A publication of the
Environment, Health & Safety Office
University of CA, San Diego
Confined Space Program
Policy and Procedure for Entering Confined Spaces
Intended for Employees and Supervisors Involved in
Conducting Work in Confined Spaces
Revised April 2002
Office of Environment, Health and Safety
(858) 534-3660
UCSD Environment, Health and Safety Publication April 2002
Table of Contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………..3
California Regulatory Requirements.…………………………………………………3
Hazardous Atmospheric Conditions.………………………………………………….3
Air Monitoring Instrumentation.………………………………………………………..6
Physical Hazards……………………………………………………………………..…6
Entry Logs and Permits…………………………………………………………….…..7
Pre-entry Procedures……………………………………………………………….…..8
Permit-Required Confined Space Procedures……..………………………………..9
.
Emergency Rescue Policy and Procedures………………………………………..10
Employee Training…………………………………………………………………….11
Role of an Employee………………………………………………………………….12
Role of an Entry Supervisor………………………………………………………….12
Role of an Authorized Entrant………………………………………………………..12
Role of an Attendant ………………………………………………………………….13
Role of the Office of Environment, Health and Safety……………………………..13
Identified Confined Spaces at UCSD………………………………………………..14
Contractors……………………………………………………………………………..15
Appendix A Sample Confined Space Entry Permit .……………………………….16
Confined Space Entry Permit Sample (Enhanced Title 8 Version)…17
Appendix B Sample Routine Confined Space Entry Log………………………….18
Appendix C Ventilation and Purge Chart……………………………………………19
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Introduction
Californians die in confined space accidents every year. Not only is the original
victim at high risk, but sixty percent of the fatalities are would -be rescuers who
enter the space attempting to retrieve the fallen individual(s), only to be overcome
by the hazardous atmosphere and perish themselves.

UCSD maintenance and telecommunication employees entering confined
spaces on campus may encounter extremely hazardous atmospheric
conditions and/or access difficulties, which could bec ome life threatening.
Such locations include sewers, tanks, boilers, crawl spaces, acid pits,
vaults, storm drains, pipelines, bins, tubs, ducts and vessels which must be
entered for repairs, inspection and maintenance. Insufficient ventilation may
allow for the accumulation of toxic or flammable gases or the critical
depletion of ox ygen necessary to sustain life. Limited access into and exit
from these spaces greatly hampers rescue procedures.
Confined space means a space that has all of the following ch aracteristics:

 Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and
perform assigned work; and

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 entr y.); and

Is not designed for continuous employee occupanc y.
California Regulatory Requirements
Special confined space occupational regulations have been developed by California
Occupational Safety and Health Administra tion (Cal/OSHA). These regulations are
contained in Title 8, Sections 5156 -59 of the General Industry Safety Orders and
Section 8616 of the Telecommunication Safety Orders of the California Code of
Regulations. This program polic y was developed by the Offi ce of Environment,
Health and Safety (EH&S) to provide UCSD employees with critical information
about these regulations to ensure their safety whenever engaged in confined space
operations.
Hazardous Atmospheric Conditions
The unfavorable ventilation of a confined space can cause the atmosphere in the
area to become life threatening, not life -supporting. Processes of biological
activity, decomposition of natural materials, oxidation, percolation of vapors and
structural leaks can cause the production and accumulation of toxic gases and/or
flammable gases. Available oxygen levels may become seriously depleted or
displaced through these same processes. W hen the atmosphere becomes
contaminated with harmful gases or lack of ox ygen, the effects may not be
immediately felt by the exposed worker. A false feeling of euphoria or well -being is
a common side effect to such exposure. A number of the gases have no odor or
color detectable by the body’s senses. Many who die in confined space accidents
simply slip into unconsciousness quietly, never realizing what is happening and
never awakening.
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One cardinal rule prevails in working in confined spaces: “never trust your
senses.” Only through using appropriate monitoring instruments, which are
capable of analyzing gases in the parts-per-million range can employees be certain
that the atmosphere is safe to enter.
The following section discusses the harmful effects of exposure to varying toxic
gases and ox ygen levels commonly found in confined space atmospheres.
Oxygen Depletion
Life ceases quickly without enough oxygen. Common sources of ox ygen depletion
in confined spaces include aerobic bacterial growth, oxidation or rusting of metals,
combustion and displacement by other gases. Oxygen comprises only a small
percentage (20.9%) of the air we breathe. W hen levels of ox ygen are reduced
below 19.5% (minimal acceptable level), serious health problems begin to occur
very quickly. The following provides an overview of those effects at various ox ygen
levels:

20.9% ........ Percent ox ygen found in normal air.

