S02 SF-07 Confined Space.pdf

CONFINED SPACE PROGRAM

MCP SF-07

Coatesville VA Medical Center Coatesville, PA 19320

Signatory Authority:

Coatesville VA Medical Center Director

Responsible Owner:

Associate Director

Rescinded Document:

MCP SF-07-18

Effective Date:

January 1, 2021

Recertification Date:

March 2023

1. POLICY

This medical center policy SF-07 establishes and ensures the safety of VAMC employees and contractors who may need to enter a confined space containing a hazard. This policy helps formalize the process for ensuring safe confined space entries.

2. JUSTIFICATION

Many injuries and deaths occur every year to workers who are not familiar with the hazards in a confined space. The "Safety Procedures for Entry into Confined Spaces" will identify non-permit and permit-required confined spaces, the types of hazards that may be present in a confined space, the use of a checklist to identify hazards and the use of a permit for "Permit-Required" confined spaces. The Procedures will also identify the duties of the Entry Supervisor, the Attendant, and the Entrant.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Safety Officer (Program Administrator). The Safety Officer (Program Administrator) is responsible for:

(1) Overseeing the Confined Space Procedures to ensure that they are being properly applied at VAMC. He or she can designate other employees to assist in program implementation.

(2) Ensuring that employees supervising, entering or attending a confined space are properly trained on safe confined space entry procedures.

(3) Ensuring that Rescue Services have agreed to provide support to the VAMC and have an opportunity to conduct rescue training at VAMC.

(4) Ensuring that an air monitor calibration log is maintained monthly.

(5) Maintaining a copy of all confined space checklist/permit forms.

January 1, 2021 MCP SF-07

(6) Maintaining training documentation for entry supervisors, attendants, and entrants.

b. Entry Supervisor. The Entry Supervisor is responsible for:

(1) Ensuring that the confined space checklist or permit is properly completed and signs the checklist or permit form to authorize work.

(2) Signing the checklist or permit after the work is complete and ensuring the area is safe.

c. Entrant. The Entrant is responsible for:

(1) Receiving confined space training to understand and identify the hazards of the confined space being entered.

(2) Recognizing the hazards in the confined space being entered and leaves the confined space if a new hazard is identified, created, or the attendant directs the entrant to leave.

(3) Following the requirements of the checklist or permit.

d. Attendant. Attendants are responsible for:

(1) Receiving confined space training to understand and identify the hazards of the confined space being entered.

(2) Recognizing hazards within and near the confined space and directs the entrant to leave the confined space if a new hazard is identified.

(3) Directing the entrant to leave the confined space if the entrant is not responding to communication or appears to be having a difficulty in the confined space.

(4) Calling the emergency rescue service and the VAMC Police Department if an entrant has an emergency where medical assistance or rescue is needed.

(5) Attempting to retrieve the entrant from outside the confined space after calling for emergency services. The attendant is NEVER TO ENTER a confined space to try to rescue a worker.

f. Contractors. The Contractors are responsible for:

(1) Being qualified to perform the work in a confined space.

(2) Having a Permit Program for entry into confined spaces.

NOTE: Outside contractors who need to enter a permit required confined space as part of their work at the Coatesville VAMC must adhere to the

OSHA requirements for confined space entry in Construction 290FR1926.21 (b)(6)(i)and (ii) and General Industry 290FR1910.146.

(3) Having a trained Confined Space Entry Supervisor, Entrant, and Attendant and providing the documentation of training to the VAMC COTR or Engineering Supervisor.

(4) Having a permit form used for the entry.

(5) Coatesville VAMC Fire Department is the established confined space rescue team for outside contract personnel entering non-permit and permit spaces.

(6) If the Contractor is going into an IDLH environment, a VAMC rescue team must be stationed outside the confined space being entered.

f. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or Engineering Supervisor. COR or Engineering Supervisor are responsible for:

(1) Providing oversight of the outside contractor to ensure compliance with this entry procedure and permitting requirements.

(a) Inform the contractor that the confined space entry involves permit requirements.

(b) Inform the contractor of known physical and chemical hazards associated with the confined space to be entered.

(c) Coordinate entry operations with site personnel and with other workers and work crews in the area.

(d) Provide a material safety data sheet for hazardous chemicals known to be in the confined space.

(e) Debrief the contractor at the end of the job regarding any hazards confronted or created in the permit space.

4. PROCEDURE

a. CONFINED SPACE PROCEDURE: These rules and procedures apply to all confined spaces.

