confined space safe work procedure

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# Confined Space - Program (cont.) ## What is an Entry Permit System? (cont.) - The scope of the work that is to be done in the confined space. - Possible hazards that may be encountered inside and outside the space. - Possible hazards that may develop during the work activity. - The date and time of entry into the confined space and the anticipated time of exit. - The details of any atmospheric testing done of the confined space - when, where, results, and date monitoring equipment was last calibrated. Ideally, calibration (including bump test) would be done just before each use. If this is not possible, follow the equipment manufacturer's guidelines for the frequency of calibration. - Hazard control measures, including the use of mechanical ventilation, work procedures, personal protective equipment needed and any other precautions that must be followed by every worker who is going to enter the confined space. - Means of communication between the persons working in the confined space and the attendant. - Emergency plan, and the protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by any person who takes part in a rescue or responds to other emergency situations in the confined space - A signature of a worker who did the confined space air testing. The signature on the permit would indicate that adequate precautions are being taken to control the anticipated hazards. - Authorization signature by the supervisor certifying that the space has been properly evaluated, prepared, and it is safe for entry and work. The entry permit should be posted at the confined space and remain so until the work is completed. The employer should keep a copy of the completed permit on file. ## What should happen when work is being done in a confined space? Use warning signs to prevent unauthorized entry to the confined space. Anyone working in a confined space must be constantly alert for any changing conditions within the confined space. In the event of an alarm fr…

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE (cont.) ## Controlling mould exposure (cont.) Section 44 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE Part 5 AR 191/2021 # Part 5 Confined Spaces ## Code of practice - 44(1) An employer must have a written code of practice governing the practices and procedures to be followed when workers enter and work in a confined space. - 44(2) The code of practice must (a) take into account and apply the requirements of this Part and of section 169, (b) be maintained and periodically reviewed, and (c) identify all existing and potential confined space work locations at a work site. - 44(3) A worker involved in any aspect of a confined space entry must comply with the requirements and procedures in the code of practice. ## Hazard assessment - 45 If a worker will enter a confined space or a restricted space to work, an employer must appoint a competent person to (a) identify and assess the hazards the worker is likely to be exposed to while in the confined space or restricted space, (b) specify the type and frequency of inspections and tests necessary to determine the likelihood of worker exposure to any of the identified hazards, (c) perform the inspections and tests specified, (d) specify the safety and personal protective equipment required to perform the work, and (e) identify the personal protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by a worker who undertakes rescue operations in the event of an accident or other emergency. ## Training - 46(1) An employer must ensure that a worker assigned duties related to confined space or restricted space entry is trained by a competent person in (a) recognizing hazards associated with working in confined spaces or restricted spaces, and (b) performing the worker's duties in a safe and healthy manner. 46(2) - An employer must keep records of the training given under subsection (1). - 46(3) An employer must ensure that competence in the following is represented in…

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# Confined Space - Program (cont.) ## What should happen when work is being done in a confined space? (cont.) - Understands the nature of the hazards that may be found inside that particular confined space and can recognize signs, symptoms and behavioural effects that workers in the confined space could experience. - Monitors the confined space and surrounding area and is on the look out for dangerous conditions. - Remains outside the confined space and does no other work which may interfere with their primary duty of monitoring the workers inside the confined space. - Maintains constant two-way communication with the workers in the confined space. - Orders the immediate evacuation if a potential hazard, not already controlled for, is detected. - Calls for emergency assistance immediately if an emergency develops. - Is immediately available to provide non-entry emergency assistance when needed. - Can provide entry rescue only after the most stringent precautions are taken and another attendant is immediately available to assume the attendant duties Should a worker leave a confined space for a short time (for example, coffee break, getting additional material for their work), the confined space should be re-tested before the worker re-enters. If the confined space has been continuously monitored by equipment that can show the details of the atmosphere during the time absent from the confined space and this information can be seen from outside the confined space, it can be re-entered without retesting. If there is no continuous air monitoring then the hazard assessment needs to be repeated. No confined space should be closed off until it has been verified that no person is inside it. After exiting the confined space, the time of exit should be noted on the entry permit. ## What are some emergency response precautions? The detailed plan for emergency response to an injury or other emergency within the confined space should be described in detail in the…