19.5% ........ Minimum permissible oxygen level.

15-19% ...... Decreased ability to work strenuously. May impair coordination and
may induce early s ymptoms in persons with coronary, pulmonary or circulatory
problems.
12-15% ...... Respiration and pulse increase; impaired coordination, perception
and judgement.
10-12% ...... Respiration further increases in rate and depth, poor judgment and
bluish lips.
8-10% ........ Mental failure, fainting, unconsciousness, ashen -face, blueness of
lips, nausea and vomiting.
6-8% .......... 8 minutes - 100% fatalities; 6 minutes - 50% fatalities; 4-5 minutes recover y with treatment.
4-6% .......... Coma in 40 seconds, convulsions, respiration ceases - death.
As well as being consumed by organisms, fire or decay proce sses, oxygen may be
depleted because other gases have displaced it. Some gases are heavier than air
and move downward; others being lighter than air travel upward, displacing the
available ox ygen as they fill the space.
Toxic Gases
There are many different types of toxic gases, which can be found in confined
spaces. Their sources and physical characteristics vary, but th ey all share one
common thread – potential harm to individuals who come in contact with them in
enclosed areas.
There are two categories of toxic gases: irritants and asphyxiants.
Irritants – many gases, existing in low concentrations in the air, are irritating to the
body’s respirator y and nervous system. W hen breathed, they cause swelling of
mucous linings of the lungs and sinuses, some times so severe that complete
closure of the respiratory tract occurs causing strangulation. Except under extreme
conditions, normally the body does recover after exposure to gases has stopped. In
higher concentrations, irritants can become asphyxiating g ases.
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Asphyxiants – any gas which, when present in high enough concentration, causes
displacement of ox ygen in the body.
Carbon monoxide is one of the most common asphyxiants. It is produced by
incomplete combustion of carbon fuels. Carbon monoxide kill s by chemically
combining with the hemoglobin in red blood cells. This greatly reduces the ability of
the blood to carry ox ygen to the body tissues and brain cells.
CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE EFFECTS
25 ppm ................................. Permissible Exposure Limit over 8 hour shift
500 ppm ............................... Slight headache
1000 ppm ............................. Confusion, nausea, discomfort
2000 ppm ............................. Tendency to stagger
2500 ppm ............................. Unconsciousness after 30 minute exposure
4000 ppm ............................. Fatal in less than one hour
Hydrogen sulfide is even more toxic than carbon monoxide. It i s produced through
the decay of organisms and natural materials.
This colorless gas has a characteristic rotten -egg odor at first smell; however, after
a short time the gas renders the olfactory nerve (which controls the sense of smell)
ineffective. A worker may be lulled into a false sense of security because he/she no
longer smells the substance, and yet it causes serious bodily harm in higher
concentrations.
HYDROGEN SULFIDE EXPOSURE EFFECTS
10 ppm.............. ................... Permissible Exposure Limit over 8 hours
50-100 ppm....... .................. Mild eye and respiratory irritation
200-300 ppm ....................... Marked increase in eye and lung irritation
500-700 ppm ....................... Unconsciousness/death after 30 minute exposure
1000 or more ....................... Death within minutes
Search Permissible Exposure Limits for Chemical Contaminants , Table AC1, for
current exposure limit data being enforced by Cal/OSHA .
Flammable Gases
Many of the gases routinely found in confined spaces are combustible unde r the
right combination of conditions (including hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide,
acetylene, and methane). W hen fuel, ox ygen and a source of ignition are present at
the same time and in the correct proportions, a serious explosion or fire can result.
If a combustible gas and air are trapped in a confined space, only a source of
ignition is needed to create an explosion. W elding, sparking tools, smoking or static
electricity can easily satisfy this requirement.
The lowest concentration (air -fuel mixture) at which a gas can ignite is called its
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). Concentrations below this level are too lean to burn.
The highest concentration that can be ignited is its Upper Explosive Limit (UEL).
Above that concentration, the mixture is too rich t o burn. A gas is flammable in
concentrations between its LEL and UEL.
Monitoring instruments analyze air samples and react or alarm at a predetermined
concentration level, which is usually less than 10 % of the LEL figure. This early
warning provides the worker with advance information concerning the existing
potential hazard. Any concentration of flammable gas is reason for concern in
a confined space. Overly rich mixtures can collect in an area and reach
UCSD Environment, Health and Safety Publication
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combustible concentrations when fresh air is int roduced and quickly changing its
proportions to levels between the LEL and UEL. Confined space atmospheres
containing an enriched oxygen level above 23.5% increase the flammability ranges
of many gases, as well as support violent flammable reactions when c ombustion
occurs. Oils and grease may unexpectedly burst into flames under such
atmospheric conditions.
Air Monitoring Instrumentation
It is critical that an atmospheric monitoring instrument is used before and during
confined space entr y. There are seve ral types of atmospheric monitoring
instruments being used by various campus divisions of maintenance and
telecommunication personnel. They are capable of continuous sampling of the
atmosphere to which the worker is being exposed and have both liquid cryst al
digital screens and audible alarms that are preset to activate when certain levels of
contaminants are sensed. Each instrument monitors air samples for four categories
of hazardous conditions simultaneously: (1) percent of available ox ygen, (2)
presence of hydrogen sulfide (toxic gas), (3) percent of flammable gases and (4)
presence of carbon monoxide in the air.
Other instruments in use at UCSD currently may not be capable of continuous
monitoring; rather, they are designed to monitor a single sample of drawn air for
certain contaminants. These older models are larger, not worn on the employee’s
belt and must be activated each time a new sample is needed. They may or may
not have the capability to analyze the sample for more than one type of
contaminant at once. At a minimum, every employee performing atmospheric
monitoring should have the ability to retrieve sampling information about the
oxygen level, as well as presence of both toxic and flammable gases. This may
only be possible by utilizing several different instruments.
Regardless of the type of instrument being used, each requires periodic
maintenance and calibration. Specific manufacturer’s instructions must be followed
to ensure each instrument provides reliable service. Replacement parts, incl uding
extended probes and carr ying cases, should be purchased directly from the
manufacturer.
Each of these appliances is a highly sophisticated scientific instrument that must
be carefully handled and maintained in order to provide critical, lifesaving
information to the user. These instruments are capable of detecting deadly
atmospheric conditions far beyond that of human senses.
Physical Hazards
Confined space areas may also have the following physical hazards which
employees may come in contact with:

