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both, or to property damage. These specifications are intended to cover all safety signs
except those designed for streets, highways,
and railroads. These specifications do not
apply to plant bulletin boards or to safety
posters.
*
*
*
*
*
(f) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) This paragraph (f) does not apply to
construction or agriculture.
*
*
*
*
§ 1910.146 Permit-required
spaces.
*
confined
(a) Scope and application. This section
contains requirements for practices
and procedures to protect employees in
general industry from the hazards of
entry into permit-required confined
spaces. This section does not apply to
agriculture, to construction, or to shipyard employment (Parts 1928, 1926, and
1915 of this chapter, respectively).
(b) Definitions.
Acceptable entry conditions means the
conditions that must exist in a permit
space to allow entry and to ensure that
employees involved with a permit-required confined space entry can safely
enter into and work within the space.
Attendant means 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.
Authorized entrant means an employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space.
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 withstanding the maximum
pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with
no leakage beyond the plate.
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 are spaces that may
have limited means of entry.); and
§ 1910.146
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Double block and bleed means the closure of a line, duct, or pipe by closing
and locking or tagging two in-line
valves and by opening and locking or
tagging a drain or vent valve in the
line between the two closed valves.
Emergency means any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or
monitoring equipment) or event internal or external to the permit space
that could endanger entrants.
Engulfment means the surrounding
and effective capture of a person by a
liquid or finely divided (flowable) solid
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.
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 and is considered to have
occurred as soon as any part of the entrant’s body breaks the plane of an
opening into the space.
Entry permit (permit) means the written or printed document that is provided by the employer to allow and
control entry into a permit space and
that contains the information specified
in paragraph (f) of this section.
Entry supervisor means 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 as required by this
section.
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 section 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.
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:
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§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
(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;
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.
(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 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.
(5) 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
that comply with the Hazard Communication Standard, § 1910.1200 of this part, published information, and internal documents
can provide guidance in establishing acceptable atmospheric conditions.
Hot work permit means the employer’s
written authorization to perform operations (for example, riveting, welding,
cutting, burning, and heating) capable
of providing a source of ignition.
Immediately dangerous to life or health
(IDLH) means 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 permit space.
NOTE: Some materials—hydrogen fluoride
gas and cadmium vapor, for example—may
produce immediate transient effects that,
even if severe, may pass without medical attention, but are followed by sudden, possibly
fatal collapse 12–72 hours after exposure. The
victim ‘‘feels normal’’ from recovery from
transient effects until collapse. Such materials in hazardous quantities are considered
to be ‘‘immediately’’ dangerous to life or
health.
Inerting means 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.
Isolation means 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; lockout or
tagout of all sources of energy; or
blocking or disconnecting all mechanical linkages.
Line breaking means 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.
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.
Oxygen deficient atmosphere means an
atmosphere containing less than 19.5
percent oxygen by volume.
Oxygen enriched atmosphere means an
atmosphere containing more than 23.5
percent oxygen by volume.
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 cross- section; or
(4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
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Permit-required confined space program
(permit space program) means 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.
Permit system means the employer’s
written procedure for preparing and
issuing permits for entry and for returning the permit space to service following termination of entry.
Prohibited condition means any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit during the period
when entry is authorized.
Rescue service means the personnel
designated to rescue employees from
permit spaces.
Retrieval system means the equipment
(including a retrieval line, chest or
full-body harness, wristlets, if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor)
used for non-entry rescue of persons
from permit spaces.
Testing means the process by which
the 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.
(c) General requirements. (1) The employer shall evaluate the workplace to
determine if any spaces are permit- required confined spaces.
NOTE: Proper application of the decision
flow chart in appendix A to § 1910.146 would
facilitate compliance with this requirement.
(2) If the workplace contains permit
spaces, the employer shall inform exposed employees, by posting danger
signs or by any other equally effective
means, of the existence and location of
and the danger posed by the permit
spaces.
NOTE: A sign reading ‘‘DANGER—PERMITREQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT
ENTER’’ or using other similar language
would satisfy the requirement for a sign.
(3) If the employer decides that its
employees will not enter permit
spaces, the employer shall take effec-
§ 1910.146
tive measures to prevent its employees
from entering the permit spaces and
shall comply with paragraphs (c)(1),
(c)(2), (c)(6), and (c)(8) of this section.
(4) If the employer decides that its
employees will enter permit spaces, the
employer shall develop and implement
a written permit space program that
complies with this section. The written
program shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized
representatives.
(5) An employer may use the alternate procedures specified in paragraph
(c)(5)(ii) of this section for entering a
permit space under the conditions set
forth in paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section.
(i) An employer whose employees
enter a permit space need not comply
with paragraphs (d) through (f) and (h)
through (k) of this section, provided
that:
(A) The employer can demonstrate
that the only hazard posed by the permit space is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere;
(B) The employer can demonstrate
that continuous forced air ventilation
alone is sufficient to maintain that
permit space safe for entry;
(C) The employer develops monitoring and inspection data that supports the demonstrations required by
paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A) and (c)(5)(i)(B) of
this section;
(D) If an initial entry of the permit
space is necessary to obtain the data
required by paragraph (c)(5)(i)(C) of
this section, the entry is performed in
compliance
with
paragraphs
(d)
through (k) of this section;
(E) The determinations and supporting data required by paragraphs
(c)(5)(i)(A), (c)(5)(i)(B), and (c)(5)(i)(C)
of this section are documented by the
employer and are made available to
each employee who enters the permit
space under the terms of paragraph
(c)(5) of this section or to that employee’s authorized representative; and
(F) Entry into the permit space
under the terms of paragraph (c)(5)(i)
of this section is performed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section.
NOTE: See paragraph (c)(7) of this section
for reclassification of a permit space after
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§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
all hazards within the space have been eliminated.
(ii) The following requirements apply
to entry into permit spaces that meet
the conditions set forth in paragraph
(c)(5)(i) of this section.
(A) Any conditions making it unsafe
to remove an entrance cover shall be
eliminated before the cover is removed.
(B) When entrance covers are removed, the opening shall be promptly
guarded by a railing, temporary cover,
or other temporary barrier that will
prevent an accidental fall through the
opening and that will protect each employee working in the space from foreign objects entering the space.
(C) Before an employee enters the
space, the internal atmosphere shall be
tested, with a calibrated direct-reading
instrument, for oxygen content, for
flammable gases and vapors, and for
potential toxic air contaminants, in
that order. Any employee who enters
the space, or that employee’s authorized representative, shall be provided
an opportunity to observe the preentry testing required by this paragraph.
(D) There may be no hazardous atmosphere within the space whenever
any employee is inside the space.
(E) Continuous forced air ventilation
shall be used, as follows:
(1) An employee may not enter the
space until the forced air ventilation
has eliminated any hazardous atmosphere;
(2) The forced air ventilation shall be
so directed as to ventilate the immediate areas where an employee is or
will be present within the space and
shall continue until all employees have
left the space;
(3) The air supply for the forced air
ventilation shall be from a clean
source and may not increase the hazards in the space.
(F) The atmosphere within the space
shall be periodically tested as necessary to ensure that the continuous
forced air ventilation is preventing the
accumulation of a hazardous atmosphere. Any employee who enters the
space, or that employee’s authorized
representative, shall be provided with
an opportunity to observe the periodic
testing required by this paragraph.
