district of columbia water and sewer authority …...approved by the general manager, jerry n....

D.C. Water and Sewer Authority Safety and Health Policy and Procedure

SUBJECT POLICY NUMBER

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority Confined Space Entry

Date Approved Revision No. Supersedes ’ Page

PIERS

Received from Mr. Evertt Lallis, Safety Manager, March 2001. Scanned by Jorj Long, March 2001.

BV PIERS

Approved by the General Manager, Jerry N. Johnson, February 28, 2001.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 .o PURPOSE 3

2.0 SCOPE 3

3.0 DEFINITIONS 3

4.0 PROCEDURE 7

4.1 General 7

4.2 Permit-Required Space Program 9

4.3 Sewer System Entry 12

4.4 Permit System 13

4.5 Entry Permit 14

4.6 Training 15

4.7 Duties of Authorized Entrants 16

4.8 Duties of Attendants 17

4.9 Duties of Entry Supervisors ia

4.10 Rescue and Emergency Services 19

4.11 Deviations 20

5.0 REFERENCES

APPENDIX

APPENDIX A - Confined Spaces Entry Permit

20

21

Date Approved Revision No. Supersedes Page

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1.0 PURPOSE

To protect authorized employees who enter confined spaces and who may be exposed to: hazardous atmospheres; engulfment in hazardous materials; conditions which may trap or asphyxiate; or any other safety or health hazards.

This procedure provides mandatory requirements for the issuance of a confined spaces entry permit in conjunction with a hazardous work permit to document the completion of all measures required by this procedure and provides for certification of acceptable entry conditions.

2.0 SCOPE

This procedure applies to all employees at DC WASA facilities and construction projects.

3.0 DEFINITIONS

3.1 Acceotable Entrv Conditions - The conditions that must exist in a confined space to allow entry and to ensure that employees involved with a confined space entry can safely enter into and work within the space.

3.2 Attendant - An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the activities of authorized entrants and who performs other duties required by this procedure.

3.3 Authorized Entrant - An employee who is authorized to enter a permit space in the manner required by this procedure.

3.4 Blankina or Blindinq - 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.

3.5 Confined Soace - A space that:

a. Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and


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/


SUBJECT

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY poucv

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.10

3.11

b. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, storage tanks, process vessels, silos, bins, boilers, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers, underground utility vaults, tunnels, pipelines, and open top spaces more than 4 ft in depth, such as pits, tubs, vaults, vessels, and excavations are spaces that may have limited means of entry); and

c. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Double Block and Bleed - 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.

Emeraency - Any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or monitoring equipment) or event internal or external to the permit space that could endanger entrants.

Enaulfment - The surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely divided (flammable) solid substance that can be aspirated which may 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.

Enttv - The action by which a person passes through an opening into a 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.

Entrv Permit (oermit) - The written or printed document that is provided by DC WASA to allow and control entry into a permit space and that contains the information specified in Section 4.4 of this procedure.

Entrv Supervisor - The person designated by the Department Director or his/her designee (such as OS&H, general foreman, or foreman) responsible for determining whether acceptable entry conditions are present at a confined 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 procedure, 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.


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3.12 Hazardous Atmosohere - An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a confined space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:

a. Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL);

b. 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 ft (1.52 m) or less.

a. Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent;

b. Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or a permissible exposure limit is published in Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental Control, in Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, of 29 CFR 1910 or has a threshold limit valve published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and which could result in employee exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit;

Note: An atmospheric concentration of any substance that is not capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness due to its health effects is not covered by this provision.

Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.

Note: For air contaminants for which OSHA has not determined a dose or permissible exposure limit, other sources of information, such as Material Safety Data Sheets that comply with the Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200, published information, and internal documents, can provide guidance in establishing acceptable atmospheric conditions.

3.13 Hot Work Permit - Written authorization to perform operations (for example, riveting, welding, cutting, burning, and heating) capable of providing a source of ignition

3.14 lmmediatelv Danaerous to Life or Health (IDLH) - Any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects or that would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape unaided from a confined space.


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SUBJECT


POLICY NUMBER

3.15

3.16

3.17

3.18

3.19

3.20

3.21

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.

I nertinq - The displacement of the atmosphere in a confined space by a noncombustible gas (such as argon or nitrogen) to such an extent that the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible.

