1701-10 - Confined Space Entry Program (public).doc

Procedure 1701-10

Section 7

RESPONSIBLE POSITION

Troy Frost, NOAA

Director, Marine Operations Chief, Safety Management Branch

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROGRAM

1. PURPOSE

1.1. This procedure provides the minimum requirements and safe work practices for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Operations (MO) personnel to enter a confined space.

1.2. This procedure provides minimum requirements for contractors to enter a confined space.

1.3. This version:

1.3.1. Adds the Responsible Positions, section 3.

1.3.2. Changed Program Manager from Chief, STEM to Chief, SMB, section 4.1.

1.3.3. Clarifies crew members may be designated as the Competent Person as authorized by the CO, section 4.1.3.

1.3.4. Lowered H2S level(s) to meet NFPA standard change, section 4.3.1.

1.3.5. Lowered CO level from 50 ppm to 25 ppm for Permit-required entry, section 4.3.1.

1.3.6. Increased frequency of rescue drills – SOLAS requires 1 every 2 months, but worded IAW USCG to enable combining with other required drills to reduce redundancy, section 4.10.3.

1.3.7. Specified the conditions when a rescue team, and rescue drills are not required, section 4.10.3.

1.3.8. Changed emergency entry verbiage to more closely match USCG/SOLAS guidance, section 4.10.3.

1.3.9. Changed Program Manager training requirements from OSHA and NFPA to OSHA or NFPA course, vice both, section 4.11.1.

2. SCOPE

2.1. This procedure applies to all NOAA ships and facilities under MO.

2.2. This procedure applies to all NOAA employees and addresses minimum requirements for working with contractors, industry representatives, shipyard workers, and other individuals that may work aboard NOAA ships.

2.3. The Confined Space Program binder will serve as the Ship Specific Instruction.

3. RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS

3.1. The following positions or groups have action item responsibilities within this procedure:

· Chief, Safety Management Branch (SMB)

· Ship Commanding Officer

· Ship Executive Officer

· Shipyard Competent Person

4. RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES

All confined spaces must be considered to have a hazardous atmosphere until demonstrated to be safe via testing by the Competent Person. Confined spaces may contain high concentrations of harmful gases and other environmental conditions that can cause injury, illness, or death.

4.1. Roles & Responsibilities

Commands are responsible for identifying all enclosed spaces aboard and performing a risk assessment using Attachment B: SHIP SPECIFIC CONFINED SPACE INVENTORY. Following completion, Command may select to prohibit entry to all Confined Spaces, even in emergencies (not including time in dry-dock or shipyard). In this case, the ship is not required to maintain a rescue team, nor fulfill the drill requirements, but must document entry prohibition as part of the Inventory/SSI. The ship must still have a Competent Person aboard.

The following roles are required in the NOAA Confined Space Entry Program. Training requirements for each role appear in section 4.11 of this procedure. Training documentation must be included in the ship’s Confined Space Program file.

3.1.1 Confined Space Program Manager (shore-based) is responsible for management of the MO Confined Space Entry Program. The manager must review this procedure periodically using closed permits and solicit input for improvement from employees involved in the program.

The Confined Space Program Manager is Chief, Safety Management Branch (SMB) or his/her designee.

3.1.2 Confined Space Entry Approving Official is responsible for verifying the procedure is followed and authorizing entry into Permit Required Confined Spaces, including but not limited to:

A. Maintain inventory of shipboard confined spaces.

B. Sign the entry permit after receiving briefing from the Competent Person.

C. Be informed that the entry is occurring.

D. Ensure the Confined Space Program file is completed and updated as needed.

The Commanding Officer (CO) or Executive Officer (XO) is the Confined Space Entry Approving Official aboard the ship. On shore, the facility manager or XO acts as the Entry Approving Official.

