BROWN COUNTY
CONFINED SPACE PROGRAM
Purpose of this program:
This program is intended to comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146
This program is intended to protect workers that may enter a confined space. Employees
will be made aware of the hazards of a confined space, how to enter a confined space
safely and what to do in case of an emergency.
Identification of Confined Spaces:
Confined Space. A space that:
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.
(1)
NOTE: Confined spaces are labeled and shall not be entered without the appropriate
permit. If there is an unlabeled space that you feel qualifies as a confined space, notify
your supervisor and the Safety Coordinator before entering.
Classification of Confined Spaces:
Confined spaces are classified on the basis of measurements of the oxygen content,
flammability, toxicity, physical hazards, and mechanical hazards. All personnel will
assume a confined space is permit-required until proven otherwise by testing and
inspection.
A Permit-Required Confined Space:
1. contains or has the potent to contain a hazardous atmosphere or
2. contains a material that has the potential for engulfing or entrapping an entrant
or
3. has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or
asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by converging walls or by a floor
that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section, and/or
4. contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards.
A Non-Permit Confined Space: means a confined space that does not contain or,
with respect to atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain any hazard capable
of causing death or serious physical harm.
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CONTENTS
1) Scope
2) Responsibilities
3) Testing
4) Emergency and Rescue Procedures
5) Non-Permit Confined Spaces
6) Contractors
7) Definitions / Terminology
8) Confined Space entry decision flow chart
See the written Confined Space program in the Safety Coordinator’s office for the entry permit
and equipment descriptions.
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1) Scope
This program contains requirements for employees of the Facility Management Department
while working for the department in their normal work duties. This program does not cover:
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) situations: IDLH spaces will be
handled by someone other than the Facility Management staff. We value our
employees and do not believe in putting them at unnecessary risk, thus, these
situations will be handled by others with more experience in entering an IDLH space.
NOTE: Only for rescue situations may a Facility Management employee enter an
IDLH space if, and only if, they have the resources to protect themselves and are
properly trained for rescue.
Outside contractors: Contractors are covered in the Confined Space Program. (See
section 6.)
Spaces outside of the realm of the Facility Management department: These spaces will be
covered by other departments and shall not be entered before contacting the Safety
Coordinator.
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2) Responsibilities:
Safety Coordinator will:
1) Serve as the focal point for implementation and coordination of this program.
2) Ensure all appropriate personnel are trained in confined space requirements.
3) Maintain confined space records.
4) Evaluate the effectiveness of procedures implemented to protect the entrants.
5) Assist in training employees.
6) Review the confined space program at least annually.
Department Manager will:
1) Ensure the inspection, testing maintenance, and documentation of safety and rescue
equipment is accomplished.
2) Be responsible for the identification, evaluation, and classification of all confined
spaces.
3) Be responsible for developing local controls and procedures for confined space
entries.
4) Describe the acceptable entry conditions under which permits may be issued.
5) Identify the types and locations of spaces to be entered.
6) List PPE, monitoring and rescue equipment, and conditions under which it will be
used.
7) Designate frequency and type of atmospheric monitoring.
8) List other controls required (e.g. Lockout/Tagout, ventilation, etc.)
9) Include provisions for entry during potential emergency conditions.
10) Review and approve non-routine entry permits.
Entry Supervisor: Duties of entry supervisors. The employer shall ensure that each entry
supervisor:
1. Knows the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the
mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;
2. Verifies, by checking that the appropriate entries have been made on the permit,
that all tests specified by the permit have been conducted and that all procedures
and equipment specified by the permit are in place before endorsing the permit
and allowing entry to begin;
3. Terminates the entry and cancels the permit;
4. Verifies that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them
are operable;
5. Removes unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter the permit
space during entry operations; and
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6. Determines, whenever responsibility for a permit space entry operation is
transferred and at intervals dictated by the hazards and operations performed
within the space, that entry operations remain consistent with terms of the entry
permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.
Confined Space Attendants: The definition of Attendant is an individual stationed outside
a Permit Space who monitors an authorized Entrant and who performs all Attendant’s
duties assigned in our Confined Space program:
1. Knows the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the
mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;
2. Is aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in authorized entrants;
3.
Continuously maintains an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit
space and ensures that the means used to identify authorized entrants who are in
the permit space;
4. Remains outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another
attendant;
5. Communicates with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and
to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space;
6. Monitors activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for
entrants to remain in the space and orders the authorized entrants to evacuate the
permit space immediately under any of the following conditions;
7. If the attendant detects a prohibited condition;
8. If the attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in an authorized
entrant;
9. If the attendant detects a situation outside the space that could endanger the
authorized entrants; or
10. If the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties required
11. Summon rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant determines
that authorized entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space hazards;
12. Takes the following actions when unauthorized persons approach or enter a
permit space while entry is underway:
13. Warn the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space;
14. Advise the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they have
entered the permit space; and
15. Inform the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons
have entered the permit space;
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16. Performs non-entry rescues as specified by the employer's rescue procedure; and
17. Performs no duties that might interfere with the attendant's primary duty to
monitor and protect the authorized entrants.
