be found on the permit and the directions for completing one, is
available for review on pages 12-13 of this document.

6.12 ​Training

The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the confined
space program is understood by workers and that the knowledge and skills required
for the safe entrance, task completion, and exit of workers from a confined space are
acquired by workers. Workers also need to be trained on what the entry control
permit is. Retraining must be provided when there is a change in job assignments,
processes that present a new hazard, deviation from the Entry Permit, or when there
is a change in confined space procedures.

6.13 ​Record Keeping

Each completed Entry Permit and any problems encountered with the permit must be forwarded
to the Safety Manager for review and safekeeping. Permits must be kept for a minimum
of one year, and are required to be reviewed annually.

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7.0 REFERENCES
The above information can be found at the following links:

• OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.146

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9797&p_table=STAN
DARDS

• Western Illinois University

http://www.wiu.edu/vpas/ehss/manuals/confinedspaces.php

The Ohio State University

http://ehs.osu.edu/FileStore/Occ%20Health%20&%20Safety/Confined%20Space%20progr

am.pdf

Confined Space Entry Permit

https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy11/sh-22318-11/Mod_6_CSPermit.pdf
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8.0 ​CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT EXAMPLE

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT

Confined Space Location/Description/ID Number: Date:

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Purpose of Entry:
_______________________________________________________________________________​________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Time In/Time Out: ​_______________​ Permit Canceled Time: ​_____________​ Reason: ​________________

Supervisor: ​___________________________

Rescue and Emergency Services:

Hazards of Confined Space Yes No Special Requirements Yes No

Carbon Monoxide Hot Work Permit Required
Combustible Dust Lines Broken, Capped, or Blanked
Combustible Gas/Vapor Lockout/Tagout
Electrical Hazard Purge-Flush and Vent
Engulfment Hazard Secure Area-Post and Flag
Entrapment Hazard Ventilation
Hydrogen Sulfide Other:
Mechanical Hazard Special Equipment
Oxygen Deficiency Breathing Apparatus-Respirator
Skin-Chemical Hazards Escape Harness Required
Slip or Fall Hazard Fire Extinguisher
Thermal Hazard Lifelines
Toxic Fumes Lighting (Explosive-Proof, etc.)
Toxic Gas/Vapor PPE
------------------------------------------- -------- -------- Tripod Emergency Escape Unit

Communication Procedures:
____________________________________________________________________________​______​_____

Chemical PEL* Test Start Time Test Stop Time

% of Oxygen 19.5% to 23.5%
% of LEL Less than 10%
Carbon Monoxide 35 PPM (8 hr.)
Hydrogen Sulfide 10 PPM (8 hr.)
Other:
*Do not enter if Permissible Entry Levels (PEL) are exceeded.

Name(s) or Person(s) Testing: ​______________________________________________________________

Test Instrument(s) Used ​(Include Name, Model, Serial Number and Date Last Calibrated)​:
______________________________________________________________________________​____​_____
CFM-Ventilation: Size-Cubic Feet: Pre Entry Time: Supervisor Notified Time Notified:
Before Entrance:

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SOP

Supervisor Notified Time Notified:

After Entrance:
Authorized Entrants: Authorized Attendants:

____________________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________

PERMIT AUTHORIZATION
I

certify that all actions and conditions necessary for safe entry have been performed.

Name ​(Print)​:

Signature:

Date: Time:

Entry Procedure Checklist

Complete the following steps before, during, and after a confined space entry:

Step 1
Obtain a Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Form from the Safety Manager.
Step 2
Notify the Entry Supervisor before the confined space entry.
Step 3
Verify the confined space 4-Gas Detector has been calibrated and is in working order.
Step 4
Complete the top portion of the Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Form.
Step 5
Ensure all rescue equipment (tripod, lanyard, harness, etc.) is in place prior to entry.

Step 6

Monitor the confined space with the 4-Gas Detector prior to entry. The entrant and attendant must sign
the permit authorization section on the bottom of the permit to ensure all actions and conditions
necessary for safe entry have been performed.

Step 7

Employees or contractors entering the confined space must wear the 4-Gas Detector after the
pre-atmosphere test. The employee or contractor must also have a full body harness and lanyard
attached to the rescue tripod. Workers must have a radio and the correct PPE.

Step 8
Employees and contractors can enter the confined space after ‘Step 7’ is completed. The entrant and
attendant must fill out the applicable boxes and information (hazards and special requirements) on the
Confined Space Entry Permit once he or she is inside of the confined space. The entrant must also gather
the readings from the 4-Gas Detector and communicate them to the attendant on the permit.

Step 9

The attendant must maintain constant communication with the entrant until he or she has exited the
confined space.

Step 10
The attendant must notify the Entry Supervisor once the entrant has exited the confined space.
Step 11
The Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Form must be given to the Safety Manager for recordkeeping.

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