California State University, Bakersfield REFERENCE CONFINED SPACE SAFETY ENTRY PROGRAM (Updated March 2010) The California Labor Code and the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973, requires that the California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) maintain a safe and healthful workplace for all university employees. The general requirement to provide an effective injury and illness prevention program are in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations title 8 3203. The specific confined space regulatory requirements are in Title 8, Article 108, 5156 5158. Because confined space work may involve different hazards, other regulatory requirements may also apply. POLICY No person will enter a confined space in any campus location unless they are fully trained and until a confined space entry permit has been issued by Safety and Risk Management (S&RM). S&RM staff or a designated qualified person must certify that the hazards of poisoning, suffocation, the hazard of ignition or explosion of flammable gases has been eliminated or reduced to the lowest practical level. The requirements of this document apply to all CSUB employees and employees of auxiliary organizations. Employee compliance with the provisions of this program is mandatory. FORMS TO BE USED Known Confined Spaces on Campus Confined Space Entry Permit Pre-Entry Checklist Confined Space Entry Permit Confined Space Entry Decision Flow Charts for Permit Spaces vs. Alternate Entry Spaces Confined Space Hot Work Entry Permit 1
CONTRACTOR GUIDELINES Contractors that enter confined spaces on the CSUB campus must comply with the Confined Space Standard as defined in 5156-5158 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations. CSUB is not responsible for employees of contractors who may enter University confined spaces. DEFINITIONS A confined space is 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, pits, passage ways, crawl spaces, rooms, or basements and (3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Alternate Entry Procedure: A procedure that may be used to enter a confined space if the only hazard present in the space is atmospheric in nature and: o The atmospheric hazard can be controlled by mechanical ventilation alone; and o The permit space will not become immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) if the mechanical ventilation should fail. Attendant: An individual stationed outside one or more permit required confined spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all Attendant's duties as assigned in this program. Authorized Entrant: An employee who is authorized by the campus to enter a permit required confined space. Entry Permit: The written document provided by CSUB which allows and controls entry into a permit required confined space. 2
Entry Supervisor: The person responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit space where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and for terminating entry as required by this program. Hazardous Atmosphere: An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, or acute illness resulting from the following: o Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable o limit (LFL); o Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL; (note: this condition may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet or less) o Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent; o Atmospheric concentration of any substance which could result in an exposure greater than the Permissible Exposure Level (PEL). o Any other atmospheric concentration that is immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH). Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH): Any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects or that would interfere with an individual's ability to escape unaided from a confined space. Lower Flammable Limit (LFL): The minimum vapor concentration of a flammable liquid in air, below which flame propagation does not occur on contact with an ignition source. Non Permit Confined Space: A 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. Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere: An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume. Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere: An atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume. 3
Permit Required Confined Space: A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: o Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; o Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; o 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 cross-section; or o Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard. Testing: The process by which hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are identified and evaluated. Ventilation: A process used to control the atmospheric hazards of confined spaces by replacing unsafe air with clean, breathable air. RESPONSIBILITIES Safety and Risk Management Establish and update the written Confined Space Entry Program. Provide training as necessary. Provide consultation to departments that enter confined spaces. Maintain records of all confined space entries Department or Auxiliary Organization Ensure that all employees who are involved with a confined space entry (including Authorized Entrant, Entry Attendant, and Entry Supervisor), have received training. Provide and maintain equipment that is needed for confined space entry including, but not limited to: atmospheric testing equipment, protective barriers,ventilation devices, and rescue equipment. Ensure that all confined space entries involving employees are conducted according to this program. 4
