HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #1 Confined SpacePERMIT -REQUIRED
CONFINED SPACE
PROGRAM
Permit Required Confined Spaces
29 CFR 1910.146
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City of Chubbuck
01.03.2022
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City of Chubbuck
1.0 POLICY
The City of Chubbuck is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment
for our entire staff. In pursuit of this endeavor, the following written program is in place
to first identify any Permit -Required Confined Spaces (PRCS) and to eliminate or control
hazards associated with PRCS operations. This program is in accordance with the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Permit -Required Confined
Spaces Standard, Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations 1910.146.
2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
Overall Program Responsibility
2.1 The Public Works Director is responsible for the overall implementation and
maintenance of any written program or any certification concerning the
requirements of the Permit -Required Confined Space Standard for the City of
Chubbuck.
2.2 Permit Required Confined Space Evaluation: The Facilities Maintenance
Manager is responsible for evaluating the workplace to determine if any permit
spaces are present.
The Facilities Maintenance Manager will be responsible for determining if a PRCS
program is required, or if the permit space can be reclassified as non -permit
space, or if alternative procedures can be used.
2.3 Training: The Municipal Services Program Administrator is responsible for
ensuring that all affected personnel are properly trained, and that annual
refresher training is given. Personnel who may be included are any authorized
entrants, attendants, entry supervisors, on-site rescue team members, and
employees who may potentially enter the space.
2.4 Equipment: The Facilities Maintenance Manager will ensure that all
equipment needed for safe entry into any permit spaces and non -permit spaces
is available and in proper working order.
3.0 PERMIT SPACE IDENTIFICATION
3.1 The Facilities Maintenance Manager has evaluated the workplace and
determined (check appropriate box):
❑ No Permit -Required Confined Space(s) exist at the worksite.
Permit -Required Confined Space(s) have been determined to exist.
3.2 The location(s) and hazards posed by these permit spaces are listed in the
table below:
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Location
Hazard Identified
Ellis Lift Station
Electrical, Air Quality, Engulfment, Restricted Entry/Access
Sorrel Lift Station wet well
Electrical, Air Quality, Engulfment, Restricted Entry/Access
Valenty Lift Station wet well
Electrical, Air Quality, Engulfment, Restricted Entry/Access
Manholes
Air Quality, Engulfment, Restricted Entry/Access
Storm Drains
Air Quality, Engulfment, Restricted Entry/Access
Splash Pad (vault)
Electrical, Air Quality, Engulfment, Restricted Entry/Access
4.0 PREVENTION OF UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY
4.1 If permit spaces are identified at our worksite The Facilities Maintenance
Manager will inform exposed or potentially exposed employees of their existence
and hazards. The methods used will be (check appropriate box):
N_1 Posting of danger signs at each permit space reading "Danger - Permit -
Required Confined Space — Do Not Enter"
❑ Other (describe below):
4.2 It has been determined by The Facilities Maintenance Manager that the
permit spaces at our worksite:
❑ Will not be entered by our employees. The following measures have been
taken to prevent employees from entering the space(s):
Will be entered by employees of our workplace.
5.0 PERMIT -REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE (PRCS)
5.1 Safe entry procedures have been developed for each permit space at our
facility. These procedures specify the proper methods on equipment necessary to
conduct the entry operation in a safe manner. A Permit Space Entry Procedure
Worksheet has been completed for each permit space by The Facilities
Maintenance Manager. Forms can be located in the Facility Maintenance
Manager's office or the Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Manager's
office and are also available electronically.
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Commented [SG1]: Do each these have to be a separate
person?
6.0 ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES
6.1 The OSHA regulations allow permit spaces which, have as their on/yhazard,
an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere to use alternative procedures for
entry. These alternative procedures do not require the implementation of a full
PRCS program. The following is a list of permit spaces at our workplace which
currently qualify for alternative procedures:
A
7.0 RECLASSIFYING PERMIT SPACE TO NON -PERMIT SPACE
7.1 The OSHA regulations also allow permit spaces to be reclassified as non -
permit spaces by the total elimination of hazards. A permit space can be
reclassified as a non -permit space if there are no actual or potential
atmospheric hazards and if all the other hazards within the space are
eliminated without entry into the space. The following is a list of permit
spaces at our workplace that can be reclassified as non -permit spaces by the
elimination of the hazards:
Location Hazards Eliminated:
Ellis Lift Station
Sorrel Lift Station wet well
Valenty Lift Station (wet well)
Manholes
Storm Drains
Splash Pad vault
8.0 PERSONNEL, DUTIES AND TRAINING FOR FULL PERMIT -
REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE ENTRY OPERATIONS
8.1 Entry into any PRCS where a full PRCS program is mandated will require a
specially trained and equipped team. Each team will consist of:
• Authorized entrant(s)
• Attendant
• Entry Supervisor
8.2 Each member of the team will receive initial and annual refresher
training. The training will be specific for the duties of each team member
and include the procedures and practices necessary to protect them from
the dangers of the permit space.