(G) If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry:
(1) Each employee shall leave the
space immediately;
(2) The space shall be evaluated to
determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed; and
(3) Measures shall be implemented to
protect employees from the hazardous
atmosphere before any subsequent
entry takes place.
(H) The employer shall verify that
the space is safe for entry and that the
pre-entry measures required by paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section have been
taken, through a written certification
that contains the date, the location of
the space, and the signature of the person providing the certification. The
certification shall be made before
entry and shall be made available to
each employee entering the space or to
that employee’s authorized representative .
(6) When there are changes in the use
or configuration of a non-permit confined space that might increase the
hazards to entrants, the employer shall
reevaluate that space and, if necessary,
reclassify it as a permit-required confined space.
(7) A space classified by the employer
as a permit-required confined space
may be reclassified as a non-permit
confined space under the following procedures:
(i) If the permit space poses no actual
or potential atmospheric hazards and if
all hazards within the space are eliminated without entry into the space, the
permit space may be reclassified as a
non-permit confined space for as long
as the non-atmospheric hazards remain
eliminated.
(ii) If it is necessary to enter the permit space to eliminate hazards, such
entry shall be performed under paragraphs (d) through (k) of this section.
If testing and inspection during that
entry demonstrate that the hazards
within the permit space have been
eliminated, the permit space may be
reclassified as a non-permit confined
space for as long as the hazards remain
eliminated.
NOTE: Control of atmospheric hazards
through forced air ventilation does not constitute elimination of the hazards. Paragraph (c)(5) covers permit space entry where
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the employer can demonstrate that forced
air ventilation alone will control all hazards
in the space.
(iii) The employer shall document
the basis for determining that all hazards in a permit space have been eliminated, through a certification that contains the date, the location of the
space, and the signature of the person
making the determination. The certification shall be made available to each
employee entering the space or to that
employee’s authorized representative.
(iv) If hazards arise within a permit
space that has been declassified to a
non-permit space under paragraph
(c)(7) of this section, each employee in
the space shall exit the space. The employer shall then reevaluate the space
and determine whether it must be reclassified as a permit space, in accordance with other applicable provisions
of this section.
(8) When an employer (host employer) arranges to have employees of
another employer (contractor) perform
work that involves permit space entry,
the host employer shall:
(i) Inform the contractor that the
workplace contains permit spaces and
that permit space entry is allowed only
through compliance with a permit
space program meeting the requirements of this section;
(ii) Apprise the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified
and the host employer’s experience
with the space, that make the space in
question a permit space;
(iii) Apprise the contractor of any
precautions or procedures that the host
employer has implemented for the protection of employees in or near permit
spaces where contractor personnel will
be working;
(iv) Coordinate entry operations with
the contractor, when both host employer personnel and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit spaces, as required by paragraph
(d)(11) of this section; and
(v) Debrief the contractor at the conclusion of the entry operations regarding the permit space program followed
and regarding any hazards confronted
or created in permit spaces during
entry operations.
(9) In addition to complying with the
permit space requirements that apply
§ 1910.146
to all employers, each contractor who
is retained to perform permit space
entry operations shall:
(i) Obtain any available information
regarding permit space hazards and
entry operations from the host employer;
(ii) Coordinate entry operations with
the host employer, when both host employer personnel and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit spaces, as required by paragraph
(d)(11) of this section; and
(iii) Inform the host employer of the
permit space program that the contractor will follow and of any hazards
confronted or created in permit spaces,
either through a debriefing or during
the entry operation.
(d) Permit-required confined space program (permit space program). Under
the permit space program required by
paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the employer shall:
(1) Implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry;
(2) Identify and evaluate the hazards
of permit spaces before employees
enter them;
(3) Develop and implement the
means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including, but not limited to,
the following:
(i) Specifying acceptable entry conditions;
(ii) Providing each authorized entrant or that employee’s authorized
representative with the opportunity to
observe any monitoring or testing of
permit spaces;
(iii) Isolating the permit space;
(iv) Purging, inerting, flushing, or
ventilating the permit space as necessary to eliminate or control atmospheric hazards;
(v) Providing pedestrian, vehicle, or
other barriers as necessary to protect
entrants from external hazards; and
(vi) Verifying that conditions in the
permit space are acceptable for entry
throughout the duration of an authorized entry.
(4) Provide the following equipment
(specified
in
paragraphs
(d)(4)(i)
through (d)(4)(ix) of this section) at no
cost to employees, maintain that
equipment properly, and ensure that
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§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
employees use that equipment properly:
(i) Testing and monitoring equipment
needed to comply with paragraph (d)(5)
of this section;
(ii) Ventilating equipment needed to
obtain acceptable entry conditions;
(iii) Communications equipment necessary for compliance with paragraphs
(h)(3) and (i)(5) of this section;
(iv) Personal protective equipment
insofar as feasible engineering and
work practice controls do not adequately protect employees;
(v) Lighting equipment needed to enable employees to see well enough to
work safely and to exit the space
quickly in an emergency;
(vi) Barriers and shields as required
by paragraph (d)(3)(iv) of this section;
(vii) Equipment, such as ladders,
needed for safe ingress and egress by
authorized entrants;
(viii) Rescue and emergency equipment needed to comply with paragraph
(d)(9) of this section, except to the extent that the equipment is provided by
rescue services; and
(ix) Any other equipment necessary
for safe entry into and rescue from permit spaces.
(5) Evaluate permit space conditions
as follows when entry operations are
conducted:
(i) Test conditions in the permit
space to determine if acceptable entry
conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin, except that, if isolation
of the space is infeasible because the
space is large or is part of a continuous
system (such as a sewer), pre-entry
testing shall be performed to the extent feasible before entry is authorized
and, if entry is authorized, entry conditions shall be continuously monitored
in the areas where authorized entrants
are working;
(ii) Test or monitor the permit space
as necessary to determine if acceptable
entry conditions are being maintained
during the course of entry operations;
and
(iii) When testing for atmospheric
hazards, test first for oxygen, then for
combustible gases and vapors, and then
for toxic gases and vapors.
(iv) Provide each authorized entrant
or that employee’s authorized representative an opportunity to observe
the pre-entry and any subsequent testing or monitoring of permit spaces;
(v) Reevaluate the permit space in
the presence of any authorized entrant
or that employee’s authorized representative who requests that the employer conduct such reevaluation because the entrant or representative has
reason to believe that the evaluation of
that space may not have been adequate;
(vi) Immediately provide each authorized entrant or that employee’s authorized representative with the results of any testing conducted in accord with paragraph (d) of this section.
NOTE: Atmospheric testing conducted in
accordance with appendix B to § 1910.146
would be considered as satisfying the requirements of this paragraph. For permit
space operations in sewers, atmospheric testing conducted in accordance with appendix
B, as supplemented by appendix E to
§ 1910.146, would be considered as satisfying
the requirements of this paragraph.
(6) Provide at least one attendant
outside the permit space into which
entry is authorized for the duration of
entry operations;
NOTE: Attendants may be assigned to monitor more than one permit space provided the
duties described in paragraph (i) of this section can be effectively performed for each
permit space that is monitored. Likewise, attendants may be stationed at any location
outside the permit space to be monitored as
long as the duties described in paragraph (i)
of this section can be effectively performed
for each permit space that is monitored.
