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<CompanyName>

Confined Space Program

Version <Version>

Updated: <Date>

Contents

1.	Program Purpose	3

2.	Responsibilities	3

3.	Definitions	4

4.	Assessment for Confined Space	4

5.	Documentation	4

6.	Preparation Procedure – Isolation of Space	5

7.	Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Other Required Equipment	5

8.	Use of Electrical Equipment	6

9.	Atmospheric Testing	6

10.	Ventilation	7

11.	Attendants	8

12.	Authorizing the Permit	8

13.	Entry Operations	8

14.	Exiting the Confined Space	9

15.	Completion of Entry Work	9

16.	Contractors	9

17.	Emergency Response	10

18.	Employee Information & Training	10

Appendix I – List of Confined Spaces	12

Appendix II – Confined Space Entry Control Worksheet	13

Appendix III – Confined Space Permit	16

Appendix IV – Confined Space Entry Decision Tree	18

Appendix V – Daily Instrument Calibration Form	19

Employee Acknowledgement	20

Program Purpose

The purpose of <CompanyName>’s confined space program is to identify and evaluate potential hazards of work in confined spaces, and to ensure the use of protective measures in these spaces so as to prevent injury or incident.

Responsibilities

Entry Supervisor

Determines hazards and potential exposures of the confined space, created by work to be done in the space.

Conducts onsite verification of acceptable entry conditions prior to entry.

Assigns appropriately trained and medically qualified personnel to the project.

Has knowledge of required confined space entry procedures and equipment.

Has the ability to recognize and test hazardous atmospheres.

Has training on and is able to perform a thorough hazard assessment of the space and of the work that will be performed (see Appendix I).

Understands and explains how to execute a Confined Space Permit as well as any other required permits, such as a Hot Work Permit, Fall Protection, Trenching and Shoring Requirements.

Evaluates work in progress, stops work as needed, and takes corrective actions when conditions change.

Completes all initial and annual refresher trainings, and practices everything learned as a Confined Space Entry Supervisor.

Implements the Permit system.

Utilizes the Confined Space Entry Control Worksheet and Permit forms (Appendices II & III) for permit space entry evaluation and establishment of required controls.

Issues Confined Space Entry Permits at least once each shift.

Posts “Danger Confined Space - Enter by Permit Only” signs at entry points of permit-required confined spaces.

Attendants

Required to remain at the entrance whenever an entrant is inside the confined space.

Cannot be assigned other duties that may distract him/her from maintaining uninterrupted contact and communication with the entrant(s).

Can only attend to one confined space entry at any one time.

Entrants

Must follow all safety procedures

Must listen and communicate with attendant

Cannot work outside of their skill level

Definitions

Permit-required confined space has one or more of these characteristics:

Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.

Contains a material with the potential to engulf someone who enters the space.

Has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section.

Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards.

Non-permit space – a confined space that does not present any potential hazards, nor will the work performed therein create a hazardous condition.

Authorized entrants – anyone who enters a permit or non-permit required confined space.

Confined Space Team – the employees whose services may be required for safe entry into a confined space. This may include maintenance personnel, plant manager, department supervisors, authorized entrants, etc. Not all members of a team are authorized entrants.

Oxygen-deficient atmosphere – an atmosphere containing less than 19.5% oxygen. At <CompanyName>, we will consider all air less than 20% oxygen as being an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Rescue Personnel – the person or team who will be called to rescue an entrant in an emergency.

Toxic Atmosphere – an atmosphere containing a chemical contaminant concentration equal to or greater than the established exposure limits as set by OSHA or ACGIH.

Assessment for Confined Space

<FacilityAssessor> will assess the facility for confined spaces and permit-required confined spaces annually, after changes in operations, with the addition or change of equipment, or when said person deems it necessary.

A list of confined spaces will be kept in Appendix I.

Documentation

The Confined Space Entry Control Worksheet shall be used to prepare the space for entrance.

A Confined Space Permit must be completed and approved prior to entrance.

Preparation Procedure – Isolation of Space

Drain, clean, and purge the confined space as appropriate.

