confined space

1.0 Purpose
The purpose of the A-State Confined Space Program is to establish procedures and
methods for safe entry into confined spaces. This program includes all employees,
students and contractors who may enter a confined space.
This program provides the minimum accepted practices for working inside a confined
space. All personnel involved in confined space entry will adhere to the requirements
and procedures of this program. Confined space entry should only be performed when
there is no alternative, less hazardous way to carry out the task. A-State evaluates their
confined spaces and procedures, measures should be put into place to reduce the
likelihood of someone being required to enter the confined spaces to perform work.
2.0 Definitions
2.1 Confined Space – An area that meets all of the following criteria:
a. Is large enough and so configured that an individual can bodily enter and
perform assigned work.
b. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, bag houses,
vessels silos, storage bins, vaults, pits).
c. Is not designed for continuous personnel occupancy.
2.2 Entry – The action by which a person passes through an opening into a permitrequired 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 vertical or horizontal plane of an opening into the space.
2.3 Entry Permit – A written or printed document that is provided by the employer to
allow and control entry into a permit space.
2.4 Entry Supervisor – A person responsible for determining if acceptable entry
conditions are present in a permit space where entry is planned, completing and
signing the entry permit, authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and
terminating entry as required.
2.5 Entry Team – Refers to the entire team assigned to a confined space, (entry
supervisor, attendant, entrants, and the monitor.)
2.6 Hazardous Atmosphere – An atmosphere that may expose individuals to the risk
of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue from a permit space,
injury or acute illness as the result of oxygen deficiency, toxic and/or flammable
gases and vapors or any other atmospheric condition that is immediately
dangerous to life or health.
2.7 Isolation – The process of blanking or blinding, removing a section of line, duct or
pipe, a double block and bleed, lock-out / tag-out of all sources of energy as may
be required to protect a permit space against the release of energy and material
into the space.
2.8 Non-Permit Confined Space – A confined space that does not contain, or with
respect to atmospheric hazards, does not have the potential to contain any
hazard(s) capable of causing death or physical harm.
2.9 Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere – An atmosphere containing less than 19.5
percent or lower oxygen content by volume.
2.10 Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere – An atmosphere that contains 23.5 percent or
higher oxygen by volume.
2.11 Retrieval System – the equipment (including a retrieval line, chest or full-body
harness, rescue hook, wristlets, if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor)
used for non-entry rescue of persons from permit spaces.
2.12 Testing / Monitoring – The process of identifying and evaluating the hazards that
may be present inside of a confined space. When testing for atmospheric
hazards, first test for oxygen, then for combustible gasses and vapors, and then
for toxic gasses or vapors.
2.13 Tester / Monitor – The person assigned the task and specifically trained on how
to perform specific testing in and around the permit spaces.
3.0 General Requirements
Confined spaces at Arkansas State University typically include tunnel space or man
holes. The following general requirements are required to be implemented when
working in or around confined spaces:
3.1 When practical, all confined spaces shall be permanently marked. A sign shall be
installed at each opening of the Confined Space. Signs should contain the
following text or similar language: DANGER – PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED
SPACE DO NOT ENTER
3.2 Spaces not permanently marked (ex. Manholes) shall be posted with a portable
sign when access to the space is required.
3.3 All confirmed spaces where there is an opening that can be easily walked into
(floor openings, manhole openings, etc.) shall have a physical barrier (guardrail,
cover, gate, etc.)
3.4 When required, isolating energy sources to the confined space shall be
performed in accordance with the Arkansas State University Lockout / Tagout
Program.
3.5 If “hot work” conditions exist, precautions shall be taken in accordance with the
Arkansas State University Hot Work Program. Cylinders of compressed gases
are never permitted in a confined space.
3.6 Air monitoring is required 30 minutes before and during entry at 15 minute
intervals in any confined space.
3.7 Portable electrical equipment used in confined spaces shall be supplied power
through a ground fault interrupter or be battery powered.
4.0 Roles & Responsibilities
4.1 Confined Space Attendant – An individual who is stationed outside one or more
permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all
attendants’ duties assigned in this program.
a. Attend confined space training
b. Maintain effective and continuous communication with personnel during
confined space entry, work, and exit.
c. Order evacuation of the confined space if:
i. A condition exists that is not allowed on the entry permit
ii. Entrants act strangely, possibly as a result of exposure to the
hazardous substances
iii. A situation exists outside the confined space that could endanger
personnel
iv. A hazard is identified within the confined space that has not been
previously recognized or taken into consideration
v. Attendant must leave the work station
vi. Rescue of personnel in other confined space is required
4.2 Entrant – An individual who is authorized by an employer to enter a permit space.
a. Attend confined space training
b. Report unusual conditions associated with confined space equipment or
confined space operations to their supervisor and the safety department
immediately. Do not enter confined space until unusual conditions are
evaluated.
c. Follow instructions from the confined space attendant.
d. Follow all health and safety measures developed by Arkansas State
University around confined spaces and other safety hazards.
e. Read and observe the entry permit requirements
f. Remain alert to the hazards that could be encountered while in the confined
space.
g. Properly use the PPE that is required by the permit.
h. Immediately exit the confined space if:
i. Evacuation is ordered by an authorized person
ii. Other entrants display symptoms consistent with exposure to confined
space hazards
iii. Entrant themselves experiences symptoms consistent with exposure to
confined space hazards
iv. A prohibited conditions exists
i. Alert attendant(s) when a prohibited condition exists
j. Alert attendant(s) when warning signs or symptoms of exposure exist
4.3 Emergency Response – The Safety Department shall maintain a written plan of
action that has provisions for conducting a timely rescue of individuals within a
confined space, should an emergency arise. All affected personnel shall be
trained on the Emergency Response Plan.