3.1.3 The Competent Person must be designated in writing by the Command. The Competent Person is responsible for ensuring entries are conducted safely, according to this procedure, including but not limited to:

A. Ensure onboard confined spaces are identified and labeled according to this procedure.

B. Ensure air-testing equipment is maintained and calibrated; maintain proficiency in use of equipment.

C. Evaluate spaces before entry using NF 57-17-10A: Confined Space “Safe for Workers” Checklist.

D. Prepare the permit using NF 57-17-10B: Confined Space Entry Permit for permit entries.

E. Ensure Authorized Entrant and Authorized Attendant are trained and fulfill their duties.

F. Maintain training program, with ship’s Safety Officer, to ensure safety around confined spaces.

G. Retain records required by this procedure in the Confined Space Program file.

Any officer or crewmember having completed the required training (section 4.11) and given authority may be designated as the Competent Person. Each ship must have a minimum of one Competent Person.

3.1.4 Authorized Attendant is responsible for monitoring Authorized Entrants and remaining stationed outside Permit Required Confined Spaces, including but not limited to:

A. Control access to and around the work area by posting placards and setting up barricades.

B. Monitor entry of all Authorized Entrants into the space.

C. Monitor conditions inside the space when occupied, using air testing equipment.

D. Initiate the alert for emergency and rescue operations, when necessary.

E. Verify the departure of all personnel from the space.

F. Remain outside the space at all times.

G. Maintain contact with Authorized Entrant while inside the space.

Any officer or crewmember having completed the required training (section 4.11) and given authority may be designated as the Authorized Attendant.

3.1.5 Authorized Entrant is responsible for understanding confined space hazards and the requirements of this procedure, including but not limited to:

A. Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while inside the space.

B. Maintain contact with the Authorized Attendant while inside the space.

C. Respond appropriately to a personal monitor alarm, recall notice, or general alarm.

Any officer or crewmember having completed the required training (section 4.11) and given authority may be designated as the Authorized Entrant.

3.1.6 Rescue Team is responsible for remaining aboard the ship in a state of readiness during all Permit Required Confined Space entries and ensuring rescue equipment is immediately available and in proper working condition. See 4.10.3 for additional rescue drill requirements.

Any officer or crewmember having completed the required training (section 4.11) and given authority may be designated as a member of the Rescue Team.

4.2. Identify and Label Confined Spaces (non permit) and Permit Required Confined Spaces

3.1.7 Pre-Identify Confined Spaces (non permit) and Permit Required Confined Spaces

Each ship must identify all Confined Spaces (non-permit) and Permit Required Confined Spaces in the Confined Space Inventory template (Attachment B). Ships may use the Confined Space Identification Tool (Attachment A) or contact SMB for guidance.

All chain lockers and fouled fuel, oil, sewage, and graywater tanks without current Marine Chemist Certificates are considered Permit Required Confined Spaces.

If uncertainty remains about the status of the space, contact SMB for guidance with a description of the space, conditions requiring entry, assessment of hazards, and photographs.

Conditions inside a confined space can change. Confined spaces (non-permit) may become Permit Required Confined Spaces due to workers’ activities such as painting or changes in atmospheric conditions. DO NOT assume that a space that is not permit-required will always be classified as such.

3.1.8 Labeling:

All entrances to confined spaces, including Permit Required Confined Spaces and Confined Spaces (non-permit), must be labeled as “DANGER – CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER” or similar language. If an entry to a potential confined space is encountered and not labeled, refer to the “Confined Space Identification Tool” to determine if the space fulfills the definition(s). Signs are available from SMB.

4.3. Evaluate Space Prior to Entry

Before entry, the Competent Person must evaluate the space for atmospheric hazards, physical hazards, and hazards introduced by the worker using NF 57-17-10A: Confined Space “Safe for Workers” Checklist. If atmospheric hazards are present, ventilate space and re-test until the atmosphere meets the standards for entry.

NF 57-17-10A: Confined Space “Safe for Workers” Checklist must be completed each time a space is evaluated. The checklist remains valid for as long as all of the hazards remain eliminated, not to exceed 24 hours. For multi-day entries, the Competent Person must retest the space before entering each day and as frequently as needed to ensure conditions in the space have not changed.

Any space certified as “Safe for Workers” by a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Marine Chemist may be entered as Confined Space (non-permit) if the Marine Chemist Certificate is valid and has been maintained by the Competent Person, according to section 4.5.2.

