CONFINED SPACE SEWER ENTRY
1. CORPORATE POLICY, REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
1.1. Purpose – To establish requirements and procedures for entering a sewer, which may be either a permit-required or non-permit-required confined space, in order to eliminate employees’ exposure to hazards.
1.2. Definitions
A. Confined Space – A space that:
Ø Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work.
Ø 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).
Ø Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
B. Entry – The action by which a person passes through an opening into a confined space. Entry includes ensuring 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.
C. Hazardous Atmosphere – An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a confined space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:
Ø Flammable gas, vapor or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL).
Ø Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL. This concentration may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of five feet or less.
Ø Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent.
Ø Atmospheric concentration of any substance that is capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury or acute illness due to its health effects.
Ø Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.
D. Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) – Any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life; that would cause irreversible adverse health effects; or that would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape unaided from a confined space.
E. Non-Permit 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.
F. Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere – An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume.
G. Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere – An atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume.
H. Permit-Required Confined Space – A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
Ø Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.
Ø Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant.
Ø Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor, which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section.
Ø Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
1.3. General Requirements
A. Eemployees shall initially view all confined spaces as permit-required until the space can be evaluated and reviewed for a non-permit-required entry.
B. Where feasible, a confined space shall be reclassified to a non-permit-required status.
C. A space shall only be reclassified after the space has been adequately evaluated, all hazards present eliminated and the reclassification documented.
D. Before entering a sewer, all field service personnel shall review all applicable safety advisories (Confined Space Entry, Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment, Hazard Assessment and Respiratory Protection and Lockout/Tagout) and shall adhere to all safe work practices.
1.4. Authorization – Active Sewer
A. Only trained employees shall authorize the entry into a permit-required or non-permit-required confined space active sewer.
Ø Entry into a permit-required confined space active sewer shall only be allowed by completion of the “Permit-Required Confined Space Sewer Entry Form” (included in this section).
Ø Entry into a non-permit-required confined space active sewer shall only be allowed by completion of the “Permit-Required Confined Space Sewer Entry Form,” and with the addition of the word “Non” in the heading of the form.
1.5. Status Determination – Active Sewer
A. Determination as to whether an active sewer is a permit-required or non-permit-required confined space shall be made based on the presence of the following:
Ø A hazardous atmosphere.
Ø An engulfing hazard.
Ø A hazardous internal configuration.
Ø Other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
B. The following work practices shall be completed, without entry into the confined space:
Ø The atmosphere shall be tested to ensure it is within the following acceptable limits:
§ Oxygen Content 19.5% - 23%
§ Lower Explosive Limit <10%
§ Carbon Monoxide <25ppm
§ Hydrogen Sulfide <10ppm
§ Heat (if applicable) ___
Ø If a hazardous atmosphere is detected –
§ An effective ventilation plan shall be implemented.
§ The atmosphere shall be retested to verify ventilation effectiveness. All test results shall be documented on the “Permit-Required Confined Space Sewer Entry Form” (included in this section).
1.6. Documentation – Active Sewer
A. Hazard evaluation/monitoring and/or hazard elimination shall be documented on the form – “Permit-Required Confined Space Sewer Entry Form” (included in this section).
B. In the documented absence or documented elimination of all hazards, the sewer shall be reclassified to non-permit-required status by inserting the word “Non” in the heading of the form – “Permit-Required Confined Space Sewer Entry Form” (included in this section).
C. Completed permits shall be posted at the confined space entrance. All permits shall be terminated upon completion of the work and entry operations.
1.7. Duties of Entry Supervisor – Active Sewer
A. The entry supervisor shall be responsible for completing the following duties:
Ø Knowing the hazards of the confined space and the signs, symptoms and effects of exposure.
Ø Checking and verifying that appropriate entries are being made on the permit.
Ø Ensuring that all procedures and equipment specified by the permit are in place before endorsing the permit and allowing entry to begin.
Ø Terminating the entry and canceling the permit when work is completed or when a hazardous condition develops.
Ø Verifying that rescue services are available and the system to summon those services is operable.
Ø Removing unauthorized personnel who enter or attempt to enter the space.
Ø Advising contractors of hazards, providing written copies of the program, coordinating preparation and testing of the space, and monitoring contractor compliance.
1.8. Duties of Attendant – Active Sewer – Permit-Required
A. The attendant shall always be outside all permit-required confined spaces for the duration of the entry operation and shall be responsible for completing the following duties:
Ø Knowing the hazards of the confined space and the signs, symptoms and effects of exposure.
Ø Knowing the behavioral effects of exposure.
Ø Keeping an accurate count and identity of those persons in the permit-required space.
Ø Remaining outside the permit-required space until relieved by another attendant.
Ø Communicating with authorized entrants as necessary, monitoring status and giving exit orders.
Ø Monitoring activities inside and outside the permit-required space to determine the safety of those remaining inside the space.
Ø Issuing evacuation orders if –
§ Behavioral effects of exposure are observed.
§ A condition outside of the space can endanger entrants in the space.
§ The attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all of the assigned duties.
Ø Summoning rescue and emergency services if entrants require help in escaping.
Ø Completing the following tasks if an unauthorized person(s) approaches or enters the space:
§ Issuing a warning to stay away.
§ Telling unauthorized person(s) to exit the space if the space was entered.
§ Informing the authorized entrants and supervisor of unauthorized entry into the space.
Ø Performing non-entry rescue as specified in the rescue plan.
Ø Never performing duties that might interfere with the primary duty to monitor and protect.
Ø Never entering the space to make a rescue unless he/she has been relieved by another attendant and has the necessary personal protective equipment to perform the rescue safely.
