R1 SUPPLEMENT 6709.12-97-1
EFFECTIVE DATE 09/05/97
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6709.12 - SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM HANDBOOK
R-1 SUPPLEMENT 6709.12-97-1
EFFECTIVE 09/05/97
CHAPTER 20 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM
20 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM.
Permitted Confined Space Program. The Forest Service Confined Space Program is designed to
make employees who must enter confined workspaces aware of the hazards they may encounter and
to protect them by providing training, monitoring equipment, requiring certain work procedures and
not allowing entry into certain confined work spaces. See Exhibit 01 for a listing of types of
confined spaces, required program elements and work procedures.
20 - EXHIBIT 01 IS A SEPARATE DOCUMENT
Successful implementation of the direction is contingent upon a good understanding of the
applicable parts of the OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-required Confined Spaces.
1. Authority. 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-required Confined Spaces, and 29 CFR 1910.147,
The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout).
2. Objective. To protect employees from the hazards of entry into confined work spaces.
3. Policy.
a. Entry into confined workspaces will be made using the "alternate entry procedure"
authorized in 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)(i) and detailed in (c)(5)(ii). Confined Space
Pre-Entry Certification (Exhibit 02) will be used each time actual entry into a confined
space is required. Should conditions within a confined space exceed the limits of this
authority, (atmospheric conditions cannot be controlled by continuous ventilation or
other hazards prevent safe entry) entry will be prohibited. In all cases, entry is
prohibited until initial atmospheric testing has been done from the outside and purging
using forced air ventilation has been done for the required period of time, Exhibit 03.
b. Only trained employees equipped with proper protective and monitoring equipment
will be allowed to enter confined work spaces.
c. Work which is required in confined workspaces where entry by employees is not
allowed will be contracted. Contractors must be in full compliance with the standard
and must provide documentation and a copy of their confined space program.
d. Confined work spaces will be identified and marked with signs or, in the case of
multiple spaces in one location, a site plan and warning shall be posted where
employees normally report to work.
e. Where practical, confined spaces will be locked so as to prevent public entry or
entry by unauthorized employees.
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4. Responsibility. Forest Supervisors shall identify supervisors and employees authorized to
enter confined work spaces and will train and equip them with the necessary equipment to ensure
safe operations. They shall also ensure that contracted operations are in compliance with 29 CFR
1910.146 and 29 CFR 1910.147.
a. Work Supervisors are responsible for:
(1) Complying with the requirements of the Standard.
(2) Controlling and authorizing entry and certifying that spaces to be entered are safe
by completion of the Pre-Entry Certification, Exhibit 02.
(3) Ensuring that authorized entrants have correct training and equipment.
b. Attendants are appointed by Work Supervisors and are responsible for:
(1) Maintaining contact with entrants at all times and continuously monitoring their
well-being.
(2) Alerting entrants to unsafe conditions they may be unaware of.
(3) Performing no other duties which could interfere with their primary duty to
monitor entrants.
(4) Not entering the confined workspace at any time.
c. Employees authorized entry shall comply with program requirements of 1910.146
(c)(5)(ii).
5. Definitions.
a. Alternate Procedures: Refers to entry procedures into confined spaces where it
can be demonstrated the only hazard of the space is actual or potential hazardous
atmosphere and continuous forced air ventilation is sufficient to maintain the space safe
for entry.
b. Confined space means a space that:
(1) 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 and spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
c. Entry means the action by which a person passes through an opening into a
permit-required confined space. Entry includes ensuing work activities in that space
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and is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrants body breaks the
plane of an opening into the space.
d. Hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk
of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided
from a permit space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:
(1) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit
(LFL);
(2) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL;
(3) Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent;
(4) Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a "dose" or a permissible
exposure limit is published.
(5) Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.
e. Lockout/tagout refers to an OSHA standard, 29 CFR 1910.147, that applies to the
control of energy during the maintenance of equipment and machines.
f. Oxygen deficient atmosphere means an atmosphere containing less than 19.5
percent oxygen by volume.
g. Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one
or more of the following characteristics:
(1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
(2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
(3) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated
by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller
cress-section; or
(4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
6. General Program Requirements
a. U.S.Forest Service
(1) Inventory and evaluate confined work spaces and identify confined spaces.
Periodically update the inventory as new facilities come on line. Use the sample form in Exhibit 04.
20 - EXHIBIT 04 IS A SEPARATE DOCUMENT
(2) Place a copy of the inventory and evaluation for confined workspaces in the
Operation and Maintenance Plan for that specific site.
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(3) Sign confined workspaces using wording such as, "DANGER-Confined
Workspace, Entry by Authorized Employees Only".