Isolate all forms of kinetic and potential (stored) energy inside the confined space, including:

Electrical

Hydraulic

Mechanical

Thermal

Pneumatic

Isolate all lines carrying fuels, liquids, or gases into the space. Purge and ensure they are clean and free of residual material.

Develop alternate controls and affirm their function for protection of entrants for lines that may not be controlled, such as lines through storm water or sewer vaults.

Blank lines as needed.

Implement any needed alternate practices to assure worker protection.

Provide barricades and post the entrance of the space with a sign stating "Danger Confined Space – Do Not Enter" or equivalent wording.

Address traffic control needs with an approved Traffic Safety Control Plan.

Prohibit entry of compressed gas cylinders in a confined space.

Assure that a rescue plan is in place and functional, with adequate response time, before executing the permit or allowing entry.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Other Required Equipment

Using the Confined Space Entry Control worksheet and your department’s safety procedures, establish all needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment needed (e.g. ventilation, GFCIs, monitoring instruments, retraction and fall gear, egress and access gear, etc.).

Assure all equipment is in a ready-to-use state and current on inspections.

Assure all staff are fully trained and competent in their use.

Review all permit-specific required equipment in pre-entry meeting.

Calibrate (zero and span gasses) monitoring equipment and record information on the Daily Instrument Calibration Form in Appendix V.

Use of Electrical Equipment

Provide electrical equipment that meets the electrical classification of the area.

Assure all electrical equipment is grounded.

Assure tools and gear are inspected and safe for use.

Use ground fault circuit interruption (GFCI) for power sources.

Atmospheric Testing

It is <CompanyName>’s policy that entry will be permitted only if atmospheres are proven to be safe for entry with adequate oxygen, contaminant levels are below adopted exposure limits, and less than 10% Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) is maintained.

Atmospheres are considered Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) until proven otherwise.

IDLH is defined by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as exposure to airborne contaminants that is "likely to cause death or immediate or delayed permanent adverse health effects or prevent escape from such an environment."

Examples include smoke or other toxic contaminant concentrations at sufficiently high concentrations.

OSHA regulations define the term as "an atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere."

Atmospheres must have adequate oxygen.

Ambient air at sea level has about 20.9% oxygen

Oxygen-deficient atmosphere refers to less than 19.5% oxygen

Oxygen-enriched atmosphere refers to more than 23.5% oxygen

Oxygen readings must be greater than 19.5% but less than 23.5% at all times

Atmospheres must also be safe from a flammability standpoint, with the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) being less than 10% required.

If there is any amount of a flammable present, it can affect the oxygen or toxics levels and must be completely evaluated.

Atmospheres must also be safe from a “toxic” standpoint, with atmospheres containing less than applicable OSHA and ACGIH established exposure limits.

Calibrate (zero and span gasses) monitoring equipment and record information on the Daily Instrument Calibration Form in Appendix V.

Record all results on the permit, sign and initial where indicated

Make initial atmospheric tests of the space. Assess all sections of the space and consider vapor density of materials that could have been present.

Attach extension probes (lengths of inert tubing material) to the monitoring equipment to reach all sections of the space, including the bottom of the space.

For horizontal spaces, the probe may need to be attached to a pole.

Take atmospheric measurements in all needed locations, sections, and sub-spaces of the space.

Allow needed time for remote samples to reach the instrument to ensure accuracy of data.

Obtain a reading for oxygen first, followed by %LEL, and then toxic contaminants of concern (as applicable).

The assessment of toxics is based on the materials stored or used in the space, and any materials expected to be used or present in the environment.

Record all results on the permit, sign and initial where indicated.

Determine if acceptable entry conditions exist with respect to oxygen, %LEL, and other hazardous atmospheres.

Evaluate the hazards of any materials to be used or atmospheres that could be created during the work in the space.

Determine the monitoring and ventilation approaches needed to control all atmospheric issues.

If entry conditions are not in accordance with the atmospheric requirement or permit requirements indicated, correct the condition(s), and retest before proceeding.