Chain lockers and fouled fuel, oil, sewage, and graywater tanks without a current Marine Chemist Certificate must be entered as Permit Required Confined Spaces only.

At anytime, the Competent Person may require a full permit for any reason.

3.1.9 “Safe for workers” as Confined Space (non permit)

A space may be designated as “Safe for Workers” by the Competent Person if atmospheric and physical hazards are absent from the space, as indicated on NF 57-17-10A: Confined Space “Safe for Workers” Checklist. The evaluation using NF 57-17-10A must demonstrate:

1. Space does not contain or have the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. The following conditions must be present:

Oxygen: 20.0 – 21.0%

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): ≤ 1%

Carbon monoxide: ≤ 25ppm

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S): < 1ppm

Diesel: ≤7 ppm

Other toxic gases (from solvents, fuels, and carbon-based chemicals) detected by the photoionization detector (PID) on the confined space 5-gas detectors are below 50% of the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) or the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). If the presence of toxic gases is uncertain, a marine chemist must be consulted.

2. Space is free from energy/equipment hazards or hazards are locked out from outside the space.

3. Risk of engulfment from fluids flowing into the space is eliminated from outside the space.

4. Worker could not become entrapped by sloping walls or anchor chain.

5. There are no other serious safety or health hazards present that are not otherwise managed through an existing program.

6. The space is currently certified “Safe for Workers” by a Marine Chemist and the certificate has been maintained per section 4.5.2.

These findings must be documented and the space designated “Safe for Workers” on NF 57-17-10A: Confined Space “Safe for Workers” Checklist and the checklist must be signed by the Competent Person and posted at the entrance before entry. Entry may proceed, following section 4.7.

3.1.10 Permit Required Confined Space

Spaces that do not meet the requirements for “Safe for Workers” as a Confined Space (non-permit) must be entered under permit only. Continue to section 4.4 Initiating a Permit.

4.4. Initiating a Permit

Any space that the Competent Person cannot designate as “Safe for Workers” is a Permit Required Confined Space. Enter under full permit only, prepared by the Competent Person and signed by the Entry Approving Official.

3.1.11 Atmospheric Hazards

Ventilate the Permit Required Confined Space if pre-testing indicates elevated concentration of hazardous substances. Retest the space following ventilation and record on the permit (NF 57-17-10B: Confined Space Entry Permit). See Section 4.6 for atmospheric testing instructions.

Do not allow ventilation from the space to negatively impact adjacent spaces; ventilate outside.

Entry into a Permit Required Confined Space is only authorized if conditions on NF 57-17-10B are met:

Oxygen: 19.5-22%;

Explosive gas <5%LEL;

Carbon monoxide: 25 ppm;

H2S: 5ppm;

Diesel: ≤ 15ppm; and

All other identified atmospheric hazards are below the OSHA permissible exposure limit.

If the presence of toxic gases is uncertain, a marine chemist must be consulted. If hazardous atmospheres cannot be controlled with ventilation, the space must be professionally cleaned before entry and be certified “Safe for Workers” by a Marine Chemist.

3.1.12 Eliminate Physical Hazards

All hazards identified on NF 57-17-10A: Confined Space “Safe for Workers” Checklist must be addressed before entry and documented on NF 57-17-10B, Confined Space Entry Permit.

A. Energy hazards: Follow Lockout / Tagout program requirements.

B. Engulfment or Entrapment Hazards: Pipes containing fluids that may drain into the space from pipe openings or fittings must be controlled by:

· Redirecting or removing sections of lines or pipes when they terminate within the space;

· Blanking or blinding by installing a flange at the pipe opening or fitting that is at least as strong as the pipe itself; and

· Double block and bleed off the piping by blocking the end that feeds into the space as well as the upstream end outside of the space, and bleeding the material from the middle section of the pipe. This is especially important when performing work on the piping within the space.

Standing liquid in the space must be pumped out or measures must be taken to reduce risk of falling into fluid.

