GPR 1700.6.pdf

DIRECTIVE NO. GPR 1700.6C APPROVED BY Signature: Original Signed By

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 5, 2017 NAME: Richard D. Barney

EXPIRATION DATE: June 5, 2022 TITLE: Director, Safety and Mission Assurance

CHECK THE GSFC DIRECTIVES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT

http://gdms.gsfc.nasa.govTO VERIFY THAT THIS IS THE CORRECT VERSION PRIOR TO USE.

08/16

Goddard Procedural Requirements (GPR)

COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY

Responsible Office: Code 360/Safety Division

Title: Confined Space Program Requirements

PREFACE

P.1 PURPOSE

This directive establishes requirements for practices and procedures to protect employees who enter confined space work locations at GSFC as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) Standards.

P.2 APPLICABILITY

a. This directive applies to all government, and to the extent provided in their contracts, contractor and sub-contractor confined space entries associated with operations at Goddard Space Flight Center

(GSFC), including Greenbelt, Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), and remote locations under GSFC control. For GSFC contractors, this directive is applicable as specified in the contract clauses for the particular contract by NASA FAR Supplement 1823.7001 NASA Safety and Health Solicitation

Provisions and Contract Clauses. The term “Safety Office” is applicable equally to both the

Greenbelt (Code 360), and WFF (Code 803) safety organizations. As directed by NPR 8715.3, Confined Space Entry is considered a “hazardous operation” for NASA.

b. With the exception of Section 3.1.2(g), this directive does not apply to those activities at WFF that are operating within facilities under the exclusive management and control of either the US Navy, NOAA, or the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), and that are conducted solely by Navy, NOAA, or MARS personnel, or their direct contractors.

c. In this directive, all document citations are assumed to be the latest version unless otherwise noted.

d. In this directive, all mandatory actions (i.e., requirements) are denoted by statements containing the term “shall.” The terms “may” or “can” denote discretionary privilege or permission; “should” denotes a good practice and is recommended but not required; “will” denotes expected outcome; and

“are/is” denotes descriptive material.

P.3 AUTHORITIES

a. NPD 8700.1, NASA Policy for Safety and Mission Success

b. NPR 1800.1, NASA Occupational Health Program Procedures

DIRECTIVE NO. GPR 1700.6C Page 2 of 18

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 5, 2017

EXPIRATION DATE: June 5, 2022

c. NPR 8715.3, NASA General Safety Program Requirements

P.4 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS AND FORMS

a. 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces

b. 29 CFR 1926, Subpart AA, Confined Space in Construction

c. 29 CFR 1910.268, Telecommunications

d. 29 CFR 1910.269, Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution

e. 29 CFR 1910.1000/ Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances

f. 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(6)(i), Safety Training and Education

g. 29 CFR 1926.353(b)(1), Ventilation and protection in welding, cutting, and heating

h. 29 CFR 1926.800 Subpart S – Underground Construction

i. 29 CFR 1926.956, Underground Lines

j. 29 CFR 1926.651(g), Hazardous Atmospheres in Excavations

k. 29 CFR 1960.73, Retention of Records

l. NASA FAR Supplement 1823.7001, NASA Safety and Health Solicitation Provisions and Contract

Clauses

m. GSFC Form 23-52 – GSFC Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit, use of a similar form is allowed at WFF.

P.5 CANCELLATION

GPR 1700.6B, Confined Space Program at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)

P.6 SAFETY

All GSFC personnel conducting confined space entry activities shall use an appropriate hazard analysis tool to assess the actual and potential hazards associated with confined space entry. Appropriate hazard analysis tools include the Confined Space Decision Making Chart found at OSHA.gov (in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.146 Appendix A) and the Job Hazard Analysis tool or equivalent found at:

http://safety1st.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

P.7 TRAINING

a. Personnel who enter confined spaces or are responsible for facilities/equipment that have confined spaces, are required to take a confined space training course that meets OSHA and NASA requirements. As set forth in their contracts, contractors are responsible for obtaining training for their personnel and ensuring all subcontractors meet OSHA and NASA training requirements.

