Permit-required confined-space entry

Similarly, the Site B contractor s SSAHP provided corporate policy and procedures for permit-required confined space entry but lacked the site-specific detail necessary to describe the application of the corporate policy to procedures at the site. For example, the SSAHP did not identify specific components of the thermal treatment unit that presented confined space hazards, nor did it describe the specific circumstances or procedures that would require employee entry into these areas. In addition, the plan stated that the contractor would maintain an onsite employee confined space rescue team, but did not identify the members of this team. The SSAHP for Site F also contained a generic confined space entry program but did not identify the specific location of confined space hazards present at the site. 

Contractors at Sites E, H, and J had documented confined space programs but had not fully implemented these programs. The Site H contractor had established a permit-required confined space entry program consistent with HAZWOPER requirements however, onsite procedures were not completely consistent with the written program or OSHA requirements. For example, the confined space permit form used at Site H was not the form included in the written program. The audit team also found evidence that employee training was insufficient for safe... 

Policy regarding permit-required confined space entry... 

With the promulgation of the Permit-Required Confined Space Entry standard (29 CER 1910.146), all these failures are addressed. Eirst, a written and signed permit is required prior to entry if the space contains or has the potential to contain a hazard-ons atmosphere (e.g., oxygen deficient, flanunable, or toxic) if it contains materials... 

For permit-required confined space entry operations, respiratory protection is a key piece of safety equipment, one always required for entry into an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLFi) space and one that must be readily available for emergency use and rescue if conditions change in a non-IDLH space. Remember, however, that only air-supplying respirators should be used in confined spaces where there is not enough oxygen. 

Acceptable entry conditions— 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. 

Entry— 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... 

Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Equipment In its permit-required confined spaces standard (1910.146), OSHA specifies the equipment required to make a safe and approved confined space entry into permit-required confined spaces. Note that the employer, at no cost, must provide this equipment to the employee. The employer is also required not only to procure this equipment at no cost to the employee but also to maintain the equipment properly. Most importantly, the employer is also required to ensure that employees use the equipment properly. We will come back to this important point later. For now, let s take a look at the type of equipment required for making a safe and legal permit-required confined space entry. 

Another important function of the attendant or other designated person involved in permit-required confined space entry is to ensure that imau-thorized entry into the confined space is prevented. Before any permit-required confined space entry can be made, a proper confined space entry permit must be used. When employees from more than one work center... 

The employer who engages in permit-required confined space entry has the option of whether to use an offsite or in-plant rescue service. If the decision is made to use an offsite rescue service, a number of factors must be considered. The first factor to consider is whether such a rescue service is readily available. This may seem to be a logical, straightforward issue, but let s take a look at what typically occurs when the option to choose an offsite rescue service is chosen. 

Welding or cutting in a confined space presents its own hazards. Follow permit-required confined space entry and rescue procedures. In addition ... 

Review government-mandated programs, such as permit-required confined-space entry or lockout/tagout, that require significant safety resources (staffing, special equipment and training, respirator and other PPE use) to meet the requirements. 

Permit-required confined space entry Excavation and Trenches Hazardous energy control (electrical Safety Hot work... 

Permit-required confined space entry program 1910.146... 

The piirpose of this program is to inform interested persons, including employees, that is complying with the OSHA Confined Space Standard at 1910.146. We have determined that this workplace needs written procedmes for the evaluation of confined spaces, and where permit-required spaces are identified, we have developed and implemented a permit-required confined space entry program. This program applies to all work operations at... 

Constant awareness of and respect for permit-required confined space entry hazards, and compliance with all safety rules are considered conditions of employment. Supervisors and individuals in the Safety and Personnel Department reserve the right to issue disciplinary warnings to employees, up to and including termination, for failure to foUow the guidelines of this permit entry program. 

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