C. Barriers to entry must be erected and fall protection procedures must be followed, as needed.

D. Introduced hazards: For planned work that introduces hazards to the space, indicate the hazard controls for work inside the space. These may include ventilating space to avoid accumulation of vapors and continuous testing of atmosphere.

E. Ensure no overhead hazards can enter the space while Authorized Entrants are present.

3.1.13 Preparation of PPE, Communications, and Rescue Procedures

Describe PPE and communication procedures to be used between the Authorized Attendant and Entrants. Conduct communications check. Ensure emergency signals are established between Authorized Entrant, Authorized Attendant, and Competent Person. Identify rescue procedures to be used in the event of an accident or emergency. Notify the Rescue Team before entry, to ensure availability and capability. See section 4.10 for Rescue Procedures.

3.1.14 Review of Entry Conditions and Identification of Personnel Entering Space

The Competent Person reviews the entry conditions and lists all Authorized Entrants on the permit, verifying they are trained according to this procedure.

3.1.15 Authorization to Enter

Entry is authorized when the Competent Person has briefed the Entry Approving Official and the Entry Approving Official signs the permit; a call is made to the bridge and the entry is logged in the ship’s log. This indicates the Permit Required Confined Space is authorized for NOAA personnel to enter to perform work, as documented in the permit. For entry by contractors, see section 4.9.

At this time, the permit must be posted and final preparations for entry may begin.

3.1.16 Multi-Day Entries

The Competent Person must retest the space before entry each day and as frequently as needed to ensure conditions in the space have not changed.

4.5. Certifying Space by Marine Chemist

Any space certified as “Safe for Workers” by a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Marine Chemist may be entered as Confined Space (non-permit) if the Marine Chemist Certificate is valid and has been maintained by a Competent Person, according to section 4.5.2.

3.1.17 Conditions Requiring Marine Chemist Certification

· In all cases, confined space hotwork requires certification by a Marine Chemist. See section 4.14 Hot work and OMAO Procedure 1701-09 Hotwork Operations.

· If the presence of toxic gases is uncertain.

· If hazardous atmospheres cannot be controlled with ventilation and maintained below the standards on NF 57-17-10B for the duration of the entry, the space must be professionally cleaned before entry and be certified “Safe for Workers” by a Marine Chemist.

3.1.18 Maintenance of Marine Chemist Certification by Competent Person

A posted Marine Chemist Certificate must be maintained by the Competent Person. The Competent Person must ensure the conditions of the certificate and requirements of the Marine Chemists are followed and must retest the space before each day of work (it is not necessary to re-test over the weekend or holiday, provided work is NOT being completed). The Competent Person must date and initial the posted Marine Chemist Certificate daily to indicate the certificate has been maintained.

NOAA Competent Person is not authorized to retest the space on behalf of the shipyard or contractors.

Marine Operations (MO) employees are not authorized to conduct Hot Work within confined spaces without a Marine Chemist certifying the space as “Safe for Hotwork.” The exception to this restriction is for circumstances where delaying entry or repairs would create a severe risk to the ship, crew, or environment.

4.6. Procedures for Atmospheric Testing

Atmospheric testing of spaces must be completed per this section.

3.1.19 Atmospheric Testing of Spaces

The Competent Person must evaluate the space, including testing the atmosphere, before recommending entry. The space must be tested immediately before entry and as often as needed to ensure space remains safe.

Measure O2, LEL, H2S, and carbon monoxide using the confined space 5-gas detector and other toxic gases detected by the PID function of the meter. If the presence of toxic gases is uncertain, a marine chemist must be consulted.

The Competent Person must initiate testing from outside the space. Use hose attachment to ensure all layers of air within the space are tested. Multiple areas of the space must be tested to ensure a representative sample per training. Record extreme values on forms.

The Authorized Entrant must be given the opportunity to observe the atmospheric testing being performed by the Competent Person.

3.1.20 Calibrating and Bump Testing Equipment

All equipment used for atmospheric testing must be calibrated and bump tested according to section 4.12. Log all calibrations and bump tests of equipment in the Confined Space Program File.