(1) Marking of Confined Spaces: All identified confined spaces are marked or labeled with a confined space sign except for manholes and dumpsters, which are recognizable by employees as confined spaces. Any employee can request that an unlabeled work area be evaluated to determine if it is a confined space. A list of identified Confined Spaces can be found in Attachment B.

(2) Authorization to Enter a Confined Space: No person shall enter a confined space, including vessels, manholes, bins, tunnels, hoppers, silos, process tanks, storage tanks, boilers, heating ventilation/air conditioning systems, incinerators, water tanks, pits, fuel cells, crawl spaces, etc., whose internal conditions present undue hazards. Confined spaces can be entered by authorized and trained entrants who are aware of and protected from the hazards and who follow the VAMC written confined space procedures.

(3) Confined Space Checklist: All identified confined spaces are to be considered permit-required confined spaces until the Confined Space Checklist is completed and indicates that there is or is not a health, safety or atmospheric hazard.

(4) Exception: Any identified confined space determined to be a non-permit confined space and is listed on Attachment B, does not require a checklist or permit to perform work in that space. Unless:

(a) A person was to bring a chemical into the confined space for use; or

(b) A person was to do cutting, welding, or burning work; or

(c) A hazard condition was recognized upon entering the confined space.

(5) Once the hazards of a confined space are neutralized and verified on the Confined Space Checklist, the entry will be considered a Non-Permit Confined Space unless a specific confined space entry procedure state otherwise.

(6) If a hazard cannot be neutralized, or if a hazard presents itself during the entry, a permit is required. The Permit is located on the reverse side of the Confined Space Checklist which must be completed prior to entry or re-entry.

The hazard is to be reduced to specific levels and specific worker safeguards are to be put in place prior to entry.

(7) Pre-Entry Procedures: Preparing for entry.

(a) Checklist/Permit: Once you have identified a confined space that requires entry, obtain a Confined Space Checklist/Permit Form, and complete it. (Attachment C).

(b) Surveillance: The surrounding area shall be surveyed to identify hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping, sewers, vehicular traffic, and exhaust vents. Place barricades, as appropriate, to ensure that other workers will be protected.

(8) Isolation: This is also known as Lockout Tagout of Hazardous Energy

(LOTO).

(a) Lines that open into a confined space including water, steam, compressed air, material feed lines, sewer lines, vent and drain lines to common headers, flammable gas, and fuel oil lines shall be isolated according to the VAMC lockout or tagout procedures.

(i.) Special procedures for that confined space shall be developed and followed where lines cannot be valued off and safety tagged.

Procedures for specific confined spaces will indicate if these lines are required to be disconnected and/or blanked off.

(ii.) Any other line not mentioned shall be disconnected and/or blanked off and safety tagged. All blanks are to have a visible tag that extends beyond the end of the flange.

(b) If the confined space being entered is equipped with internal movable equipment, which could injure the entrant, the source of power must be disconnected completely. Follow the VAMC "Lockout/Tagout Procedures".

(i.) Sources of power may include electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, spring, gravity, and similar types of energy.

(ii.) Disconnecting completely means the switching to the off position, neutralizing the energy, and safety locking and tagging the manual starter, the combination starter, or safety switch using Lockout or Tagout Procedures.

(iii.) The key(s) to lockout or tagout locks are to be kept on the person entering the confined space.

(iv.) Each person entering the confined space must be protected with their own lock(s) and tag(s).

(9) Air Monitoring: The atmosphere in a confined space must be evaluated prior to entry for at least oxygen as % oxygen and flammable or combustible gases as percentage of lower explosive limit (%LEL).

(a) Before entry, the confined space shall be allowed to air out, as needed, dependent upon the severity of the atmosphere for the specific confined space. In some specific confined space procedures, permanently installed or portable ventilation equipment may be required to properly air out the space for a specified time.

(b) Immediately before entry, the vessel shall be checked using a properly calibrated oxygen and combustible gas meter.

(i.) The oxygen level must be checked first and be between 19.5% and 23.5% by volume.

(ii.) The oxygen meter alarm shall sound at and below 19.5% oxygen concentration.

(iii.) The oxygen meter alarm shall sound at and above 23.5% oxygen.

(c) The combustible gas level is checked next and should be less than 10% of the lower explosive limit ([EL) before a person may enter the confined space.

(i.) The combustible gas meter alarm shall sound at 10% of the LEL and higher.

(ii.) A reading of 1% or more on the meter could be an indication of 50 ppm (parts of contaminant per million parts of air) or more of the contaminant present.

(d) A chemical specific meter or chemical detector tube test must also be run by the responsible entrant, air tester, or supervisor for each likely contaminant that may exceed the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) or American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV), when possible.