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8.3 The training program will include the duties of each team member as listed
below:
Authorized Entrants
• Know the hazards associated with the permit space and their effects.
• Properly use the equipment required for entry.
• Maintain a continuous means of communication with the attendant.
• Alert the attendant in the event of an emergency.
• Evacuate the space if an emergency occurs.
Attendants
• Know the hazards associated with the permit space and their effects.
• Maintain an accurate account of the authorized entrants.
• Remain at their assigned station until relieved by another attendant or
until the permit space entry is complete.
• Monitor conditions in and around the permit space.
• Summon rescue and applicable medical services in the event of an
emergency.
• Perform non -entry rescue procedures.
• Perform appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized personnel from
entering the permit space.
Entry Supervisors
Issue permit.
• Know the hazards associated with the permit space and their effects.
• Verify that the safeguards required by the permit have been
implemented.
• Verify that rescue services are available and that the means for
summoning them is operable.
• Cancel the written permit and terminate the permit space entry when
required.
Remove personnel who are not authorized to enter the permit space
during entry operations. Periodically, determine that the entry operation
is being performed in a manner consistent with the requirements of the
permit space entry procedures and that acceptable entry conditions are
maintained.
8.4 Permit Required Confined Space (PRCS) Program Training. If a permit -
required confined space program is required, training is needed on the following
topics:
• Types of confined space hazards.
• Components of the written PRCS program.
• Components of the entry permit system.
• Components of the hot work permit.
• The need for prompt guarding of the entrance opening.
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• Atmospheric testing equipment including its uses, calibration, and
maintenance.
• Atmospheric testing protocol:
o Oxygen, combustibles, toxics
o Before entry, frequent or continuous testing
o Check all levels of the space.
• Methods for the control or elimination of any atmospheric hazards
o Inerting
o Draining and rinsing
o Purging and cleaning.
• Procedures the employees must follow if they detect a hazard.
• The evaluation process to be used for entry if hazards are detected.
• Train employees on the use of entry equipment (e.g. ladders,
communication devices, etc).
• Personal protective equipment required:
o Full body harness
o Respiratory protection
o Chemical protective clothing
o Eye and face protection.
• Personnel and their responsibilities:
o Authorized entrant
o Attendant
o Entry supervisor
• On-site or Off-site rescue:
o Rescue Plan
o Practice rescues
o Basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification
o Full body harness with retrieval line attached to mechanical
retrieval device.
• Procedures for annual review of cancelled permits.
• Any other information necessary to ensure employee safety during a
permit space entry operation.
• Documentation of the training.
8.4.1 The following is a list of employees who have been equipped and trained
to serve as authorized entrants at our facility:
Authorized Entrant's Name Trainer Name Training Date
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8.4.2 The following is a list of employees who have been equipped and
trained to serve as attendants:
Attendant's Name Trainer Name Training Date
8.4.3 The following is a list of employees who have been trained to serve
as entry supervisors:
Entry Supervisor's Name Trainer Name Training Date
9.0 Host Employer's Responsibilities with Contractors
9.1 When contractors are involved in permit space entry work at our workplace, The
Facilities Maintenance Manager will inform them of the following information and
coordinate any entry operations:
• The location of the permit spaces at our facility and that entries into these
spaces are only allowed through a permit space program or alternative
procedures or space reclassification.
• Our rationale for listing the space as a permit space which has any
identified hazards and our experiences with the particular space.
• Precautions that we have implemented to protect employees working in or
near the space.
• The Facilities Maintenance Manager will debrief the contractor at the
completion of entry operation, or during if a need arises, and if any
hazards were confronted or created during their work.
10.0 CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES WITH HOST EMPLOYERS
NOTE: Subsection 10 is required to be completed by a contractor when hired to perform
work in a permit space.
10.1 When a contracting company is hired to perform work in a PRCS, the
contractor's representative will obtain the following information from the host
employer and ensure the following tasks are performed:
• Obtain any information on the hazards of the permit space and
information from previous entry operations from the host employer.
• Determine if the host employer's workers will be working in or near the
space.
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If the host employer will have employers working in or near the space
during our operation, the contractor's representative will coordinate entry
operations with the host employee's representative.
Will inform the host employer of the permit space program that will be
utilized.
Hold a debriefing conference at the completion of the entry operation or
during the entry operation (if needed) to inform the host employer of any
hazards confronted or created.
11.0 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Note: This subsection is not required if the permit space has been reclassified as a non -
permit space, or if alternative procedures are used.
11.1 The precautions and procedures outlined in our written PCRS program are
designed to ensure that our employees are safe while working in permit spaces.
Under no circumstances are employees expected to enter a permit space where
hazards have not been eliminated or effectively controlled.
Additionally, we recognize that unexpected situations might arise that prevent
entrants from self -rescue. In response, the following rescue and emergency
action plan has been developed and will be strictly enforced.
