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FMMC 10-03 – CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

Effective: June 16, 1995
Reviewed: November 2012, December 2013
Revised: June14, 2023

PURPOSE

When entering some confined spaces above solid ceilings, manholes, the autoclave, elevator shafts, air handlers, utility tunnels, or any storage tank there may be danger in the form of combustibles, entrapment, toxic gases, or a lack of oxygen. To safeguard the well-being of the workers, precautions must be taken so the work can be accomplished in the safest manner.

POLICY

Facilities Management Medical Center (FMMC) employees who are assigned duty involving entry into a confined space must exercise caution for their personal safety. Entry into some confined space may require wearing an appropriate respirator and protective clothing. In addition, the person entering may require a lifeline attached to them for retrieval. If the space is permit required, continuously monitoring for oxygen, combustibles, and toxic gases will occur. Communication between the person in the confined space and the spotter must take place during the entire process. This may be by radio or direct conversation. A permit for entry of some confined space must be issued to assure that all steps have been carefully reviewed and followed.   Please review Appendix A to determine the procedure for a confined space emergency and rescue.

DEFINITIONS

  1. Acceptable Entry Conditions: The conditions that must exist in a permit space to allow entry and to ensure that the employees involved with a permit-required confined space entry can safely enter into and work within the space.
  2. Attendant: An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all attendant's duties assigned in the employer's permit space program.
  3. Authorized Entrant: An employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space.
  4. Blanking or Blinding: 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 withstanding the maximum pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with no leakage beyond the plate.
  5. Confined Space is a space that:
    • Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work.
    • 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).
    • Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
  6. Double Block and Bleed: The closure of a line, duct, or pipe by closing and locking or tagging two inline valves and by opening and locking or tagging a drain or vent valve in the line between the two closed valves.
  7. Emergency: Any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or monitoring equipment) or event(s) internal or external to the confined space which could endanger entrants.
  8. Engulfment: The surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely divided solid (flowable) substance that can be aspirated to cause death by filling or plugging the respiratory system or that can exert enough force on the body to cause death by strangulation, constriction, or crushing.
  9. Entry: The act by which a person intentionally passes through an opening into a permit required confined space, and subsequent work activities in that space. The entrant is considered to have entered as soon as any part of the entrant's body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.
  10. Entry Permit: The written or printed document to allow and control entry into a permit space and that contains the information specified in section VII A.
  11. Entry Supervisor: The person (such as the employer, foreman, or crew chief) 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. Note: An entry supervisor also may serve as an attendant or as an authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped as required by this program for each role he or she fills. Also, the duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation.
  12. Hazardous Atmosphere: 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:
    • Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL).
    • Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL. Note: This concentration may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet (1.52 m) or less.
    • Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent.
    • Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or a permissible exposure limit is published in Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental Control, or in Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, of this part and which could result in employee exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit. Note: An atmospheric concentration of any substance that is not capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness due to its health effects is not covered by this provision.
    • Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health. Note: For air contaminants for which OSHA has not determined a dose or permissible exposure limit, other sources of information, such as Material Safety Data Sheets, published information, and internal documents can provide guidance in establishing acceptable atmospheric conditions.
  13. Hot Work Permit: The employer's written authorization to perform operations which could provide a source of ignition, such as riveting, welding, cutting, burning, or heating.
  14. Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH): Any condition which poses an immediate threat of loss of life; may result in irreversible or immediate-severe health effects; may result in eye damage; irritation or other conditions which could impair escape from the permit space.
  15. Immediate Severe Health Effects: Any acute clinical sign(s) of a serious, exposure-related reaction manifested within 72 hours after exposure.
  16. Inerting: The displacement of the atmosphere in a permit space by a noncombustible gas (such as nitrogen) to such an extent that the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible. Note: This procedure produces an IDLH oxygen deficient atmosphere.
  17. Isolation: The process by which a permit space is removed from service and completely protected against the release of energy and material into the space by such means as: blanking or blinding; misaligning or removing sections of lines, pipes, or ducts; a double block and bleed system; lock-out or tag-out of all sources of energy or mechanical linkages.
  18. Line Breaking: The intentional opening of a pipe, line, or duct that is or has been carrying flammable, corrosive, or toxic material, an inert gas, or any fluid at a volume, pressure, or temperature capable of causing injury.
  19. Non-Permitted Confined Space: 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.
  20. Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere: An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume.
  21. Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere: An atmosphere containing more than 23 percent oxygen by volume.
  22. Permit Required Confined Space (Permit Space): A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
    • Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.
    • Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant.
    • 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.
    • Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
  23. Permit Required Confined Space Program: The employer's overall program for controlling, and where appropriate, for protecting employees from, permit space hazards and for regulating employee entry into permit spaces.
  24. Permit System: The employer's written procedures for preparing and issuing permits for entry and for returning the permit space to service following termination of entry.
  25. Prohibited Condition: Any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit during the period when entry is authorized.
  26. Rescue Service: The personnel designated to rescue employees from permit spaces.
  27. Retrieval System: The equipment (including a retrieval line, chest or full body harness, wristlets, and a lifting device or anchor) used for non-entry rescue of persons from permit spaces.
  28. Testing: The process by which the atmospheric hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are identified and evaluated. Testing includes specifying the tests that are to be performed in the permit space. Note: Testing enables employers both to devise and implement adequate control measures for the protection of authorized entrants and to determine if acceptable entry conditions are present immediately prior to and during entry.