Include the course content requirements as defined by 29 CFR 1910.146(g) and 29 CFR 1926.1207 in initial and refresher training. Complete retraining at an interval not greater than 4-years per

NASA NPR 8715.3 requirements. (See Figure 1) Personnel are to be retrained as required by

OSHA;

http://safety1st.gsfc.nasa.gov/

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b. All personnel that complete the training are required to pass a written examination that adequately measures the knowledge and understanding of the requirements, policies, and procedures applicable to entering confined spaces;

c. Personnel designated to conduct atmospheric testing of confined spaces must also be trained in the requirements above; and in the operation, calibration and care of specific testing equipment to be used. Individuals conducting atmospheric tests will be qualified to interpret the test results; and managers and/or supervisors maintain current training records, as well as training requirements for each employee tasked to perform confined space entry activities. Documentation will be in writing.

The manager/supervisor will oversee the respective programs to ensure only trained personnel enter confined spaces.

Confined Space Training Requirements

Figure 1

P.8 RECORDS

Record Title Record Custodian Retention

Form 23-52 Entry

Evaluation/Permit; use of a similar form is allowed at WFF.

Directorate of

Employees/Contractors Entering

Confined Spaces

*NRRS 1/129.5A4. Cut off annually.

Destroy 30 years after cutoff.

Certificate of Confined Space

Entry Training

OHCM or Supervisor of

Employee *NRRS 3/33A. Destroy or delete when

5 years old.

Directorate Annual Review of the

Confined Space Entry Program

(1)Directorate Conducting

Confined Space Operations.

(2) Copy provided to Codes

360/803. See Note below.

(1) *NRRS 1/125A. Destroy when 10 years old or when superseded or obsolete, whichever is sooner.

(2) *NRRS 1/125B. Destroy 2 years after superseded or obsolete, whichever is sooner.

Authorized Entrants Attendants Entry Supervisors

29 CFR 1910.146(g) and

1926.1207

29 CFR 1910.146(g) and

1926.1207

29 CFR 1910.146(g) and

1926.1207

29 CFR 1910.146(h) and

1926.1208

29 CFR 1910.146(i) and

1926.1209

29 CFR 1910.146(j) and

1926.1210

GPR 1700.6C and

GSFC Form 23-52

GPR 1700.6C and

GSFC Form 23-52

GPR 1700.6C and

GSFC Form 23-52

Any specific organization-developed procedures which apply to a given space

Any specific organization-developed procedures which apply to a given space

Any specific organization-developed procedures which apply to a given space

Atmospheric Testing Equipment Atmospheric Testing Equipment Atmospheric Testing Equipment

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Code 360/803Annual Review of the Confined Space Entry Program

Codes 360/803 *NRRS 1/125A.

List of Permit-required Confined

Spaces

(1) Directorates Who Manage the

Confined Space

(2) Copy provided to Codes

360/803. See Note below.

*NRRS 1/125A. Destroy when 10 years old or when superseded or obsolete, whichever is sooner.

*NRRS 1441.1 – NASA Records Retention Schedules

Note: Record (1) is the original signed record. Record (2) is a copy.

P.9 MEASUREMENT/VERIFICATION

Directorates implementing confined space entry activities, as a minimum shall:

a. Maintain a listing of permit-required confined spaces in their work areas, and provide any new or deleted spaces to the base list within one month to Code 360/803.

b. Maintain the completed GSFC Forms 23-52 (use of a similar form is allowed at WFF) for their operations (including contractor forms), and annually review the directorate’s permit space program utilizing the closed evaluation/permits retained per section P.8.

1. Revise the program as necessary, to ensure that employees participating in entry operations are protected from hazards and that the GSFC Forms 23-52 are being filled-out completely.

2. Collect data to monitor trends and lessons learned which will be provided to line organizations and briefed to GSFC Confined Space Safety Working Group.

c. At WFF the Code 803.2 Safety Office will maintain a copy of GSFC form 23-52 Confined

Space Entry Evaluation/Permits and similar forms.

DIRECTIVE NO. GPR 1700.6C Page 5 of 18

PROCEDURES

1. CONFINED SPACE ENTRY POLICY

Confined space entries involving maintenance activities will comply with the requirements of 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.146. Confined space entries involving construction activities will comply with the requirements 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA (1926.1200- 1926.1213). Confined Space entries involving Telecommunications activities will comply with 29 CFR 1910.268.