The City of Chubbuck has decided to utilize (check all that apply):
❑ onsite rescue services which include:
❑ non -entry rescue procedures
❑ entry rescue procedures
off-site entry rescue services (E.M.S)
Name of Rescue Service: Chubbuck/Pocatello E.M.S.
Telephone Number: 911
Location
Approximate Response Time
The specific procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services for our
workplace are outlined as follows:
Employees will dial 911 which will then be routed to the appropriate emergency services
provider.
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12.0 TRAINING
12.1 Training must be given to each employee who has access or potential
access to a permit space. The amount and type of training needed will depend
on the individual's duty assignment. For example, some employees may only be
required to know the existence, location and danger posed by a permit space.
Others would need considerably more training if they are members of a PRCS
team. Still others would need training as it pertains to the type of entry
procedure used (i.e., alternative procedures or reclassifying to non -permit space
procedures).
The overall intent of this training is to give employees the understanding,
knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of their assigned duties
in relation to the permit spaces of concern.
12.2 Four basic categories have been set up to train employees based on duties
and potential exposure.
12.2.1. Awareness Training — Awareness training for employees potentially
exposed to permit spaces can be satisfied by providing them with an overall
review of our written program.
12.2.2 Training Required for Using Alternative Procedures — If the space
qualifies for alternative procedures, training on the following topics is warranted:
• A major point concerning the use of alternative procedures is that these
procedures can only be used when a hazardous atmosphere is the only
hazard of concern.
• The harm associated with the atmospheric hazards of concern including
their acceptable entry levels and symptoms of overexposure.
• Awareness training to recognize other potential hazards in or around
the space.
• Any condition which may make it unsafe to remove the entrance cover.
• The need of prompt guarding of the entrance opening.
• Atmospheric testing equipment including its use, method of calibration,
and maintenance.
• Atmospheric testing protocol for oxygen, combustibles, toxics.
• Before entry, frequent of continuous testing of the permit space.
• Check all levels of the space for atmospheric hazards.
• Atmospheric Controls
o Inerting
o Draining and rinsing
o Purging
o Continuous forced air ventilation including type, proper use and
placement, and its limitations.
• Procedures the employee must follow if a hazardous atmosphere is
detected
• The evaluation process to be used for entry if a hazardous atmosphere
is detected or the individual vacates the space and returns some later
time.
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• Train employees on the use of entry equipment used including ladders
and intrinsically safe lighting.
• Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., gloves, hard hats, boots, etc). its
use, limitations, and required maintenance.
• A review of the completed written certification form with the employee
prior to entering the space.
• Any process which may introduce a hazard (e.g., welding, cleaning with
chemical solvents, etc.) which would prohibit use of alternative
procedures.
• Any other information needed to ensure the safety of the employee.
• The documentation of the training.
12.2.3 Training Required for Using the Reclassifying Permit Space
Procedures — If the permit space can be reclassified as a non -permit space, the
following items must be discussed:
• Documentation of the elimination of hazards. If the elimination of the
hazards or verification of elimination requires employees to enter the
space, then a full PRCS program is needed.
• Train employees on the hazards associated with the space (i.e.
Mechanical, chemical, atmospheric) and the methods needed to
eliminate the hazards as:
o Isolation techniques
o Lockout/Tagout
o Disconnection and misalignment of pipes
o Double block and bleed
o Blanking and blinding
o Removal of engulfment hazards
o Elimination of hazardous atmosphere by draining, inerting,
purging, cleaning, venting
o Train employees on the use of entry equipment used including
ladders, ground fault circuit interrupters for electrical
equipment, etc.
o Personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, hard hat, boots,
etc.) including its use, limitations and required maintenance.
o A review of the completed written certification form with the
employee entering the space.
• Inform employees that any procedures such as welding, cleaning with a
chemical, etc. would negate the reclassification and convert space back
to a permit space.
• Any conditions which may make it unsafe to remove entrance cover.
• The need for prompt guarding of entrance opening.
• Atmospheric testing equipment including its use, method of calibration,
and maintenance.
• Atmospheric testing protocol
o Oxygen, combustibles, toxics
o Before entry, frequent or continuous testing
o Check all levels of the space.
• Procedures the employee will follow if a hazard is detected.
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The evaluation process to be used for re-entry if a hazard is detected of
the individual vacates eh space and returns some later time.
Awareness training to recognize other potential hazards in our around
the space.
The documentation of the training.
12.2.4 Training required for using full Permit -Required Confined Space
Procedures (see subsection 8.4).
13.0 PERMIT -REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE PROGRAM REVIEW
13.1 Within one year of any entry operation, the Facilities Maintenance Manager
will conduct a review of the program using the cancelled entry permits to identify
any deficiencies in our program. A review will be conducted sooner if there is
reason to believe that the program does not adequately protect our employees.
Any corrective measures will be documented by a revision of the program.
Employees will be trained on any changes. Additionally, employees who note any
inadequacies with the program can contact the Municipal Services Program
Administrator. If no permit space entry operations are conducted during the
year, no review is needed
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