Confined Space

The Louis Berger Group, Inc. has prepared this Confined Space Entry Policy for
Bridgewater State College ("BSC") to address BSC’s need for such a policy pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") regulations in 29 CFR 1910.146. A copy of these regulations has been included as Appendix A.

Scope

This Confined Space Entry policy identifies minimum safety requirements to be followed while entering, exiting, and working in Confined Spaces.

Purpose

The purpose of this Confined Space Entry policy is to identify procedural concerns and requirements regarding the health and safety of all BSC employees who will be working within Confined Spaces (permit and non-permit required). In addition, this policy establishes the requirement that contractors employed by BSC observe OSHA Confined Space entry requirements when working at the BSC campus. Furthermore, this policy serves as a reference to guide BSC environmental health and safety personnel in the development and implementation of plans and procedures for Confined Space Entry.

Objectives

This Confined Space Entry Policy will provide the basis to identify Confined Spaces, implement an entry permit system, require testing for hazardous atmospheres, establish safety equipment and ventilation guidelines, and develop a Confined Space Entry training program.

This policy also will allow for the reduction of a Permit-Required Confined Space ("PRCS") to a "non-permit required Confined Space" ("NPRCS"), as long as established criteria (identified in this policy) have been met.

Definitions (per 29 CFR 1910.146)
Acceptable entry conditions- The conditions that must exist in a permit space to allow entry and to ensure that employees involved with a PRCS entry can safely enter into and work within the space

Attendant- 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- An employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space.

Blanking or blinding- 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- A space that:

(l) 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

(3) 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.

Emergency- 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- 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 stangulation, constriction, or crushing.

Entry- The action by which a person passes through an opening into a PRCS. 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)- 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 29 CFR 1910.146(f).

Entry supervisor- 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- 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:

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 29 CFR 1910 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.

                4. 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, section 1910.1200 of this Part, published information, and internal documents can provide guidance in establishing acceptable atmospheric conditions.

Hot work permit- 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")- 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- 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- 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- 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 ("NPRCS")- 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- An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume.

Oxygen enriched atmosphere- An atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume.

Permit-required Confined Space ("PRCS")- 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.

 Permit-required Confined Space program (permit space program)- 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 – 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- Any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit during the period when entry is authorized.

Rescue service- The personnel designed to rescue employees from permit spaces.

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 permit spaces.

Testing- 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.

Identification/Recognition

All BSC campus locations that are considered to be PRCS shall be identified as specifically as possible, including area or room, the building, and its specific address.

Entry into these spaces (including, but not limited to placing of head or face into the opening of a Confined Space) shall be subject to the provisions of this program.

Signage shall be posted on or as near as is practicable to each PRCS. The signs shall read:

PRCSs that cannot be labeled, because of adverse area or weather conditions, shall be identified with written communications, with reference to this policy, to all BSC personnel whose work may involve the direct use or entry of the PRCS.

The following PRCSs exist at BSC.

• Sewers shall be considered PRCSs because they can not be completely isolated,

and the atmosphere can suddenly change, without adequate warning, placing all entrants in danger.

• Electrical Pits shall be considered PRCSs, unless all internal hazards can be eliminated, before entry

• Steam Pits shall be considered PRCSs, unless all internal hazards can be eliminated, before entry

• Other temporary or fixed PRCSs may be identified from time to time on the basis of on going evaluation.

If entrance into an identified PRCS will never be necessary, access to the space will be prohibited. Appropriate warning signage shall be posted, or some other means to prevent access shall be provided.

Any person, (regardless of agency) working for BSC (i.e. outside company or contractor) shall follow an OSHA-compliant "Confined Space Entry Policy."

Whenever outside companies or contractors are working with BSC employees, the Confined Space policy used shall not be less stringent than the BSC policy.

Other Non-BSC Workers

Outside contractors are responsible for complying with OSHA Confined Space regulations. Contractors employed by BSC shall coordinate their own Confined Space procedures in accordance with the requirements of BSC’s policy. Their contracts will specifically require the General Contractor to notify Facilities Management whenever Permit-Required Confined Space ("PRCS") access is required.

Notification

When it has been determined that entry into a PRCS will be necessary, the following agency(s) shall be notified:

• Facilities Management at (508) 531-1753; and, if applicable,

• Central Heating Plant (508) 531-1266

A verbal notification of PRCS entry can be made. However, the notification shall be made not less than 24 hours prior to the start of work. A copy of the actual permits must then be sent to the appropriate departments for record keeping purposes. The departments are listed at the bottom of the actual permit.