5.0 Training
All employees who will enter confined spaces shall be trained in entry procedures.
Personnel responsible for supervising, planning, entering or participating in confined
space entry and rescue shall be adequately trained in the functional duties prior to a
confined space entry. Refresher training shall be conducted as needed to maintain
employee competence in entry procedures and precautions. Training shall include:
5.1 Explanation of the general hazards associated with confined spaces.
5.2 Discussion of specific confined space hazards associated with the facility,
location or operation.
5.3 Reason for, proper use and limitations of personal protective equipment and
other safety equipment required for entry into confined spaces.
5.4 Explanation of permits and other procedural requirements for conducting a
confined space entry.
5.5 Procedures for responding to emergencies.
5.6 Duties and responsibilities of the confined space entry team.
5.7 Description of how to recognize symptoms of overexposure to probable air
contaminants in themselves and co-workers and methods for alerting the
attendant.
5.8 Training for atmospheric monitoring personnel shall include proper use of
monitoring instruments, including instruction on the following:
a. Proper use of the equipment
b. Sampling strategies and techniques
c. OSHA exposure limits for anticipated contaminants: CO, O2, H2S, Low
Explosive Limit (LEL) gases
5.9 Training for Attendants shall include:
a. Procedures for summoning rescue or other emergency services
b. Proper use of equipment used for communicating with entry and
emergency/rescue personnel.
6.0 Permits
6.1 Permit Required Confined Space – An area that meets the definition of a
confined space and 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 a potential of engulfing an entrant (i.e. water or
sand).
c. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or
asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward
and tapers to a smaller cross-section.
d. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards (i.e. wind,
insecure footing, electrical).
6.2 The following procedures must be implemented for all permit-required confined
spaces:
a. Identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter
b. Specify acceptable entry conditions (use the Confined Space Entry Permit);
c. Perform air monitoring of the space prior to entry and continuously during
entry;
d. Isolate the permit space using lockout/tagout methods (i.e., lock and tag out
compressed gas system on presses, lock out pumps and electrical
connections in sumps, etc.)
e. Purge, inert, flush or ventilate the permit space as necessary to eliminate or
control atmospheric hazards
f. Provide barriers as necessary to protect entrants from external hazards;
g. Verify that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout
the duration of an authorized entry;
h. Designate the communication methods that will be used between the entrant
and the attendant
i. Designate rescue requirements and place equipment needed next to the
permit-required confined space in the event that an emergency rescue is
needed
j.
Provide at least one attendant outside the permit space for the duration of
entry operations
k. Designate employees who have active roles in the entry process; entrant,
attendant; rescue. etc.
l. The Arkansas State University Confined Space Permit shall be completed
and signed/approved by the Safety Department
m. Permits shall be cancelled at the end of each shift, or when new hazards
arise. A confined space entry permit is only valid foe one work shift.
6.3 Alternate Entry Procedures – All steps taken to reclassify the permit space to an
alternate entry space must be written on the entry permit and reviewed by the
Safety Office prior to reclassification. All confined spaces shall be considered
permit-required until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. Alternate
entry procedures may be used if the only hazard present in the confined space
is:
a. Atmospheric in nature
b. The atmospheric hazard can be controlled by mechanical ventilation alone
c. The Permit Space atmosphere will not become immediately dangerous to
life and health (IDLH) if the mechanical ventilation fails.
d. Under Alternate Entry Procedures, the entrant may enter the confined space
following the procedure below:
i. Establish and ensure that the mechanical ventilation system is
operational and providing clean, fresh air to the entrants’ work location
within the space during the entire confined space operation
ii. Test the atmosphere of the space prior to entry into the space and
continually operate a personal gas detector during the entire confined
space operation
iii. Immediately evacuate the space if ventilation fails, or if the portable air
sampling equipment fails to enters alarm mode
iv. Immediately evacuate the space if you discover, or become aware of a
previously unrecognized hazard.
v. Immediately notify the Safety Department of any previously unidentified
hazards.
6.4 Non-Permit Confined Spaces – If the confined space poses no actual or potential
atmospheric hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated without
entry into the space, the Safety Office may reclassify the permit space may as a
non-permit confined space for as long as the non-atmospheric hazards remain
eliminated.
a. If it is necessary to enter the permit space to eliminate hazards, such entry
will be performed as a permit-required confined space entry.
b. If hazards arise while employees are working in a non-permit space, each
employee shall exit the space immediately.
c. The Safety Office shall then reevaluate the space and determine whether it
must be reclassified as a permit space.