(7) If multiple spaces are to be monitored by a single attendant, include in
the permit program the means and procedures to enable the attendant to respond to an emergency affecting one or
more of the permit spaces being monitored without distraction from the attendant’s responsibilities under paragraph (i) of this section;
(8) Designate the persons who are to
have active roles (as, for example, authorized entrants, attendants, entry
supervisors, or persons who test or
monitor the atmosphere in a permit
space) in entry operations, identify the
duties of each such employee, and provide each such employee with the
training required by paragraph (g) of
this section;
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(9) Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants
from permit spaces, for providing necessary emergency services to rescued
employees, and for preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a
rescue;
(10) Develop and implement a system
for the preparation, issuance, use, and
cancellation of entry permits as required by this section;
(11) Develop and implement procedures to coordinate entry operations
when employees of more than one employer are working simultaneously as
authorized entrants in a permit space,
so that employees of one employer do
not endanger the employees of any
other employer;
(12) Develop and implement procedures (such as closing off a permit
space and canceling the permit) necessary for concluding the entry after
entry operations have been completed;
(13) Review entry operations when
the employer has reason to believe that
the measures taken under the permit
space program may not protect employees and revise the program to correct deficiencies found to exist before
subsequent entries are authorized; and
NOTE: Examples of circumstances requiring
the review of the permit space program are:
any unauthorized entry of a permit space,
the detection of a permit space hazard not
covered by the permit, the detection of a
condition prohibited by the permit, the occurrence of an injury or near-miss during
entry, a change in the use or configuration
of a permit space, and employee complaints
about the effectiveness of the program.
(14) Review the permit space program, using the canceled permits retained under paragraph (e)(6) of this
section within 1 year after each entry
and revise the program as necessary, to
ensure that employees participating in
entry operations are protected from
permit space hazards.
NOTE: Employers may perform a single annual review covering all entries performed
during a 12-month period. If no entry is performed during a 12-month period, no review
is necessary.
Appendix C to § 1910.146 presents examples of permit space programs that are
considered to comply with the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.
§ 1910.146
(e) Permit system. (1) Before entry is
authorized, the employer shall document the completion of measures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section by preparing an entry permit.
NOTE: Appendix D to § 1910.146 presents examples of permits whose elements are considered to comply with the requirements of
this section.
(2) Before entry begins, the entry supervisor identified on the permit shall
sign the entry permit to authorize
entry.
(3) The completed permit shall be
made available at the time of entry to
all authorized entrants or their authorized representatives, by posting it at
the entry portal or by any other equally effective means, so that the entrants
can confirm that pre-entry preparations have been completed.
(4) The duration of the permit may
not exceed the time required to complete the assigned task or job identified on the permit in accordance with
paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
(5) The entry supervisor shall terminate entry and cancel the entry permit
when:
(i) The entry operations covered by
the entry permit have been completed;
or
(ii) A condition that is not allowed
under the entry permit arises in or
near the permit space.
(6) The employer shall retain each
canceled entry permit for at least 1
year to facilitate the review of the permit-required confined space program
required by paragraph (d)(14) of this
section. Any problems encountered
during an entry operation shall be
noted on the pertinent permit so that
appropriate revisions to the permit
space program can be made.
(f) Entry permit. The entry permit
that documents compliance with this
section and authorizes entry to a permit space shall identify:
(1) The permit space to be entered;
(2) The purpose of the entry;
(3) The date and the authorized duration of the entry permit;
(4) The authorized entrants within
the permit space, by name or by such
other means (for example, through the
use of rosters or tracking systems) as
will enable the attendant to determine
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§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
quickly and accurately, for the duration of the permit, which authorized
entrants are inside the permit space;
NOTE: This requirement may be met by inserting a reference on the entry permit as to
the means used, such as a roster or tracking
system, to keep track of the authorized entrants within the permit space.
(5) The personnel, by name, currently
serving as attendants;
(6) The individual, by name, currently serving as entry supervisor,
with a space for the signature or initials of the entry supervisor who originally authorized entry;
(7) The hazards of the permit space to
be entered;
(8) The measures used to isolate the
permit space and to eliminate or control permit space hazards before entry;
NOTE: Those measures can include the
lockout or tagging of equipment and procedures for purging, inerting, ventilating, and
flushing permit spaces.
(9) The acceptable entry conditions;
(10) The results of initial and periodic
tests performed under paragraph (d)(5)
of this section, accompanied by the
names or initials of the testers and by
an indication of when the tests were
performed;
(11) The rescue and emergency services that can be summoned and the
means (such as the equipment to use
and the numbers to call) for summoning those services;
(12) The communication procedures
used by authorized entrants and attendants to maintain contact during
the entry;
(13) Equipment, such as personal protective equipment, testing equipment,
communications equipment, alarm systems, and rescue equipment, to be provided for compliance with this section;
(14) Any other information whose inclusion is necessary, given the circumstances of the particular confined
space, in order to ensure employee
safety; and
(15) Any additional permits, such as
for hot work, that have been issued to
authorize work in the permit space.
(g) Training. (1) The employer shall
provide training so that all employees
whose work is regulated by this section
acquire the understanding, knowledge,
and skills necessary for the safe per-
formance of the duties assigned under
this section.
(2) Training shall be provided to each
affected employee:
(i) Before the employee is first assigned duties under this section;
(ii) Before there is a change in assigned duties;
(iii) Whenever there is a change in
permit space operations that presents a
hazard about which an employee has
not previously been trained;
(iv) Whenever the employer has reason to believe either that there are deviations from the permit space entry
procedures required by paragraph (d)(3)
of this section or that there are inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge
or use of these procedures.
(3) The training shall establish employee proficiency in the duties required by this section and shall introduce new or revised procedures, as necessary, for compliance with this section.
(4) The employer shall certify that
the training required by paragraphs
(g)(1) through (g)(3) of this section has
been accomplished. The certification
shall contain each employee’s name,
the signatures or initials of the trainers, and the dates of training. The certification shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized
representatives.
(h) Duties of authorized entrants. The
employer shall ensure that all authorized entrants:
(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 by paragraph (d)(4) of this section;
(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 as required
by paragraph (i)(6) of this section;
(4) Alert the attendant whenever:
(i) The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a
dangerous situation, or
(ii) The entrant detects a prohibited
condition; and
(5) Exit from the permit space as
quickly as possible whenever:
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(i) An order to evacuate is given by
the attendant or the entry supervisor,
(ii) The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a
dangerous situation,
(iii) The entrant detects a prohibited
condition, or
(iv) An evacuation alarm is activated.
(i) Duties of attendants. The employer
shall ensure that each attendant:
(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 under paragraph (f)(4) of this
section accurately identifies who is in
the permit space;
(4) Remains outside the permit space
during entry operations until relieved
by another attendant;
NOTE: When the employer’s permit entry
program allows attendant entry for rescue,
attendants may enter a permit space to attempt a rescue if they have been trained and
equipped for rescue operations as required by
paragraph (k)(1) of this section and if they
have been relieved as required by paragraph
(i)(4) of this section.