Exception: Emergency evaluations/repairs are acceptable, however, Facilities Management and/or the Central Heating Plant must notified before entering a PRCS.

Outside contractors must notify Facilities Management and/or the Central Heating Plant before entering a PRCS. This notification allows the facilities department to notify the other necessary shops that may have knowledge of unsafe conditions within said PRCS.

Confined Space Survey

Each Confined Space shall be surveyed for hazards or potential hazards within. The survey shall be done by qualified persons who shall decide which spaces are to be designated PRCS or NPRCS. A "qualified person" shall be considered an individual qualified by training and experience who is authorized by the party conducting Confined Space Entry to make determinations with respect to confined spaces.

If identified as a PRCS, the Confined Space shall be labeled with appropriate signage, or shall be otherwise indicated.

Hazard Identification

Hazards shall be identified for each Confined Space.

The identification shall include:

• Exact location of the Confined Space

• Past or current uses of the Confined Space which may adversely effect the atmosphere of the Confined Space.

• Physical characteristics

• Existing or potential hazards in the Confined Space:

-Oxygen deficiency or enrichment, as determined by an oxygen meter

-Flammable or explosive atmosphere, as determined by a combustible gas indicator

-Toxic Atmosphere, as characterized by chemical-specificdetectors, when applicable

-Biological hazards within the Confined Space

-Mechanical hazards (i.e. augers, ribbon blenders, and piping hazards)

-Other health and safety related concerns (i.e. steam, heat, slip/fall, etc.)

Hazard Evaluations

Evaluations shall be performed by a qualified person. Each hazard (potential or known) shall be examined for:

• Hazard exposure:

-Who and how many people would be affected?

• Hazard potential:

-How much energy could be released?

-How toxic are the chemicals used or found in place?

• Hazard consequences:

-What is the likelihood of injury, explosion or fire within the Confined Space?

• Hazard conditions:

-Steam-Electricity-Polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCB’s")

-Flooding/weather changes

• Hazard control (Strategies for controlling hazards)

-Block & Bleed

-Isolation

-Utility shutdown

-Ventilation

• Emergency response

-Which agencies might be called for this Confined Space?

Bridgewater Department of Public Works

Bridgewater Fire Department

Facilities Management

Central Heating Plant

BSC Police Department

Hazard Re-Evaluation

In certain circumstances a "hazard re-evaluation" will be performed. Depending on the work being performed within a NPRCS (i.e., welding/cutting) a Confined Space will need to be re-evaluated.

When the need for such re-evaluation is determined, a qualified person shall conduct the "hazard evaluation" and "hazard identification" process.

When evaluating or re-evaluating a Confined Space atmosphere, the following shall be incorporated:

• All sources of ignition shall be kept to a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet away from the opening, until the space has been tested and found to be free of explosive/flammable gasses.

• Any manufacturer’s recommendations regarding pretesting and calibration of the equipment to be used shall be followed.

• Testing shall be done at the opening or cover, first, prior to opening. If no damgerous condition is identified or detected, the cover or door can be partially opened (use caution to avoid sparks.

• Testing/continuous evaluation shall be performed, first just inside the opening and then into other areas of the Confined Space, unless a dangerous condition has been identified.

• Monitoring of a PRCS must continue as long as there is someone in the Confined Space.

• If any Confined Space is vacated for any period of time, the atmosphere of the Confined Space should be re-evaluated before entry is again permitted.

• If isolation of the space is not feasible because the space is too large or is part of a continuous system, (such as a steamline), entry testing or re-setting shall be performed to the extent possible, before entry into the work area is made

Limits

Acceptable Limits

After evaluation by a qualified person, the atmosphere of the Confined Space shall be considered within the acceptable limits if the following air quality criteria are met:

• Oxygen levels are between 19.5 and 23.5 percent

• Flammability is less than 10 percent of the LFL

• Carbon monoxide is less than 35 ppm

• Hydrogen Sulfide levels are less than 10 ppm

• Toxicity is less than the recognized exposure limits (i.e. OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELS's)

• Airborne dusts levels less than 10 percent of the Lower Explosive Level (see National Fire Prevention Association ("NFPA") Handbook, 14^th edition for particular dusts)

 Unsafe Atmosphere/Unacceptable Limits

No employee/Contractor Shall Enter Any Confined Space in which a hazardous atmosphere has been detected. Whenever testing, (by a qualified person), of the atmosphere indicates that levels of oxygen, flammability, or toxicity are not within acceptable limits, entry shall be prohibited until appropriate controls are implemented or appropriate personal protective equipment ("PPE") and training has been provided.