PROCEDURE

Obtaining a Permit Required Permit:

Before entering a confined space, a permit shall be obtained either through the FMMC Compliance Officer or a supervisor. The permit is required for each new entry. See Appendix B.

The permit required confined space atmosphere shall be tested for 15 minutes before entry takes place.  Because conditions are subject to change, continuous monitoring shall be done throughout the time anyone is in the space. Test equipment is available from UK Occupational Health and Safety.

Entry Into a Permit Required Confined Space:

  1. If entry is required in sewage ejector pits:
    • Air monitoring should be conducted in various levels with a four gas meter and the readings shall be recorded on the entry permit. The test should indicate oxygen level and explosive level. Continuous monitoring will be performed during the entry.
    • During the entry, if the monitoring results show a dangerous atmosphere (i.e., low/elevated oxygen levels or any reading on the explosive level) the entrant must be removed from the pit.
    • Ventilation of the pit shall begin 15 minutes before entry and must continue during the entire entry.
      • One employee
    •  The entrant shall wear a lifeline when entering the sewage ejector pit.
    • An attendant shall be stationed outside the sewage ejector pit at all times.  In case of an emergency, the attendant shall be prepared to execute a rescue from the confined space or by calling 911 for the Lexington Fire Department Rescue Team. See Appendix A for Fire Department Rescue Team procedures.
    • Any line powered electrical equipment used in the pit shall be supplied through a G.F.C.I. for prevention of electrical shock.
  2. If the confined space is a manhole with a common entry/exit point:
    • The atmosphere test should first be made prior to entry at various levels in the manhole. The test should indicate oxygen level and explosive level. Monitoring will continue during the entire time of entry. The manhole shall be ventilated with a power blower during entry. In addition, whenever possible, the up-stream and down-stream manhole covers will be opened for natural ventilation.
    • At least one employee stationed outside the permit required confined space shall be trained in CPR. In case of emergency, another employee shall be prepared to execute a rescue from the confined space and call 911 for the confined entry rescue team. The employee entering confined space shall never be left alone. (Under no circumstances shall the spotter enter confined space until more help arrives.) If entry is made, appropriate personnel protection is required.
    • Employee entering a manhole shall wear a harness with a lifeline attached to a lift above the manhole. The lifeline shall remain attached at all times. The employee may need a full-face positive pressure respirator if the monitoring device shows dangerous levels of oxygen or other hazardous gases. If combustibles are present, ventilation will occur until safe to enter. The respirator air supply shall be provided from an appropriate explosion proof source of air capable of producing at least 8 CFM of air.
    • Provisions for constant communication with employee in the confined space must be available. This may be accomplished by verbal, radio, and lifeline rope tug communication.
    • Any line powered electrical equipment used in the manhole shall be supplied through a G.F.C.I. for prevention of electrical shock. Low voltage or battery operated equipment is also approved. FMMC 10-06 - ENERGY LOCK OUT/TAG OUT should be followed as may be appropriate.
    • Fuel powered equipment shall not be used in the manhole.

