Attachment 2B Engineering Service Confined Space Entry Policy.pdf

This is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishing policies and procedures for safe entry into and work within confined spaces at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Nashville, Tennessee.

The SOP, effective May 31, 2023, with recertification due May 31, 2028, establishes comprehensive requirements to protect employees and contractors from hazards associated with confined space entry. Permit-required confined spaces are classified on Attachment D and include electrical, sewer, and signal manholes. The policy designates specific roles and responsibilities: the Facility Safety Officer evaluates hazards and determines permit requirements; the Entry Supervisor authorizes entry and oversees operations; Attendants monitor entrants from outside the space; and authorized entrants must use appropriate PPE and maintain communication with attendants. Industrial Hygienists conduct internal atmosphere testing for oxygen content, flammable gases/vapors, and toxic contaminants using calibrated instruments prior to and during entry. Forced air ventilation is required in permit spaces with clean air sources directed to employee work areas. Non-entry rescue retrieval systems are mandatory, with specific requirements for harnesses and retrieval lines for electric and sewer manhole entries. The SOP requires all monitoring, alarms, PPE, ventilation, barriers, communications, and emergency equipment to be functional and in place before entry. Contractors entering permit spaces must comply with OSHA Standard 1910.146 and complete a Contractor Confined Space Compliance Checklist prior to entry. Annual program reviews utilizing canceled entry permits and hazard elimination certifications must be completed by January. Training covering hazard identification, control methods, PPE, emergency procedures, and external barriers is mandatory for all affected employees prior to performing confined space duties.