Note: This procedure produces an IDLH oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Isolation - The process by which a confined 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 - 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

Oxvaen Deficient Atmosphere - An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume

Oxvaen Enriched Atmosphere - An atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume

Permit-Required Confined Soace - A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

a. Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;

b. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;

c. 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

d. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

Permit-Required Confined Soace Proaram (Permit Space Prooram) - DC WASA’s overall program for controlling, and, where appropriate, for protecting


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CONFINED SPACE ENTRY I

employees from confined space hazards and for regulating employee entry into permit spaces. (See Section 4.2)

3.22 Permit System - DC WASA’s written procedure for preparing and issuing permits for entry and for returning the permit space to service following termination of entry.

3.23 Prohibited Condition - Any condition in a confined space that is not allowed by the permit during the period when entry is authorized.

3.24 Rescue Service - The personnel designated to rescue employees from confined spaces.

3.25 Retrieval System - 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 confined spaces.

3.26 Testinq - The process by which the hazards that may confront entrants of a confined space are identified and evaluated. Testing includes specifying the tests that are to be performed in the confined space.

4.0 PROCEDURE

4.1 General

4.1.1 Occupational Safety and Health Department (OS&H)

The Director of OS&H shall evaluate all DC WASA facilities to determine whether any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.

The Director of OS&H shall evaluate the workplace to determine whether any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.

The Director of OS&H shall inform all employees, subcontractors, vendors, and visitors of permit spaces through training and by posting danger signs at each permit space. The sign shall read:

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DANGER PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE

DO NOT ENTER

The Director of OS&H shall maintain a list of Atmospheric Monitoring equipment.

Continued surveillance by supervision for unidentified confined spaces shall be an ongoing process.

When DC WASA arranges to have employees of a contractor perform work that involves confined space entry, OS&H shall:

a. Inform the subcontractor that the workplace contains permit spaces and that entry is allowed only through compliance with a confined space program meeting the requirements of this procedure.

b. Apprise the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and DC WASA’s experience with the space(s) in question.

c. Apprise the contractor of any precautions or procedures that DC WASA has implemented for the protection of employees in or near permit spaces where contractor personnel will be working.

d. Coordinate entry operations with the subcontractor, when both DC WASA and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit spaces as required.

e. Debrief the contractor at the conclusion of the entry operations regarding any hazards confronted or created in the space during entry operations.

OS&H shall inform each contractor who is retained to perform confined space entry operations for DC WASA that he/she must comply with the permit space requirements of this procedure.

Date Approved Revision No. Supersedes Page 1

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4.1.2 Availability

This procedure, as well as jobsite-specific permit space entry procedures and programs, shall be available for review by employees and their authorized representatives from OS&H.

4.1.3 Entry

Any condition making it unsafe to remove an entrance cover shall be eliminated before the cover is removed.

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.

4.2 Permit-Reauired Space Proaram (Permit Space Proaram)

4.2.1 OS&H shall prevent unauthorized entry into permit spaces.

4.2.2 OS&H shall identify and evaluate hazards of permit spaces before employees are allowed entry.

4.2.3 The means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations in this program shall include, to include, at least, the following:

a. Specifying acceptable entry conditions;

b. Isolating the permit space;

c. Purging, inerting, flushing, or ventilating the permit space as necessary to eliminate or control atmospheric hazards;

d. Providing pedestrian, vehicle, or other barriers as necessary to protect entrants from external hazards; and

e. Verifying that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout the duration of an authorized entry.

4.2.4 The following equipment shall be provided at no cost to employees. The equipment shall be maintained properly, and supervision must ensure that employees use the equipment properly.

Date Approved Revision No. >

\ on, General Manager




a. Testing and monitoring equipment needed to identify and evaluate atmospheric hazards

b. Ventilating equipment needed to obtain acceptable entry conditions

c. Communication equipment necessary to provide communications between the attendant and entrants, and for summoning rescue and emergency

d. Personal protective equipment when feasible engineering and work practice controls do not adequately protect employees

e. Lighting equipment needed to enable employees to see well enough to work safely and to exit the space quickly in an emergency

f. Barriers and shields to protect entrants from external hazards

g. Equipment, such as I’adders, needed for safe ingress and egress by authorized entrants

h. Rescue and emergency equipment needed to rescue entrants from permit spaces

i. Any other equipment necessary for safe entry into and rescue from permit spaces

4.2.5 Permit space conditions shall be evaluated as follows when entry operations are conducted:

a. Test conditions in the permit space to determine whether acceptable entry conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin, except that, if isolation of the space is unfeasible 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;

b. Test or monitor the permit space as necessary to determine whether acceptable entry conditions are being maintained during the course of entry operations; and

c. When testing for atmospheric hazards, test first for oxygen, then for combustible gases and vapors, and then for toxic gases and vapors.