(5) Communicates with authorized
entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to alert entrants of
the need to evacuate the space under
paragraph (i)(6) of this section;
(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;
(i) If the attendant detects a prohibited condition;
(ii) If the attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in
an authorized entrant;
(iii) If the attendant detects a situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants; or
(iv) If the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties
required under paragraph (i) of this
section;
§ 1910.146
(7) Summon rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant
determines that authorized entrants
may need assistance to escape from
permit space hazards;
(8) Takes the following actions when
unauthorized persons approach or enter
a permit space while entry is underway:
(i) Warn the unauthorized persons
that they must stay away from the permit space;
(ii) Advise the unauthorized persons
that they must exit immediately if
they have entered the permit space;
and
(iii) Inform the authorized entrants
and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the permit
space;
(9) Performs non-entry rescues as
specified by the employer’s rescue procedure; and
(10) Performs no duties that might
interfere with the attendant’s primary
duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrants.
(j) 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 as required by paragraph
(e)(5) of this section;
(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
(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
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§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
terms of the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.
(k) Rescue and emergency services. (1)
An employer who designates rescue and
emergency services, pursuant to paragraph (d)(9) of this section, shall:
(i) Evaluate a prospective rescuer’s
ability to respond to a rescue summons
in a timely manner, considering the
hazard(s) identified;
NOTE TO PARAGRAPH (k)(1)(i): What will be
considered timely will vary according to the
specific hazards involved in each entry. For
example, § 1910.134, Respiratory Protection,
requires that employers provide a standby
person or persons capable of immediate action to rescue employee(s) wearing respiratory protection while in work areas defined as IDLH atmospheres.
(ii) Evaluate a prospective rescue
service’s ability, in terms of proficiency with rescue-related tasks and
equipment, to function appropriately
while rescuing entrants from the particular permit space or types of permit
spaces identified;
(iii) Select a rescue team or service
from those evaluated that:
(A) Has the capability to reach the
victim(s) within a time frame that is
appropriate for the permit space hazard(s) identified;
(B) Is equipped for and proficient in
performing the needed rescue services;
(iv) Inform each rescue team or service of the hazards they may confront
when called on to perform rescue at the
site; and
(v) Provide the rescue team or service selected with access to all permit
spaces from which rescue may be necessary so that the rescue service can
develop appropriate rescue plans and
practice rescue operations.
NOTE TO PARAGRAPH (k)(1): Non-mandatory
appendix F contains examples of criteria
which employers can use in evaluating prospective rescuers as required by paragraph
(k)(1) of this section.
(2) An employer whose employees
have been designated to provide permit
space rescue and emergency services
shall take the following measures:
(i) Provide affected employees with
the personal protective equipment
(PPE) needed to conduct permit space
rescues safely and train affected employees so they are proficient in the
use of that PPE, at no cost to those
employees;
(ii) Train affected employees to perform assigned rescue duties. The employer must ensure that such employees successfully complete the training
required to establish proficiency as an
authorized entrant, as provided by
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section;
(iii) Train affected employees in
basic first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The employer shall
ensure that at least one member of the
rescue team or service holding a current certification in first aid and CPR
is available; and
(iv) Ensure that affected employees
practice making permit space rescues
at least once every 12 months, by
means of simulated rescue operations
in which they remove dummies, manikins, or actual persons from the actual
permit spaces or from representative
permit spaces. Representative permit
spaces shall, with respect to opening
size, configuration, and accessibility,
simulate the types of permit spaces
from which rescue is to be performed.
(3) To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods shall be
used whenever an authorized entrant
enters a permit space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the
overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant.
Retrieval systems shall meet the following requirements.
(i) Each authorized entrant shall use
a chest or full body harness, with a retrieval line attached at the center of
the entrant’s back near shoulder level,
above the entrant’s head, or at another
point which the employer can establish
presents a profile small enough for the
successful removal of the entrant.
Wristlets may be used in lieu of the
chest or full body harness if the employer can demonstrate that the use of
a chest or full body harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and that
the use of wristlets is the safest and
most effective alternative.
(ii) The other end of the retrieval line
shall be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the permit
space in such a manner that rescue can
begin as soon as the rescuer becomes
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Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
aware that rescue is necessary. A mechanical device shall be available to retrieve personnel from vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet (1.52 m)
deep.
(4) If an injured entrant is exposed to
a substance for which a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or other similar
written information is required to be
kept at the worksite, that MSDS or
written information shall be made
available to the medical facility treating the exposed entrant.
(l) Employee participation. (1) Employers shall consult with affected employees and their authorized representa-
§ 1910.146
tives on the development and implementation of all aspects of the permit
space program required by paragraph
(c) of this section.
(2) Employers shall make available
to affected employees and their authorized representatives all information required to be developed by this section.
APPENDIXES TO § 1910.146—PERMIT-REQUIRED
CONFINED SPACES
NOTE: Appendixes A through F serve to
provide information and non-mandatory
guidelines to assist employers and employees
in complying with the appropriate requirements of this section.
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§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
APPENDIX A TO § 1910.146—PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE DECISION
FLOW CHART
APPENDIX B TO § 1910.146—PROCEDURES FOR
ATMOSPHERIC TESTING
Atmospheric testing is required for two
distinct purposes: evaluation of the hazards
of the permit space and verification that acceptable entry conditions for entry into that
space exist.
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EC27OC91.029
478
Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
(1) Evaluation testing. The atmosphere of a
confined space should be analyzed using
equipment of sufficient sensitivity and specificity to identify and evaluate any hazardous
atmospheres that may exist or arise, so that
appropriate permit entry procedures can be
developed and acceptable entry conditions
stipulated for that space. Evaluation and interpretation of these data, and development
of the entry procedure, should be done by, or
reviewed by, a technically qualified professional (e.g., OSHA consultation service, or
certified industrial hygienist, registered
safety engineer, certified safety professional,
certified marine chemist, etc.) based on evaluation of all serious hazards.
(2) Verification testing. The atmosphere of a
permit space which may contain a hazardous
atmosphere should be tested for residues of
all contaminants identified by evaluation
testing using permit specified equipment to
determine that residual concentrations at
the time of testing and entry are within the
range of acceptable entry conditions. Results
of testing (i.e., actual concentration, etc.)
should be recorded on the permit in the
space provided adjacent to the stipulated acceptable entry condition.
(3) Duration of testing. Measurement of values for each atmospheric parameter should
be made for at least the minimum response
time of the test instrument specified by the
manufacturer.
(4) Testing stratified atmospheres. When
monitoring for entries involving a descent
into atmospheres that may be stratified, the
atmospheric envelope should be tested a distance of approximately 4 feet (1.22 m) in the
direction of travel and to each side. If a sampling probe is used, the entrant’s rate of
progress should be slowed to accommodate
the sampling speed and detector response.
(5) Order of testing. A test for oxygen is performed first because most combustible gas
meters are oxygen dependent and will not
provide reliable readings in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Combustible gasses are
tested for next because the threat of fire or
explosion is both more immediate and more
life threatening, in most cases, than exposure to toxic gasses and vapors. If tests for
toxic gasses and vapors are necessary, they
are performed last.
APPENDIX C TO § 1910.146—EXAMPLES OF
PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE PROGRAMS
Example 1.
Workplace. Sewer entry.
Potential hazards. The employees could be exposed to the following:
Engulfment.
Presence of toxic gases. Equal to or more than
10 ppm hydrogen sulfide measured as an 8hour time-weighted average. If the presence
of other toxic contaminants is suspected,
§ 1910.146
specific monitoring programs will be developed.
