SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC.
SEPTEMBER, 2011
FROM:MANAGER
TO:ALL EMPLOYEES
SUBJECT:PERMITREQUIRED CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish requirements for practices and procedures to protect employees from hazards of entry into permit-required confined spaces.
DEFINITIONS:
CONFINED SPACE means a space that:
(1)Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
(2)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
(3)Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
PERMITREQUIRED CONFINED SPACE means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
(1)Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
ATMOSPHERIC HAZARD
a.Greater than 10% Lower Flammable Limit (LEL).
b.Airborne combustible dust at or above its Lower Flammable Limit (LEL).
c.Oxygen (O2) concentrations below 19.5% or above 23.5%.
d.Any substance above Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).
e.Any condition which is Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health (IDLH).
(2)Contains material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
ENGULFMENT HAZARD
- Material present that can capture a person.
(3)Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slops downward and tapers to a small crosssection; or
CONFIGURATION HAZARD
- Configuration that may cause trapping or wedging.
(4)Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
OTHER HAZARDS
- Such hazards as; isolation, radiation, high temperature, high noise, selfigniting deposits, electricity, and/or moving machinery parts.
ACCEPTABLE ENTRY CONDITIONS means the conditions that must exist in a permit space to allow entry and to ensure that employees involved with a permitrequired 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 skillet blind) that completely covers the bore that is capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with no leakage beyond the plate.
DOUBLE BLOCK AND BLEED --means the closure of a line, duct or pipe by closing and locking or tagging two inline valves and by 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.
ENTRY means the action by which a person passes through an opening into a permitrequired 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 means the written or printed document that is provided by the employer to allow and control entry into a permit space.
ENTRY SUPERVISOR means the person (such as the employer, foreman, crew chief, or designated employee) 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 OSHA 1910.146.
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 for each role he/she fills. Also, the duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation.
RESCUE SERVICE means the personnel designated to rescue employees 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 test that is to be performed in the permit space.
GENERAL:
SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. will evaluate the workplace to determine if spaces are permitrequired confined space. The field supervisor or designated employee will use the attached flow chart in determining if the space is permitrequired confined space. If the confined space is permitrequired the supervisor/or designated, employee will inform all exposed employees of the existence, location, and danger posed by the confined space. This can be accomplished by posting danger signs. The following language will be used for such signs. DANGER -- PERMIT REQUIREDCONFINED SPACE AUTHORIZED ENTRANTS ONLY all SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. employees that are not trained to entry a permitrequired confined space are prohibited from entering a permit required confined space.
CONDITIONS FOR SAFE ENTRY
A.The confined space must be, insofar as practical, cleaned of hazardous materials and purged with air to place it in a safe and uncontaminated condition prior to entry.
B.All lines connecting to the confined space (tank, vessel vat, pit and etc.) must be physically disconnected or blinded. If a spool is removed from a line (connecting to the space) a blind flange must be installed. Skillet blinds must be installed in all other lines. Make sure that all lines are blinded or removed such as air line, purge lines, blanket gas or any other lines. The blind flange or skillet must be capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of the line.
BLINDING PROCEDURE FOR CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
a.The vessel, tank, vat and etc. must be depressured, pumped down, and drained.
b.If possible the vessel, tank, vat must be water washed or steamed.
c.The vessel, tank, vat must be completely isolated from other equipment or energy sources.
d.Slip blinds and blind flange must meet the pressure requirements of the line. See attached Thickness Chart.
e.The field supervisor or designated employee will complete the attached Blind List.
C.All power driven equipment, with pipe connection to the confined space, must be lockout/tagout. Refer to SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. lockout/Tagout Policy.
D.An independent fresh air ventilating system must be provided and be in operation for entry into a confined space where the atmosphere may become oxygen deficient. Air movers (Power blowers or air mover) must be powered by steam, air or electric motor. Nitrogen must not be used to power an air mover. If air is used to drive the air mover, an independent line will be run from the air compressor or header to the air mover. No other connection will be allowed on this line.
E.Barriers, such and rope, tape or other means will identify the area when permitconfined space is being entered. The barriers are to warn others. The attendant will keep all unauthorized personnel away during confined entry.