(i.) These additional tests may be indicated in specific confined space procedures.

(ii.) A list of known chemical hazards and a method to test for them can be found in Attachment D.

(e) If the PEL or TLV is exceeded and cannot be controlled through engineering controls such as ventilation, entry is forbidden until the Program Administrator, or designate, develops a safe entry protocol, requiring special procedures and protective equipment.

(f) Authorized entrants or their representative shall be provided an opportunity to observe pre-entry and continuous monitoring.

(g) All air monitoring results shall be recorded on the Confined Space Checklist form for:

i. The pre-entry reading;

ii. Upon return from breaks of more than 15-minutes, prior to re-entry; and

iii. Every 60 minutes during the entry.

(h) Continuous air testing is required in some specific confined space procedures, if initial air test results identify the presence of a hazardous atmosphere and/or ventilation was required.

(i.) When working with chemicals in the confined space, the space must be monitored continuously for at least oxygen and combustible gas.

(ii.) Air testing must be periodically repeated for other toxic chemicals when there is an unknown concentration during the work.

(i) Calibration of air monitoring equipment shall be performed at least monthly and/or when a problem with the meter is detected.

(i.) Calibration must be performed by the Fire Department or designate who is trained to calibrate.

(ii.) The Fire Department shall maintain calibration records on file, (See Attachment E).

(iii.) The equipment must have a calibration stamp on it to indicate when it was last calibrated and when it is to be re-calibrated.

(iv.) Before use, the meter is to be tested with a test gas to verify the proper function of the meter.

(j) Before use, the meter is to be tested with a test gas to verify the proper function of the meter.

(10) Equipment: Equipment may be needed to safely enter the confined space and is set up prior to entry into the confined space.

(a) Sources of ventilation shall be fresh air. Ventilation must be used where:

(i.) There is poor natural ventilation that can create an unsafe atmosphere, (ii.) The operation will generate a hazardous atmosphere, or

(iii.) A hazardous atmosphere may be present without ventilation.

(b) The use of electrical equipment inside a confined space must be approved by the Program Administrator, Fire Department, or designate, and shall be equipped with:

(i.) A ground fault circuit interrupter power supply; and/or

(ii.) Low voltage (<50 Volts) supply.

(iii.) Explosion-proof electrical fixtures are required in spaces that may exceed 10% of the LEL.

(c) All person(s) entering a permit-required confined space must wear retrieval device such as a full body harness with lifeline (retrieval line) attached.

(i.) The lifeline is to be attached to a lifting device or to a point located outside of the confined space.

(ii.) An attendant must be posted outside the confined space.

(iii.) Alternative procedures must be identified for confined spaces where using a retrieval device may be a greater hazard to the entrant than not wearing a device.

(d) Other equipment may be required based on potential hazards including:

(i.) Protective clothing such as rain suits, coveralls, gloves, goggles, heat resistant suits, and a respirator appropriate for the job. Note:

The use of respirators must comply with the VAMC Respiratory Protection Program.

(ii.) Retrieval equipment may include retrieval lifting device, tripod or hoist anchoring device, full body harness, wristlets, fall protection device and lifeline.

(iii.) Air monitoring equipment including oxygen, combustible gas (%LEL), carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide direct read meters and colorimetric indicator tubes.

(iv.) Ventilation equipment including blowers and flexible tubing with grounding straps.

(v.) Lockout or Tagout devices, chains, locks and tags, electrical disconnect devices.

(vii.) Barriers, barricades and signs to keep unauthorized personnel away from confined spaces.

(11) Entry Procedures:

(a) Checklist/Permit: A Checklist must be completed to determine if a confined space is a non-permit space or a permit-required space.

(i.) Many confined space entries will require that the Confined Space Checklist Form is completed to ensure that there are no mechanical, engulfment, significant safety, or atmospheric hazards. Once the checklist has been completed, proved acceptable, and signed off by the supervisor, the space will be classified as a Non-Permit Confined Space.

1. A non-permit confined space can be entered by anyone since there are no hazards in the space.

2. An attendant is not required,

3. A retrieval system is not required, and

4. After the initial atmospheric monitoring, continued air monitoring is not required. Note: This does not mean that these safety features cannot be employed by the supervisor, just that they are not required.

(b) A Permit-Required Confined Space exists when:

(i.) A "Hot Work" permit shall be obtained before entering the confined space.

(ii.) A copy of the Hot Work Permit must be attached to the completed Confined Space Permit.

(iii.) Proper ventilation of the confined space must be established and maintained for all hot work.

(iv.) Oxygen and fuel tanks are not permitted within a confined space.