(4) A written alternate entry program in compliance with 1910.146 (c)(5)(ii) will be
developed for local conditions and confined space situations. This written program must be
available to employees or their representatives and must contain these elements:
a. Location of monitoring and inspection data that supports allowing entry using the
alternate procedure rule, 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)(i).
b. How the monitoring and inspection data is to be made available to entry
employees.
c. Details of how work procedures comply with requirements of the alternate procedure:
- Elimination of hazards before entrance covers are removed.
- Steps to be taken to guard entrance openings after cover removal.
- Atmospheric testing procedures before entry and periodic testing during entry
(oxygen, flammable gases and vapors, toxic air contaminants, in that order).
- What to do if a hazardous condition is detected after entry.
- Use of continuous air ventilation equipment.
- Written certification verifying the space is safe for entry.
b. Contractors. Work in confined spaces may be contracted. Certain duties remain
with the host employer:
(1) Notify the contractor that entry under the contract must be in compliance with 29
CFR 1910.146 and 29 CFR 1910.147.
(2) Inform the contractor of hazards identified with the space or spaces to be entered
and coordinate entry procedures when both the host and contractor will be working in or near the
confined spaces.
(3) The contractor has the responsibility to ask about hazards and to inform the Forest
Service of the entry program to be followed and any hazards encountered during the work.
c. Required Equipment. This equipment will be provided at no cost to employees. It
shall be maintained in good working order and employees will be trained in proper care
and use. Proper maintenance of test equipment is extremely important to assure
accurate readings of atmosphere within the space.
(1) Testing and monitoring equipment that will measure oxygen content, combustible
gases and vapors, and toxic gases and vapors. The equipment must have these capabilities:
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-Testing for oxygen, combustible gases, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide.
-Have an audible alarm system.
-Be portable so a worker can carry into the space.
-Have remote sensing capability with either an aspirator or mechanical pump.
-Be equipped with a calibration kit.
-Be rechargeable
(2) Forced-air ventilation equipment capable of providing clean toxic-free air to
obtain and maintain acceptable entry conditions. This equipment can be gas or electrically powered
and be equipped with a minimum of 15 feet of hose. An AC/DC adapter to supply electric power
for lighting is recommended.
(3) Communication equipment that would allow alerting entrants of the need to
evacuate the space. This will vary from voice commands to more elaborate equipment, depending
on the situation. Emergency notification will require equipment capable of reaching a source of
assistance.
(4) Personal protective equipment described on the Job Hazard Analysis, FS Form
6700-7. This could include eye protection, coveralls, gloves, etc. as described in Exhibit 05.
20 - EXHIBIT 05 IS A SEPARATE DOCUMENT
(5) Lighting equipment capable of providing enough light to allow work and to exit
the space quickly in an emergency. Wireless hardhat or headlamps offer more freedom of
movement.
(6) Barriers, signs, tape, and other protective devices necessary to protect entrants
from external hazards.
(7) Lockout devices, locks and tags to isolate electrical and mechanical energy.
d. General Hazards of Confined Workspaces and General Safeguards. Any confined
space may have associated safety and health hazards. These include:
(1) Wet or damp conditions which favor electrical hazards, rusted and deteriorated or
slippery metal surfaces, and the growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms which could
result in the buildup of toxic gases, and an increased possibility of the presence of disease causing
organisms.
(2) Unexpected electrical or mechanical energy release.
(3) A high chance of slips, trips and falls.
(4) The quality of the atmosphere in a confined space is suspected.
e. Safeguards.
(1) Always assume a safety and health hazard exists.
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(2) Atmospheric hazards are almost always not visible - always sample before
entering or allowing entry.
(3) Continuous forced air ventilation is required whenever an employee is in the
space. Pre-entry purging shall be done after atmospheric sampling. See Exhibit 03 for purge times.
(4) Sources of energy must be isolated before entry.
(5) A second person must be present to act as an attendant and must not enter the
space under any circumstances.
f. Lockout/Tagout Procedures. The electrical and mechanical energy which may be
present in confined spaces must be isolated before entry and service or maintenance
work is performed. Protection of workers from these sources of injury is one of the first
planning steps. Water tanks with electric float valves, grinding pumps and heavy
hinged door and hatch openings are typical. Many water tanks are remotely located
from electrical control panels making it difficult to control unintentional reactivation of
energy.
(1) Utilities and mechanical equipment serving the space must be isolated and
disconnected in preparation for entry.
(2) Main breakers to electrical service must be positively locked out of service using a
padlock, locking device and "out of service" tag firmly affixed to the lock. Throwing a circuit
breaker or disconnect switch to the "off" position is not a positive lockout.
