CONFINED SPACE SAFETY

• Contains, or has the potential to contain, a hazardous atmosphere.
• Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant.
• Has an internal layout such as that someone entering could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or a smaller cross-section.
• Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

• Any space which is completely free of hazards and can be so proven without entering the space. The entrant must be a qualified person and would be able to work alone with no safety attendant required.
• If it can be proven that hazards can be eliminated or removed through preventative measures (e.g., ventilation of space, forced air feed, lockout/tagout, etc.) then the rescue equipment will not be required. This will be determined by Environmental Health & Safety.
• A confined space includes, but is not limited to, storage tanks, vessels, sub-cellars, bins, pits, boilers, sewers or underground utility vaults. A confined space can also be open-topped, especially if it is four feet or more in depth.

• Oxygen deficiency (19.5%) and enrichment (23.5%)
• Fires and explosion
• Toxics in the air
• Physical hazards (engulfment, entrapment, mechanical, etc.)

Supervisor

• Provides all required information on permit.
• Contacts EH&S for authorization and review.
• Provides a copy of the permit to EH&S at start of job. Return permit at completion of job.
• Reviews entry requirements with entrants and attendants.
• Ensure that the permit requirements are accomplished.
• Post permit nearby confined space.
• Supervise the confined space operations to ensure that conditions remain consistent with requirements.
• Environmental monitoring is required prior to entry, when shift goes beyond 8 hours and/or when conditions change that warrant additional monitoring.
• Ensure that all workers involved in confined space operations, including entrants and attendants, have completed EOS 005 Confined Space Entry training.

Entrants and Attendants

• Employees whose work requires them to enter a confined space or be an attendant must be designated as confined space qualified.

Qualified Entrant

• Must be trained and familiar with components of the training.
• Be able to ensure that special requirements are met.
• Understand environmental testing acceptable results.
• Know the hazards associated with the space and their effects.
• Properly use the required PPE and other equipment required for entry.
• Maintain a continuous means of communication with the attendant.
• Alert the attendant in the event of an emergency.
• Evaluate the space if an emergency occurs.

Qualified Attendant

• A confined space qualified attendant must be in position at all times, outside of the confined space, while workers are in the confined space.
• Under no circumstances is the attendant to enter the confined space unless they are equipped for emergency rescue and there is a qualified person to take their place as attendant.
• Must be trained to know the hazards associated with the confined space and their hazards.
• Maintain an accurate account of all persons in the space.
• Remain at their assigned station until relieved by another qualified attendant or until all entrants leave the confined space.
• Know how, and have the means, to summon emergency assistance.
• Be able to order the workers out of a confined space if:
• Hazardous conditions exceed those set by the permit.
• An unexpected hazard presents itself.
• Workers in confined space show signs of toxic reaction.
• A situation occurs outside the confined space that could pose a hazard to the workers.
• If attendant must leave the area.
• Perform non-entry rescue procedures.

To obtain a Confined Space Assessment Permit, contact the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. A Confined Space Permit must be completed when entering non-permit and permit confined space areas.

• All information must be filled out accurately by supervisor.
• All special requirements must be noted on the permit.
• A copy of permit must be given to EH&S at the start of the job and returned upon completion.
• Environmental monitoring is required prior to entry, when shift goes beyond 8 hours and/or when conditions change that warrant additional monitoring.

Applicable regulations:
29 CFR 1910.146: Permit Required Confined Space

Applicable university policy:
Confined Space Policy
Confined Space Permit