4.7. Entry for Work

3.1.21 Entry and Work in Confined Spaces (non permit) Designated as “Safe for Workers” Entry for work may begin after completion of NF 57-17-10A by the Competent Person. The Officer of the Deck (OOD) must be informed that work in a confined space is ongoing and workers in the space must be checked on hourly.

The worker must remain vigilant of occupational hazards. If the worker feels safety may be compromised, the worker must exit the space immediately and speak with the Competent Person.

3.1.22 Entry and Work in Permit Required Confined Space

Entry for work within a Permit Required Confined Space may begin after:

· The Competent Person has completed the permit, received authorization from the Entry Approving Official, and posted the permit at the entry to the space;

· All required equipment is pre-staged, including but not limited to respirators, rescue equipment, blower fans for ventilation, and communication equipment;

· The Authorized Attendant is stationed at the entry point and engaged in no other duties; and

· The rescue team has been notified.

While work is being conducted inside the space, the Authorized Entrants must:

A. Wear required PPE and O2 detector, if deemed necessary by the Competent Person.

B. Maintain communication with the Authorized Attendant.

C. Respond appropriately to any personal monitor alert, recall signal, or shipboard alarm.

D. Exit the space if conditions change.

Rescue harnesses should be worn and lifelines should be used, unless impractical.

While work is being conducted inside the space, the Authorized Attendant must:

A. Remain at the entrance of the space at all times.

B. Maintain communication with the Authorized Entrant(s) and OOD.

C. Observe the space for changes or emergencies.

D. Periodically retest the space; ensure testing occurs in all layers of the space.

E. Recall the Authorized Entrants if hazardous conditions develop or emergency occurs on board.

F. Notify the Competent Person of changes in the space.

G. Sound the general alarm and summon the emergency Rescue Team for any confined space emergency (do not enter until rescue team arrives on scene).

H. Tend the extraction lifeline (if applicable).

For multi-day entries, the Competent Person must retest the space daily and as frequently as needed to ensure conditions in the space have not changed.

3.1.23 Entry and Work by NOAA Personnel in Shipyard

When in shipyard, the shipyard maintains control of confined space entry under their procedures. NOAA personnel must recognize the authority of the shipyard personnel controlling the space (e.g., the Shipyard Competent Person and Marine Chemist) and cooperate with the shipyard confined space entry program.

Before entering for work, NOAA personnel must ask permission from the shipyard to enter the space and follow requirements laid out by the shipyard.

NOAA personnel are prohibited from testing spaces on behalf of shipyard employees.

3.1.24 Ship Specific Special Entry Spaces

The following spaces are unique and may be entered with special considerations as noted below. Contact SMB for guidance on other qualifying spaces. Specific instructions for these spaces must be included in the Confined Space Program file.

A. Main Control Void Space (TAGOS):

Void space beneath main control may be entered by authorized engineers if 1) the OOD is notified prior to entry; and 2) a calibrated and properly functioning 5-gas detector is carried into the space with the entrant.

B. Centerboard Trunk (FSVs):

The lower access to the centerboard trunk will remain locked when not in use, keys will remain in the possession of the CO and CME.

Entering the space for work from above requires written permission from the CO in the form of a confined space permit. Fall protection equipment must be used. The centerboard must be locked out before entry.

Entering the space for work from lower access requires evaluation by the Competent Person, using NF 57-17-10A and notification of the CO. A standby person is required until the metal grating has been installed. The centerboard must be locked out before entry. Opening the space for observation (not including entry for work) requires verbal authorization from the CO and a standby person.

3.1.25 Entry Under Emergency Conditions

All reasonable efforts should be made to designate spaces “Safe for Workers” or to enter the space under a full permit, following this procedure, unless delaying entry or repairs would create a severe risk to the ship, crew, or environment.

A space that has not been tested, or does not meet standards for entry should only be entered when no practical alternative exists. Entry should only be made for safety of life or ship. All reasonable efforts must be made to manage risks; the entrant must wear self-contained breathing apparatus (only personnel trained in its use and fit tested), suitable protective clothing, and a wire rope safety line tended by a trained person outside the space. The number of persons entering the space should be the minimum compatible with the work to be performed. Emergency entry must be supervised by the Competent Person or the CO and recorded on a permit and in the ship’s log.

