Pits49H24CSprocedures.docx

Confined Space Entry Water and Meter Pits – Vertical Rescue procedures

LOCATION OF SPACE:

BLDG 49 MECHANICAL ROOM 49-H-24 PIT WITH GRATE

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

The recognized hazards associated with the pits are the risks that an employee could be:

· Injured due to contact with components of tools being used

· Injured in the eye due to airborne particles if eye protection is not worn;

· Sewer gas from decomposing organic materials;

· Harmed by concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere equal to or less than 19.5% by volume; or

· Overcome by fumes generated if welding processes are used.

CONTROL OF HAZARDS

Atmosphere: Testing. The Pit atmosphere shall be tested to determine whether dangerous air contaminants and/or an oxygen deficiency exist. Testing shall be performed by properly trained personnel. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, Hydrogen Sulfide, Carbon Monoxide and LFL concentration. A written record of pre-entry test results shall be made and kept at the work site for the duration of the job. Entry Supervisor shall certify based on the results of the pre-entry testing, that all hazards have been eliminated. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results.

Space Ventilation: Portable blowers shall be used to augment natural circulation. After a suitable ventilations period (varies depending on conditions), atmospheric testing shall be repeated and documented. Entry may not begin until testing has demonstrated that a hazardous atmosphere has been eliminated. Continuous monitoring shall be preformed and documented during the duration of the entry.

Eye and skin injury: Eye protection and gloves shall be worn.

Fire and Fumes: All welding and cutting operations shall be done in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) welding standard.

ENTRY PROCEDURES:

PLANNING

Entrant must be fitted with body harness and lanyard and attached to hoist for entry into pits.

PRE-ENTRY

Results for the following must be recorded on the permit.

Acceptable Entry conditions:

· Space appears clear of any visible hazard.

· Oxygen concentration is between 19.5% and 23.0%

· Flammability (percent of lower explosive limit): below 10%

· Hydrogen sulfide below OSHA PEL 10 ppm

· Carbon monoxide below 35 ppm

· Grate can safely be removed.

If at any time the oxygen concentration falls below 19.5 percent, the cause of the deficiency must be determined and controls must be in place before entry is allowed. If entry is necessary to correct the deficiency, self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn. This procedure will need to be completed by properly trained contractor. VAMC personnel shall not enter oxygen deficient atmospheres.

Note: The entrant has the right to witness atmospheric testing.

· Controls pedestrian traffic as needed

· Sets up temporary barriers to prevent anyone from accidentally falling into pit. Yellow barriers are available in Plumb Shop.

· Posts any required permit(s) at the work location

· Takes measures to prevent hazards near the confined space

· Work to be performed

· Anticipated hazards, including signs, symptoms and consequences of exposure

· Hazard control measures

· Prohibited conditions (specified in the permit) Review rescue procedures; generally this involves calling 1-911 for Contract Fire Department to respond.

Review communication during entry: personnel shall utilize portable radios and verbal communication during confined space entries into pits.

Ensure all rescue equipment, harness, line, emergency or temporary lighting has been inspected and found to be in good working order.

8.

· All control measures, procedures are in place

· Entry conditions are acceptable

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

· Listed on the permit

· Entry conditions are acceptable

· All control measures and specified rescue provisions are implemented

· Safety equipment (body harness and Lanyard are on and properly attached to the Tripod and winch) is donned properly.

· PPE is worn (Eye protection, gloves, hard hat)

Controls entry by remaining at the work site and keeping an accurate accounting of entrants on the permit Does not become an entrant unless he/she is both listed as an entrant and has been replaced by a qualified attendant.

· Detects a prohibited condition

· Observes any behavioral effects of exposure to any hazard

· Identifies a nearby situation that may endanger the entrant(s)

· Becomes unable to effectively and safely perform all required duties

1. 16 2.

POST-ENTRY / DOCUMENTATION

Closes permit by signing permit.

Maintains copy of permit for records for at least 1 year.

RESCUE PROCEDURES

Self-Rescue: Entrant self-rescue generally provides the most effective means of escaping a recognized confined space hazard. Self-rescue must immediately be effected whenever an entrant, fellow entrant, or attendant recognizes the presence of a hazardous atmosphere, any signs or symptoms of over-exposure, or any other serious space hazards.

Self-rescue must also be implemented in the event of forced ventilation system failure. Self-rescue requires entrants to safely stop whatever they are doing and exit the space in the most expedient and safe manner possible.

Emergency Rescues are to be conducted by contract fire department with apropriate rescue equipment. In case an emergency resuce is required, St. Paul Fire Department can be contacted by calling 1-911. VA Operator will dispatch VA Police and St. Paul Fire to location for emergency rescue.

Remain at the site until emergency assistance arrives. If possible, remove the injured worker via the emergency removal equipment, and the harness and line. If untrained or unsafe to do so wait for emergency responders. Under no circumstances shall the attendant enter the confined space unless trained in confined space rescue and appropriate personnel are there.