Ø Keeping equipment available at all times to make a rescue if needed.
B. Although Section 1.8 Duties of Attendant does not apply to non-permit required confined spaces, no employee shall enter or perform work in a sewer structure unless accompanied.
1.9. Duties of Authorized Entrant – Active Sewers
A. The authorized entrant shall be responsible for completing the following duties:
Ø Knowing the hazards of the confined space and the signs, symptoms and effects of exposure.
Ø Using equipment properly and obeying all entry procedures.
Ø Alerting attendant if symptoms or signs of exposure are recognized or if danger is detected.
Ø Exiting the space if danger is detected or if ordered to exit by the attendant or entry supervisor.
Ø Exiting if evacuation alarm is sounded.
1.10. Lockout/Tagout – Active Sewers
A. All energy sources (pumps) shall be identified and all required lockout/tagout procedures shall be performed. These energy sources may include those:
Ø Within the confined space.
Ø Which could potentially move material into the confined space.
Ø Which could potentially attempt to discharge material from the confined space.
1.11. Isolation – Active Sewers
B. All piping shall be isolated by the use of:
Ø Blanks.
Ø Double block and bleed procedures.
Ø Disconnection and misalignment of lines.
Ø Closure of valves and lockouts.
1.12. Cleaning – Active Sewers
A. Manholes shall be cleaned by washing, neutralizing and purging to eliminate harmful/toxic/flammable materials, gases, or vapors.
Ø Atmospheres shall be monitored and forced ventilation used since inert gas purging can create an oxygen deficiency.
Ø Spaces containing flammable vapors or gases will not be entered for any reason.
1.13. Preparation for Access and Entry – Active Sewers
A. All potential hazards associated with the removal of entrance covers shall be eliminated.
B. Railings, temporary covers and/or temporary barriers shall be provided around or adjacent to entrance openings when applicable.
C. All ladders shall be secured.
D. All tripping hazards shall be eliminated.
E. All pumps, generators, ventilation systems and compressors with internal combustion engines shall be located a safe distance from the confined space.
F. When entering the confined space, all required personal protective equipment, including respirators, shall be used.
1.14. Emergency and Rescue Equipment – Active Sewers
A. Emergency rescue equipment shall be available on-site and attended when in use.
B. Safety harnesses and lines shall be used as required.
C. A second person with the capability to communicate with the entrant shall tend the lifeline from the time of entry until the time of exit.
D. Lifelines shall be attached to the “D” ring of each harness, in the center of the back and at shoulder level.
E. A spare harness and lifeline shall be maintained for each rescuer.
F. A hoisting system to facilitate vertical removal from the confined space shall be maintained.
G. Self-contained breathing apparatus for use when making a rescue (unless provided by outside rescue services) shall be maintained.
1.15. Rescue Plans and Procedures – Active Sewers – Permit-Required
A. Qualified on-site personnel and the local fire/emergency service providers shall coordinate rescue efforts.
B. On-site rescue teams shall be provided or arrangements shall be made with an outside service.
C. Rescue teams shall receive rescue training and perform practice drills with mannequins.
D. Outside rescue services that are being used shall be informed of the hazards.
E. Outside rescue services that are being used shall have access to permit spaces to aid in planning for emergencies and for practice drills.
F. Entry shall not occur until all required equipment is staged at the entry site, checked for serviceability and all rescue personnel trained in its use.
1.16. Ventilation and Air Supply – Active Sewers
A. Mechanical ventilation systems shall be used to provide 100 percent outside air.
B. Additional covers, man-ways and manholes shall be opened to increase air circulation when possible.
C. Portable blowers shall be used to exhaust fumes, vapors and mists from welding, painting, sealing, chipping, etc., when applicable.
D. The atmosphere shall be retested upon entry. The atmosphere shall be continuously monitored while work is being performed in the confined space. The space shall be evacuated immediately if the monitor alarm sounds, unless appropriate respiratory protection and PPE are being used.
1.17. Equipment and Tools – Active Sewers
A. Only explosion-proof electrical equipment, including exhaust blowers and portable lights, shall be used where there is a potential for flammable vapors or gases.
B. All portable extension cords, lights and tools shall be protected by GFCIs to prevent electrical shock.
C. Portable lights shall have bulbs that are low voltage and shall be enclosed to prevent bulb explosions.
D. Non-sparking tools shall be used in areas that have the potential to contain flammable vapors and gases.
1.18. Welding and Cutting Procedures – Active Sewers
A. A “Hot Works” permit shall be obtained and the use of failsafe methods to eliminate the possibility of explosion when welding or cutting on vessels that have contained flammable or combustible materials shall be used.
B. When welding or cutting on a vessel, precautions shall be taken to address the potential for rust and sludge to become dislodged and to release flammable vapors, and/or for residue to release flammable vapors.
C. Continuous atmosphere testing and ventilation must be utilized to eliminate the potential hazard of:
Ø Oxygen enriched atmosphere due to the release of oxygen from torches being used.
Ø Flammable/explosive gas accumulation due to leaking torches, hoses and tanks.
D. Inert gas welding shall not be used in or near a confined space since the gases used in this process are heavier than air and can displace air, causing an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
E. Torches and hoses shall be removed from the space when not in use.
1.19. Use of Hazardous Substances – Active Sewers
A. Hazardous substances that can create a hazardous atmosphere shall not be used in confined spaces. If the use of these products is unavoidable, employees shall receive additional training on potential hazards and how to avoid the hazards. Forced ventilation and continuous monitoring shall be used as necessary.