If Hazardous Gas (Toxic/Flammable) or Oxygen Deficiency/Enrichment is discovered, the space can be purged or force ventilated using intrinsically safe and explosion resistant equipment to eliminate or control atmospheric hazards. The area should then be re-monitored.

Whenever possible, forced ventilation shall be directed to ventilate the immediate areas where an employee is or will be present within the space and shall continue until the employees have left the space.

If forced ventilation is necessary, and is to be used, the initial and subsequent atmospheric tests of the Confined Space shall be performed with all ventilation equipment shut down for a significant period of time. (This is done to show hazardous and potentially hazardous conditions, should the ventilation system fail.)

After testing and documenting the results with the ventilation shut down, the ventilation system should then be turned back on. (The above steps are taken to ensure that contaminants are not being drawn into the Confined Space by the ventilation system, creating its own hazardous conditions(s)).

The following exceptions to the above will be made: Negative air ventilation (already permanently installed) can be used in lieu of forced ventilation provided that it shall not draw poor quality air into the Confined Space, and fresh air intake plenums for buildings on campus. Air supply for the forced air ventilation shall be from a clean source (i.e., not in close proximity to vehicle exhaust), and shall not increase the hazards within the Confined Space. When air quality testing shows that the atmosphere remains unsafe or unacceptable for entry, the entry permit shall be revoked and entry prohibited.The permit can be revoked by the attendant, supervisor, qualified personnel, Facility Safety Officer or any qualified person.

 If hazardous gases or oxygen deficiency/enrichment is not indicated after re-testing, the Confined Space may be entered. This provides that continuous atmospheric testing is conducted and that forced ventilation is continuous throughout the work period.

If, during any entry, a hazardous atmosphere is detected:

1. All employees shall leave the Confined Space immediately.
2. The work foreman shall notify Facilities Management and/or the Central

Heating Plant immediately.

3. The space shall then be evaluated by a qualified person to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed. All necessary steps, including corrective action, continuous forced ventilation and atmospheric monitoring, shall be taken to protect employees prior to re-entry.
4. If the source of the contaminant cannot be determined, precautions shall be adequate to deal with the worst possible condition within the Confined Space.

If there is a possibility that the Confined Space could become unacceptable, while personnel are working, procedures and equipment shall be provided including: tripod, ‘safety harness’, telephone or portable radios.

Permit-Required Confined Space

Confined Spaces at BSC that represent known or potential PRCSs include sewers, steam pits, electrical pits, steam pits, and underground vaults.

The PRCSs Program shall:

• Implement measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry.
• Identify and evaluate the hazards of PRCS before employees enter then:
• Develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices for safe entry into a PRCS, including but not limited to:

-Identification of acceptable entry conditions

-Isolating the PRCS

-Eliminating or controlling atmospheric hazards by purging, blanking, locking or tagging out, flushing inerting or ventilating

-Monitoring (periodically or continuously) of the PRCS as required by the qualified person.  Provide the required equipment (intrinsically safe, as necessary) needed for proper set up, entry and  breakdown of the Confined Space, such as:

• Ventilation equipment
• Communication equipment
• Testing and monitoring equipment
• Personnel Protection Equipment
• Lighting
• Barriers
• Equipment
• Rescue and emergency equipment
• Evaluate PRCS prior to and during entry.
• Provide the necessary entrants/occupants, attendants and other additional support, as needed.

Prior to entry, the PRCS permit shall be prepared and signed by the supervisor/project manager. In case of emergency, the permit can be signed by a qualified person. A sample Confined Space entry form is included as Appendix B.

The completed permit shall be made available to all entrants, occupants, and attendants by posting near the entry of the Confined Space.  The length of time to be spent in the Confined Space shall be noted on the permit, and shall be strictly adhered to.   The supervisor may need to terminate the permit if a condition arises, not covered for by the permit BSC shall create and maintain a file for all canceled, expired or completed entry permits, indefinitely.  All the requirements of the permit shall have been met, before entry is made.