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# Confined Space - Program (cont.) ## How many people must be present while work is being done in a confined space? (cont.) Other jurisdictions describe the qualifications that must be fulfilled, which may vary in the number of people present. For example, Ontario describes this requirement as having an adequate number of persons trained in the following to be immediately available to begin on- site rescue procedures as required: - On-site rescue procedures - First aid and CPR - Use of the rescue equipment required by the confined space plan. ## Is worker training important? Yes, appropriate training is extremely important to working safely in confined spaces, as well as for attendant and rescue personnel. Hands-on training should be an essential part of the confined space training. Every worker that enters a confined space must be fully trained on the following: - Recognition and identification of potential hazards associated with the confined spaces that will be entered. - Evaluation and control procedures for the identified or potential hazards. - Set-up, use, and limitations of all equipment such as emergency equipment, ventilation equipment (blowers), hazardous energy control, isolation and lockout equipment, air quality monitors (e.g., oxygen/combustible meters) and other control equipment that will be used while in the confined space. - Set-up, use, and limitations of all personal protective equipment (e.g., full-body harness, respirators) that the worker will be using while in the confined space. - Communication systems and retrieval systems (set-up and operation). - All safe work procedures for entering the confined space as outlined in the employer's confined space hazard assessment program. - Procedures to follow in the event of a situation developing that could present additional risk to the worker or an emergency. - First aid and CPR. - The specific work to be done while in the confined space. - To work in a manner that will not …

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## Appendix C to § 1910.146- - Examples of Permit-required Confined Space Programs (cont.) copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The Confined Space Pre-Entry Check List must be completed by the LEAD WORKER before entry into a confined space. This list verifies completion of items listed below. This check list shall be kept at the job site for duration of the job. If circumstances dictate an interruption in the work, the permit space must be re-evaluated and a new check list must be completed. Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards. Pumps and Lines. All pumps and lines which may reasonably cause contaminants to flow into the space shall be disconnected, blinded and locked out, or effectively isolated by other means to prevent development of dangerous air contamination or engulfment. Not all laterals to sewers or storm drains require blocking. However, where experience or knowledge of industrial use indicates there is a reasonable potential for contamination of air or engulfment into an occupied sewer, then all affected laterals shall be blocked. If blocking and/or isolation requires entry into the space the provisions for entry into a permit- required confined space must be implemented. Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from the tanks, piping, or sewers. Testing. The atmosphere within the space will be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. Detector tubes, alarm only gas monitors and explosion meters are examples of monitoring equipment that may be used to test permit space atmospheres. Testing shall be performed by the LEAD WORKER who has successfully completed the Gas Detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL, and hydrogen sulfide co…

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# PART XXVII CONFINED SPACE ENTRY # Back to Top ## Confined space entry 511. (1) An employer shall perform an assessment of the work area to determine whether it contains a confined space. (2) For the purpose of this Part, "confined space" means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that (a) is not designed or intended for human occupancy except for the purpose of performing work; (b) has restricted means of access and egress; and (c) may become hazardous to a person entering it as a result of (i) its design, construction, location or atmosphere, (ii) the materials or substances in it, or (iii) any other conditions relating to it. (3) A worker shall not work in a confined space after January 1, 2013 unless the worker has completed a confined space entry program prescribed by the commission. (4) An employer shall inform a worker who may have to work in a confined space of a hazard by posting signs or other equally effective means of advising of the existence of and dangers posed by confined spaces. 5/12 s511: 43/22 s42 ## Back to Top ## Corrective precautions 512. (1) Upon first entering a confined space, a worker shall assume the space is hazardous until the contrary is demonstrated. (2) An employer shall ensure that a worker does not enter a confined space until (a) an adequate assessment of the hazards related to the confined space has been carried out; (b) a source containing a hazardous substance leading to the confined space is safely and completely blocked off or disconnected; (c) a test required under subsection (11) has been completed; (d) the worker is qualified to safely enter and perform duties within the confined space; (e) a written work permit documenting the tests and safety precautions has been completed; and (f) a set of written safe work procedures has been developed and a worker has been instructed in these procedures.