4.8. Officially Closing the Entry

3.1.26 Closing Entry in Confined Spaces (non permit)

When work is complete and the workers leave the space, the OOD is notified that the work is complete, and the Confined Space “Safe for Workers” Checklist (NF 57-17-10A) is filed in the Confined Space Program File.

3.1.27 Closing Entry in Permit Required Confined Spaces

When work is completed and the Authorized Entrant(s) exit the space, the space is sealed or closed, the permit is closed out by signature of the Competent Person and Entry Approving Official, and the entry is logged in the ship’s log. The closed permit must be filed with the Confined Space Program File.

Permits are authorized for no more than 24 hours. The permit may be extended by retesting and reevaluation of the space by the Competent Person and notating entry documents on NF 57-17-10C: Daily Hazard Controls and Atmospheric Testing.

4.9. Contractors

Implementation of confined space requirements are the responsibility of the contractor. Contractors working within confined spaces must follow all relevant OSHA standards outlined in 29 CFR 1915 subpart B and contractor’s confined space program. The contractor must demonstrate compliance with the OSHA standard upon request by sharing procedure, training documentation, calibration of equipment, etc. Contractors will provide their “safe for workers” certificate or confined space permit for entry and notify command prior to entry.

Certificates issued by the Marine Chemist must be maintained with routine testing by the contractor’s Competent Person. NOAA personnel are prohibited from testing spaces on behalf of contractors, except for entry for inspection purposes such as ABS.

4.10. Rescue Procedures

In the event of an emergency where rescue is required sound the general alarm and summon the emergency Rescue Team for any confined space emergency. DO NOT ENTER UNTIL THE RESCUE TEAM ARRIVES ON SCENE.

4.10.1. Rescue Procedures

Before any Permit Required Confined Space entry, notify and verify availability of the shipboard confined space Rescue Team for the duration of the planned operation. The team must consist of at least two persons trained in extraction methods. At least one person must be trained in basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The team must be provided with the required PPE, including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and communication equipment. For those spaces where retrieval lines and harnesses are practical for use, retrieval lines and harnesses must be on hand and used for Permit Required Confined Space entries. Rescuers may bring Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) for the victim, as needed.

4.10.2. Establishing Rescue Procedures

Before entry, discuss and document rescue and extraction methods on the permit. Note that proper planning, proper testing and monitoring of spaces ensures that entrants are able to exit the space calmly before being overcome – preventing the need for rescue.

Rescue Plans may be retained for future use in Attachment C of the Confined Space Program file. Consideration must be given to extracting personnel if they are overcome or simply experience an accident, such as trip and fall, resulting in reduced mobility. In the event of an emergency, when available, notify local Emergency Response (911/USCG). DO NOT DELAY RESCUE WHILE WAITING FOR OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE.

4.10.3. Required Drills

Crew members with enclosed space entry or rescue responsibilities shall participate in an enclosed space entry and rescue drill to be held on board the ship at least once every two months (6 per year). At least one drill is required per year with the Rescue Team using manikins or actual persons that are removed from a space; the remaining (five) drills may be practice with equipment, review of hazards, first aid, communications, or PPE.

As previously established, if Commands prohibit entry to all Confined Spaces listed in the Attachment B: SHIP SPECIFIC CONFINED SPACE INVENTORY, even in emergencies (not including time in dry-dock or shipyard), the ship is not required to maintain a rescue team, nor fulfill the drill requirements.

4.11. Training Requirements

Training will occur before accepting duties and will be repeated upon change in assigned duties, upon deviation from established procedure, and upon identifying inadequacies in personnel knowledge.

Documentation of training must include the employee’s name, date(s) of the training, type(s) of training, and any documentation of completed training (i.e. Certificate of Completion). Share training documentation with Fleet Training Coordinator and retain on board (Attachment D – Training Documentation).