If acceptable entry conditions exist, determine the means for continuous monitoring, communication, and documentation of readings.

Monitor continuously for oxygen, %LEL, and applicable toxics if hot work will be performed in the space.

Ventilation

Ventilation is required for all permit-required entries.

Create as many openings in the space as possible to aid in cross ventilation.

Evaluate and address poorly configured areas, sub-spaces, and the vapor densities of materials to assure adequate ventilation of all areas.

Never ventilate confined spaces with oxygen.

Provide five (5) air changes per hour, or at least 10,000 cfm for large spaces, minimum.

Provide at least 2,000 cfm of active exhaust ventilation for each welder or torch operating under a Hot Work Permit within the space.

If any motorized equipment is used, be sure that the exhaust does not enter the space and never have this gear operating in a space.

Carbon monoxide monitoring may be required as a toxic, as well as oxygen content.

Place ventilation gear and ducting such that it does not create a hazard by impairing the access/egress or impair vision and communication with attendants and entry staff.

Exhaust to safe areas and do not direct contaminants to other workers.

Use fire or explosive proof equipment (appropriate electrical equipment for Hazardous Areas Classifications), including ventilating equipment that is properly grounded when exhausting flammable or combustible gases, vapors, and dusts from confined spaces.

Attendants

Each space must have its own attendant.

The attendant must remain on duty for the duration of the confined space entry.

The attendant may not have other duties unrelated to the confined space entrance.

Authorizing the Permit

Prior to signing the permit, located in Appendix III, the entry supervisor is to personally inspect the space, surrounding area, and work to be done in the space, as well as review all monitoring, ventilation, and other gear and materials to be used. The entry supervisor must also confirm that all necessary precautions have been taken and that all relevant information concerning the entry parameters are documented on the permit.

The entry supervisor is to conduct a safety briefing informing all entrants and attendants of space conditions, review work to be done in the space, time of permit, and communication and rescue procedures.

The entry supervisor is to require the entrant(s) and attendant(s) to each print their names and sign the permit and outline the rescue procedures.

The permit is to be reviewed and affixed to a location near the space entrance.

<PermitKeeper> will keep records of all permits on file.

Entry Operations

Prohibit entry when oxygen-deficient, greater than 10% lower flammable limit atmospheres, toxic (above established exposure limits without proper respiratory equipment), or IDLH levels are present in the space.

Re-clean, purge, and ventilate spaces as needed and re-test to assure they are safe for entry.

Assure a safe access and egress is established.

Limit entry to qualified entrants listed on the permit and only for the purpose(s) stated on the permit.

Require entrants to follow all PPE, equipment, and procedural requirements listed on permit.

While the entrant(s) are in the space, attach a body harness, if required, to a lifeline. The other end of the lifeline must be attached to an approved anchor point and mechanical lifting device outside the space at all times.

Exiting the Confined Space

Assure a safe access and egress is established.

Entry staff are to immediately evacuate and the attendant is to order entrant(s) to immediately evacuate the space whenever:

Atmospheric conditions change

A new or prohibited condition on the entry permit develops

The surrounding work area becomes unsafe

Any monitoring instrumentation, rescue equipment, ventilation, etc. becomes compromised

Possible symptoms of exposure are noted in the entrant(s)

Entrant(s) express any type of concern regarding any safety or health aspect of the entry or work being done

Completion of Entry Work

Inspect and assure all items are cleaned and equipment is back in a ready-to-use state.

Cancel the permit by obtaining the signature of the entry supervisor and recording the time and date on the permit.

The entry supervisor is to inspect the area and assure all is safe and ready to be put back into operation.

The space can then be put back in operation, openings closed, signs and barricades removed, etc.

Reference the permit to assure everything has been addressed in re-activating the space.

If the space cannot be closed until a later time, provisions must be maintained (barricades, warning signs) to prevent in all cases any persons from falling into or entering the space.

Contractors

When Confined Space Entry (CSE) work is to be performed by sub-contractors at <CompanyName> sites, <ContractorManager> must be notified. They must provide the contractor with SDSs for materials used in the area.