(3) Circuit breaker panels must be locked shut preventing their opening while work is
in progress. Add a hasp to the panel box to allow the use of a padlock, if necessary.
(4) Doors, grates, and hinged hatch covers have stored mechanical energy which
would be released if allowed to fall. Positively lock and support their weight while work is in
progress.
g. Cleaning of Confined Spaces. The introduction of chemicals for the purpose of
disinfecting and cleaning can also result in the creating of a hazardous atmosphere.
Incompatible chemicals, such as ammonia and bleach, when used in combination, can
create toxic gas. Inappropriately strong solutions of common chemicals can cause
asphyxiation.
(1) Procedures for cleaning operations in confined spaces:.
(a) Continuous forced air ventilation is required for the entire time cleaning
operations are conducted.
(b) Flammable or combustible chemicals are prohibited from use as cleaners or
disinfectants.
(c) Ammonia and bleach shall not be mixed or used together in any combination.
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(d) Review the Material Safety Data Sheet for all chemicals to be used for cleaning.
Substitute safer chemicals where possible.
(e) Use a commercially prepared 5% mix of bleach diluted with water for disinfecting
water tanks under continuous forced ventilation.
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h. Written Entry Certification. A written Pre-Entry Certification, Exhibit 02, will be
completed before entry to any confined space. The certificate verifys the space is safe
for entry and that the measures required by paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of 29 CFR 1910.146
have been taken. The certificate must contain the date, location of the space, length of
time to be occupied and be signed by the supervisor. It is valid only for the length of
time required to complete the work which required entry. Retain the certificates for 12
months and review annually to monitor the adequacy of pre-entry procedures.
i. Training. Provide training prior to assigning employees who will be supervising
entry procedures and employees who will be making entries. Use instructors who are
familiar with the Standard and understand the relationship with other applicable OSHA
standards. Provide training in:
(1) Work procedures allowed under this program, local written program plans for
confined space, Job Hazard Analysis for confined space, 29 CFR 1910.146,
Permit-required Confined Spaces and 29 CFR 1910.147, Control of Hazardous Energy.
(2) Hazard recognition and awareness of the potential health and safety hazards to be
found in confined spaces.
(3) Use of and limitations of the atmospheric monitoring equipment provided. Care
and maintenance of the equipment will also be covered.
(4) Use of personal protective equipment and requirements for its use.
(5) Use of ventilation and other equipment needed for entry procedures.
(6) The dangers of incompatible chemicals used in cleaning and use of material safety
data sheet (MSDS) information.
(7) What to do in case of an emergency.
(8) Lockout-tagout procedures to be used in all spaces where it is necessary to isolate
electrical and mechanical energy sources.
(9) Responsibilities of supervisors, entrants, and persons assigned as attendants.
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20 - EXHIBIT 02
CONFINED SPACE PRE-ENTRY CERTIFICATION
Use this checklist and certification of safe entry conditions each time actual entry into confined
space is required. It is not required if the work can be done from outside the space.
Yes
No
1.
Did your survey of the surrounding area show it to be free of hazards
free of hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers?
()
()
2.
Does your knowledge of industrial or other discharges indicate this
()
area is likely to remain free of dangerous air contaminants while occupied?
()
3.
Are you certified in operation of the gas monitor to be used?
()
()
4.
Has a gas monitor functional test (Bump Test) been performed
this date on the gas monitor to be used?
()
()
5.
Did you test the atmosphere of the confined space (prior to entry)?
()
()
6.
Did the atmosphere check as acceptable (no alarms given)?
()
()
7.
Will the atmosphere be continuously monitored while the
space is occupied?
()
()
8.
Is forced air continous ventilation adequate to maintain the permit
space free of atmosphere hazards?
()
()
9.
Will barriers/warning devices be needed and are they in place?
()
()
10. Have electrical and mechanical sources of energy been
locked out and tagged?
()
()
11. Is positive communications with a source of help present?
()
()
12. Does the 2nd person understand their role?
()
()
Notice:
If any of the above questions are answered "no" do not enter. Contact your immediate
supervisor.
Name of 2nd person
Job Location
Crew Supervisor
signature
Date
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EFFECTIVE DATE 09/05/97
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20 - EXHIBIT 03
FRESH AIR PURGE TIME
Based on Volume of Confined Space (cubic feet)
and Blower Capacity (cubic feet per minute)
Siz of
conf. space(cf)
0-49
500-999
1000-1999
2000-2999
3000-3999
4000-4999
Size of
blower (cfm)
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
Required Purge
Time(minutes)
Minimum of 5 minutes
5
8
15
22
30
Assume average blower capacity commercially available is 800 - 1390 cfm. Must calculate
required purge time at confined space equal to 5000 cubic feet or greater.