Presence of explosive/flammable gases. Equal to
or greater than 10% of the lower flammable
limit (LFL).
Oxygen Deficiency. A concentration of oxygen
in the atmosphere equal to or less than 19.5%
by volume.
A. Entry Without Permit/Attendant
Certification. Confined spaces may be entered
without the need for a written permit or attendant provided that the space can be maintained in a safe condition for entry by mechanical ventilation alone, as provided in
§ 1910.146(c)(5). All spaces shall be considered
permit-required confined spaces until the
pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise.
Any employee required or permitted to precheck or enter an enclosed/confined space
shall have successfully completed, -as a minimum, the training as required by the following sections of these procedures. A written
copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work
site for the duration of the job. The Confined
Space Pre-Entry Check List must be completed by the LEAD WORKER before entry
into a confined space. This list verifies completion of items listed below. This check list
shall be kept at the job site for duration of
the job. If circumstances dictate an interruption in the work, the permit space must be
re-evaluated and a new check list must be
completed.
Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards.
Pumps and Lines. All pumps and lines which
may reasonably cause contaminants to flow
into the space shall be disconnected, blinded
and locked out, or effectively isolated by
other means to prevent development of dangerous air contamination or engulfment. Not
all laterals to sewers or storm drains require
blocking. However, where experience or
knowledge of industrial use indicates there
is a reasonable potential for contamination
of air or engulfment into an occupied sewer,
then all affected laterals shall be blocked. If
blocking and/or isolation requires entry into
the space the provisions for entry into a
permit- required confined space must be implemented.
Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be
surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting
vapors from the tanks, piping, or sewers.
Testing. The atmosphere within the space
will be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. Detector tubes, alarm only gas
monitors and explosion meters are examples
of monitoring equipment that may be used
to test permit space atmospheres. Testing
shall be performed by the LEAD WORKER
who has successfully completed the Gas Detector training for the monitor he will use.
The minimum parameters to be monitored
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§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
are oxygen deficiency, LFL, and hydrogen
sulfide concentration. A written record of
the pre-entry test results shall be made and
kept at the work site for the duration of the
job. The supervisor will certify in writing,
based upon the results of the pre-entry testing, that all hazards have been eliminated.
Affected employees shall be able to review
the testing results. The most hazardous conditions shall govern when work is being performed in two adjoining, connecting spaces.
Entry Procedures. If there are no non-atmospheric hazards present and if the pre-entry
tests show there is no dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency within
the space and there is no reason to believe
that any is likely to develop, entry into and
work within may proceed. Continuous testing of the atmosphere in the immediate vicinity of the workers within the space shall
be accomplished. The workers will immediately leave the permit space when any of
the gas monitor alarm set points are reached
as defined. Workers will not return to the
area until a SUPERVISOR who has completed the gas detector training has used a
direct reading gas detector to evaluate the
situation and has determined that it is safe
to enter.
Rescue. Arrangements for rescue services are
not required where there is no attendant.
See the rescue portion of section B., below,
for instructions regarding rescue planning
where an entry permit is required.
B. Entry Permit Required
Permits. Confined Space Entry Permit. All
spaces shall be considered permit-required
confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. Any employee
required or permitted to pre-check or enter a
permit-required confined space shall have
successfully completed, as a minimum, the
training as required by the following sections of these procedures. A written copy of
operating and rescue procedures as required by
these procedures shall be at the work site for the
duration of the job. The Confined Space Entry
Permit must be completed before approval
can be given to enter a permit-required confined space. This permit verifies completion
of items listed below. This permit shall be
kept at the job site for the duration of the
job. If circumstances cause an interruption
in the work or a change in the alarm conditions for which entry was approved, a new
Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed.
Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards.
Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be
surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting
vapors from tanks, piping or sewers.
Testing. The confined space atmosphere shall
be tested to determine whether dangerous
air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency
exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be
used. Testing shall be performed by the SUPERVISOR who has successfully completed
the gas detector training for the monitor he
will use. The minimum parameters to be
monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL and
hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written
record of the pre- entry test results shall be
made and kept at the work site for the duration of the job. Affected employees shall be
able to review the testing results. The most
hazardous conditions shall govern when
work is being performed in two adjoining,
connected spaces.
Space Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation
systems, where applicable, shall be set at
100% outside air. Where possible, open additional manholes to increase air circulation.
Use portable blowers to augment natural circulation if needed. After a suitable ventilating period, repeat the testing. Entry
may not begin until testing has demonstrated that the hazardous atmosphere has
been eliminated.
Entry Procedures. The following procedure
shall be observed under any of the following
conditions: 1.) Testing demonstrates the existence of dangerous or deficient conditions
and additional ventilation cannot reduce
concentrations to safe levels; 2.) The atmosphere tests as safe but unsafe conditions can
reasonably be expected to develop; 3.) It is
not feasible to provide for ready exit from
spaces equipped with automatic fire suppression systems and it is not practical or safe to
deactivate such systems; or 4.) An emergency exists and it is not feasible to wait for
pre-entry procedures to take effect.
All personnel must be trained. A self contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by
any person entering the space. At least one
worker shall stand by the outside of the
space ready to give assistance in case of
emergency. The standby worker shall have a
self contained breathing apparatus available
for immediate use. There shall be at least
one additional worker within sight or call of
the standby worker. Continuous powered
communications shall be maintained between the worker within the confined space
and standby personnel.
If at any time there is any questionable action or non- movement by the worker inside,
a verbal check will be made. If there is no response, the worker will be moved immediately. Exception: If the worker is disabled
due to falling or impact, he/she shall not be
removed from the confined space unless
there is immediate danger to his/her life.
Local fire department rescue personnel shall
be notified immediately. The standby worker
may only enter the confined space in case of
an emergency (wearing the self contained
breathing apparatus) and only after being relieved by another worker. Safety belt or harness with attached lifeline shall be used by
all workers entering the space with the free
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Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
end of the line secured outside the entry
opening. The standby worker shall attempt
to remove a disabled worker via his lifeline
before entering the space.
When practical, these spaces shall be entered through side openings—those within 3
1/2 feet (1.07 m) of the bottom. When entry
must be through a top opening, the safety
belt shall be of the harness type that suspends a person upright and a hoisting device
or similar apparatus shall be available for
lifting workers out of the space.
In any situation where their use may endanger the worker, use of a hoisting device
or safety belt and attached lifeline may be
discontinued.
When dangerous air contamination is attributable to flammable and/or explosive
substances, lighting and electrical equipment shall be Class 1, Division 1 rated per
National Electrical Code and no ignition
sources shall be introduced into the area.
Continuous gas monitoring shall be performed during all confined space operations.
If alarm conditions change adversely, entry
personnel shall exit the confined space and a
new confined space permit issued.
Rescue. Call the fire department services for
rescue. Where immediate hazards to injured
personnel are present, workers at the site
shall implement emergency procedures to fit
the situation.
Example 2.
Workplace. Meat and poultry rendering
plants.
Cookers and dryers are either batch or continuous in their operation. Multiple batch
cookers are operated in parallel. When one
unit of a multiple set is shut down for repairs, means are available to isolate that
unit from the others which remain in operation.