Possibility of engulfment or entrapment by flooding while working in a storm
sewer.

Pipes, valves and lines carrying harmful substances (steam, natural gas and
electricity) should they rupture while being worked on or activated if not
locked out.

Loud noise reverberating from the use of hammers, hydraulic equipment.

Exposure to higher environmental temperatures during work activities.

Slips and falls on wet surfaces or resulting from broken or oxidized ladder
rungs.
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
Exposure to corrosive substances w hich could cause irritation to
unprotected skin

Exposure to rodents and other pests living in the area

Poor or inadequate illumination
Entry Logs and Permits
A permit-required confined space fits the definition of a confined space and has
one or more of the following characteristics:




Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere
Contains a material that has a potential for engulfing the entrant
Contains inwardly converging walls or a floor that slopes downward
and tapers to a smaller cross-section where an entrant could be
trapped or asphyxiated
Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard (e.g.
unsafe temperature, electrical shock, corrosive chemicals)
An entry log (non-permit) confined space fits the definition of a co nfined space, but
does not contain or have the potential to contain any atmospheric hazard capable
of causing death or serious physical harm.
Most confined space operations at UCSD facilities will require only the use of the
Entry Log (Appendix B) form. T hose with special hazards, as listed in the section
entitled "Identified Confined Spaces at UCSD," are considered as "permit required
confined spaces" and require a supervisor's authorization before entry and full
compliance of the Permit-Required Confined Space Program.
The purpose of the entry log or permit is to ensure that necessary precautions are
taken before entry is made. The following action items are included on UCSD’s
Confined Space Entr y Permit (Appendix A) forms:

Date, location, job description, time employee(s) entered and exited
the permit space and supervisor’s signature

Monitoring instrument calibration and battery check

Necessity of blocking and blinding all pipes and lines

Performance of periodic atmospheric tests; recording of all data results
Either the UCSD version or the enhanced Title 8 version of the Confined Space
Entry Permit (Appendix A) shall be used when entering Permit -Required confined
spaces. Copies of the UCSD Entry Log/Permit form are available through Physical
Plant Services, Telecommunications, Housing Services, and EH&S.
All logs and permits are to be kept at the job site until the operation is
completed.
All measurement data from the sampling activities are to be recorded on the log.
Logs and permits are to be signed and kept in departmental records for two
year. Such records shall be open to periodic inspection by applicable employees,
their representatives, EH&S staff, and Cal/OSHA inspectors. Appendix A contains a
standard copy of the permit and entry log that shall be filled out upon confined
space entr y.
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Pre-entry Procedures
The following four steps must be taken before entry is made into any known or
suspected confined space area on campus:
STEP 1 - Determine Whether Entry Permit or Log is Required

If special hazards are present, as discussed above, obtain supervisor's written approval
on the Confined Space Entry Permit form and comply with the safety protocols before
entering the space.
STEP 2 - Organize the Equipment
Obtain the following items:

Entry Log or Permit

Air monitoring equipment (check the battery and current calibration status)

Ventilation equipment and its power supply

Arrange for qualified attendant (standby person) and communication equipment

Tripod, winch, and full harness (for vertical entry, deeper than 5 feet in a permit space)
Only devices designed by the manufacturer and approved for moving humans should be
used

Barricades, if needed
STEP 3 - Securing the Environment

Steam Boilers - before entry into one of a battery of boilers or a boiler connected to
another source of steam, the valve connection to the steam header or source must be
closed and blinded, or there shall be two closed valves with an open bleeder between
them. Blow-down valves and other valves on lines through which harmful material might
accidentally flow back to the boiler shall be closed, locked and tagged. The key must be
kept by the employee entering the boiler. This is not necessary if the lines are blinded.

Fire Boxes, Flues and Combustion Chambers - before entry, the pilot light, fuel and
steam lines must be blinded, disconnected or have two closed block-valves with an open
bleeder between them.

Water Tanks – valves, which could admit water must be closed, locked and tagged. The
employee entering the space must keep the key.

Spaces with Potentially Harmful Electrical Equipment - this equipment must be
disconnected with the disconnect switch locked and tagged. The key must be in the
possession of the employee entering the space.

Spaces with Fire Suppression Systems That Use Toxic or Oxygen-displacing Gas system must be deactivated before entry.

Spaces Pedestrians Could Fall Into - must have appropriate barricades.

Spaces Where Employees Could Fall - use harness and winch setup to prevent falls.
STEP 4 - Initial Monitoring
A meter is available 24 hours a day at the Physical Plant Services Central
Utilities Plant.
UCSD Environment, Health and Safety Publication April 2002

Activate the meter and allow it to warm up. Check its operation condition and charge
status of the battery.

Perform the initial monitoring evaluation to determine potential hazards in the
confined space atmosphere. Follow the manufacturer’s operational and sampling
instructions exactly to obtain the best results.

Insert the probe into the opening of the manhole lid or other access point and allow
the monitor to sample for the manufacturer’s prescribed time period.
If the readings for available oxygen, hydrogen sulfide and flammable gases are within acceptable
levels, continue to sample the atmosphere by lowering the probe through the lid opening until it
reaches near the floor. Allow adequate time for the instrument to draw the sample up the
extended hose and conduct the analysis. This sample will analyze for heavier-than-air gases,
which would be found near the bottom of the space.
Using an extension cable,
monitor at various levels and
locations, testing for the presence
of contaminated atmosphere.