<CompanyName> requires a copy of the CSE procedure they follow and requires contractors to monitor the space before entry. The confined space must be monitored by the contractor before and during entry for possible hazards. This is the contractor's responsibility.

<CompanyName> is not to perform the confined space assessment work, nor provide equipment for the contractors. <ContractorPolicyReviewer> is to review the written procedures from the contractor to assure they meet <CompanyName> requirements.

If <CompanyName> is involved in the flushing, purging, cleaning, or isolation of the space, <ContractorManager> must provide this information to the contractor. <ContractorManager> must also review the work, CSE elements, and associated hazards with the contractor before work begins. <ContractorManager> is to ensure that the provisions above are performed.

These CSE procedures and requirements are to be referenced in all contracts and reviewed with the contractors during contract discussions.

Emergency Response

<RescuePlanner> will ensure that a rescue plan is in place and functional, with adequate response time, before executing the permit or allowing entry.

Non-entry rescue procedures shall be established for every entry.

A fully trained, equipped, and qualified entry rescue team is to be established prior to entry and must be available for the duration of the entry. The rescue team will be made of qualified people and appointed by <RescueTeamCoordinator>.

If an outside service will be used for rescue operations, that service will be allowed to evaluate the confined space before an emergency occurs.

Communication must be maintained between the attendants and rescue staff at all times.

Harnesses and retrieval lines

Authorized entrants who enter a permit space must wear a chest or full body harness with a retrieval line attached to the center of their backs near shoulder level or above their heads. Wristlets may be used if the employer can demonstrate that the use of a chest or full body harness is not feasible or creates a greater hazard.

The employer must ensure that the other end of the retrieval line is attached to a mechanical device or a fixed point outside the permit space. A mechanical device must be available to retrieve someone from vertical type permit spaces more than five feet (1.524 meters) deep.

Employee Information & Training

Training

<CSETrainer> will provide training to all employees who will work as authorized entrants, attendants, supervisors, or rescue personnel on CSE jobs.

Training will be given prior to entry work and at least annually thereafter.

The manager of all CSE workers is responsible for notifying <CSETrainer> of employees who perform CSE and require training.

<TrainingDocumentor> is responsible for tracking all training with attendance sheets, which must be kept for three years.

Training Elements - All authorized entrants, attendants, supervisors, and rescue personnel must be trained in the following areas:

Hazard communication.

CSE equipment – lifelines, monitoring instruments and methods, hoisting equipment, non-sparking tools, and ventilation equipment.

Protective equipment – eye, skin, and respiratory equipment (Full Face Air Purifying, SCBA, and Airline), as well as maintenance for this equipment.

Set-up for CSE – rescue, ventilation, isolation, communications, posting and barricading procedures, and protection from external hazards.

Procedural and permit elements.

Hazardous atmosphere instructions including development, prevention, hazard recognition (including identification of the types of hazards which can be encountered), signs and symptoms of exposure, and first aid procedures.

Rescue personnel are to be first aid/CPR trained.

Hot works procedures.

Fall protection.

Lockout/Tagout procedures.

Appendix I – List of Confined Spaces

Confined Space ID	Location	Description	Permit Required	Location of Space Specific Procedures	Responsible Party

Appendix II – Confined Space Entry Control Worksheet

This form is used to evaluate hazards and needed controls for developing a permit or Job Hazard Analysis specific to a confined space. Check all that apply and specify details on the back for developing a specific permit for entry.