4.2.6 At least one attendant shall be provided outside the permit space into which entry is authorized for the duration of the entry operation. Attendants may be assigned to monitor more than one permit space, provided he or she: has knowledge of entry hazards, recognizes signs


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and symptoms of exposure to hazards, is aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure, continuously maintains an accurate count of authorized entrants in the space, and remains outside the space until relieved by another attendant. Likewise, an attendant may be stationed at any location outside the confined space to be monitored as long as the duties described in this procedure can be effectively performed for each space that is monitored.

4.2.7 If multiple spaces are to be monitored by a single attendant, other means shall be made available 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.

4.2.8 Individuals designated as entrants, attendants, entry supervisors, or persons who test or monitor the atmosphere in a confined space shall understand his/her duties and undergo training as required.

4.2.9 Entry operations shall be reviewed by OS&H when DC WASA, or OS&H, has reason to believe that the measures taken under the permit space program may not protect employees. The program shall then be revised to correct deficiencies found to exist before subsequent entries are authorized.

4.2.10 Examples of circumstances requiring the review of the permit space program are:

a. Any unauthorized entry of a permit space;

b. The detection of a permit space hazard not covered by the permit;

c. The detection of a condition prohibited by the permit;

d. The occurrence of an injury or near-miss during entry;

e. A change in the use or configuration of a permit space; and

f. Employee complaints about the effectiveness of the program.

4.2.11 DC WASA shall conduct an annual review of the permit space program, using the cancelled permits retained to ensure that employees participating in entry operations are protected from permit space hazards.


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SUBJECT / POLICY NUMBER

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY /

4.3 Sewer System Entry

4.3.1 Procedure

OS&H shall designate as entrants only employees who are thoroughly trained in sewer entry procedures and who demonstrate they follow these entry procedures exactly as prescribed when performing sewer entries.

4.3.2 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:

a. Oxygen concentration less than 19.5 percent;

b. Flammable gas or vapor at IO percent or more of the lower flammable limit (LFL); or,

c. 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 must be calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The oxygen sensor/broad range sensor should be used in situations where the actual or potential contaminants have not been identified. And substance-specific devices which measure the actual levels of specific substances, should be used when actual and potential contaminants have been identified.

Since the sewer environment may suddenly and unpredictably change, the entry supervisor must consider the predictability of the atmosphere of the sewer permit space in preparing for entry. The entry supervisor based upon his or her knowledge of, and experience with permit spaces in sewer systems, can decide what the best type of testing instrument may be for any specific entry operation.


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4.3.3 Testing Instrument

The selected testing instrument shall be carried and used by the entrant in sewer line work to monitor the atmosphere in the entrants’ environment, and in advance of the entrants’ 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.

4.3.4 Surge Flow and Flooding

Sewer crews shall develop and maintain contact, 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.

4.3.5 Special Equipment

Entry into large bore sewers may require the use of special equipment such as atmosphere monitoring devices with automatic audible alarms, escape self-contained breathing apparatus with at least IO-minute air supply (or other NIOSH-approved self-rescuer), and waterproof flashlights. OS&H shall evaluate the work surroundings and conditions prior to selecting the equipment. Special equipment may also include boats and rails, radios and rope standoffs for pulling around bends and corners as needed.

4.4 Permit Svstem

4.4.1

4.4.2

Prior to authorized entry into a permit space, OS&H shall document the completion of measures required by this procedure by preparing an entry permit. Appendix A is an example of a confined space entry permit whose elements are considered to comply with the requirements of this procedure.

Before entry begins, the entry supervisor, identified on the entry permit, shall sign the permit to authorize entry.

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4.4.3 The completed permit shall be made available to all authorized entrants at the time of entry, by posting it at the entry portal, or by any other equally effective means that the entrants can confirm that pre-entry preparations have been completed.

4.4.4 The duration of the permit may not exceed the time required to complete the assigned task or job identified on the permit.

4.4.5 The entry supervisor shall terminate entry and cancel the entry permit when:

a. The entry operations covered by the permit have been completed, or

b. A condition that is not allowed under the permit arises in or near the permit space.

4.4.6 DC WASA shall retain each canceled confined space entry permit for at least one year to facilitate the review of the confined space program required by this procedure. Any problems encountered during an entry operation shall be noted on the pertinent permit so that appropriate revisions to the permit space can be made.