Where interconnected spaces are blinded off, each space shall be monitored
separately. The most hazardous conditions found in any portion of the area shall dictate
the appropriate action to be taken by employees.
All monitor readings must be recorded on the Entry Log/Permit form.
If unacceptable readings and/or alarms are activated during any monitoring tests, it
is an indication that the atmosphere is contaminated and unsafe for employee
entry. Ventilate for at least five minutes. Conduct second round of air monitoring. If
the atmosphere does not clear, DO NOT ENTER THE SPACE! Contact your
supervisor and EH&S. The source of the contamination will be investigated and
eliminated before any work is performed.
Permit—Required Confined Space Procedures
Locations identified as permit-required confined spaces shall be clearly communicated, either by
signage or other effective methods, to employees who are likely to enter these spaces. These
areas shall be secured to prevent unauthorized entry.
Entry Procedures for Permit-Required Space
Once the initial tests are completed and determined to be within acceptable limits,
work may proceed utilizing the following precautions:
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
At least two employees will be needed for a “Permit-Required” confined space
operation. One employee will remain outside of the space to be available in case of an
emergency. This individual must be in direct communication with the other worker(s) in
the confined space, as well as have the capability to reach emergency response
personnel by dialing 911 for the campus areas, (x6111 for the Medical Center) or by
having radio contact with someone who can place the emergency call.

A portable blower must be used at all times during confined space work activities to
purge the area of possible contaminated air. The blower intake must be located outside
of the confined space and away from any operating internal combustion engine to ensure
that fresh air is being supplied. The blower should be activated before employees enter
the space for a minimum of five minutes or as determined from the purge chart. It must
remain on the entire time work is being performed.

Arrange for quick means of entry and exit from the space. When possible, enter
confined spaces from a side opening rather than top access. Side openings are those
located within three-and-a-half feet of the bottom. Use of tripod, winch, and body harness
is required for vertical entry in permit spaces of five feet or greater of depth.

Personnel using the atmospheric meter shall leave the instrument operating the
entire time work is being performed, to provide constant atmospheric monitoring.
The worker shall have the meter with him/her at all times during confined space entry and
results must be recorded accurately on the job permit/log. If at any time, atmospheric
conditions change and monitoring devices indicate the presence of toxic or
flammable gases, or a decreased level of oxygen, employees are to evacuate the
space at once. Workers are to remain outside of the area until the cause of the problem
can be determined by supervisory personnel and EH&S.
Emergency Rescue Policy and Procedures
Fatalities can occur when the rescuers: are overcome by emotio ns, take
unnecessar y chances, do not know the hazards involved, do not have a plan of
action, and/or lack confined space rescue training.
Types of Rescue Operations
Self-Rescue – The self -rescue plan provides entrants with the best chance of
escaping a permit-required space when hazards are present. W henever authorized
entrants recognize their own s ym ptoms of exposure to a dangerous atmosphere, or
when a prohibited condition is detected, entrants are still able to escape from the
space unaided and as quickly as possible. The advantages to this type of rescue
are: rapid evacuation from the hazardous space, able to alert fellow workers, and
not endangering anyone else.
Non-Entry Rescue – W hen self-rescue is not possible, non-entry rescue can
be started right away and prevents additional personnel from being exposed to
unidentified and/or uncontrolled confined space hazards. Usually, equipment and
other rescue aids are employed to assist in removing endangered entrants. Ensure
that entrant(s) of a “Permit Required” space can be retrieved immediately (i.e. s/he
wears a harness attached to a retrieval line that can be winched out by the
attendant operating the tripod/winch outside).
Entry Rescue – It is the most dangerous form of rescue and an entry
rescue plan shall be developed prior to assuming this type of rescue
responsibility. UCSD personnel are currently not trained to qualify as an
emergency entry rescuer and do not have the equipment to provide
emergency rescues in confined spaces . Emergency entry rescue services
would be provided by San Diego Fire Department. Emergenc y confined space
entry rescue personnel shall have current certification and knowledge on: first
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aid/CPR, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus/Supplied Air Respirator, use of
rescue equipment, and necessary rescue training.
A thorough rescue plan shall include:










A barricade area for crowd control
Additional ventilation options
Control or other hazards (cave-ins, traffic, etc.)
Protective clothing and equipment
Appropriate lighting e quipment (explosion proof)
Method of communication
A standby rescue team
Victim removal procedures and devices
Available emergency vehicles
Medically trained personnel
Employee Training
As directed by the UCSD Hazard Communication Program, every employee
responsible for working in confined spaces has a right to clearly understand the
hazardous properties of the toxic and flammable contaminants which they may
encounter in any confined space. They also are entitled to information on methods
by which they can protect themselves while working in such areas.
It is the responsibility of the departmental supervisors to ensure that appropriate
training resources are made available to all employees before assigning confined
space entr y tasks; that each employee has available to them all necessary
protective equipment needed to conduct the job safely, and that each individual
clearly understands how to use such equipment correctly. This includes basis
understanding on the operation of appropriated confined space gas meters.
It is the responsibility of each employee engaged in confined space activities to
follow all procedures and instructions outlined in this polic y. The core training shall
include, but not limited to: characteristics of confined space and permit -required
confined space; specific duties of the entrant, attendant, supervisor, and non -entry
rescuer; atmospheric monitoring and ventilation; communication; self -rescue, nonentry rescue, and emergenc y operations and polic y; hazard communication; hazard
recognition and control; injur y and illness prevention program; entry permit s ystem;
personal protective equipment, first aid, and CPR; and sings, s ymptoms, and
consequences of exposures.
Employees should receive training in confined space operations at leas t once per
year. Programs may be presented by departmental supervisors, EH&S staff and/or
qualified off-campus representatives. Additionally, all new employees assigned to
work in confined spaces should receive this information as part of their initial
orientation.
If employees are assigned to respond as Non -entry rescuer, training on: use and
operation of retrieval s ystems, first aid/CPR, communication equipment shall be
provided by the department.
Documents of such training should be kept with the empl oyee’s department. At
minimum, a sign-in roster with employee’s name, signature and date with a copy of
an outline of class content need to be documented by the employee’s supervisor.
Role of an Employee
(an individual who is likely to work in and arou nd
confined spaces)
UCSD Environment, Health and Safety Publication
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
Ensures that he/she attends a class on UCSD Confined Space Program
before performing work in a confined space.

Informs supervisor if he/she needs to enter a confined space to perform
work.

Obtains necessary air monitoring instrument, safety equipment, entry
log/permit, and additional resources before entering a confined space.

Follows safety procedures as covered in this booklet.

Ensures that all equipment is in proper condition after an entry is completed.
If not notify the superv isor.

Turns in the confined space entry log or permit to the supervisor.
Role of an Entry Supervisor
(a person involved in assigning
employees to conduct work in confined spaces and has a good understanding of
the hazards and liability of tasks completed in confined spaces)

Ensures that employees assigned to confined space entry tasks receive
necessar y training on health and safety concerns and safe entry procedures
outlined in this booklet and other operational procedures, before entering a
confined space,

Ensures that employees are provided with air monitoring instrument and
other equipment needed to work safety in a confined space.

Ensures that employees fill out the confined space entry log or permit and
the supervisor signs the permit for authoriza tion before a confined space
entr y.

Ensures that all confined space entry logs and permits are collected from
the employees and retained in the department record for two years.

Communicates to contractors of jobs involving confined space work and
discloses known hazards associated with the jobs.
Role of an Authorized Entrant (an employee who has attended a confined
space training class and is authorized by his/her supervisor to enter a confined space)

Knows confined space hazards, exposure routes, signs, symptoms, and adverse health
effects that could result from exposure.
 Uses adequate personal protective equipment.
 Uses proper entry equipment.
 Follows proper entry procedures.
 Performs assigned job.
 Is alert to any prohibited condition.
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 Communicates with attendant.
 Evacuates immediately, if necessary.
Role of an Attendant (an employee who has attended a confined space class and
understands the specific duties of an attendant)

Does not enter the confined spaces.

