Permit systems Confined Space Entry

It supports and enhances other control measures such as SSOWs and permit to work systems (confined space entry)... 

Entry into Confined Spaces. In 1993 OSHA adopted a confined space entry rule (93) requiring employers to evaluate the workplace to (/) determine if it contains any confined spaces, (2) mark or identify such confined spaces, and (2) develop and implement a permit program for entry into such spaces. The program must include a permit system which specifies the steps to be taken to identify, evaluate, control, and monitor possible electrical, mechanical, and chemical ha2ards select and use equipment institute stand-by attendance and estabflsh communications. The reference standard (93) should be studied for details. 

Contract employees must perform their work safely. Considering that contractors often perform very specialized and potentially hazardous tasks, such as confined space entry activities and nonroutine repair activities, their work must be controlled while they are on or near a process covered by PSM. A permit system or work authorization system for these activities is helpful for all affected employers. The use of a work authorization system keeps an employer informed of contract employee activities. Thus, the employer has better coordination and more management control over the work being performed in the process area. 

Where such internal inspection work is carried, out a safety checklist and processes for confined space entry permit system and tag-out/lock-out MUST be undertaken before any person enters the boiler. The inspection of waterside surfaces should be carried out by a suitable qualified person and will benefit from employing either an instant camera or a video camera (Horoscope or similar fiberoptic-based device) to record any parts of the boiler where corrective action is needed. 

Before conducting work that involves confined space entry, work on energy systems, and ground disturbance in locations where buried hazards may exist, or hot work in potentially explosive environments, a permit must be obtained that ... 

Station at least one attendant outside during entry and coordinate actions with contractors used to conduct rescue procedures. Establish a written permit system and review the effectiveness of the system annually. OSHA also requires training to ensure that employees involved in confined space work can perform their job functions safely. This training covers specific items for the authorized entrant, the attendant, and the entry supervisor. Training will cover the following authorized entrant responsibilities (1) hazards involved in confined space entry, (2) use of appropriate PPE for confined space entry, (3) communication policies with the attendant, (4) requirement to leave... 

Prior to beginning work in a confined space, workers should receive entry permits. A confined space permit system requires the identification of the space and an evaluation of the potential hazards. Supervisors and safety specialists must each agree and sign that all pre-entry evaluations and work and rescue preparations were completed and the space is ready for safe entry. 

Other Equipment If tools are to be used during a confined space entry or rescue, it may be necessary to use non-sparking tools if flammable vapors or combustible residues are present. These non-sparking, nonmagnetic, and corrosion resistant tools are usually fashioned from copper or aluminum. A fire extinguisher, additional radios for commimication, spare oxygen bottles (for SCBA and cascade systems as needed), a first-aid kit, and any other equipment required for safe entry into and rescue from permit spaces may also be necessary. 

The previous paragraph sums up OSHA s requirements under its confined space entry standard in 29 CFR 1910.146(e), Permits System, and 1910.146(f), Entry Permit. OSHA s requirements under these sections are intended to ensure that... 

Permit system—a regulated system that requires a variety of permits for various applications. The most common applications are cold work, hot work, confined space entry, opening/blinding, permit to enter, and lock-out/tag-out. 

Permit systems are designed to protect workers from dangers involved in hazardous energy, hot work, opening and blinding, confined-space entry, and cold work. A good permit system can easily be integrated into normal operations to protect employees, equipment, and the environment. 

Permits As a subject, permit systems is given specific mention in this causation model particularly because of the author s experience. As an example, far too many fires that occur as an outcome of welding, cutting, or burning have resulted in major property damage, personal injury, environmental damage, and business interruption. Either the permit system was inadequate or it was not properly managed. Similar comments apply to other permit systems—such as confined space entry, for example. 

If the work area is a permit-required confined space, testing must be performed to determine if acceptable conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin. The exception is if isolation of the space is impossible because it is large or part of a continuous system (such as a sewer). 

Permit to work (P.T.W) is a formal written system to control certain types of work which are identified as potentially hazardous. This system may need to be used in high-risk jobs such as hot works, confined space entry, carrying hazardous substances, and electrical or mechanical isolation. In this system, responsible persons should assess the work and check safety at all stages. Moreover, permits are effectively a means of communication between site management, plant supervisors and operators, and those who carry out the work. The people doing the job sign the permit to show that they understand the risks and precautions necessary. 

Systems of work often operate under the control of a permit system, known as a permit-to-work. Because of the administration needed to run them, permit systems are relatively uncommon in construction. They are more common in industries where the hazards are associated with high risk levels and their use is well established in many organisations. They require certain precautions to be taken in order to control them. Examples include hot work permits, electrical lock-out systems and vessel or other confined space entry systems. 

A permit-to-work system is essential to control entry into confined spaces, e.g. tanks, reactors or underground chambers. Requirements... 

Confined space, See also Permit-to-Work system definition, 12 entry, 135, 417, 420 hazards, 151, 417 legislation, 417 precautions, 418, 419... 

Permit-to-work systems See under Maintenance Entry into confined spaces (e.g. vat, vessel, flue, sewer, boiler or similar) Use of non-flameproof electrical equipment where flammable liquids/ vapours/dusts may arise... 

Atmospheric testing, entry supervisor duties, attendants and entrants, retrieval systems, hazard identification, and entry procedures for non-permit confined spaces. 

Employers who use contract employees in and around hazardous processes have the responsibility of choosing contractors with the proper skills and monitoring their performance. Contractors should be screened for safety performance in other work, skill in the required tasks, and knowledge of the process or types of systems on which they will work. It is sometimes useful for an employer to include contract employees in existing training programs. Contractor employees often perform specialized and hazardous tasks. Examples are nonroutine repairs and entry into confined spaces. It is therefore important to control their activities. A permit or work authorization system is a usefril vehicle toward this end. 

The permit to work procedure is a specialized system for ensuring that potentially very dangerous work (e.g. entry into process plant and other confined spaces) is done safely and the safe system or work/ method statement is properly and formally implemented. 

Typical work requiring a permit to work includes hot work, entry into confined spaces, excavations, high voltage electrical work, work involving toxic and hazardous chemicals etc. For a permit to work to be effective it is essential that all those involved understand the system, the procedure and the importance of following the laid down procedure. Before the work starts all those concerned should be trained in the system and their individual responsibilities emphasised. 

Regulation 4(2) requires that no person shall enter a confined space unless a safe system of work is in place. Before deciding what precautions are needed for entry, priority should be given to eliminating any sources of danger. The factors to be considered in designing a safe system, and which may form the basis for a permit to work, will depend on the risk assessment and could include ... 

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