Location:
Confined space and work to be done:
Site contact information and management:
Issues and controls needing to be addressed for entry:
☐ Hazards of Work to Be Done Are Known and Have Controls Set ☐ Fall Hazards/ Fall Protection ☐ Entry/Egress ☐ Isolation (blanking, bleeding, etc.) and Lock-out ☐ Supervisor, Rescue, Entry, Standby Trained Persons Established ☐ Pre-entry Clean and Purge ☐ Barricading/Posting ☐ Harnesses/Retraction Gear ☐ Stand-by Person in Communication ☐ Calibrated Pre-Entry Monitoring Gear (Oxygen, LEL, Toxics); Trained in Use ☐ Heat Stress ☐ Ventilation to All Areas ☐ Spark Proof Tools/ Explosion Proof Electricals ☐ Communication Gear ☐ Properly Equipped and Trained Rescue Staff Immediately Available	☐ GFCIs/Ground Assurance in Use on Electricals ☐ Respiratory Equipment ☐ Air Supplied ☐ Escape Capability ☐ Air Purifying ☐ Skin Protection ☐ Eye Protection ☐ Ladder/Scaffolding ☐ Hearing Protection ☐ Lighting ☐ Foot Protection ☐ Other Personal Protective Equipment Gear ☐ Other Controls: ☐ Other Controls: ☐ Other Controls: ☐ Other Controls: ☐ Other Controls:

Appendix II – Confined Space Entry Control Worksheet (continued)

Control	Comment on gear, training, other notes:
Hazards of Work to Be Done Known With Controls Set
Fall Hazards/Fall Protection
Entry/Egress Isolation (blanking, bleeding, etc.)
Isolation and Lockout Pre-entry Clean and Purge
Supervisor, Rescue, Entry, Standby Trained Persons Established
Pre-entry Clean and Purge
Harnesses/Retraction Gear
Stand-by Person in Communication
Calibrated Pre-entry Monitoring Gear (Oxygen, LEL, Toxics); Trained in Use
Calibrated Entry Monitoring Gear (Oxygen, LEL, Toxics); Trained in Use
Heat Stress
Ventilation to All Areas
Spark Proof Tools/Explosion Proof Electricals
Communication Gear
Properly Equipped and Trained Rescue Staff Immediately Available
GFCIs/Ground Assurance in Use on Electricals
Respiratory Equipment -Air Supplied -Escape Capability -Air Purifying
Personal Protective Equipment Gear: - Skin Protection - Eye Protection - Hearing Protection - Foot Protection - Lighting
Ladder/Scaffolding
Other (Specify):

Appendix III – Confined Space Permit

Date
Site Location & Description
Time Issued/Expires *Permit is valid for 8 hours only. All copies of permit will remain at jobsite until job is completed
Purpose of Entry
Hazards That Work in this Space Can Create
Supervisor(s) in Charge of Crews/Type of Crew
Phone #
Authorized Entrant Personnel
Attendant Personnel
Communication Procedures
Rescue Procedures
Rescue Personnel
Rescue Procedure Phone #s

Note: for items that do not apply, enter N/A in the blank.

Appendix III – Confined Space Permit (continued)

REQUIREMENTS TO BE COMPLETED, REVIEWED, AND VERIFIED PRIOR TO ENTRY

Requirements Completed	Date	Time	Verified By
Lockout/Tagout
Line(s) Broken-Capped-Blanked
Purge, Flush, and Vent
Ventilation
Secure Area (Post and Flag)
Breathing Apparatus
Resuscitator – Inhalator
Standby Safety Personnel
Standby Safety Trained
Rescue Safety Trained
All Involved Current on Training
Rescue Process Effective
Full Body Harness with D Ring
Hoisting & Emergency Escape Retrieval Equipment
Fire Extinguishers
Lighting (Explosive Proof)
Protective Clothing
Respirators
Hot Work/Burning and Welding Permit

Appendix IV – Confined Space Entry Decision Tree

Appendix V – Daily Instrument Calibration Form

Make and Model:	Serial Number:
Name of Person Calibrating:	Job Title:

Gas Tested	Calibration Parameters	Results	Pass/Fail
Oxygen

Date:	Time:

Employee Acknowledgement

I have received information on <CompanyName>’s Confined Space Program. By signing below, I agree to abide by the procedures in this document and bring to the attention of my supervisor any questions or concerns had.

Employee Name:
Employee Signature:
Date:

icwgroup.com ICW Group is the marketing name for ICW Group Holdings, Inc. For a list of all ICW Group Holdings, Inc. subsidiaries, please visit our website www.icwgroup.com.
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