Is prepared to perform non-entry rescue or call for a rescue team.

Knows the hazards or potential hazards of the space.

Maintains accurate count of authorized entrant in the space

Stays alert to possible behavioral changes of entrants

Monitors activities inside and outside the space to ensure that it is safe for entrants to
remain in the area.

Remains outside the confined space until relieved by another attendant and prevents
entry of unauthorized personnel.

Communicates with entrants.

Orders evacuation if prohibited or hazardous conditions arise.
Role of the Office of Environment, Health & Safety
The Office of Environment, Health & Safety provides the following services to
departments, supervisors and employees engaged in confined space activities:

Assists departments and employees in the identification of confined space
locations.

Performs additional on-site atmospheric tests in spaces identified to have
hazardous contaminants or conditions existing in the air.

Develops this Polic y to provid e all campus personnel with information on
safety aspects governing confined space operations.

Reevaluates designated confined spaces, as needed.

Presents in-service educational programs.

Advises on interpretation and compliance measures to ensur e that confined
space work is in compliance with all occupational safety requirements and
applicable codes.

Provides and maintains respiratory protection equipment and provides instruction in its
utilization.
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Identified Confined Spaces at UCSD
The following is a list of locations designated as confined spaces on campus
property requiring the use of entry logs and permits ( Please note this a partial list
and it is by no means a comprehensive list of all confined spaces ):
In General - All Locations

All manholes, meter vaults, valve boxes, etc., that are not directly connected to the main
tunnel system. Normal operations within these spaces require the use of an Entry Log. If
welding or high voltage work is to be done, or if it is a blocked sewer, an Entry Permit is
required.

All acid pits: use Entry Log.

All steam generators, boilers and fireboxes: use Entry Permit

All condensate, resin or other tanks: use Entry Log.

Any confined spaces with machinery that could harm workers if it suddenly turned on:
use Entry Permit.
Main Campus

Revelle Cafeteria Storeroom – crawlspace underneath the Revelle Cafeteria: use Entry
Log.

Revelle Mudhut tunnel – the dead end section: use Entry Log.
SIO

Seawater tanks: use Entry Log.

Crawlspace in the basement pit of the Coastal Studies Building: use Entry Log.
Point Loma Facilities