Entry into confined spaces is not allowed until an assessment of the confined space has been made and a permit or operating procedures are posted. Unsafe conditions include exposure to hazardous atmospheres, potential contact hazards such as steam burns, electrical shock, engulfment and drowning.

Hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness. Examples include:

a. Flammable gases, vapors, or mist at concentrations in excess of 10 percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL);

b. Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL;

c. An oxygen concentration less than 19.5 percent or greater than 23.5 percent by volume;

d. Toxic substances present at concentrations in excess of their occupational exposure limits; and

e. Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.

2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (CIVIL SERVICE AND CONTRACTORS)

2.1 Center Director ensure the requirements of NPR 8715.3 are met.

2.2 Directors ensure that civil service employees, onsite mission support, and construction contractors in their Divisions are informed of and adhere to, GSFC Confined Space Entry Policy by:

a. Controlling access to their respective managed confined spaces. Specifically, they shall:

1. Evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.

2. Ensure all confined spaces are controlled through measures that prevent unauthorized personnel from entering;

3. Ensure that all permit-required confined spaces within their control are properly placarded with appropriate signage;

4. Ensure that all personnel working within their respective facilities or areas are aware of all permit-required confined spaces and the specific hazards they pose;

5. Coordinate with the Safety Division for assistance in evaluating and documenting the actual and/or potential hazards within all identified confined spaces; and

6. Notify the Safety Division and affected employees of any new or unidentified confined spaces.

b. Develop and implement a written Permit-Required Confined Space Procedure that is consistent with provisions outlined in 29 CFR 1910.146, “Permit-Required Confined Spaces,” 29 CFR 1926 Subpart

AA, and this document. The written procedures must be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives;

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c. Organizations will apprise any contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and the host organization's experience with the space, that make the space in question a permit space.

Additionally, apprise the contractor of any precautions or procedures that the host organization has implemented for the protection of employees in or near permit spaces where contractor personnel will be working;

d. Maintain the completed GSFC Forms 23-52 for their operations (including those filled-out by contractors), and review the directorate’s permit space program utilizing the closed evaluation/permits retained per section P.8, in the medium of a single annual review; and

e. At WFF, ensure that all confined spaces are uniquely numbered. The Code 803.2 Safety Office can assist with the numbering sequence.

2.3 Safety Division shall:

a. Provide information and consultation as necessary to project management and employees involved in confined space operations;

b. Review confined spaces procedures for specific projects, at the request of managers or supervisors;

c. Review at least annually this directive and the effectiveness of the confined space program as outlined herein;

d. Using confined spaces regulations, assist GSFC management in making appropriate decisions about confined spaces in their areas of operation;

e. Review accept or reject contractors’ Confined Space Procedures as required;

f. Function as the regulatory liaison with regulatory agencies as needed for confined space entries;

g. Ensure compliance with standards set forth in the program by periodic inspection of entry sites and canceling permits where unsafe conditions are present;

h. Chair the GSFC Confined Space Working group;

i. Coordinate with the Career Development and Employee Worklife Office Career Development and

Training Group (Code 114) to make training in confined spaces procedures available to civil service staff; and contractors, as appropriate.

2.4 Confined Space Working Group shall:

a. Consist of safety representation from GSFC code 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800.

b. Serve as the clearing house for all aspects of Confined Space activities at GSFC.

c. Collaborate to improve the safety planning which goes into confined space entry procedures GSFC.

d. Collaborate to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, as well as Goddard

Procedural Requirement (GPR) 1700.6.

2.5 Confined Space Entry Supervisors shall:

a. Have overall responsibility for the approval for evaluation/entry into and work conducted within confined spaces. As such, they are responsible for ensuring that the requirements and procedures of this directive are implemented. If uncertainty exists, Entry Supervisors can request assistance from

Directorate or Center safety personnel who will resolve questions prior to any confined space entry;

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b. Designate qualified Authorized Entrants and Attendants that meet training requirements of section

P.7.

c. Complete and post the confined space Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit, GSFC Form 23-52

(use of a similar form is allowed at WFF) for inspection by the confined space Authorized Entrants and Attendants.

d. Ensure that all control measures for safety of personnel are taken, including availability of communication equipment, notification of rescue personnel prior to the start of confined space entry, and proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tools, and materials are on hand and utilized as required on the Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit; and

e. Verifying that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout the duration of an authorized entry.