Cookers and dryers are horizontal, cylindrical vessels equipped with a center, rotating shaft and agitator paddles or discs. If the
inner shell is jacketed, it is usually heated
with steam at pressures up to 150 psig (1034.25
kPa). The rotating shaft assembly of the
continuous cooker or dryer is also steam
heated.
Potential Hazards. The recognized hazards associated with cookers and dryers are the risk
that employees could be:
1. Struck or caught by rotating agitator;
2. Engulfed in raw material or hot, recycled
fat;
3. Burned by steam from leaks into the cooker/dryer steam jacket or the condenser duct
system if steam valves are not properly
closed and locked out;
4. Burned by contact with hot metal surfaces, such as the agitator shaft assembly, or
inner shell of the cooker/dryer;
5. Heat stress caused by warm atmosphere
inside cooker/dryer;
§ 1910.146
6. Slipping and falling on grease in the cooker/dryer;
7. Electrically shocked by faulty equipment
taken into the cooker/dryer;
8. Burned or overcome by fire or products of
combustion; or
9. Overcome by fumes generated by welding
or cutting done on grease covered surfaces.
Permits. The supervisor in this case is always
present at the cooker/dryer or other permit
entry confined space when entry is made.
The supervisor must follow the pre-entry isolation procedures described in the entry permit in preparing for entry, and ensure that
the protective clothing, ventilating equipment and any other equipment required by
the permit are at the entry site.
Control of hazards. Mechanical. Lock out
main power switch to agitator motor at
main power panel. Affix tag to the lock to
inform others that a permit entry confined
space entry is in progress.
Engulfment. Close all valves in the raw material blow line. Secure each valve in its closed
position using chain and lock. Attach a tag
to the valve and chain warning that a permit
entry confined space entry is in progress.
The same procedure shall be used for securing the fat recycle valve.
Burns and heat stress. Close steam supply
valves to jacket and secure with chains and
tags. Insert solid blank at flange in cooker
vent line to condenser manifold duct system.
Vent cooker/dryer by opening access door at
discharge end and top center door to allow
natural ventilation throughout the entry. If
faster cooling is needed, use a portable ventilation fan to increase ventilation. Cooling
water may be circulated through the jacket
to reduce both outer and inner surface temperatures of cooker/dryers faster. Check air
and inner surface temperatures in cooker/
dryer to assure they are within acceptable
limits before entering, or use proper protective clothing.
Fire and fume hazards. Careful site preparation, such as cleaning the area within 4
inches (10.16 cm) of all welding or torch cutting operations, and proper ventilation are
the preferred controls. All welding and cutting operations shall be done in accordance
with the requirements of 29 CFR part 1910,
subpart Q, OSHA’s welding standard. Proper
ventilation may be achieved by local exhaust
ventilation, or the use of portable ventilation fans, or a combination of the two practices.
Electrical shock. Electrical equipment used in
cooker/dryers shall be in serviceable condition.
Slips and falls. Remove residual grease before
entering cooker/dryer.
Attendant. The supervisor shall be the attendant for employees entering cooker/dryers.
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§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
Permit. The permit shall specify how isolation shall be done and any other preparations needed before making entry. This is especially important in parallel arrangements
of cooker/dryers so that the entire operation
need not be shut down to allow safe entry
into one unit.
Rescue. When necessary, the attendant shall
call the fire department as previously arranged.
Example 3.
Workplace. Workplaces where tank cars,
trucks, and trailers, dry bulk tanks and
trailers, railroad tank cars, and similar portable tanks are fabricated or serviced.
A. During fabrication. These tanks and drybulk
carriers
are
entered
repeatedly
throughout the fabrication process. These
products are not configured identically, but
the manufacturing processes by which they
are made are very similar.
Sources of hazards. In addition to the mechanical hazards arising from the risks that
an entrant would be injured due to contact
with components of the tank or the tools
being used, there is also the risk that a
worker could be injured by breathing fumes
from welding materials or mists or vapors
from materials used to coat the tank interior. In addition, many of these vapors and
mists are flammable, so the failure to properly ventilate a tank could lead to a fire or
explosion.
Control of hazards.
Welding. Local exhaust ventilation shall be
used to remove welding fumes once the tank
or carrier is completed to the point that
workers may enter and exit only through a
manhole. (Follow the requirements of 29 CFR
1910, subpart Q, OSHA’s welding standard, at
all times.) Welding gas tanks may never be
brought into a tank or carrier that is a permit entry confined space.
Application of interior coatings/linings. Atmospheric hazards shall be controlled by
forced air ventilation sufficient to keep the
atmospheric concentration of flammable materials below 10% of the lower flammable
limit (LFL) (or lower explosive limit (LEL),
whichever term is used locally). The appropriate respirators are provided and shall be
used in addition to providing forced ventilation if the forced ventilation does not maintain acceptable respiratory conditions.
Permits. Because of the repetitive nature of
the entries in these operations, an ‘‘Area
Entry Permit’’ will be issued for a 1 month
period to cover those production areas where
tanks are fabricated to the point that entry
and exit are made using manholes.
Authorization. Only the area supervisor may
authorize an employee to enter a tank within the permit area. The area supervisor must
determine that conditions in the tank trail-
er, dry bulk trailer or truck, etc. meet permit requirements before authorizing entry.
Attendant. The area supervisor shall designate an employee to maintain communication by employer specified means with employees working in tanks to ensure their
safety. The attendant may not enter any
permit entry confined space to rescue an entrant or for any other reason, unless authorized by the rescue procedure and, and even
then, only after calling the rescue team and
being relieved by as attendant by another
worker.
Communications and observation. Communications between attendant and entrant(s) shall
be maintained throughout entry. Methods of
communication that may be specified by the
permit include voice, voice powered radio,
tapping or rapping codes on tank walls, signalling tugs on a rope, and the attendant’s
observation that work activities such as
chipping, grinding, welding, spraying, etc.,
which require deliberate operator control
continue normally. These activities often
generate so much noise that the necessary
hearing protection makes communication by
voice difficult.
Rescue procedures. Acceptable rescue procedures include entry by a team of employeerescuers, use of public emergency services,
and procedures for breaching the tank. The
area permit specifies which procedures are
available, but the area supervisor makes the
final decision based on circumstances. (Certain injuries may make it necessary to
breach the tank to remove a person rather
than risk additional injury by removal
through an existing manhole. However, the
supervisor must ensure that no breaching
procedure used for rescue would violate
terms of the entry permit. For instance, if
the tank must be breached by cutting with a
torch, the tank surfaces to be cut must be
free of volatile or combustible coatings within 4 inches (10.16 cm) of the cutting line and
the atmosphere within the tank must be
below the LFL.
Retrieval line and harnesses. The retrieval
lines and harnesses generally required under
this standard are usually impractical for use
in tanks because the internal configuration
of the tanks and their interior baffles and
other structures would prevent rescuers from
hauling out injured entrants. However, unless the rescue procedure calls for breaching
the tank for rescue, the rescue team shall be
trained in the use of retrieval lines and harnesses for removing injured employees
through manholes.
B. Repair or service of ‘‘used’’ tanks and bulk
trailers.
Sources of hazards. In addition to facing the
potential hazards encountered in fabrication
or manufacturing, tanks or trailers which
have been in service may contain residues of
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dangerous materials, whether left over from
the transportation of hazardous cargoes or
generated by chemical or bacterial action on
residues of non-hazardous cargoes.