F.Lighting in a confined space will be low voltage (12V) explosive proof during initial entry. After initial entry of confined spaces and the area is gas free, in most cases, electric tools and lights with GFI systems may be permitted. SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. will follow the (Clients) company's procedure.
Flashlights used inside confined spaces must be approved for use in flammable atmosphere.
G.SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. will provide all necessary equipment required to complete the job. This includes safety equipment, ventilation equipment (air movers, power fans), test equipment, monitoring equipment, communication equipment (if required), personal protective equipment, lighting, barriers, signs, ladders, rescue equipment, SCBA, and other special equipment need to complete the job. The field supervisor or his designated replacement is responsible for check this equipment prior to leaving the yard (SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. yard). All equipment must be in working order and meet the requirements of the job.
H.SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. on site field supervisor, Inspector (Atmospheric Tester) or designated employee will test the atmosphere prior to entry and during entry. The atmosphere testing in the confined space will be tested with a calibrated direct-reading instrument prior to entry activities. The maximum retesting is two (2) hours, unless the customer(s) requires more frequently. Testing will be performed in the following sequence:
1)oxygen,
2)combustible gases or vapors,
3)toxic gases or vapors.
Oxygen must be between 19.5% O2 and 23.5% O2
Lower Flammable Limit must be 10% or lower
Toxic gases or vapors must be at the PEL or below such as H2S (10ppm).
The readings must be recorded on the entry permit.
I.SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. will provide all necessary personal protective equipment and other equipment necessary (at no cost to the employee) to perform the confined space entry. All equipment that is not in working order must be reported to the supervisor or manager.
J.SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. will provide an attendant for all permitconfined space entry. The attendant will be trained prior to job assignment. The attendant will be on duty at the entrance to the confined space at all times during entry. This employee will not be assigned any other duties during his/her duty as an attendant.
DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES
The following designated persons will have an active role in Permit Required Confined Space Entry:
Authorized Entrants
Attendants
Entry Supervisor
Inspector (Atmospheric Tester)
Rescue and Emergency Personnel
Each designated person will perform the assigned duties as outlined in the following duty section for each. The training will be as outlined in the training section.
ATTENDANT'S DUTIES
a.remains outside the permit space during entry operations unless relieved by another authorized attendant;
b.performs nonentry rescues when specified by SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. rescue procedure;
c.know existing and potential hazard, including information on the mode of exposure, signs or symptoms, consequences of the exposure, and their physiological effects; Material Safety Data Sheets will be available for this information (either SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICALCO., INC. or the client will furnish the MSDS) for the hazardous materials in the confined space.
d.maintains communication with and keeps accurate account of those workers entering the permitrequired space;
e.the attendant will make sure each entrant signs the confined space entry log. Each entrant will sign in each time they enter and sign out each time they leave the confined space;
f.order evacuation of the permit space when a prohibited condition exists, when a worker shows signs of physiological effects of hazard exposure, when an emergency outside the confined space exists, and when the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform required duties;
g.summon rescue and other services during an emergency;
h.ensure that unauthorized persons stay away from permit spaces or exit immediately if they have entered the permit space;
i.inform authorized entrants and entry supervisor of entry by unauthorized persons; and
j.performs no other duties that interfere with the attendant's duties.
k.if multiply spaces are to be monitored by a single attendant, a procedure will be in place to monitor more than one permit confined space. This can be done by radio, tv or other means to insure communication with all spaces. No other duties must be assigned to an attendant.
l.If more than one employer is working simultaneously as authorized entrants SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. attendant will coordinate with the other company attendant to ensure no employee will be endangered by our operations.
AUTHORIZED ENTRANT'S DUTIES
a.know space hazards, including information on the mode of exposure (e.g., inhalation or dermal absorption), signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;
b.use appropriate personal protective equipment properly (e.g., face and eye protection, and other forms of barrier protection such as gloves, aprons, and coveralls); The MSDS will information on what PPE is necessary for each hazardous substance.
c.as, necessary, maintain communication (i.e., telephone radio, visual observation) with the attendants to enable the attendant to monitor the entrant's status as well as to alert the entrant to evacuate;
d.exit from permit space as soon as possible when ordered by an authorized person, when the entrant recognizes the warning signs or symptoms of exposure exists, when prohibited condition exist, or when an automatic alarm is activated; and
e.alert the attendant when a prohibited condition exists or when warning signs or symptoms or exposure exist.