2.6 Confined Space Authorized Entrants shall:

a. Recognize the conditions and hazards of work requiring the utilization of permit-required confined space procedures including mode, signs, symptoms, and consequences of exposure;

b. Use the materials, equipment, and procedures specified in their written procedures to implement the

Confined Space Program; and

c. Demonstrate proficiency in atmospheric testing equipment reading/interpretation.

2.7 Attendant shall:

a. Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;

b. Be aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in entrants;

c. Continuously maintain an accurate count of Authorized Entrants in the permit space and ensures that the means used to identify Authorized Entrants accurately identifies who is in the permit space;

d. Remain outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another Attendant;

e. Communicate with entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space under paragraph 2.6(f) of this document;

f. Monitor activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space and orders the entrants to evacuate the permit space immediately under any of the following conditions:

1. If the Attendant detects a prohibited condition;

2. If the Attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in an authorized entrant;

3. If the Attendant detects a situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants;

4. If the Attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties required;

g. Summon rescue and other emergency services as soon as the Attendant determines that entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space hazards;

h. Take the following actions when unauthorized persons approach or enter a permit space while entry is underway:

1. Warn the unauthorized persons to stay away from the permit space;

2. Advise the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they have entered the permit space;

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3. Inform the Authorized Entrants and the Entry Supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the permit space: and,

i. Perform no duties that might interfere with the Attendant's primary duty to monitor and protect the

Authorized Entrants.

2.8 Onsite and Construction Contractors shall:

a. Submit, as part of their contracts, a Confined Space Program (if required by their work scope) that meets the provisions of OSHA requirements and this directive;

b. Provide any and all training and authorization records including, training records (to include atmospheric testing equipment training records), Job Hazard Analyses, Confined Space Entry

Evaluation/Permits, etc.;

c. Ensure they receive a briefing from the organization which controls the confined space per OSHA

1910.146 (d) (5) and 1926.1204(e); and,

d. Utilize GSFC Form 23-52, GSFC Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit for all permit and non-permit confined space entries; use of a similar form is allowed at WFF.

2.9 Directorate Safety Representative shall:

a. Assist “Directors” in the completion of section 2.2 of this document;

b. Provide information and consultation to project management and employees involved in confined space operations;

c. Review confined spaces procedures for specific projects;

d. Review at least annually the directorate permit-required confined space program and the effectiveness of that program as outlined in section 2.2(b) of this document;

e. Assist GSFC management in making appropriate decisions about confined spaces in their areas of operation;

f. Ensure compliance with standards set forth in the program by periodic inspection of entry sites and canceling permits where unsafe conditions are present;

g. Elect to provide more stringent controls and oversight of their respective confined space programs;

and

h. Ensure only trained confined space Entry Supervisors are authorized to issue permits.

3. CONFINED SPACE PROCEDURE

3.1 Procedures

These procedures define requirements associated with evaluating, entering, working in, and exiting from, confined spaces. They are designed not only to make the confined space safe for the worker, but also to make the worker cognizant of the hazards associated with this work area and the safe work practices necessary to deal with these hazards.

3.1.1 For Non-Permit Confined Space Entry, all hazards and hazardous atmospheres in the confined space are required to be eliminated prior to entry.