4.11.1. Confined Space Program Manager: The Program Manager is trained in Confined Space Program Management and must take the following courses: OSHA's Permit Required Confined Space Standard (OSHA Course 7300 or 2264); or NFPA Shipyard Competent Person.

4.11.2. Confined Space Entry Approving Official: The Confined Space Entry Approving Official must receive ”All Hands” training and a Confined Space Procedure Briefing for orientation on this procedure and permit. Contact SMB for Procedure Briefing.

4.11.3. Competent Person: The Competent Person must complete Shipyard Competent Person Training or Navy Gas Free Engineer Training and must receive a Confined Space Briefing for orientation on the NOAA procedure and permit. Contact SMB for Procedure Briefing.

4.11.4. Authorized Entrant / Authorized Attendant: Authorized Entrants and Authorized Attendants must be trained in hazard recognition, communication procedures, PPE, emergency escape procedures (a.k.a., self-rescue), and the use of a 5-gas detector. Authorized Attendants must also be trained in basic first aid, CPR, hazard recognition, communication procedures, PPE, rescue methods, how to sound the alarm, and procedures to account for Entry Personnel. Training for Authorized Entrants and Attendants will be provided by a Confined Space DVD, followed by an orientation by the Competent Person.

4.11.5. Rescue Team: Rescue personnel must be trained in hazard recognition, communication procedures, PPE, rescue methods (use of retrieval lines and harnesses for removing injured employees through manholes), and sounding the alarm. They must have completed Authorized Entrant training (Confined Space DVD and orientation by Competent Person) and Confined Space Rescue training. At least one member of the team must have current training in CPR and first aid.

4.11.6. All Hands: All hands must know locations of confined spaces. They must be trained upon initial assignment to ship and annually via DVD or Safety Stand Down, co-presented by the Competent Person and Safety Officer.

4.12. Equipment

There is a fleetwide standard for confined space 5-gas meters that meets certifications by Underwriters Laboratories. Contact SMB prior to procurement of a 5-gas detector.

Equipment must be bump tested before and after use according to the manufacturer’s instructions using an approved gas. Equipment must be calibrated per manufacturer’s instructions (every 180 days). An equipment list as well as all calibrations and bump tests must be logged in the Confined Space Program File (Attachment E) and/or in the shipboard maintenance management system.

Monitoring instruments that cannot be properly calibrated must be tagged and removed from service. Equipment may be returned to service only after repairs and calibrations are complete.

Ships are responsible for maintaining the meter, including: purchasing calibration gas and replacement sensors.

Ships with a rescue team shall maintain rescue equipment, including but not limited to: extraction harness, carabineers, sewn lifting straps, beam clamp, and rope vertical rescue system, as provided by SMB.

4.13. Lockout/Tagout

All operations conducted inside a confined space must comply with the requirements set forth in OMAO Procedure 1701-05, Lockout / Tagout (LOTO). LOTO tags and locations must be indicated on the permit.

4.14. Hot Work

Hot work must comply with requirements set forth in OMAO Procedure 1701-09, Hot Work Operations. A Marine Chemist Certificate indicating “Safe for Hotwork” is required for all confined space hot work. Hot work operations inside a shipboard confined space are prohibited under way except in emergency conditions where delaying entry or repairs would create a severe risk to the ship, crew, or environment.

5. RECORDS AND REPORTS

5.1. Confined Space Program Binder

Each ship must maintain a Confined Space Program File. This binder must contain separate tabs for:

· Confined Space Procedure

· Confined Space Inventory

· Rescue Plans and Drills

· Training Documentation

· Equipment (inventory and calibration/bump test log)

· Closed Permits, Used Checklists, and Marine Chemists Certificates

5.2. Confined Space Classification Checklist

NOAA Form 57-17-10A, Confined Space “Safe for Workers” Checklist must be used to evaluate all spaces and must be retained aboard the ship for three (3) years, and may be transferred to SMB upon request.

5.3. Confined Space Entry Permit & Confined Space Daily Hazard Control NOAA Form 57-17-10B, Confined Space Entry Permit must be used for all Permit Required Confined Space entries. It must be retained aboard the ship for three (3) years, and may be transferred to SMB upon request. Closed permits may be used to reevaluate the program annually.