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# Confined Space - Program (cont.) ## What is a Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program? (cont.) - Development of an emergency plan complete with training and equipment in case an unforeseen situation occurs. - An emergency response system. - Reporting and investigating incidents related to work in confined spaces. - Record and documentation control. - Program review whenever there is a change in circumstances or at least annually, to identify program weaknesses and make any necessary changes to the program. More information about confined spaces is located in the OSH Answers documents Confined Spaces - Introduction and Confined Space - Atmospheric Testing. ## What is an Entry Permit System? An entry permit is an administrative tool used to document the completion of a hazard and risk assessment for each confined space entry. Someone fully trained and experienced in confined space work should complete the entry permit. Some jurisdictions require a permit for all confined space entries. An entry permit is required for confined spaces where the hazard and risk assessment determined that the measures to control the risk involve the following: - atmospheric monitoring, - isolation, - lockout, - ventilation, - safeguarding devices, - respiratory protection, or - any other control that needs to be verified and documented in the permit as required by the assessment. Before entering a confined space, an entry permit should be completed. It should contain at least the following information: - The length of time the permit is valid for. - The name(s) of the worker(s) that are authorized to enter the confined space. - The name(s) of the attendant(s) (safety watch). - The name of the supervisor responsible for the work. - The location and description of the confined space. Confined Space - Program CCOHS

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# APPENDIX C EXAMPLES OF PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED (cont.) ## B. ENTRY PERMIT REQUIRED Permits. Confined Space Entry Permit. All spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. Any employee required or permitted to pre-check or enter a permit-required confined space shall have successfully completed, as a minimum, the training as required by the following sections of these procedures. A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed before approval can be given to enter a permit-required confined space. This permit verifies completion of items listed below. This permit shall be kept at the job site for the duration of the job. If circumstances cause an interruption in the work or a change in the alarm conditions for which entry was approved, a new Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed. ## Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards. Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers. Testing. The confined space atmosphere shall be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be used. Testing shall be performed by the SUPERVISOR who has successfully completed the gas detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL and hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written record of the pre-entry test results shall be made and kept at the work site for the duration of the job. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. The most hazardous conditions shall govern when work is being performed in two adjoining, connected spaces. Space Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation systems, where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. Where po…

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# 1926.1204 PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE PROGRAM Each entry employer must: 1926.1204(a) Implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry; - 1926.1204(b) Identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them; - 1926.1204(c) Develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including, but not limited to, the following: - 1926.1204(c)(1) Specifying acceptable entry conditions; - 1926.1204(c)(2) Providing each authorized entrant or that employee's authorized representative with the opportunity to observe any monitoring or testing of permit spaces; - 1926.1204(c)(3) Isolating the permit space and physical hazard(s) within the space; - 1926.1204(c)(4) Purging, inerting, flushing, or ventilating the permit space as necessary to eliminate or control atmospheric hazards; - Note to paragraph (c)(4). When an employer is unable to reduce the atmosphere below 10 percent LFL, the employer may only enter if the employer inerts the space so as to render the entire atmosphere in the space non- combustible, and the employees use PPE to address any other atmospheric hazards (such as oxygen deficiency), and the employer eliminates or isolates all physical hazards in the space. - 1926.1204(c)(5) Determining that, in the event the ventilation system stops working, the monitoring procedures will detect an increase in atmospheric hazard levels in sufficient time for the entrants to safely exit the permit space; - 1926.1204(c)(6) Providing pedestrian, vehicle, or other barriers as necessary to protect entrants from external hazards; - 1926.1204(c)(7) Verifying that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout the duration of an authorized entry, and ensuring that employees are not allowed to enter into, or remain in, a permit space with a hazardous atmosphere unless the employer can demonstrate that personal protective equipment (PPE) will provide effective pr…

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## B. Entry Permit Required (cont.) Potential Hazards. The recognized hazards associated with cookers and dryers are the risk that employees could be: 1. Struck or caught by rotating agitator; 2. Engulfed in raw material or hot, recycled fat; 3. Burned by steam from leaks into the cooker/dryer steam jacket or the condenser duct system if steam valves are not properly closed and locked out; 4. Burned by contact with hot metal surfaces, such as the agitator shaft assembly, or inner shell of the cooker/dryer; 5. Heat stress caused by warm atmosphere inside cooker/dryer; 6. Slipping and falling on grease in the cooker/dryer; 7. Electrically shocked by faulty equipment taken into the cooker/dryer; 8. Burned or overcome by fire or products of combustion; or 9. Overcome by fumes generated by welding or cutting done on grease covered surfaces. Permits. The supervisor in this case is always present at the cooker/dryer or other permit entry confined space when entry is made. The supervisor must follow the pre-entry isolation procedures described in the entry permit in preparing for entry, and ensure that the protective clothing, ventilating equipment and any other equipment required by the permit are at the entry site. - Control of hazards. Mechanical. Lock out main power switch to agitator motor at main power panel. Affix tag to the lock to inform others that a permit entry confined space entry is in progress. Engulfment. Close all valves in the raw material blow line. Secure each valve in its closed position using chain and lock. Attach a tag to the valve and chain warning that a permit entry confined space entry is in progress. The same procedure shall be used for securing the fat recycle valve. Burns and heat stress. Close steam supply valves to jacket and secure with chains and tags. Insert solid blank at flange in cooker vent line to condenser manifold duct system. Vent cooker/dryer by opening access do…