Entry Permit

The entry permit shall identify:

• Permit Space (by address and number) to be entered
• Purpose of entry
• Date and length of time for entry
• The authorized entrants, attendants and supervisors
• Actual or potential hazards
• Measures used to isolate, eliminate or reduce the hazards of the PRCS.
• Acceptable entry conditions- before and during each entry of the PRCS
• Rescue equipment and the Confined Space Emergency Response Team, ("CSERT").
• Communications equipment and procedures
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Other additional information

PRCSs

PRCSs may include, but are not limited to:

• Sewer(s)
• Certain underground tunnels and pits, as identified
• Elevator overheads and limited access pits
• Identified exhaust systems/HVAC equipment accessed for maintenance
• Sump pump pits
• Boilers
• Tanks that contractors could enter for cleaning and maintenance
• Temporary excavations and certain trenches.

Personnel Responsibilities

Attendant Responsibility

Attendant(s) shall be stationed outside any Confined Space (PRCS/non-PRCS) The number of attendants that are required at any Confined Space shall be determined by a qualified person. It shall be the qualified person’s responsibility to determine the manpower requirement(s) of the project:

For example: More than one attendant may be required if there is more than one entry to the Confined Space, and that the different entries are arranged in such a way that the distance between them may be greater than 20 feet. Attendants and the occupants within the Confined Space shall remain in constant two-way communication (i.e., person-to-person, radio, cellular phone).

Attendants shall also:

• Assist the occupants entering the Confined Space, but shall not themselves, at any point, enter the Confined Space.
• Direct occupants to exit the Confined Space when any irregularities are observed
• Initiate evacuation and emergency procedures:

-Radio communications with Facilities Department and/or Central Heating Plant must be maintained at all times.

-Begin (if not a PRCS) setting up tripod or initiating request for tripod.

-Request any appropriate personnel:

Bridgewater Fire and Ambulance

Confined Space Emergency Response Team

Bridgewater State College Police

• Monitor, using the necessary equipment for any changes or conditions that could adversely affect the entry.  The attendant shall know how to interpret such information.

• Remain at the entry point of the Confined Space, unless relieved by another attendant.

Should unauthorized person(s) approach or enter a Confined Space while entry is underway the attendant shall:

• Warn the unauthorized person(s) that they must stay out of the permit space.

• Request unauthorized person(s) who have entered the permit space to exit immediately.

• Inform authorized entrants and supervisors when any unauthorized persons have entered the Confined Space.

Occupant/Entrant(s) Responsibility

The occupant/entrant who will be entering the Confined Space shall make sure that the qualified person has evaluated/inspected the Confined Space, and that it was determined to be safe for entry.

The occupant shall make sure, before entry that all potential hazards have been identified and that serious hazards have been isolated.  Isolation includes: de-energizing and locking/tagging out exposed electrical equipment; locking/tagging out exposed mechanical equipment; blanking, blinding, misaligning or removing sections of pipes, ducts, or a double block and bleed system, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147.

The occupant shall also make sure, before entry, that all appropriate Rescue Equipment has been made available, at the site. Whenever a worker is required to enter a PRCS, a full body harness may be required.

An attached retrieval line, secured outside the Confined Space should be utilized, but may not be required to be attached to the occupant/entrant, if the attachment may cause additional harm or hazard to the occupant/entrant. Retrieval lines must not be secured to any vehicle.

Mechanical hoisting equipment, i.e., tripod, retrieval line, and full body harness shall be set up to provide for emergency retrieval from a PRCS such as a pit or manhole.

The occupant/attendant/qualified person shall make sure that the appropriate forced air ventilation equipment and tubing has been positioned properly to provide continuous, forced air to the work area, in any Confined Space.  The occupant/entrant shall make sure they have the necessary communication equipment for the type of work.  The occupant/entrant should be familiar with the use and warnings of all monitoring equipment.

Appendix C contains an inventory of BSC’s Confined Space entry equipment, including monitoring devices and other safety equipment.

Supervisor/Project Manager(s) Responsibility

The Supervisor/Project Manager for any Confined Space work shall ensure that the following criteria has been satisfied before work in the Confined Space is started.   The Supervisor/Project Manager shall make sure that all shops involved, or having responsibility for the Confined Space being worked on, have been notified at least 24 hours in advance. A shorter period of advance notice may apply in emergency situations. This will allow the specific shop(s) to identify any possible hazards that they may be aware of, (i.e., asbestos, leaks, etc.), before work is initiated.