Entry Into a Non-Permit Required Confined Space:

3. If entry is required above a solid ceiling:

  1. IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL DANGERS: this means that if it is a pipe that contains steam or hot water or some other harmful material, create an awareness of the possible dangers.
  2. INDIVIDUAL THAT WILL BE DOING THE WORK NOTIFIES SOMEONE: Notify either the supervisor or a fellow worker.  Dispatch could also be involved, although it would be better to have the individual involve the supervisor or a fellow worker.
  3. HAVE A WORKING RADIO WITH THEM: If they were going into a space above a ceiling or into the potentially dangerous identified area the radio is the communication link.
  4. USE OF A SAFETY BLANKET: Use of a device that could be used as a barrier when it is necessary to cross or work over other utilities and services above the ceiling.
  5. LABELING: Future installations of piping would be recorded, marked, and labeled to correctly identify the product each pipe carries. If utility is unknown every effort must be made to identify it.

4. If entry is required in sub-basements or tunnels:

  1. If oxygen content of atmosphere is at least 19.5% and no toxic gases are present, no supplied air respirator is required. If less than 19.5% and/or toxic and/or flammable vapors are present, ventilation is required, a supplied air respirator must be used.
  2. Employee working in most confined spaces shall limit work time to one-hour increments. The employee outside of the confinement shall monitor the time. All employees shall be properly instructed in technique to use and the potential dangers.
  3. Employees must also follow entry procedures set forth in Appendix C Sub-basement and Utility Tunnel Entry Procedures.

5. If entry is required in elevator shafts:

  1. Entry into an elevator shaft or hoistway is only permitted when the elevator contractor is present, has put all safety measures in place, and has granted access.
  2. Employee must always use three-point contact when using ladder to enter and exit elevator shaft. Always check shoes for oil/grease prior to entering a pit. Never “Jump” into a pit.
  3. Never work in a pit with standing water
  4. All electrical or mechanical equipment the employee could come in contact with must either be guarded or shall be locked out according to our FMMC 10-06 - ENERGY LOCK OUT/TAG OUT

6. If entry is required in air handler units:

  1. All electrical or mechanical equipment the employee could come in contact with must either be guarded or shall be locked out according to our FMMC 10-06 - ENERGY LOCK OUT/TAG OUT
  2. Notify appropriate personnel prior to shutdown    
  3. If guard is removed and maintenance is to be performed on air handler fan, the employee shall block/chock fan blade to eliminate any secondary or stored energy.

7. If entry is required in autoclave:

  1. The electrical power shall be locked out at the panel by shutting off the breaker. The procedure for lock-out shall be used according to our FMMC 10-06 - ENERGY LOCK OUT/TAG OUT     
  2. The chamber door shall be opened and chocked/blocked with an adequate support.
  3. Entry shall not be performed until the chamber is sufficiently cooled.

 

APPENDIX A

Confined Space Emergency and Rescue

1. Each confined space entry shall be assessed for the degree of risk. Preparation for handling an emergency will be proportioned to the degree of risk. This shall include precautions to be taken and reserve equipment necessary such as:

  1. Respirators
  2. Full body harness, Lifeline, and related equipment
  3. Tools
  4. Eye protection/personal protective equipment
  5. Radios/communication

2. Standby personnel shall call 911 for the Lexington Fire Department rescue team if an emergency should arise.

3. If the person in the confined space has become incapacitated, a rescuer may enter the space if a supplied air respirator with five-minute escape bottle is worn. Another person must be on standby before entry takes place. A self-contained breathing apparatus connected to a source available capable of producing at least 8 CFM per person must be during reserve operations.