DIRECTIVE NO. GPR 1700.6C Page 9 of 18

3.1.2 The use and posting of the Goddard Space Flight Center Confined Space Entry

Evaluation/Permit, GSFC Form 23-52 form is required for all confined spaces, both permit-required and non-permit; use of a similar form is allowed at WFF. In the proper use of GSFC Form 23-52, the Entry

Supervisor shall take the following actions:

a. The Entry Supervisor will document, before entry into a permitted space is authorized, that the space has been evaluated via the GSFC Form 23-52 and is safe to enter. The Entry Supervisor will fill out the form completely;

b. The Entry Supervisor, Attendant, and Authorized Entrant(s) will verify that all hazards have been identified and evaluated and the necessary precautions have been taken to eliminate all hazards, and the Entry Supervisor will sign the GSFC Form 23-52;

c. The Entry Supervisor will post the completed GSFC Form 23-52 for inspection by the confined space entrants and attendants;

d. The Entry Supervisor will review equipment to be used;

e. The Entry Supervisor will ensure that atmospheric measuring equipment is available, calibrated, maintained, and used properly;

f. The Entry Supervisor will ensure that personnel designated as confined space Authorized

Entrants have received appropriate confined space training including use/ interpretation of specific equipment to be used for atmospheric monitoring/testing;

g. The Entry Supervisor will notify the Security Operations Console (Fire Department Dispatcher at

WFF) of the date, time, and location of a Permit-Required Confined Space entry to obtain permission from the Console. Entry at Greenbelt will not occur unless the Console can coordinate rescue support from the local Fire Department;

h. The Entry Supervisor will ensure that all control measures identified on the GSFC Form 23-52 for safety of personnel are taken, including availability of communication equipment, notification of rescue personnel prior to the start of confined space entry, and proper Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE), tools, and materials are on hand and utilized as required on the

Confined Space Permit; and

i. The Entry Supervisor may serve as an Attendant or as an Authorized Entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped as required by this section for each role he or she fills. Also, the duties of the Entry Supervisor may be passed from one authorized, qualified individual to another during the course of the entry operation.

3.1.3 The Entry Supervisor can terminate entry and cancel the GSFC Form 23-53, Confined Space

Entry Evaluation/Permit when:

a. A condition that is not allowed under the permit arises in, or near, the permit space, e.g., emergency, change in atmosphere, etc.; or

b. When the job is completed, all entrants have exited the space, and the space is ready to be returned to service.

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3.1.4 Permit-required confined space procedures will be enhanced by the use of area and/or job-specific procedures. Personnel will be trained to specific procedures by the directorate controlling that confined space and that training will be documented.

3.1.5 Retain the center Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit Form, GSFC 23-52 (use of a similar form is allowed at WFF), per section P.8 of this document. The directorate controlling the space accounts for and audits the GSFC Forms 23-52 (including contractor and subcontractor forms); use of a similar form is allowed at WFF.

3.2 Hazards to Confined Space operations

Hazard Identification:

a. Confined spaces shall be considered hazardous until proven via documentation to be otherwise.

b. Identify hazards for each confined space prior to entry. The Entry Supervisor conducts the hazard identification process and include a review of the following:

1. The Past and Current uses of the confined space which may adversely affect the atmosphere of the confined space. This would include a review of the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) of past and current contents; obtain assistance from your directorate safety office, if necessary.

2. The physical characteristics, configuration, and location of the confined space. This would include means of entry and exit, as well as hazards posed by adjacent spaces.

3. Existing or potential atmospheric hazards, such as:

(a) Oxygen deficient or enriched atmosphere;

(b) Flammable/explosive atmosphere.

(c) Combustible dust and silica concerns; and

(d) Toxic atmosphere.

Note: Atmospheric Hazards must be continuously monitored in accordance with 29 CFR

1926.1203(e)(2)(vi)

4. Biological hazards;

5. Mechanical hazards;

6. Physical hazards, such as electrical, thermal, radiological, noise, engulfment, structural integrity, etc.;

7. Chemical Hazards; and

8. Entrapment/Configuration Hazards

3.3 Hazard Evaluation:

a. Hazards identified shall be evaluated by the confined space Entry Supervisor.

b. Each hazard must be examined with respect to:

1. Scope of Hazard exposure;

2. Magnitude of the hazard;

3. Likelihood of hazard occurrence;

4. Consequences of the hazard occurrence;

5. Potential for changing conditions or activities. Examples of changes in conditions/activities are:

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(a) Introduction of “hot work” or cleaning agents into the confined space that were not previously identified;

(b) The filling/emptying of an adjacent compartment/tank;

(c) Weather changes, such as thunderstorms, heat of the day increasing, etc.;

(d) The introduction of portable hand or power tools;

(e) Exhaust contaminants from internal combustion engines in or near the space; and

(f) The creation of silica dust from demolition activities.