Confined Space Entrants: (Entrants) are employees who we authorize to enter a Permit Space.
1. Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the
mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;
2. Properly use equipment as required;
3. Communicate with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to monitor
entrant status and to enable the attendant to alert entrants of the need to evacuate
the space;
Alert the attendant whenever:
4. The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous
situation, or
5. The entrant detects a prohibited condition; and
Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:
6. An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry supervisor,
7. The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous
situation,
8. The entrant detects a prohibited condition, or
9. An evacuation alarm is activated.
3) Testing:
Confined Space Tester and Monitor: The person designated to conduct tests of confined
space atmospheric conditions must be trained in the operation and care of the specific
testing equipment to be used.
Calibration:
All equipment will be calibrated prior to use by either the Safety
Coordinator or a member of the CSPT. The user will field check equipment
according to the manufactures instructions immediately before testing the confined
space.
Equipment: All equipment used in confined space shall be approved for Class 1,
Division 1 use. Only direct reading equipment with current calibration will be used.
Atmospheric Monitoring: Many operations, due to the potential to generate hazardous
conditions, may require atmospheric monitoring as work progresses. No single rule
can be established. The supervisor in charge of entry, shall establish frequency and
type of tests for atmosphere and shall enter these requirements on the entry permits.
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Continuous monitoring of O2, LEL, & Toxicity should be considered for all permit
required operations. The entry supervisor shall evaluate the following types of
operations for continuos atmospheric monitoring:
1) Work which has the potential of generating hazardous concentrations of toxic
materials.
2) Application of paint, epoxies, etc. which may involve toxic or flammable
vapors.
3) Cleaning operations, sludge removal, etc. that may produce a hazardous
environment.
Testing sequence: Oxygen content, flammable hazard, toxic material. (NOTE: this is an
OSHA requirement; however, our gas tester tests four gasses simultaneously.)
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4) Emergency and Rescue Procedures:
If self rescue or non-entry rescue can not be performed, contact rescue personnel
immediately by dialing 911. Also call the entry supervisor immediately for assistance
in the rescue operation.
Self Rescue: Employees are trained to exit from the confined space as rapidly as possible
without help, the entrant must also know toxic effects or symptoms of exposure to
the anticipated hazard, the entrant must also be able to relay an alarm to the attendant
and to attempt self-rescue immediately.
Rescuers may enter a space if the space does not contain a hazardous atmosphere (i.e. the
employee tripped and broke his ankle and needs assistance getting out). The attendant
must first wait for the entry supervisor before entering the space.
When an employee collapses or is non-respondent, all rescuers should consider the space
to be IDLH and take the appropriate precautions. Call 911. Note: this is the only
situation that it is acceptable to enter a known IDLH space, IF you have the
appropriate PPE, AND you can enter the space without putting yourself in
unnecessary danger, AND you have been trained for this type of rescue.
Non-Entry Rescue: This is the preferred method of rescue.
1) Entrants must wear a chest or full body harness with a retrieval line attached to the
center of their back (near shoulder level) or above the Entrant’s head.
2) Wristlets can be used instead of a harness if using the harness is not feasible or
creates a greater hazard than if wristlets are used.
3) The other end of the retrieval line must be attached to a fixed point or mechanical
device outside the Permit Space so that rescue can begin as soon as needed.
4) A mechanical device (such as a winch) must be available if entrants are working
in a vertical space that is more than five feet deep.
5) There are exceptions to the requirement, retrieval equipment does not have to be
used if it would increase the overall risk or injury, or increase the chance of an
accident to entrants working in confine spaces, or if it would not contribute to the
ability to rescue entrants.
Emergency Rescue Information: OSHA wants to make sure that medical personnel
treating an entrant who has been injured in a confined space have as much helpful
information as possible. OSHA requires that if an injured entrant is exposed to a
substance for which you are required to keep a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or
other similar written information on site, that information must be made available to
the medical facility treating the exposed entrant.
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5) Non Permit Confined Spaces: These confined spaces are not considered hazardous and
have no potential to become hazardous. Entries into non-permit confined spaces are allowed
without an entry permit, but it is required that the entrant wear a “Four Gas Detector” and to
evacuate if the alarm goes off.
Welding, Cutting, and Brazing: Hot Permits must be completed before hot work is
performed in confined space. Note: A Non-Permit Required Confined Space will
become a Permit Required Confined Space when hot work is performed.