4. The area around the site shall be contained to restrict unnecessary traffic and personnel.

APPENDIX B

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT

Entry Date: _______ Entry Time: _______ AM or PM     

Location of Confined Space: ________________

Why are we entering?______________________________________________________________

Description of work:________________________________________________________________

Employees Assigned:______________________________________________________________

Outside Contractors: __________________________________

Isolation Checklist

[ ] Blanking or Disconnecting    [ ] Mechanical   [ ] Electrical   [ ] Other

Hazardous Work (Hot Work Permit shall be obtained)

[ ] Burning    [ ] Welding     [ ] Brazing      [ ] Open Flame      [ ] Other

Potential Hazards

[ ] Corrosive Materials     [ ] Hot or Cold Equipment     [ ] Flammable Materials

[ ] Toxic Materials    [ ] Drains Open     [ ] Water      [ ] Spark Producing Operations/Fires

[ ] Spilled Liquids     [ ] Pressure Systems/Steam     [ ] Engulfment/Entrapment

[ ] Lack of Oxygen      [ ] Slips, Trips, Falls    

[ ] Other ______________________________________________________________

Personal Safety

[ ] Ventilation Requirements     [ ] Respirators      [ ] Gloves     [ ] Other PPE

[ ] Lifeline and Harness     [ ] Lighting (battery or GFCI)     [ ] Communications/Radio

[ ] Employee Qualified     [ ] Barricades      [ ] Hard Hat     [ ] Coveralls

[ ] Standby person      [ ] Emergency Egress Procedures    

[ ] Other ______________________________________________________________

Atmospheric Gas Tests     Instrument calibration _________________

Location: ____________________  By: ____________

Date/Time

Oxygen

19.5 - 23.5%

Flammability

< 10% LEL

Other

 

 

 

 Do not enter for 15 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* If monitoring indicates unsafe levels the entrant must be removed from the space immediately until the space is deemed safe to resume operations.

 Remarks:_____________________________________________________________________________

[ ] Atmosphere is hazardous [ ] Hazard is eliminated

[ ] Hazard cannot be eliminated   [ ] Will Not Enter

Authorizations: 

Entry and Emergency Procedures Understood:

Supervisor: ________________________    Safety Supervisor: _______________________

Entrant: ___________________________  Attendant: ____________________________

Permit Expires: ___________  (New permit required for each entry)

For Emergency:

Call Lexington Fire Department Rescue Team by dialing 911

APPENDIX C

I. Sub-basement and Utility Tunnel Procedures

A. Pre-Planning For Sub-basement and Utility Tunnel

1. The FMMC Supervisor shall be notified prior to the entry of any individual into the utility tunnel system or sub-basement.

2.Prior to entering utility tunnels, the supervisor and workers shall discuss the scope and sequence of the work.

3. Pre-planning shall include a discussion of all potential hazards, means and methods of hazard control and emergency plans including:

·Identities and locations of energized electrical equipment.

·Locations of hot surfaces.

·Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

·Lighting.

·Means of communication.

·Means of entry and egress.

·Hazards created by work activity (i.e., chemical products and welding/cutting).

·External hazards (i.e., work in roadways and walkways).

·Identities of any job-site specific hazards.

·Means to control hazards (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment, ventilation/local exhaust or lockout/tagout).

·Electrical equipment de-energization and lockout procedure

·Potential emergency situations and plans.

The locations of entry and egress from potentially dangerous work conditions will be identified to all personnel working in the tunnel. When deemed appropriate and prudent, multiple accesses shall be opened to provide alternate means of egress.

Employees entering the water line tunnel will use the "buddy system".

Employees working in the utility tunnel system shall carry a portable flashlight and two-way communication equipment at all times.

Personal Protective Equipment required for controlling job specific hazards, shall be identified in pre-planning, and will be worn by all personnel.

Supervisor and workers shall discuss job specific emergency procedures.

Hot work (i.e., welding, cutting, and brazing) requires authorization by the Supervisor of FMMC. When hot work is performed the procedures set forth in the hot work permit shall be followed. Standard size welding gas cylinders shall not be taken into utility tunnels.

Entry into water tunnels through manholes and/or mechanical rooms shall be entered following the non-permit required confined space entry procedures only after initial atmospheric testing has shown that no atmospheric hazards exist. All testing results must be recorded on the Entry Permit for verification that acceptable entry conditions exist. During entry, entrants will utilize atmospheric testing equipment while entry is in progress and the attendant will record test results every hour on the Entry Permit. This is to ensure acceptable entry conditions still exist during the entry.