Confined Space Entry Supervisor Ensure that all persons involved in a confined space entry are properly trained Evaluate and classify the confined space prior to entry Complete the Confined Space Entry Permit Ensure that canceled permits are properly filed Set up adequate ventilation for the space that will be entered. Ensure that the supply air is taken from a clean source and that the ventilation is allowed to operate for at least 5 minutes prior to entering the space. If the ventilation ceases to operate, make sure all Entrants leave the space immediately Confined Space Entrant(s) Must have completed confined space entry training. Must stay in constant contact with the Attendant (i.e. sight, voice, or radio) during a Permit Required Confined Space entry. Use the appropriate safety equipment as specified on the Entry Permit. The Entrant shall immediately evacuate the confined space if he/she becomes aware of a previously unrecognized hazard. If this occurs, the Entrance Permit shall be canceled, and the space must be reevaluated by an Entry Supervisor prior to re-entry Entry Attendant Must have completed confined space entry training. Obtain and install the required safety equipment for Permit Required Confined Space entries. Monitor pedestrian barriers to protect entrant(s) from external hazards. Monitor the atmosphere within the confined space during the entire entry operation. Must remain in position until relieved by another trained Attendant. Ensure that all lockout / tagout measures (if implemented) remain in place. Responsible for ordering an evacuation if a situation develops that could endanger the Entrant. CONFINED SPACE ENTRY TEAM A confined space entry team will consist of at least three fully trained employees. These employees will be called the entrant, attendant (also the rescuer) and the lead man / supervisor of the team. 5
TRAINING All the members of the confined space entry team are required to receive and complete training in: Employee rescue Proper use and maintenance of PPE and rescue equipment Use of full body harness, with lifeline Use of atmospheric monitoring analyzers Use of fire fighting equipment Proper use of all entry permits Refresher training should be held: Before doing work within the confined space. Whenever there is a change of work. Whenever the conditions and hazards within the confined space change. Whenever an employer has a reason to believe that the employee is not following the established guidelines. Whenever there are new procedures or operational changes. All the above training will be held annually for confined space team members. EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS Equipment and tools required at confined space entry location; Full body harness, with (D) rings and lifeline. Ventilation forced air blower. Lock out / tag out equipment if required Fire extinguisher Signs and barriers Hand winch, with tripod Respirators (as needed) Entry permits Explosion proof lighting, equipped with ground fault interrupters. Tools All hand and electric tools must be in good working order. 6
All electrical cords, tools and equipment will be of heavy-duty type with heavy- duty insulation. Air driven power tools will be used when flammable liquids are present. Cylinders of compressed gases will never be taken into a confined space. All equipment that may be used in an inflammable atmosphere will be approved as explosion proof. PPE as needed o Clothing o Head protection o Eye protection o Hand protection o Hearing protection CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT Entry into a confined space will be by permit only. The confined space entry permit will be completed in accordance with the remaining sections of this program. The permit certifies that all existing hazards have been evaluated by the qualified person and necessary protective measures have been taken to assure the safety of each worker. The supervisor and / or qualified person will complete the permit at least three days prior to entry, unless emergency conditions arise, and sign the permit when all appropriate precautions have been taken. PRE ENTRY PROCEDURES Evaluation of confined space The primary purpose of the evaluation will be to determine if the entry will be via "Alternate Entry Procedures" or by "Permit Required Entry Procedures". To be classified as an "Alternate Entry" space, the following conditions must exist: The only hazard in the space is the potential for a hazardous atmosphere; and The potential hazard can be eliminated through the use of continuous forced ventilation; and 7
Previous and current atmospheric monitoring data (gas tests) must demonstrate that there has never been a record of an atmospheric hazard during an entry. If an entrance cover must be removed, the opening shall be promptly guarded by railing, temporary cover, or other temporary barrier that will prevent an accidental fall through the opening, and to protect each employee working in the space from foreign objects entering the space. All hazardous sources of energy shall be locked and/or tagged out. Hazard Control Monitoring Confined Space Air Quality: Calibrated Gas Detector capable of measuring oxygen content, LEL, and potentially toxic atmospheres. Prior to entering a Permit Required or Alternate Entry confined space, prepare the gas detector by ensuring the device has been recently calibrated and is in good working order. Conduct a "bump test". Breathe into the gas detector probe and look for a decrease in the oxygen concentration - the detector should alarm due to the lack of oxygen. Sample the air quality of the space by slightly moving the lid, or by testing the space through the hole in the lid (if available) before completely opening the space. Lower the probe slowly, allowing time for the instrument to detect atmospheric changes at different vertical heights within the space. Measure in the following order: o Oxygen o LEL o H2S o CO Record the results on the Confined Space Pre-Entry Permit The gas detector will remain on during the entire entry operation will be regularly inspected by the Attendant. The Attendant will also record the gas readings on the Permit Entry at a minimum of one (1) hour intervals. Cease entry operations and remove entry personnel if the following concentrations are exceeded at any time: o Oxygen reading less than 19.5% or greater than 22.5% 8