NOAA Form 57-17-10C, Confined Space Daily Hazard Control is used to log retesting of permit required confined spaces. It must be retained aboard the ship for three (3) years, and may be transferred to SMB upon request.

5.4. Marine Chemist Certificates

Marine Chemist Certificates issued to the ship must be retained aboard for five (5) years. A copy of the Marine Chemist Certificate should be kept with the shipyard contract or repair package.

6.

REFERENCES

29 CFR 1910 Subpart J – General Environmental Controls, 1910.146 - Permit-required Confined Spaces. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

29 CFR 1915 Subpart B – Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres in Shipyard Employment, 1915.12 - Precautions and the order of testing before entering confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

U.S. Department of Commerce Occupational Safety and Health Manual http://hr.commerce.gov/s/groups/public/@doc/@cfoasa/@ohrm/documents/content/dev01_000275.pdf United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Information Bulletin 005-16 Rev. 1 Inspection Criteria Reference (ICR), E - Safety and Emergency Equipment, 12 - Confined Space Entry.

OMAO Procedure 1701-05 - Lockout/Tagout OMAO Procedure 1701-09 - Hot Work OMAO Procedure 1701-15 - Fall Protection Program 7.

DEFINITIONS

Authorized Attendant A person assigned to remain outside, and in close proximity, to the confined space that is capable of being in continuous communications and observe those inside if possible. The Authorized Attendant initiates rescue procedures and operates and monitors equipment used to ensure safety during entry and work in the confined space.

Authorized Entrant A person who enters Permit Required Confined Space to do work.

Bump Test A bump test verifies calibration by exposing the instrument to a known concentration of a test gas. The instrument reading is compared to the actual quantity of gas present (as indicated on the cylinder). If the instrument’s response is within an acceptable tolerance range of the actual concentration, then its calibration is verified. When performing a bump test, the test gas concentration should be high enough to trigger the instrument alarm. If the bump test results are not within the acceptable range, a full calibration must be performed. See equipment instructions.

Competent Person An individual trained and qualified to conduct testing of oxygen levels, explosive gas levels and toxicity. The Competent Person evaluates the space, develops ways to control hazards, and signs NF 57-17-10 A, B and C.

Confined Space A space that: 1) is large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter and perform assigned work; 2) has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and 3) is not designed for continuous occupancy [OSHA 1910.146].

Hazardous Atmosphere An atmosphere that may expose personnel to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, 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 explosive limit (LEL); 2) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LEL; 3) Atmospheric oxygen is deficient or enriched; 4) Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or permissible exposure limit is published and could result in exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit; and 5) Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

Hot Work Any work that involves welding, burning, brazing, grinding, chipping, sandblasting, or using other heat, flame, or spark producing equipment.

Immediately Dangerous Any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life or that to Life or Health would cause irreversible adverse health effects or that would interfere with an individual's ability to escape unaided from a permit space.

Lower Explosive Limit The minimum concentration of vapor in the air below which propagation of a flame does not occur in the presence of an ignition source.

Marine Chemist An individual recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as qualified to test confined spaces and determine the condition of the space with respect to oxygen sufficiency, explosive vapors, and toxic gases.

Oxygen deficient An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume at sea atmosphere level.

Oxygen enriched An atmosphere containing more than 22.0 percent oxygen by volume at sea atmosphere level. This can occur when an oxygen tank is taken into the space or if there is an oxygen line in the space that can be opened or breached during repair.

Oxygen sufficient For shipyard and ship repair operations, an atmosphere containing at least atmosphere

19.5 percent, but not more than 22.0 percent oxygen by volume at sea level.

Permissible Exposure OSHA sets enforceable PELs to protect workers against the health effects

Limit (PEL) of exposure to hazardous substances. PELs are regulatory limits on the amount or concentration of a substance in the air.

Permit Required A confined space that has one or more of the following:

Confined Space

1) Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; 2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; 3) Has an integral configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward or tapers to a smaller cross-section; or 4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

8.

NOTES

Effect on Other Documents: None.

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