All ship's tanks or sealed compartments: use Entry Logs. If welding or high voltage work
is to be done: use Entry Permit.
This list contains only those confin ed spaces identified on UCSD property as of
January 1993. Other spaces will be included in future revisions of this Polic y as
they become known.
If you are asked to enter a space, which you believe may be hazardous to your
health, please discuss the locat ion with your supervisor/EH&S to determine
whether it should be classified as a confined space.
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Contractors
Contractors who enter confined spaces on campus shall be notified of any known hazardous
conditions, shall have their own confined space program and shall know how to contact
emergency rescue personnel on the campus. Project managers shall communicate this in writing
to the contractor and verify training and qualification of those entering confined spaces
Appendices
Appendix A
Sample Confined Space Entry Permit
Appendix B
Sample Routine Confined Space Entry Log
Appendix C
Ventilation and Purge Chart
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Appendix A
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT
For Permit-Required Spaces
UCSD
To be used for entering tanks, boilers, combustion chambers, spaces with moving machinery and blocked
sewers. Also when welding or high voltage work will be performed.
UCSD employees are only authorized to enter confined spaces after having received training in specialized
entry procedures.
Date _______________ Location _____________________ Type of Space/# ______________________
Reason for Entry________________________________________________________________________
Persons(s) Entering _____________________________________________________________________
Form Completed By _____________________________________________________________________
Supervisor's Authorization ______________________________ Permit Expiration Date ______________
PREPARATION
1. If the space is a blocked sewer, contract the job out, if possible.
2. If the space is a boiler or combustion chamber, follow appropriate pre-entry procedures listed in the
confined space employee guide.
3. Lock valves or blind/lock pipes in spaces, which could become flooded.
4. Lock and tag all machinery which could be accidentally turned on.
5. Check the air monitor and battery status.
6. Arrange for blower, power supply, standby person and communication resource.
ON-SITE MONITORING
1. Test air at top of space through the cover. Record the results.
2. If acceptable, open the cover. Test air at the bottom of the space. Record the results. If the
combustibility reading at the bottom is greater than the top of the space, notify your supervisor and
EH&S. DO NOT ENTER THE SPACE!
3. If air is not safe, ventilate, purge and retest. If atmosphere does not clear, DO NOT ENTER!
4. Ventilate space according to purge chart on back of this form - 5 minutes minimum.
5. Monitor continuously, recording results every two hours. Retest the air after breaks and lunch.
MEASUREMENT
Instrument # ____________________
Calibration Date ______________________
TIME
0XY
CO
H2S
COMBUSTIBILITY
OTHER
Safe Range Safe Range
Safe Range
Safe Range
(19.5-23.5%) (<25ppm)
(< 10ppm)
(< 10%)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
If an emergency should occur, first summon help. Call 911 (6111 at Med. Ctr) and request help from the fire
department. Tell the operator you have a "manhole rescue situation." If a person is down for no apparent
reason, you must assume that toxic gases or oxygen deficient atmosphere conditions exist. DO NOT
ENTER THE SPACE - fire department personnel using self-contained breathing apparatus and full
protective gear will manage the rescue effort.
Date/Time Entered __________________________ Date/Time Exited ____________________________
Keep this log at work site during the operation.
Complete the form and return it to your supervisor when finished.
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UCSD Environment, Health and Safety Publication
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Appendix B
ROUTINE CONFINED SPACE ENTRY LOG
To be used for meter vaults, telecommunications vaults, free-flowing sewers and electrical manholes
where no high voltage work will be done. If these conditions change, a PERMIT is required.
UCSD employees are only authorized to enter confined spaces after having received training in
specialized entry procedures.
Date _____________ Location ________________________ Type of Space/# _________________
Reason for Entry______________________________________________________________________
Persons(s) Entering ___________________________________________________________________
Form Completed By ___________________________________________________________________
PREPARATION
1.
2.
3.
Check air monitor calibration status and battery condition.
Arrange for ventilation equipment and power supply.
Arrange for standby person and communication.
ON-SITE MONITORING
1. Test air at top of space through the cover. Record the results.
2. If acceptable, open the cover. Test air at the bottom of the space. Record the results. If the
combustibility reading at the bottom is greater than the top of the space, notify your supervisor and
EH&S. DO NOT ENTER THE SPACE!
3. If air is not safe, ventilate, purge and retest. If atmosphere does not clear, DO NOT ENTER!
4. Ventilate space according to purge chart on back of this form - 5 minutes minimum.
5. Monitor continuously, recording results every two hours. Retest the air after breaks and lunch.
MEASUREMENT
Instrument # ____________________
Calibration Date ______________________
TIME
0XY
CO
H2S
COMBUSTIBILITY
OTHER
Safe Range Safe Range
Safe Range
Safe Range
(19.5-23.5%) (<25ppm)
(< 10ppm)
(< 10%)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
If an emergency should occur, first summon help. Call 911 (6111 at Med. Ctr) and request help from the
fire department. Tell the operator you have a "manhole rescue situation." If a person is down for no
apparent reason, you must assume that toxic gases or oxygen deficient atmosphere conditions exist. DO
NOT ENTER THE SPACE - fire department personnel using self-contained breathing apparatus and full
protective gear will manage the rescue effort.
Date/Time Entered _________________________ Date/Time Exited ____________________________
Supervisor's Signature ____________________________________ Date _______________________
Keep this log at work site during the operation.
Complete the form and return it to your supervisor when finished.
UCSD Environment, Health and Safety Publication
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Appendix C
Ventilation and Purge Chart
UCSD Environment, Health and Safety Publication
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Year 2002 Edition
Environment, Health & Safety
University of California, San Diego
(858) 534-3660 http://blink.ucsd.edu/ehs
e-mail: ehsweb@ucsd.edu
UCSD Environment, Health and Safety Publication
April 2002
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