The Supervisor/Project Manager shall ensure that the necessary equipment has been made available and placed on site before work has begun.  The Supervisor/Project Manager must ensure that each Confined Space to be entered shall have been properly assessed by a qualified person before entry is permitted.

If the qualified person finds the Confined Space unacceptable, the Supervisor/Project Manager shall make sure that no one enters the Confined Space until corrective measures have been made, and the qualified person has then permitted entry.  The Supervisor/Project Manager shall make sure that the attendants, occupants/entrants have monitoring equipment in the Confined Space at all times, when necessary and that the occupant/entrants know what to do in case of alarm(s).

The Supervisor/Project Manager shall also make sure that the appropriate two-way communication equipment has been made available to the occupant/entrants at all times. The Attendant shall be equipped with communication equipment, in case of emergency.   Facilities Management shall be made aware of any Confined Space work, so that they are prepared to listen specifically for emergency requests.

The Supervisor/Project Manager shall make sure that a proper American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ("ACGIH") work/rest ratio has been implemented for working in a Confined Space. This is done to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke, a life threatening illness. The Supervisor/Project Manager shall ensure that the occupants/entrant/attendant shall have plenty of drinking water and cups at the site, should heat and weather conditions warrant.

The Supervisor/Project Monitor shall ensure that all persons who will be working in Confined Space, PRCS or NPRCS, have been medically evaluated by their physician to ensure adequate health and safety for Confined Space entry.  The Supervisor/Project Monitor shall enforce all appropriate provisions of this policy with the assistance of the Facilities Department and their respective department heads. Supervisors shall be monitoring worksites for compliance.

Special Considerations/Hazards

Materials such as asbestos, biological/radiological agents, and electricity and other energy present special hazards. If any of these types of hazards are to be encountered during work, Facilities Management or the Central Heating Plant must be notified and appropriate precautions taken before proceeding with the work.

Lock Out/Tag Out

Lock Out/Tag Out procedures (per 29 CFR 1910.147), when necessary shall be incorporated at all times to ensure the health and safety of all BSC personnel and outside contractors.   In accordance with the different "isolation" procedures, a means of reducing hazards for health and safety reasons must be followed. (See "isolation" in the definition section of this policy.) If complete isolation is not possible, provisions shall be made to reduce any hazard, before work in a Confined Space is initiated.  After locking or tagging out energy sources, the supervisor/project manager or entrant (whoever locks or tags out an energy source) shall make sure that all potential stored energy has been relieved and if necessary, blocked or otherwise secured for additional safety. This shall be done for the protection of workers in and around Confined Space areas as well as for those who might otherwise be using the now de-energized equipment.

Fire

Open flames, welding, cutting, soldering, brazing, general purpose electrical equipment, light sources, smoking material, or other spark or flame producing agents or devices other than explosive-resistant equipment, shall not be used in any Confined Space, until it has been demonstrated by approved test that a flammable vapor does not exist.  Appropriate and sufficient portable fire extinguishers shall be readily available, and in good working order at the site.

13.3 Hot Works

Gas cylinders and work involving associated Hot Works require authorization before work in the Confined Space is started. BSC employees or outside contractors must obtain the necessary authorization from Facilities Management.  When Hot Works (i.e., welding, cutting, soldering or brazing, etc.) are required in a Confined Space, adequate fresh air ventilation of at least 2,000 cubic feet per minute ("cfm") per welder shall be provided per 29 CFR 1910.252.  Hot Works authorization must be acquired from Facilities Management, before such work in a Confined Space begins.  Facilities Management shall be contacted if the 2,000-cfm rate per welder can not be obtained or maintained. Local exhaust, airline respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus ("SCBA") may be necessary. Respirators and SCBA’s require special training and other requirements.

In accordance with the Massachusetts State Fire Prevention Codes, 527 CMR 39:

• All Hot Works equipment used shall be approved by a recognized testing agency.

• The individual using such Hot Works equipment shall be properly trained for the intended work, and shall perform the work in a professional manner.

• A Firewatch shall be provided as required by the permit, for the safety of the entrants and BSC.

• The person, (i.e., second occupant in the Confined Space), may be utilized for this purpose, provided their full attention is on the fire and safety issues.

• Hot Works can only be performed in a Confined Space, after permission has been given by the qualified person and/or Facilities Management.

