1a

Confined Space Entry Program

A confined space is: Large enough to enter and perform work Limited in the way of entry or exit Not designed for continuous occupancy

Definition

1a

Actual or potential hazardous atmosphere Materials could engulf entrant Internal shape could trap entrant Contains other serious hazards

Definition of a Permit-Required-Confined-Space

1b

Before a Permit-Required-Confined-Space can be accessed, it is necessary to:

Conduct hazard evaluations Post danger signs Develop a permit space program

Practices and procedures

1c

Entry into a Permit-Required-Confined-Space is not a one person job.

It requires a team of individuals who work together and have the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the job safely.

It requires the designation of qualified:◦ Authorized entrants◦ Attendant

It requires the availability of rescue equipment and trained rescue operators

Practices and Procedures

2a

A Permit-Required-Confined-Space can be re-classified into a Non-Permit-Confined-Space:◦ Provided the space can be maintained in a safe

condition for entry by mechanical ventilation alone.

◦ All confined spaces shall be considered Permit-Required-Confined-Spaces until a pre-entry checklist has been completed to demonstrate otherwise.

Practices and Procedures

2a

The Permit-Required-Confined-Space can be re-classified:◦ If the permit space poses no actual or potential

atmospheric hazards, ◦ And if all hazards within the space are eliminated

without entry into the space ◦ Then, the Permit-Required-Space may be

reclassified as a Non-Permit-Space. ◦ If it is necessary to enter the permit space to

eliminate hazards, such entry shall be performed under a Permit-Required-Confined-Space procedure.

Practices and Procedures

2a

The following is CSP’s approach to dealing with confined space entries:

◦ CSP does not posses the infrastructure, technical or human to manage Permit-Required-Confined-Space Entries

◦ CSP applies a combination of procedures described above to re-classify the confined space to a Non-Permit-Confined-Space

Practices and Procedures

2a

CSP has several spaces that require entry permit.

A re-classification procedure must be followed before the following spaces spaces can be entered:◦ All storage tanks◦ The main pit◦ The cooling tower basins◦ The outdoors hypo and acid secondary

containment pits◦ The sludge pit under the brine filter

Practices and Procedures

Monitor entrants from outside the space Know the hazards that could be faced Understand behavioral effects of exposure Maintain an accurate count of entrants Communicate with entrants as necessary Monitor activities inside and outside space Know how to summon rescue services Protect the permit space Perform non-entry rescues

Role of an attendant

2b

Permit is posted prior to entry Entry supervisor can cancel permit Entry supervisor can terminate entry

Permit system

4c

Availability of certification and documentation

Pre-entry observations Periodic air monitoring

observations

Alternate entry requirements

5c

Permit space:◦ Does not pose any atmospheric hazards◦ All hazards are eliminated without entry◦ Entry supervisor evaluates conditions◦ Attendant obtains entry permit◦ Attendant ensures information

is complete◦ Attendant ensures permit

is signed

Permit space reclassification

6a

Employer certification must contain:◦ Date◦ Location of the space◦ Signature of person reclassifying space

Permit space reclassification

6b

Oxygen deficiency◦ Minimum safe level is 19.5 percent◦ Maximum safe level is 23.5 percent◦ Gases displace oxygen◦ Chemical reactions consume oxygen

Risks of Confined Spaces

7c

Combustibility

◦ Flammable and combustible gases or vapors are present

◦ Hazardous atmospheres contain more than 10 percent of lower flammable limit

7d

Risks of Confined Spaces

Toxicity◦ Occurs from previously stored material◦ Result from coatings, cleaning

solvents, or preservatives◦ Detection is difficult

Risks of Confined Spaces

7e

Engulfment◦ Water or other liquids◦ Grain◦ Sand ◦ Sawdust◦ Powders

Risks of Confined Spaces

7f

Understanding the behaviors people may exhibit while working in a permit-required confined space is critical.

Behavioral effects in Confined Spaces

8a

Asphyxiation:◦ Mild changes◦ Collapse

Behavioral effects in Confined Spaces

8b

Too much oxygen:◦ Coughing◦ Fainting◦ Rapid breathing

Behavioral effects in Confined Spaces

8c

Fatigue:◦ Tiredness◦ Weakness◦ Irritability◦ Indecisive◦ Uncommunicative◦ Unable to recall details

Behavioral effects in Confined Spaces

8d

Attendants must:◦ Maintain accurate count of entrants◦ Use roster or other tracking system◦ Accurately identify entrants

Attendant responsibilities

9a

Attendants must:◦ Monitor activities inside and outside space◦ Remain outside space during entry ◦ Be trained and equipped for rescues and relieved

by another attendant before entering space (Permited-Required-Confined-Space)

Attendant responsibilities

10a

Attendants must:◦ Communicate with entrants◦ Alert entrant of evacuation

Attendant responsibilities

11a

Conditions for immediate evacuation:◦ Prohibited condition emerges◦ Behavioral effects are detected◦ Situation arises outside space◦ Duties cannot be performed safely◦ Evacuation alarm is activated

Attendant responsibilities

11b