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## B. Entry Permit Required (cont.) apparatus available for immediate use. There shall be at least one additional worker within sight or call of the standby worker. Continuous powered communications shall be maintained between the worker within the confined space and standby personnel. - If at any time there is any questionable action or non- movement by the worker inside, a verbal check will be made. If there is no response, the worker will be moved immediately. Exception: If the worker is disabled due to falling or impact, he/she shall not be removed from the confined space unless there is immediate danger to his/her life. Local fire department rescue personnel shall be notified immediately. The standby worker may only enter the confined space in case of an emergency (wearing the self contained breathing apparatus) and only after being relieved by another worker. Safety belt or harness with attached lifeline shall be used by all workers entering the space with the free end of the line secured outside the entry opening. The standby worker shall attempt to remove a disabled worker via his lifeline before entering the space. - When practical, these spaces shall be entered through side openings - those within 3½ feet (1.07 m) of the bottom. When entry must be through a top opening, the safety belt shall be of the harness type that suspends a person upright and a hoisting device or similar apparatus shall be available for lifting workers out of the space. - In any situation where their use may endanger the worker, use of a hoisting device or safety belt and attached lifeline may be discontinued. - When dangerous air contamination is attributable to flammable and/or explosive substances, lighting and electrical equipment shall be Class 1, Division 1 rated per National Electrical Code and no ignition sources shall be introduced into the area. - Continuous gas monitoring shall be performed during all confined …

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# 1926.1204-PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE PROGRAM Scope/Application: This standard sets forth requirements for practices and procedures to protect employees engaged in construction activities at a worksite with one or more confined spaces. It does not apply to excavations, underground construction, caissons, cofferdams, or commercial diving. ## STANDARD HIGHLIGHTS - Programs, Plans and Procedures-procedures, measures, engineering controls - Inspections and Tests-tests - Recordkeeping-entry permits - Training and Communications-communications equipment - Exposure Monitoring-monitoring - Qualified Person-authorized entrants ## Programs, Plans and Procedures 1926.1204-Each entry employer must: 1926.1204(a)-Implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry. 1926.1204(b)-Identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them. 1926.1204(c)-Develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including, but not limited to, the following. (Reference Paragraph (c) for further information.) 1926.1204(c)(5)-Determining that, in the event the ventilation system stops working, the monitoring procedures will detect an increase in atmospheric hazard levels in sufficient time for the entrants to safely exit the permit space. 1926.1204(d)(4)-Personal protective equipment insofar as feasible engineering and work-practice controls do not adequately protect employees. 1926.1204(e)-Evaluate permit space conditions in accordance with the following paragraphs (e)(1) through (6) of this section when entry operations are conducted: 1926.1204(e)(5)-Reevaluate the permit space in the presence of any authorized entrant or that employee's authorized representative who requests that the employer conduct such reevaluation because there is some indication that the evaluation of that space may not have been adequate. 1926.1204(g)-If multiple spaces are to be assigned to a single attendant…

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## B. Entry Permit Required - Permits. Confined Space Entry Permit. All spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. Any employee required or permitted to pre-check or enter a permit-required confined space shall have successfully completed, as a minimum, the training as required by the following sections of these procedures. A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed before approval can be given to enter a permit-required confined space. This permit verifies completion of items listed below. This permit shall be kept at the job site for the duration of the job. If circumstances cause an interruption in the work or a change in the alarm conditions for which entry was approved, a new Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed. - Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards. - Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers. - Testing. The confined space atmosphere shall be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be used. Testing shall be performed by the SUPERVISOR who has successfully completed the gas detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL and hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written record of the pre- entry test results shall be made and kept at the work site for the duration of the job. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. The most hazardous conditions shall govern when work is being performed in two adjoining, connected spaces. - Space Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation systems, where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. Wh…