1. Compressed gas cylinders or gas manifolds are prohibited in a confined space.
2. Gas supplies will be turned off at the cylinder.
3. Electric ARC units are prohibited in a confined space.
6) Contractors
All contractors will be notified of hazards concerning the entrance of particular confined
spaces. This notification will be done in writing by the Department Manager or Safety
Coordinator. All contractors are to have their own Confined Space program prior to
undertaking a contract that entails the entrance of confined spaces.
7) Definitions / Terminology:
SHALL and WILL mean MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
SHOULD means the PREFERRED METHOD
MAY means ACCEPTABLE METHOD
Atmospheric Monitoring: The quantitative analysis of a confined space environment to
identify a potentially hazardous atmosphere.
Attendant: An individual stationed outside one or more permitted spaces who monitors
the authorized entrants, and who performs all attendant’s duties assigned in the
permitted space program.
Confined Space: Is an area large enough and configured so that a worker can bodily
enter and perform assigned work. Has limited or restricted means for entry and /or
exit, and is not designed for continuos occupancy.
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 a skillet blind) that completely covers the
bore and that is capable of with standing the maximum pressure of the pipe, line, or
duct with no leakage beyond the plate.
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Engulfment:
The surrounding and overwhelming of a person by finely divided
particulate matter or liquid.
Entrant: Any employee who is trained and authorized to enter a confined space.
Entry Permit System: The system for ensuring safe entry into and work within confined
spaces.
Entry Permit:
The written authorization for entry under defined conditions into a
confined space for a stated purpose during a specified time.
Entry Supervisor: This person is responsible for authorizing entry, overseeing entry
operations, and for terminating entry if a change in conditions warrant.
Field Check: Checking an instrument for proper response.
Functional Manager: The senior operating official at all levels exercising managerial
control of an activity or operation.
Hazardous Atmosphere: An atmosphere presenting a potential for death, disablement,
injury, or acute illness.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH):
Any condition that poses an
immediate or delayed threat to life that would cause immediate or delayed adverse
health effects.
Inerting: Reducing the atmosphere of a Confined Space chemically non-reactive.
Isolation:
Positively preventing any unwanted form of energy from entering
confined space.
the
Linebreaking: The intentional opening in a confined space of a pipe, line, or duct that is
or has been carrying any material that is capable of causing injury or illness.
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): The lowest concentration of flammable or combustible
vapor which can be ignited by a spark of flame.
Non-Permit Confined Space:
A space that does not contain, or, with respect to
atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain any hazards capable of causing
death of serious physical harm.
Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL): The limit for the airborne concentration of a
specified substance for a specified time.
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Organization Rescue Team: A group of two or more employees who are trained to
perform rescues from confined spaces.
Oxygen Deficiency Atmosphere:
oxygen.
Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere:
oxygen.
An atmosphere countering less than 19.5 percent
An atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent
Permit Required Confined Spaces: A confined space that has one or more of the
following characteristics:
 Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;

Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing the entrant;

Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or
asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls of by a floor which slopes
downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section;

Contains any other recognized safety or health hazard.
Permit Required Confined Space Program:
The overall program developed for
controlling and protecting workers in entering confined spaces.
Prohibited Condition: Any set of conditions in a permit space where the hazards
potential exceeds the limits authorized by the entry permit.
Qualified Person: A person who is trained to recognize the hazards of a confined space
and how to evaluate those anticipated hazards.
Retrieval Line: A line or rope secured at one end to a workers full body harness, with
the other end secured to a lifting or retrieval device.
Welding, Cutting and Brazing Permit:
WORK” operations.
The written authorization to perform “HOT
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Confined Space
Is the w ork area a
confined space?
No
Continue as normal.
Establish communication
system betw een attendant
and entrant. Ensure the
the availability of
communication for an
emergency.
No
Complete task w ithout
entering the space.
Does air
monitoring devise
indicate safe
atmospheric
conditions?
Perform air monitoring
tests.
No
Yes
Is entry required to
perform job?
Yes
Is it a Permit
Required Confined
Space?
Yes
No
Complete task w hile
w earing Micro Max Four
Gas Tester.
Yes
Are
you trained and
qualified to enter
space?
STOP! Consult Safety
Coordinator before entry.
Is
Lockout/Tagout
or a Hot Work Permit
required for this
task?
No
Proceed as normal.
Yes
No
STOP! Get a qualified
employee to finish task.
Perform Lockout Tagout
before entry/ obtain Hot
Work Permit from Safety
Coordinator.
Enter space after all
safety checks have been
done and Entry Permit is
completed.
Determine all PPE that is
needed.
Yes
Inform entry supervisor
that entry into a confined
space must take place.
Perform continuos
monitoring w hile entrant is
in space.
Do any conditions
come up that are not
on the entry permit?
Yes
Have entrant exit the
space immediately!
No
Obtain entry permit and fill
out completely.
Finish task; cancel Entry
Permit.
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End. Give copy of Entry
Permit to the Safety
Coordinator.
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