6.5 The attached Service Route Map will designate the interior sidewalks where SMV
operation is allowed.
6.6 The attached SMV Service Routes for Pre- & Post-Game Activities Map specifies
routes for ADA shuttles, courtesy parking shuttles and service vehicles. These
routes are strictly reserved for the specified purpose for ½ hours prior to and ½
hours after the game.
6.7 All SMVs on the A-State Farm must operate on farm property and roadways only.
6.8 The operator must report any accidents to the University Police Department and
to the operator's supervisor. Supervisors are responsible for reporting such
accidents to the Office of Risk Management.
6.9 SMV operators are to use extreme caution at all times.
6.10 The use of cell phones is strictly prohibited while operating SMVs.
6.11 Wearing headsets that impair hearing or masks that obstruct vision is strictly
prohibited while operating SMVs.
6.12 Pedestrians have the right-of-way on campus. SMVs must yield to pedestrians
on sidewalks and in crosswalks.
6.13 Operators must not travel on sidewalks where there is insufficient space for
pedestrians to pass the SMV without stepping off of the sidewalk.
6.14 Operators must be diligent and pay particular attention to the needs of disabled
persons, as limitations in vision, hearing or mobility may impair their ability to see
or hear SMVs.
6.15 SMVs are not to be overloaded, i.e. carrying more passengers than seating
provided or overloading the vehicle’s recommended carrying or load capacity.
6.16 Operators are responsible for ignition keys for the periodof time in which they are
using the vehicle. Keys should not be left in SMVs unattended.
6.17 When parking, use designated service parking areas indicated by yellow striping.
6.18 If service parking is not available, the following guidance applies:
a. Keep emergency access sidewalks clear. Routes marked with larger dots
indicate emergency access sidewalks on the attached map.
b. Do not block building entrances
c. Do not impede pedestrian access on walkways.
6.19 Bollards located in the middle of sidewalks indicate that driving is prohibited
beyond the bollard. This includes the multi-use trail or any bollard with a yellow
“No Motorized Vehicles” decal.
7.0 Standard Safety Features
7.1 As of the effective date of this policy all new SMV acquisitions must meet the
minimum safety features found in National Highway Safety and Traffic
Administration (NHSTA), Standard 500 (49CFR Part 571.500), hereafter
"Standard 500".
a. SMVs operated by contractors and other non-affiliated departments,
companies, corporations, etc. must meet Standard 500.
b. Personal SMVs allowed as ADA accommodation must meet Standard 500.
7.2 From Standard 500:
a. The maximum speed attainable within one mile for SMV will not exceed 25
miles per hour.
b. All SMVs will be equipped with:
i. Headlamps,
ii. Front and rear turn signal lamps,
iii. Tail lamps,
iv. Stop lamps,
v. Reflex reflectors: one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable,
and one red on the rear,
vi. An exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either
an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or an
interior mirror,
vii. A parking brake,
viii. A windshield of AS-1 or AS-5 composition, that conforms to the
American National Standard Institute's "Safety Code for Safety Glazing
Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles Operating on Land Highways," Z26.1-1977, January 28, 1977, as supplemented by Z26.1a, July 3, 1980
ix. A Slow Moving Vehicle Reflective Triangle
x. An alert sound as required by §571.141 [This refers to horns and
reverse alarms]
7.3 For SMVs acquired prior to the effective date of this policy, the following
guidelines apply:
a. SMVs must be four-wheeled vehicles - No three-wheeled vehicles.
b. All SMVs and trailers pulled by SMVs must have clearly displayed on the
exterior of the SMV and trailer the slow moving vehicle reflective triangle.
7.4 When SMVs that do not meet Standard 500 are rented for special events, such
as parking shuttle service, the rented vehicles must include the standard safety
features listed below. SMVs permitted as ADA accommodation must also meet
the standards below at a minimum. University Safety & Emergency Management
must approve of any substitutes for the following:
a. Headlamps,
b. Tail lamps,
c. Reflex reflectors: one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and
one red on the rear,
d. A parking brake,
e. A Slow Moving Vehicle Reflective Triangle
7.5 Required Slow Moving Vehicle Reflective Triangle:
7.6 A university identification number (provided by the Facilities Management at the owningdepartment’s expense) must be displayed prominently on university-owned SMVs.
Contractors and non-affiliated departments, companies, corporations, etc. must display
company name on their SMV at the owner’s expense.
8.0 Maintenance
8.1 SMVs must be maintained so that all original equipment safety features are kept
in good working order.
8.2 Modification or tampering with the governor of an SMV is prohibited and
constitutes a violation of Federal Law.
8.3 University-owned SMVs must be maintained in accordance with manufacturer
and Facilities Management recommended service schedule.
8.4 Owning-departments are financially responsible for all repair and maintenance
costs (labor, parts, and supplies).
8.5 Facilities Management must perform all repairs and maintenance on universityowned SMVs.
8.6 Facilities Management will be responsible for record-keeping regarding all repairs
and maintenance.
8.7 Owning-departments are responsible for keeping all original equipment and
safety features in good working order