4.5 Entrv Permit

4.5.1 The entry permit that documents compliance with this section and authorizes entry to a permit space shall identify the following:

a. The permit space to be entered;

b. The purpose of the entry;

c. The date and the authorized duration of the entry permit;

d. The name of all authorized entrants within the permit;

e. The name of the person(s) serving as attendants;

f. The individual, by name, currently serving as entry supervisor, with a space for the signature or initials of the entry supervisor who originally authorized the entry;

g. The hazards of the permit space to be entered;


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DC. Water and Sewer Authority Safety and Health Policy and Procedure



h. The measures used to isolate the permit space and to eliminate or control permit space hazards before entry. These measures can include the lockout or tagging of equipment and procedures for purging, inerting, ventilating, and flushing permit spaces;

i. The acceptable entry conditions;

j. The results of initial and periodic tests performed, accompanied by the names or initials of the tester(s) and by an indication of when the tests were performed;

k. 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;

I. The communication procedures used by authorized entrants and attendants to maintain contact during entry;

m. Equipment, such as personal protective equipment, testing equipment, communication equipment, alarm systems, and rescue equipment, to provide for compliance with this section;

n. Any other information whose inclusion is necessary, given the circumstances of the particular confined space, to ensure employee safety; and

o. Any additional permits, such as for hot work or excavation, that have been issued to authorize work in the permit space.

4.6 Traininq

4.6.1 Training shall be provided so that all employees whose work is regulated by this procedure acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned while working within a confined space.

4.6.2 Training shall be provided to each affected employee as follows:

a. Before the employee is assigned duties requiring him or her to work within a permit space.

b. Before there is a change in assigned duties of employees required to work within a confined space.


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c. Whenever there is a change in permit space operations that present a hazard about which an employee has not previously been trained.

d. Whenever the employer has reason to believe either that there are deviations from the permit space entry procedures or that there are inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of these procedures.

4.6.3 The training shall establish employee proficiency in performing work within permit spaces and shall be revised, as necessary, for compliance with this procedure.

4.6.4 The respective department Supervisor shall certify that the training has been accomplished. The certification shall contain each employee’s name, the signature or initials of the trainer, and the dates of training. The certification shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.

4.7 Duties of Authorized Entrants

4.7.1 Authorized entrants shall:

a. Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;

b. Properly use equipment as required;

c. 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 permit space as required;

d. Alert the attendant whenever:

1. The entrant recognizes any warning signs or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, or

2. The entrant detects a prohibited condition; and

e. Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:

1.

2.

An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry supervisor,

The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation,


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3. The entrant detects a prohibited condition, or

4. An evacuation alarm is activated.

4.8 Duties of Attendants

4.8.1 Each attendant shall:

a.

b.

C.

d.

e.

f.

h.

Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;

Be aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in authorized entrants;

Continuously maintain an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit space and ensure that the means used to identify authorized entrants accurately identifies who is in the space;

Remain outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another attendant;

Communicate with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space;

Monitor activities inside and outside the space to determine whether it is safe for entrants to remain in the space and order the authorized entrants to evacuate the confined space immediately under any of the following conditions;

1. If the attendant detects a prohibited condition;

2. If the attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in an authorized entrant;

3. If the attendant detects a situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants; or

4. If the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all of the duties required;

Summon rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant determines that authorized entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space hazards;

Take the following actions when unauthorized persons approach or enter a permit space while entry is underway:

1. Warn the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space;


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1. Warn the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space;

2. Advise the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they have entered the permit space; and

3. lnform the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the permit space.

i. Perform non-entry rescues as specified by DC WASA’s rescue procedures; and

j. Perform no duties that might interfere with the attendants primary duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrants.

4.9 Duties of Entrv Supervisors

4.9.1 Entry supervisors shall:

a. Know the hazards that may be faced during confined space entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;

b. Verify, 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;

c. Terminate the entry and cancel the permit as required;

d. Verify that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operable;

e. Remove unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter the permit space during entry operations; and

f. Determine, 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 terms of the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.