Control of atmospheric hazards. A ‘‘used’’ tank
shall be brought into areas where tank entry
is authorized only after the tank has been
emptied, cleansed (without employee entry)
of any residues, and purged of any potential
atmospheric hazards.
Welding. In addition to tank cleaning for
control of atmospheric hazards, coating and
surface materials shall be removed 4 inches
(10.16 cm) or more from any surface area
where welding or other torch work will be
done and care taken that the atmosphere
within the tank remains well below the LFL.
§ 1910.146
(Follow the requirements of 29 CFR 1910, subpart Q, OSHA’s welding standard, at all
times.)
Permits. An entry permit valid for up to 1
year shall be issued prior to authorization of
entry into used tank trailers, dry bulk trailers or trucks. In addition to the pre-entry
cleaning requirement, this permit shall require the employee safeguards specified for
new tank fabrication or construction permit
areas.
Authorization. Only the area supervisor may
authorize an employee to enter a tank trailer, dry bulk trailer or truck within the permit area. The area supervisor must determine that the entry permit requirements
have been met before authorizing entry.
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§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
APPENDIX D TO § 1910.146—SAMPLE PERMITS
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EC27OC91.030
484
Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
APPENDIX E TO § 1910.146—SEWER SYSTEM
ENTRY
Sewer entry differs in three vital respects
from other permit entries; first, there rarely
§ 1910.146
exists any way to completely isolate the
space (a section of a continuous system) to
be entered; second, because isolation is not
complete, the atmosphere may suddenly and
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EC27OC91.031
485
§ 1910.146
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
unpredictably become lethally hazardous
(toxic, flammable or explosive) from causes
beyond the control of the entrant or employer, and third, experienced sewer workers
are especially knowledgeable in entry and
work in their permit spaces because of their
frequent entries. Unlike other employments
where permit space entry is a rare and exceptional event, sewer workers’ usual work environment is a permit space.
(1) Adherence to procedure. The employer
should designate as entrants only employees
who are thoroughly trained in the employer’s sewer entry procedures and who demonstrate that they follow these entry procedures exactly as prescribed when performing
sewer entries.
(2) Atmospheric monitoring. Entrants should
be trained in the use of, and be equipped
with, atmospheric monitoring equipment
which sounds an audible alarm, in addition
to its visual readout, whenever one of the
following conditions are encountered: Oxygen concentration less than 19.5 percent;
flammable gas or vapor at 10 percent or more
of the lower flammable limit (LFL); or hydrogen sulfide or carbon monoxide at or
above 10 ppm or 35 ppm, respectively, measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Atmospheric monitoring equipment needs to be
calibrated according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. The oxygen sensor/broad range
sensor is best suited for initial use in situations where the actual or potential contaminants have not been identified, because
broad range sensors, unlike substance-specific sensors, enable employers to obtain an
overall
reading
of
the
hydrocarbons
(flammables) present in the space. However,
such sensors only indicate that a hazardous
threshold of a class of chemicals has been exceeded. They do not measure the levels of
contamination of specific substances. Therefore, substance-specific devices, which measure the actual levels of specific substances,
are best suited for use where actual and potential contaminants have been identified.
The measurements obtained with substancespecific devices are of vital importance to
the employer when decisions are made concerning the measures necessary to protect
entrants (such as ventilation or personal
protective equipment) and the setting and
attainment of appropriate entry conditions.
However, the sewer environment may suddenly and unpredictably change, and the substance-specific devices may not detect the
potentially lethal atmospheric hazards
which may enter the sewer environment.
Although OSHA considers the information
and guidance provided above to be appropriate and useful in most sewer entry situations, the Agency emphasizes that each employer must consider the unique circumstances, including the predictability of
the atmosphere, of the sewer permit spaces
in the employer’s workplace in preparing for
entry. Only the employer can decide, based
upon his or her knowledge of, and experience
with permit spaces in sewer systems, what
the best type of testing instrument may be
for any specific entry operation.
The selected testing instrument should be
carried and used by the entrant in sewer line
work to monitor the atmosphere in the entrant’s environment, and in advance of the
entrant’s direction of movement, to warn the
entrant of any deterioration in atmospheric
conditions. Where several entrants are working together in the same immediate location, one instrument, used by the lead entrant, is acceptable.
(3) Surge flow and flooding. Sewer crews
should develop and maintain liaison, to the
extent possible, with the local weather bureau and fire and emergency services in their
area so that sewer work may be delayed or
interrupted and entrants withdrawn whenever sewer lines might be suddenly flooded
by rain or fire suppression activities, or
whenever flammable or other hazardous materials are released into sewers during emergencies by industrial or transportation accidents.
(4) Special Equipment. Entry into large bore
sewers may require the use of special equipment. Such equipment might include such
items as atmosphere monitoring devices
with automatic audible alarms, escape selfcontained breathing apparatus (ESCBA) with
at least 10 minute air supply (or other
NIOSH approved self-rescuer), and waterproof flashlights, and may also include boats
and rafts, radios and rope stand-offs for pulling around bends and corners as needed.
APPENDIX F TO § 1910.146—RESCUE TEAM OR
RESCUE SERVICE EVALUATION CRITERIA
(NON-MANDATORY)
(1) This appendix provides guidance to employers in choosing an appropriate rescue
service. It contains criteria that may be used
to evaluate the capabilities both of prospective and current rescue teams. Before a rescue team can be trained or chosen, however,
a satisfactory permit program, including an
analysis of all permit-required confined
spaces to identify all potential hazards in
those spaces, must be completed. OSHA believes that compliance with all the provisions of § 1910.146 will enable employers to
conduct permit space operations without recourse to rescue services in nearly all cases.
However, experience indicates that circumstances will arise where entrants will
need to be rescued from permit spaces. It is
therefore important for employers to select
rescue services or teams, either on-site or
off-site, that are equipped and capable of
minimizing harm to both entrants and rescuers if the need arises.
(2) For all rescue teams or services, the
employer’s evaluation should consist of two
components: an initial evaluation, in which
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employers decide whether a potential rescue
service or team is adequately trained and
equipped to perform permit space rescues of
the kind needed at the facility and whether
such rescuers can respond in a timely manner, and a performance evaluation, in which
employers measure the performance of the
team or service during an actual or practice
rescue. For example, based on the initial
evaluation, an employer may determine that
maintaining an on-site rescue team will be
more expensive than obtaining the services
of an off-site team, without being significantly more effective, and decide to hire a
rescue service. During a performance evaluation, the employer could decide, after observing the rescue service perform a practice
rescue, that the service’s training or preparedness was not adequate to effect a timely or effective rescue at his or her facility
and decide to select another rescue service,
or to form an internal rescue team.
A. Initial Evaluation
I. The employer should meet with the prospective rescue service to facilitate the evaluations required by § 1910.146(k)(1)(i) and
§ 1910.146(k)(1)(ii). At a minimum, if an offsite rescue service is being considered, the
employer must contact the service to plan
and coordinate the evaluations required by
the standard. Merely posting the service’s
number or planning to rely on the 911 emergency phone number to obtain these services
at the time of a permit space emergency
would not comply with paragraph (k)(1) of
the standard.
II. The capabilities required of a rescue
service vary with the type of permit spaces
from which rescue may be necessary and the
hazards likely to be encountered in those
spaces. Answering the questions below will
assist employers in determining whether the
rescue service is capable of performing rescues in the permit spaces present at the employer’s workplace.