o o o Combustible gas reading greater than 9% LEL H2S reading greater than 9 PPM CO reading greater than 34 PPM Lock out / tag out Isolation procedures will be specific for each type of confined space entry and will be developed by the supervisor and / or qualified person. Confined spaces will be completely isolated from all other systems by physical disconnection, double block and bleed, or blanking off all lines. In continuous systems, where complete isolation is not possible, such as sewers or utility tunnels, specific written safety procedures that are approved and enforced by the department will be used. All blanks for specific confined space will be recorded on the Confined Space Entry Permit and kept in the department s file, which will be available for inspection. Electrical isolation Electrical isolation of the confined space is designed to prevent accidental activation of moving parts that would be hazardous to the worker. Electrical isolation is achieved by locking circuit breakers and/or disconnectors in the open (off) position with a key padlock. The only key is to remain with the person working inside the confined space. If more than one person is inside the confined space, each person will place his / her own lock on the circuit breaker. In addition to the lock out system, there must be an accompanying tag that identifies the operation and prohibits use. Atmospheric testing and monitoring Prior to entering any confined space, the atmosphere of the space will be tested by a qualified person using an instrument approved by S&RM. Tests will be conducted to determine the presence or absence of explosives or flammable gases, oxygen deficiency, or toxic substances. Entry into confined spaces prohibited until initial testing of the atmosphere has been done from the outside. The test performed by the qualified person will be documented in writing using the 9
confined spacing permit and will include tests for combustibility, oxygen deficiency, and toxicity as follows: Combustibility Prepare instrument to test for combustible gases before removing manhole cover. All manholes and vaults will be tested prior to opening, if possible. The sampling probe should be inserted through an access hole in the cover and the space will be tested at one-foot intervals to its maximum depth. If an access hole is not available, the cover will be lifted with care sufficiently enough to insert the sampling probe. The manhole or vault will be posted and barricaded to prevent accidental entry. If an explosive atmosphere exists as indicated by the combustible gas analyzer, DO NOT PROCEED. Immediately notify the supervisor and S&RM at extension 2066 or 6320. Oxygen If after determining that no explosive gases are present, test the confined space for oxygen content. The top, middle and bottom thirds of the manhole or vault should be checked using the sampling probe in the same manner as described in 2 and 3 above. The percentage of oxygen for entry will be no less than 19.5 % and no greater than 23.5%. If the level is outside this range, purge and ventilate the space. Toxic Gases Tests will be conducted for carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gases, in addition to any other toxic material as determined by the qualified person. The reading for H2S must be below 10 ppm and CO below 25 ppm before entry is permitted. If toxic levels are found, personnel will not enter the confined space until purging has been performed. Monitoring of confined space will be done on a continuous basis. If the percentage of oxygen falls below 19.5% or toxic concentration in the confined space cannot be kept within permissible exposure levels as set by CAL- OSHA, approved respiratory protection will be used. 10
Labeling and Posting All entrances to any confined space will be posted. Signs will include but not necessarily be limited to the following information: DANGER CONFINED SPACE ENTRY BY PERMIT ONLY When specific work practice is performed or specific safety equipment is necessary, the following types of statements will be added, in big letters, to the warning sign: RESPIRATOR REQUIRED FOR ENTRY LIFELINE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY HOT WORK PERMITTED or NO HOT WORK Emergency procedures, including phone numbers to the University Police Department will be posted conspicuously within the immediate area of the confined space, or at the telephone from which help would be summoned. Purging and ventilating All confined space areas will be properly ventilated and tested before entrants will be allowed to enter. When ventilating and / or purging operations are performed, the blower forced air controls will be positioned at a safe distance from the confined space. Initial testing of the atmosphere will be performed from outside the confined space before ventilation begins to determine what precautions are necessary for purging and ventilating the confined space. 11
Where continuous ventilation is not required, the atmosphere inside the confined space will be tested until continuous acceptable levels of oxygen and contaminates are maintained for three tests at five-minute intervals. Continuous general ventilation Continuous general ventilation will be maintained where toxic atmospheres are produced as part of the work procedure, such as welding or painting, or where a toxic atmosphere may develop due to the nature of the confined space. Local exhaust ventilation Local exhaust ventilation will be provided when general ventilation is not effective due to restrictions in the confined space or when high concentration of contaminants occur in the breathing zone of the worker. The qualified person will determine what, if any, respiratory protection is required in addition to engineering controls. ENTRY AND RESCUE Entry Entry into confined spaces will not be attempted until all pre-entry procedures have been conducted, the Confined Space Entry Permit has been completed, and the atmospheric testing and monitoring has demonstrated the space to be safe for entry. There will be at least three employees to a confined space entry team. The entrant will enter the confined space, the attendant and the lead man / supervisor will stay on the outside of the confined space area. Confined space equipment is located in the following areas; Full body harness, Tripod with hand winch, Ventilation equipment (forced air blower), Respiratory equipment, (if needed) Atmospheric gas analyzers Facilities Management Facilities Management Facilities Management With each qualified employee Safety and Risk Management 12