ENTRY SUPERVISOR'S DUTIES
a.know space hazards including information on the mode of exposure, signs, or symptoms and consequences of exposure, and implement measures to protect entrants from any external hazards:
b.verify emergency plans and specified entry conditions as permits, test, procedures, and equipment before allowing entry;
c.terminate entry and cancel permits when entry operations are completed or if a new condition exists;
d.take appropriate measure to remove unauthorized entrants;
e.ensure that entry operations remain consistent with the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.
f.coordinate confined space entry with the appropriate customer supervisor/representative in charge of the job;
g.explain the job, the workplan in detail, and all safety requirements to the employees who are performing the work;
h.ensure that entry equipment is in place as required for each job, such as fire extinguisher, SCBA, tools, safety harness, air movers, first aid kits, and etc. The entrant supervisor will use the CONFINED SPACE PREPARATION FOR ENTRY CHECKLIST.
INSPECTOR'S (ATMOSPHERIC TESTER) DUTIES
The inspector role may be filled by the Onsite Entry Supervisor on most jobs.
a.make necessary tests for oxygen, combustible gases, toxic or other hazardous conditions as required by entry permit;
b.warn all other personnel in the vicinity not to perform any operation that is likely to change entry conditions sufficiently to void permit;
c.shut down work in progress if conditions in the area change significantly;
d.advise relief personnel of any permits in effect;
e.checking placement and condition of fire extinguishers, fresh air, and any other safety equipment required
f.inspect all adjacent areas to which sparks or heat might spread immediately after the work has been completed.
g.Upon completion of training, employees will receive a certificate of training that includes the employee's name, signature or initials of trainer(s), and dates of training.
ENTRY PERMIT
A permit, signed by the entry supervisor, or designated employee, and verifying that preentry
preparations have been completed and that the space is safe to enter, must be posted at entrances or otherwise made available to entrants before they enter a permit space. The entry permit will contain the following:
*Date and time permit is effective and when it expires
*The permit space to be entered
*The purpose of the entry
*The personnel, by name, currently serving as attendants to include signature
*The individual, by name, currently serving as entry supervisor to include signature
*The hazards of the permit space to be entered
*The measures used to isolate the permit space and to eliminate or control permit space hazards
*Acceptable entry conditions
*The results of initial and periodic tests performed, accompanied by the name or initials of testers and when tests were performed
*The rescue and emergency services that can be summoned and the means (such as radio, telephone and etc.) for summoning those services
*The communication procedures used by authorized entrants and attendants to maintain contact during entry
*Equipment, such as personal protective equipment, testing equipment, communication equipment, alarm systems, and rescue equipment
*Signature of coordinator/representative with whom the job is being done for
TRAINING
All SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. employees will be trained prior to confined space entry. The training will ensure that employees have acquired the understand, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of their duties. Additional training is required when (1) the job duties change, (2) there is a change in the permitspace program or the permit space operations presents a new hazard, and (3) when an employee's job performance deficiencies. Training also is required for rescue team members, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and firstaid training.
SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. will maintain all certifications for employees. Upon completion of training, employees will receive a certificate of training that includes the employee's name, signature or initials of trainer(s), and dates of training. A copy of all training will be available for inspection by the employees and their authorized representatives.
All SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. employees will be trained in their assigned duties.
POTENTIALLY AFFECTED PERSONNEL TRAINING
Other contractor employees working at facilities where entry work is being performed are Potentially Affected Personnel and must receive limited awareness training.
APotentially Affected Personnel must be able to:
a.Describe what constitutes a permitrequired confined space.
b.Identify and locate potential permitrequired confined space's which exist in their work area which are not specifically marked with warning signs.
c.Identify specific hazards associated with permitrequired confined space
d.Locate a copy of SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. entry permit
e.Define what constitutes entry into a permitrequired confined space
f.Avoid unauthorized entry for any reason
All training for Potentially Affected Personnel must be documented. This documentation will be filed at SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC. and a copy will be on site during the entry.
AUTHORIZED ENTRANT TRAINING
Authorized entrant must be able to:
a.Describe what constitutes a permitrequired confined space.
b.Identify and locate potential permitrequired confined space's which exist in their work area which are not specifically marked with warning signs.