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4. IO Rescue and Emersencv Services

The following requirements apply when employees enter permit spaces to perform rescue services: (Currently DC WASA employees are not trained to perform these services.)

a. OS&H shall establish rescue teams;

b. The Director of OS&H shall ensure that each member of the rescue team is provided with, and is properly trained to use the personal protective equipment and rescue equipment necessary for making rescues from permit spaces;

c. Each member of the rescue team shall have been trained to perform the assigned rescue duties. Each member of the rescue team shall also receive the training required of authorized entrants;

d. Each member of the rescue team shall practice making permit space rescues, at least once every 12 months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies, mannequins, 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;

e. Each member of the rescue team shall be trained in basic first aid and in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). At least one member of the rescue team holding current certification in first aid and in CPR shall be available;

f. When DC WASA arranges to have outside persons and/or mutual aid to perform confined space rescue, DC WASA shall:

1. Inform the rescue service of the hazards they may confront when called upon to perform a rescue at DC WASA’s facility;

2. Provide the rescue service 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; and

3. Offer to pay the cost of CPR and other training and may receive American Red Cross In-House training.


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g. 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 or above the entrant’s head. Wristlets may be used in lieu of the chest or full body harness if it can be demonstrated that the use of a chest or full body harness is unfeasible or creates a greater hazard and that the use of wristlets is the safest and most effective alternative.

2. The other end of the retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the confined space in such a manner that rescue can begin as soon as the rescuer becomes aware that rescue is necessary. A mechanical device shall be available to retrieve personnel from vertical-type permit spaces more that 5 ft deep.

h. 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 work site, that MSDS or written information shall be made available, by OS&H, to the medical facility treating the exposed entrant.

4. I 1 Deviations

Deviations from any of the requirements of, or any questions as to the adequacy of planned safety measures for, confined space work shall be approved by the Health & Safety Director or designee.

5.0 REFERENCES

Occupational Safety and Health Standards, 29 CFR 1910.146.


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1 SUBJECT POLICY NUMBER 1

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY I

APPENDIX A - CONFINED SPACES ENTRY PERMIT

DC WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

I CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT

i GENERAL INFORMATION PERMIT NO.

~ Space to be Entered: Purpose of Entry : I

1 Location: I

POTENTIAL PERMIT HAZARDS (mdlcate hazards) Oxygen Deficiency (less than 19.5%)

Oxygen Enrichment (more than 23.5%)

Flammable Gases/Vapors (greater than 10% of LEL)

Toxic Gases of Vapors (greater than PEL)

Mechanical Hazards

Electrical Shock

Materials Harmful to Skin Atmospheric Tesbng

Equipment Ventilate

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR ENTRY 8 WORK (Indicate)

Personal Protectwe Equipment:

1 Respiratory Protection:

Atmospheric Testing/Monitoring:

Communication.

Other (list):

PREPARATION FOR ENTRY (Check After Steps Have Been Taken) ’ / Rescue Equipment:

Notification of Affected Departments of Entry/Service InterruptIon

I ATMOSPHERIC MONITORS:

Atmospheric Testing

Ventilate/Air Changes

ISOLATION METHODS: (As Required)

Purge I Clean BlanWBlmd Flange

~ Lockout I Tagout Entry Barriers

Others (list):

COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES (Attendants 8 Entrants)

Hard Wire Intercom Radio Communlcatlons Volceiliand Signals

~ AUTHORIZED ENTRANTS (Print Name) 1. 2.

~ PERSONNEL AWARENESS: ~ 3. 4.

Pre-Entry Briefing on Specific Hazards and Control Methods , AUTHORIZED ATTENDANTS (Print Name)

,, 2. Other: 3. 4.

~__- -- ~ EMERGENCY SERVICE

Name of Sew~ce Phone Number Method of Contact

1 EMS 9!i Cell Phone

i2

ATMOSPHERIC TESTING RECORDS

Time of Test Acceptable Conditions Test Result 1 Test Result 2 Test Result 4 Test Result 5 Test Result 6

am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm am/pm

Min. - 19.5%

Oxygen (02) Max. - 23.5%

Flammability Less - 10% LEL

Methane (CH.,) Less - 10 ppm

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Less - 35 ppm - - Ch1nrir.c !C!L) ce=ss .. 0.5 ppm -- Hydrogen Sulfide (H+) Less - 10 ppm - AUTHORIZATION BY ENTRY SUPERVISORS I certify that all requwed precautions have been taken and all necessary equtpment is prowded tar safe entry and work In this confined space.

I PRINTED NAME: SIGNATURE: DATE: TIME: All personnel and equipment have exded the permit space and are accounted for.

PRINTED NAME: SIGNATURE: DATE: TIME:

’ Safety Department Signature: DATE: TIME:

I THIS PERMIT MUST BE ON FILE AT JOB SITE - PERMIT ONLY GOOD ON INDICATED DATE

Date Approved Revision No. Supersedes Page ~

‘-1

district of columbia water and sewer authority …...approved by the general manager, jerry n....

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