6. Strategies for controlling the hazards. Hazards should be eliminated or controlled to achieve an acceptable level of risk prior to conducting confined space entries. The following hierarchy of control should be followed:

(a) Eliminate the hazard;

(b) Engineering controls (substitutions, isolation, etc.);

(c) Administrative controls (work practices, procedures, personnel assignments, etc.); and

(d) Personal Protective Equipment.

7. Impact on the need for emergency response, such as physical conditions that could hinder emergency rescue.

3.4 Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit Posting

At the time of entry, the Entry Supervisor shall:

a. Make available to all Authorized Entrants and the Attendant the completed Confined Space Entry

Evaluation/Permit.

b. Post the completed permit at the entry portal or make available by other equally effective means; so that entrant, attendant and inspectors can confirm that pre-entry preparations have been completed.

c. Post Danger signage to inform personnel working in the immediate area. Include in the signage the words “Danger – Permit-Required Confined Space – Do Not Enter!”

3.5 Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit Valid Time Period

The Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit are valid for a time period not to exceed:

a. The time required to complete the assigned task or job identified on the Confined Space Entry

Evaluation/Permit.

b. One shift, not to exceed 12 hours, with the same crew. The Entry Supervisor will define the

“standard” shift work period for all operations and tasks, including method of shift rotation if required, as well as breaks and required rest cycles.

A new Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit is required if:

a. There is ANY change in work conditions, which increases the hazard of the confined space, such as weather changes, the addition of new work activities, etc.

b. A new crew arrives.

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3.6 Reclassifying Permit-Required Confined Spaces

29 CFR 1910.146 (c)(7) and 1926.1203(g) allows a space classified by the employer (competent person) as a permit-required confined space to be reclassified as a non-permit confined space by following the stringent OSHA procedures listed in that statute and these additional requirements:

a. An Entry Supervisor may reclassify a confined space as non-permit temporarily, in real time, by use of the GSFC Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit, GSFC Form 23-52, or other documentation in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.146 (c)(7)(iii) and 1926.1203(g)(3); The temporary reclassification of the confined space is valid for one shift, not to exceed 12 hours in accordance with section 3.5.

b. A Directorate Safety Office may reclassify a confined space as non-permit permanently, by submission of a certification letter containing all the required information in 29 CFR 19.10.146

(c)(7)(iii) and 1926.1203(g)(3), to Code 360 for approval; and

c. This certification shall be made available to each employee entering the space or to that employee’s authorized representative.

3.7 Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit Revocation

Confined Space Permits will be revoked for any violation of the safety procedures outlined in this document including:

a. Work activities are outside the limits specified on the permit;

b. Changes in work activities or environment could introduce a hazard not addressed on the original permit to the confined space;

c. Incomplete Confined Space Permit;

d. Atmospheric tests or monitoring not accomplished;

e. Failure to eliminate the hazards identified on the confined space permit;

f. Insufficient supervision;

g. No Attendant on duty;

h. Insufficient PPE; and

i. Insufficient Rescue Plan.

3.8 Alternative Procedures for Entering Confined Spaces

An organization may use OSHA Alternate Procedures for entering a permit-required space under the conditions set forth in 29 CFR 1910.146 (c)(5)(i) and 29 CFR 1926.1203(e)(1):

a. An organization may use OSHA Continuous Forced Air Ventilation procedures for a permit-required space under the strict conditions set forth in 29 CFR 1910.146 (c)(5)(ii)(E) and 29 CFR

1926.1203(e)(2)(v); and,

b. If a hazardous atmosphere is detected or develops during entry:

1. Personnel will leave the space immediately;

2. The space will be evaluated to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed; and

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3. Measures will be implemented to protect personnel from the hazardous atmosphere before any subsequent entry takes place.

3.9 Situations When Ventilation May Not Be Appropriate

Consideration should be given to bonding and using intrinsically safe air movers when moving flammable atmospheres. Ventilation may not be appropriate under conditions such as the presence of friable or loose asbestos; significant bird/rodent droppings presenting a biological risk; gas, vapor, dust concentrations above Upper Explosive Limit (UEL), etc.