• Any Hot Works performed in close proximity to other openings or unrelocatable combustible material shall be properly covered with a on-combustible cover, or some other similar protective means. 

• A portable fire extinguisher (dry chemical), with a rating of not less than a 4-A:60-BC shall be kept at the Hot Works location, and the occupant/entrants and attendants shall be familiar with its use.

• Torch valves shall be closed and fuel-gas and oxygen supply to the torch positively shut-off at a point outside the Confined Space whenever positively shut-off at a point outside the Confined Space whenever the torch is not being used for a substantial period of time.

General Safety Considerations

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters ("GFCI"):

• All portable electrical devices including: power tools, lightning, generators, etc. shall be properly grounded and protected by approved GFCI’S.

Guarding of Confined Spaces:

• When covers of manholes, vaults or other Confined Space accesses are opened, the opening shall be guarded by either a standard railing or a hole cover of standard strength and construction.

• The temporary hole cover shall completely cap the opening and be able to withstand any weight that may be applied to it.

• The guarding must also protect the occupants/entrants working in the manhole or other Confined Space from falling objects that may enter the hole/opening.

• Appropriate cones or other warning devices must also be placed near the work area to warn of the work being done and/or the type of hazard involved.

• Signs, barriers or other necessary measures shall be taken to prevent unauthorized access to the Confined Space work area.

Lighting:

• Adequate lighting shall be used to safely accomplish the work.
• The following is required:

- Grounding of all electrical appliances/equipment.

- GFCIs

                   - Intrinsically-safe and explosion-resistant equipment shall be used  when necessary

Personal Protective Equipment ("PPE"):

• All necessary PPE, including but not limited to hard-hats, hand/foot protection, and safety eyewear (including appropriate welder’s glasses for all personnel in pits) shall be used. The qualified person or safety officer(s) shall identify the appropriate PPE needed for the intended work. The Supervisor/Project Manager shall be responsible for compliance.

Protection from Vehicular Traffic:

• In addition and in conjunction with the guarding of Confined Spaces, when work is required within roadways or when employees and/or outside contractors are exposed to vehicular traffic, the BSC Police Department shall be notified.

• Proper measures shall be taken to divert traffic away from the work area/opening. High visibility and reflectorized warning vests and garments shall also be used.

Emergency Response

The Confined Space Emergency Response Team ("CSERT") shall be made up of the following organizations for fast and effective rescue.

• The Bridgewater Fire and Ambulance Service

• Facilities Management

• Central Heating Plant

• The BSC Police Department

Should the CSERT team be necessary for a Confined Space rescue, the following procedures shall be followed:

The attendant, at the Confined Space shall notify Facilities Management and/or The Central Heating Plant by portable radio or cellular phone, identifying the site as accurately as possible. Facilities Management shall then notify Bridgewater Fire Department, the BSC Police and other appropriate staff, initiating the necessary response.  BSC staff shall assist the Bridgewater Fire Department in any way possible. All members of the CSERT Unit shall be trained in accordance with this policy.  BSC personnel must not attempt to perform a Confined Space rescue without the proper training and equipment to perform such a rescue.

Training

Any BSC employee who is required to enter or supervise those entering or serve as an attendant for any entry into a Confined Space shall receive appropriate training. This training will assure that understanding, knowledge and skills necessary for safe performance of duties are acquired.

Initial training will be given to all affected employees and will be followed up with refresher training. Training will be conducted as necessary on any new procedures, before there is a change in assigned duties. When there is a change in Confined Space hazards, or when deficiencies become evident.

Training shall be made available through:

• Videos

• Handouts

• Field exercises

• Other applicable training

The above training aids will include, but is not limited to:

• Review of this policy and all Confined Space entry procedures.

• Familiarization with all hazards associated with Confined Space, (i.e.,toxic atmospheres, oxygen deficiency, flammable vapors).

• Field training on the use of monitoring, testing, ventilation, safety and rescue equipment. This training will also include: hazard recognition, communication, emergency procedures, harness and hoisting equipment.

• Other associated concerns, such as electrical safety, guarding and PPE.

The Facilities Management Office shall maintain certification records of all employees trained and tested in Confined Space entry and operations.  The list shall include the subjects, signature(s) of the trainer(s), attendees and dates of training. Appendix D contains a list of BSC personnel who have received Confined Space entry training.