Rescue A trained stand-by employee (attendant) will be assigned to each confined space entry team and will maintain unobstructed lifelines and communications to all workers within the confined space and summon rescue personnel, if necessary. The standby person will call University Police if rescue attempt is to be made. All rescues attempted by CSUB and auxiliary organization personnel will be Non-Entry Rescues, this mean that rescuer will not enter the space at any time during rescue. Retrieval equipment is required for all Permit Required vertical entries greater than 5 ft. Retrieval equipment will include (but not be limited to) the following: o Rescue harness (chest or full body) o Rescue tripod o Rope or cable (inspected for damage) SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING Facilities Management will be responsible for the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of confined space safety equipment. The type of protective equipment required will be determined by S&RM staff. Respiratory protection Such protection will be determined by the qualified person based upon conditions and best results of the confined space and work activity to be performed. Additional safety equipment Such equipment will be provided by the department as is necessary to protect workers in the environment of a confined space as follows: A safety harness with D rings for attaching a lifeline will be worn at all times. The combination of a body harness and / or safety belt with a lifeline will be used when an employee is required to enter a confined space to complete a gas analysis. 13
Other protective measurers include: Safety nets used to protect employees working ten (10) feet above ground. Life jackets worn if the workers are exposed to fall into a liquid over four (4) feet in depth. Insulated floor mats when hot work requires use of electrical energy. 14
Attachment 1 CSUB CONFINED SPACES NOTE: All contractors are responsible for notifying CSUB Safety and Risk Management (654-2066 or 6320) if their work will require entry into any of the following confined spaces. This notification must be made prior to the starting the job. Space Location Potential Hazards Crawl Spaces Above stationary Asbestos, electrical, heat ceilings and between walls Air Handlers Mechanical rooms - Moving fans, low light, lock Campus wide in, electrical Piping Tunnels Underneath DDH Low oxygen, lock in, flooding Electrical Vaults Campus wide High voltage electrical, low oxygen, poisonous spiders, standing water Elevator Shafts Campus wide Electrical, fall, hazardous energy Telecommunications Campus wide Low oxygen, electrical, Vaults poisonous spiders Cooling Tower Central Plant Water, electrical, moving fans Pool Pump Pit Hillman Aquatic Low oxygen, slippery Center surfaces, fall Sewer Lift Station - Campus wide Potentially hazardous 15
Pump Rooms (routine maintenance) atmosphere, fall Boilers #1,2,3 Central Plant Low oxygen, mechanical PERMIT REQUIRED linkage, sloping surfaces, airborne irritants, heat Energy conservation Central Plant Fall, drowning, cold, lock in, water storage tank low oxygen, toxic gases PERMIT REQUIRED Sewer lift station - pump rooms Campuswide Low oxygen, toxic gases, electrical, (if open to sewer system) rotating pumps, fall, flammable PERMIT REQUIRED gases, engulfment Sewer lift station - Campuswide Low oxygen, toxic gases, settling trap flammable, gases, slippery PERMIT REQUIRED surfaces, engulfment Subterranean filter Hillman Aquatic Low oxygen, slippery surfaces, & pump pit Center drowning PERMIT REQUIRED 16
Attachment 4 Confined Space Entry Decision IS THIS A CONFINED SPACE? Is the space designated Permit Required on the CSUB list? Yes No Go immediately to the permit entry vs. alternate entry decision Yes Does a hazardous atmosphere exist? No Yes Is hot work or chemical use required? Yes Can all other hazards be eliminated? Yes PERMIT NOT REQUIRED 1) Complete only top section of the permit form 2) Post the permit at the entry location 3) Wear the gas detector for continuous air monitoring 1) When the job is complete, file the permit in your departmental records and send a copy to Safety and Risk Management 23
Attachment 4 Confined Space Vs. Alternate Entry Decision Is a hazardous atmosphere the only hazard? Yes No Does forced air ventilation eliminate the atmospheric hazard? Yes Can all other hazards be eliminated? No Yes No All general and permit entry requirements apply 1) Mechanical retrieval rescue system not required 2) All other general and permit entry requirement must be applied 2) Complete the permit form 3) Post the permit at the entry location 4) When the job is complete, file the permit in your departmental records and send a copy to Safety and Risk Management 24
Attachment 5 CSU BAKERSFIELD CONFINED SPACE HOT WORK PERMIT POST PERMIT AT JOB SITE UNTIL JOB IS COMPLETED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL 911 ON ANY CAMPUS TELEPHONE Location and description of confined space Purpose of entry Department authorizing work Date of entry Entry supervisor Time of entry Attendants Expiration date Entrants NOTES: Potential Hazards Toxic Corrosive Flammable Radioactive Electrical Energy Release Mechanical Stored Energy Fire/heat Spills Personal protective equipment SCBA Coveralls Face/eye protection Footwear Gloves Respirator Head protection Radiation dosimeter(s) Procedures Prep/Isolation Cleaning/purging Equipment Needed Communication devices Ventilation 25
Lagging cloths/tarps Lockout/tagout Blanking/bleeding Disconnect mechanical linkages Secure moving parts Never bring gas cylinders or other large equipment into space Never block entry/exit with equipment Fire watch to remain 30 minutes after completion of hot work Safety and Risk Management Department Entry permit Signs/barriers Shower/eyewash located Barricade/cones Fire extinguisher Use only low voltage non-sparking tools, inspected for frayed/broken wires before use Lighting must be intrinsically safe Entire area must be shut down during breaks or overnight Entry Supervisor Signature Date Signature Date 26