4. CONFINED SPACE RESCUE

The Entry Supervisor establishes and documents a viable rescue plan in each entry into the permit-required confined space. The Entry Supervisor coordinates the operation with the Security Operations

Console at Greenbelt or with Code 803 Fire Department Dispatcher at WFF. Emergency Services are required to know the place, time, duration, and activity of the entry operation. Security Operations

Console must coordinate rescue services with the local Fire Department and approve the entry before the entry can take place. The “Two-Person Rule” is in effect for all entries into non-permit- required confined spaces.

4.1 Confined Space Emergency Retrieval Systems

To facilitate non-entry rescue, the Entry Supervisor ensures the use of appropriate retrieval systems or methods whenever an Authorized Entrant enters a permit-required confined space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant.

In the case of retrieval equipment increasing the overall risk, document a rescue plan in the directorate confined space program procedures for that space. Retrieval systems must meet requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.146 and 29 CFR 1926.1211(c).

4.2 Confined Space Entry Rescue

If, in the course of a non-permit or permit-required confined space entry, an Attendant becomes aware that an Authorized Entrant requires assistance in escaping from the confined space, the Attendant will summon rescue and other emergency services by notifying the Security Operations Console via radio, dialing 911 on any on-Center telephone, or dialing (301) 286-9111 for Greenbelt, or dialing (757) 824-

1333 for WFF from any off-Center telephone or cell phone. The Attendant will initiate non-entry rescue procedures as documented on the Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit.

Note: The Attendant is not allowed to enter a permit-required space to attempt rescue nor leave their post unless relieved by another appropriately trained Attendant.

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Appendix A – Definitions

A.1 Acceptable Entry Conditions – The conditions that shall exist in a confined space location to allow entry and to ensure that employees involved with confined space operations can safely enter into, and work within the space.

A.2 Affected Employee – An individual whose work places them in or near the confined space.

Someone who has a need to know about the confined space and its hazards in the conduct of their assigned duties.

A.3 Attendant – An individual who is stationed outside one or more permit-required spaces, who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all attendants’ duties assigned in the organization’s Confined Space Program.

A.4 Authorized Entrant – An employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a confined space.

A.5 Competent Person - One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

A.6 Confined Space – A confined space is any space that exhibits all three of the following characteristics: large enough to bodily enter and perform work, not designed for continuous human occupancy, and limited means of entry or exit. A permit-required confined space is a confined space that contains any recognized serious safety or health hazard. No entry into permit-required confined spaces will be made until an assessment of that space has been made and an evaluation/ permit is posted.

A.7 Confined Space Entry Evaluation/Permit – The written permit defining the conditions under which a permit-required confined space may be entered (see below).

A.8 Control – The action taken to reduce the level of any hazard inside a confined space using engineering methods (for example, by ventilation), and then using these methods to maintain the reduced hazard level. Control also refers to the engineering methods used for this purpose (for example Lockout Tag out). Personal protective equipment is not a control.

A.9 Eliminate – To remove or take out.

A.10 Engulfment – The surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely divided

(flowable) solid substance that can be expected to cause death or serious physical harm by filling or plugging the respiratory system, or that can exert enough force on the body to cause critical injury/death by strangulation, constriction, or crushing.

A.11 Entry – Entry into a confined space occurs as soon as any part of the entrant’s body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.

A.12 Entry Supervisor – The person (such as employer, foreman, or crew chief) responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at either a permit-required space or non-permit-required space where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, based on the pre-entry evaluation, and for terminating entry as required by this section.

A.13 Hazardous Atmosphere – An atmosphere that exposes employees to a risk of death, incapacitation, injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:

(1) A flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its Lower Flammable Limit;

(2) An atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent;

DIRECTIVE NO. GPR 1700.6C Page 15 of 18

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(3) A combustible dust environment;

(4) An atmospheric concentration of any substance for which exposure would exceed the

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) or Threshold Limit Values (TLV), whichever is more stringent; and

(5) Any atmospheric condition recognized as immediately dangerous to life or health.