1. What are the needs of the employer with
regard to response time (time for the rescue
service to receive notification, arrive at the
scene, and set up and be ready for entry)?
For example, if entry is to be made into an
IDLH atmosphere, or into a space that can
quickly develop an IDLH atmosphere (if ventilation fails or for other reasons), the rescue
team or service would need to be standing by
at the permit space. On the other hand, if
the danger to entrants is restricted to mechanical hazards that would cause injuries
(e.g., broken bones, abrasions) a response
time of 10 or 15 minutes might be adequate.
2. How quickly can the rescue team or
service get from its location to the permit
spaces from which rescue may be necessary?
Relevant factors to consider would include:
the location of the rescue team or service
relative to the employer’s workplace, the
quality of roads and highways to be traveled,
§ 1910.146
potential bottlenecks or traffic congestion
that might be encountered in transit, the reliability of the rescuer’s vehicles, and the
training and skill of its drivers.
3. What is the availability of the rescue
service? Is it unavailable at certain times of
the day or in certain situations? What is the
likelihood that key personnel of the rescue
service might be unavailable at times? If the
rescue service becomes unavailable while an
entry is underway, does it have the capability of notifying the employer so that the
employer can instruct the attendant to abort
the entry immediately?
4. Does the rescue service meet all the requirements of paragraph (k)(2) of the standard? If not, has it developed a plan that will
enable it to meet those requirements in the
future? If so, how soon can the plan be implemented?
5. For off-site services, is the service willing to perform rescues at the employer’s
workplace? (An employer may not rely on a
rescuer who declines, for whatever reason, to
provide rescue services.)
6. Is an adequate method for communications between the attendant, employer and
prospective rescuer available so that a rescue request can be transmitted to the rescuer without delay? How soon after notification can a prospective rescuer dispatch a rescue team to the entry site?
7. For rescues into spaces that may pose
significant atmospheric hazards and from
which rescue entry, patient packaging and
retrieval cannot be safely accomplished in a
relatively short time (15–20 minutes), employers should consider using airline respirators (with escape bottles) for the rescuers and to supply rescue air to the patient.
If the employer decides to use SCBA, does
the prospective rescue service have an ample
supply of replacement cylinders and procedures for rescuers to enter and exit (or be retrieved) well within the SCBA’s air supply
limits?
8. If the space has a vertical entry over 5
feet in depth, can the prospective rescue
service properly perform entry rescues? Does
the service have the technical knowledge
and equipment to perform rope work or elevated rescue, if needed?
9. Does the rescue service have the necessary skills in medical evaluation, patient
packaging and emergency response?
10. Does the rescue service have the necessary equipment to perform rescues, or
must the equipment be provided by the employer or another source?
B. Performance Evaluation
Rescue services are required by paragraph
(k)(2)(iv) of the standard to practice rescues
at least once every 12 months, provided that
the team or service has not successfully performed a permit space rescue within that
time. As part of each practice session, the
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§ 1910.147
29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–11 Edition)
service should perform a critique of the practice rescue, or have another qualified party
perform the critique, so that deficiencies in
procedures, equipment, training, or number
of personnel can be identified and corrected.
The results of the critique, and the corrections made to respond to the deficiencies
identified, should be given to the employer
to enable it to determine whether the rescue
service can quickly be upgraded to meet the
employer’s rescue needs or whether another
service must be selected. The following questions will assist employers and rescue teams
and services evaluate their performance.
1. Have all members of the service been
trained as permit space entrants, at a minimum, including training in the potential
hazards of all permit spaces, or of representative permit spaces, from which rescue may
be needed? Can team members recognize the
signs, symptoms, and consequences of exposure to any hazardous atmospheres that may
be present in those permit spaces?
2. Is every team member provided with,
and properly trained in, the use and need for
PPE, such as SCBA or fall arrest equipment,
which may be required to perform permit
space rescues in the facility? Is every team
member properly trained to perform his or
her functions and make rescues, and to use
any rescue equipment, such as ropes and
backboards, that may be needed in a rescue
attempt?
3. Are team members trained in the first
aid and medical skills needed to treat victims overcome or injured by the types of
hazards that may be encountered in the permit spaces at the facility?
4. Do all team members perform their functions safely and efficiently? Do rescue service personnel focus on their own safety before considering the safety of the victim?
5. If necessary, can the rescue service properly test the atmosphere to determine if it is
IDLH?
6. Can the rescue personnel identify information pertinent to the rescue from entry
permits, hot work permits, and MSDSs?
7. Has the rescue service been informed of
any hazards to personnel that may arise
from outside the space, such as those that
may be caused by future work near the
space?
8. If necessary, can the rescue service properly package and retrieve victims from a
permit space that has a limited size opening
(less than 24 inches (60.9 cm) in diameter),
limited internal space, or internal obstacles
or hazards?
9. If necessary, can the rescue service safely perform an elevated (high angle) rescue?
10. Does the rescue service have a plan for
each of the kinds of permit space rescue operations at the facility? Is the plan adequate
for all types of rescue operations that may
be needed at the facility? Teams may practice in representative spaces, or in spaces
that are ‘‘worst-case’’ or most restrictive
with respect to internal configuration, elevation, and portal size. The following characteristics of a practice space should be considered when deciding whether a space is truly
representative of an actual permit space:
(1) Internal configuration.
(a) Open—there are no obstacles, barriers,
or obstructions within the space. One example is a water tank.
(b) Obstructed—the permit space contains
some type of obstruction that a rescuer
would need to maneuver around. An example
would be a baffle or mixing blade. Large
equipment, such as a ladder or scaffold,
brought into a space for work purposes
would be considered an obstruction if the positioning or size of the equipment would
make rescue more difficult.
(2) Elevation.
(a) Elevated—a permit space where the entrance portal or opening is above grade by 4
feet or more. This type of space usually requires knowledge of high angle rescue procedures because of the difficulty in packaging
and transporting a patient to the ground
from the portal.
(b) Non-elevated—a permit space with the
entrance portal located less than 4 feet above
grade. This type of space will allow the rescue team to transport an injured employee
normally.
(3) Portal size.
(a) Restricted—A portal of 24 inches or less
in the least dimension. Portals of this size
are too small to allow a rescuer to simply
enter the space while using SCBA. The portal size is also too small to allow normal spinal immobilization of an injured employee.
(b) Unrestricted—A portal of greater than
24 inches in the least dimension. These portals allow relatively free movement into and
out of the permit space.
(4) Space access.
(a) Horizontal—The portal is located on
the side of the permit space. Use of retrieval
lines could be difficult.
(b) Vertical—The portal is located on the
top of the permit space, so that rescuers
must climb down, or the bottom of the permit space, so that rescuers must climb up to
enter the space. Vertical portals may require
knowledge of rope techniques, or special patient packaging to safely retrieve a downed
entrant.
[58 FR 4549, Jan. 14, 1993; 58 FR 34845, 34846,
June 29, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 26114, May
19, 1994; 63 FR 66038, 66039, Dec. 1, 1998]
§ 1910.147 The control of hazardous
energy (lockout/tagout).
(a) Scope, application and purpose—(1)
Scope. (i) This standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and
equipment in which the unexpected
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| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Modified | 2011-09-20 |
| File Created | 2011-09-20 |