A.14 Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Condition – Any condition that poses an immediate threat of loss of life or physical injury or that may result in irreversible or immediate, severe health effects or other conditions that could impair escape from the confined space. If entry into an IDLH condition is required, rescue personnel and equipment shall be standing by the site.

A.15 Non-Permit-Required Confined Space – A confined space that does not contain, or with respect to atmospheric hazards have the potential to contain, any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm. Examples include vented vaults, motor control cabinets, and dropped ceilings. Although they are technically defined by OSHA as confined spaces, these spaces have either natural or permanent mechanical ventilation to prevent the accumulation of a hazardous atmosphere, and they are not likely to present suffocation, engulfment or other serious hazards.

A.16 Occupational Exposure Limit – Goddard consensus on the amount of a chemical or physical stressor that a person may be exposed to over a working lifetime without suffering ill effects from the exposure. These limits are taken from either the OSHA PELs; published in 29 CFR

1910.1000, tables Z-1, Z-2, or Z-3, or the most current ACGIH TLV guide. Goddard will use whichever is the most stringent standard of the two.

A.17 Permit-Required Confined Space – A confined space that has the potential to contain an IDLH hazardous atmosphere, or contains one or more of the following:

(1) A material/substance that has the potential for suffocating an entrant;

(2) A material/substance that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;

(3) A material/substance that poses a probable shock hazard;

(4) An internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor sloping downward and tapering to a smaller space; and

(5) Any other recognized serious safety or health hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm to the occupant(s), to include any hazard introduced into the space that is required as part of the work being performed within the space, such as coating, cleaning materials, hot work, i.e., welding, cutting or brazing, for which specific permits are required.

A.18 Qualified Person – A Qualified Person is a person who has received formal training for the job they are about to undertake. For example, an Entry Supervisor will have documented formal training as an Entry Supervisor.

A.19 Real Time – This term is meant to describe actions taken in one shift, on the day of the confined space entry.

A.20 Reclassified Confined Space – A space classified by the employer as a permit-required confined space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space utilizing the detailed procedures listed in 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(7).

A.21 Shift - The Entry Supervisor will define the “standard” shift work period for all operations and tasks, including method of shift rotation if required, as well as breaks and required rest cycles.

A.22 Testing – The process by which the hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are e identified and evaluated. Testing enables employers to devise and implement adequate control

DIRECTIVE NO. GPR 1700.6C Page 16 of 18

08/16 measures for the protection of authorized entrants and to determine if acceptable entry conditions are present immediately prior to entry, during entry, and re-entry following extended periods of time. Testing includes specifying the tests that are to be performed in the permit space and the maintenance of a written record of test results at the location of the test site.

A.23 Two-Person Rule - A system of organizing employees into work groups for hazardous work activities in such a manner that each employee of the work group is designated to be observed by at least one other employee in the work group. The purpose of the Two-Person Rule is to provide rapid assistance to employees in the event of an emergency.

DIRECTIVE NO. GPR 1700.6C Page 17 of 18

Appendix B – Acronyms

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation

GPR Goddard Procedural Requirements

GSFC Goddard Space Flight Center

IDLH Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health

JHA Job Hazard Analysis

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NRRS National Records Retention Schedule

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PEL Permissible Exposure Limit

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

SDS Safety Data Sheets

TLV Threshold Limit Values

UEL Upper Explosive Limit

WFF Wallops Flight Facility

DIRECTIVE NO. GPR 1700.6C Page 18 of 18

CHANGE HISTORY LOG

Revision Effective Date Description of Changes

Baseline 02/04/2006 Initial Release

A 11/10/2010 Administratively extended and revised to reflect organization name and code change.

B 10/25/2012 Updated document to reflect changes in GSFC policy.

Require the completion of a “GSFC Confined Space Entry

Evaluation/Permit” (GSFC Form 23-52) by the authorized Entry

Supervisor for all confined space entry operations on the center, including all contractor and subcontractor confined space entry operations; use of a similar form is allowed at WFF.

Clarify the procedure for establishing a permanent non-permit confined space.

C 06/05/2017 Updated to reflect organization name and code change throughout document. Added requirements from 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA

Confined Space in Construction. Added “Control” definition to

Appendix A. Added temporary reclassification time limit.