(c) The Confined Space Permit, located on the reverse side of the Checklist Form, must be completed.

(i.) All blank spaces on the permit must be filled out, or a reason given.

(ii.) The permit must be signed by a supervisor or his designate.

(iii.) The permit is to be posted at or near the entrance to the confined space.

(iv.) No permit shall be authorized to extend beyond the end of a shift.

If confined space work will require efforts into another shift, a new permit must be issued and attached to the previous permit.

(12) The Entry: A safe confined space entry can be made if the checklist/permit system is followed. A new checklist must be completed before entry is permitted. Additional issues:

(a) For entries performed in a Non-Permit Confined Space, entrants will perform their assigned tasks. If the conditions in the confined space change such that an accident or injury could occur, the entrant(s) shall leave the space until the hazard is removed through engineering controls or safety equipment.

(b) For Permit-Required Confined Space entries:

(i.) Notify employees in the surrounding area that employees will be entering a confined space so they can be responsive in an emergency. An attendant must be present. The role of the attendant is to assure the safety of the entrant(s) by tasks including:

(ii.) Assisting the entrant in leaving the confined space before and during an emergency, (iii.) Testing the atmosphere, (iv.) Observing surrounding conditions to ensure they are acceptable, Communicating with the entrant, and

(v.) Notifying emergency personnel via radio or telephone if the entrant cannot leave the space under his/her own power.

(vi.) The attendant may provide limited assistance to the entrant, such as supplying tools, but must stay in communication near the confined space opening. The attendant may provide limited assistance to the entrant, such as supplying tools, but must stay in communication near the confined space opening.

(c) If an atmospheric hazard exists, the confined space is to be continuously monitored for oxygen and lower explosive limit ([EL) while personnel are in the space.

(i.) This can be performed with a personal monitor worn by the entrant or a remote monitor that is observed by the attendant.

(ii.) Though the air is continuously monitored, the results are only periodically recorded on the Checklist Form.

(d) Entry in a confined space is not permitted in a confined space with an immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) Environment. These environments include:

(i.) Oxygen less than 19.5% concentration.

(ii.) Oxygen over 23.5 % concentration.

(13) Emergencies: Emergencies fall into several types including: those requiring an immediate response, those that require a response, but timing is not critical, and those where the entrant can perform self-rescue.

(a) Permit-Required confined space entries, where the hazards cannot be fully removed, require that a confined space rescue team be located at the confined space while it is being entered. If an emergency were to occur, an immediate response to remove the entrant can be made.

(b) Permit-Required confined spaces where hazards are controlled, and non-permit confined space entries may have a need for emergency services or a rescue team. Because of the non-life-threatening nature of the hazards, a normal response time by the VA MERT team and CVAMC Fire Department confined space rescue team is used.

(c) Self-rescue or extraction by the entrant is the most common removal method from a confined space. If a hazard is detected, the entrant does not feel well, or the attendant identifies a hazard, the entrant is directed to leave the confined space with assistance from the attendant.

(d) When an emergency occurs where assistance is needed:

(i.) The attendant shall contact the Fire Department or Hospital operator on the portable radio and inform them of a man down in a confined space.

(ii.) The Attendant will provide the nature of the incident and the location of the confined space

(iii.) Fire Department is to call a "Code Blue" and dial 4132. Inform the MERT team that it is a confined space emergency.

(e) After calling for assistance, the attendant and other VAMC personnel may attempt to rescue the entrant(s) using the lifelines and retrieval equipment from outside the confined space.

(f) Under no circumstance is a VAMC employee or contractor to enter a confined space to provide rescue services unless they have been properly trained and equipped to do so.

(g) During any unrelated emergency(s), such as power outages, thunderstorms, spills of hazardous materials into the sewer etc., personnel are not to enter the affected confined space. Personnel who are in a confined space must leave the confined space immediately.

(h) An evaluation was made by the Coatesville Fire Department to provide confined space rescue services at the VAMC. The rescue team has been provided access to confined spaces that may be entered by VAMC personnel for their training purposes.

(i) VA Medical Center Personnel (with exception to Fire Department) will not enter a confined space that is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH). If a contractor enters a space that is determined to be IDLH, they will be required to have a rescue team on standby outside the entrance to the confined space during the confined space entry.

(14) Post-Entry Procedures: When the job inside a confined space is completed, the responsible supervisor or designate shall ensure that the space is returned to operating condition.

(a) Reverse Isolation Methods: Reverse lockout/tagout procedures (closing lines, removing tags, debris is picked up etc.).

(b) Supervisor Verification: The responsible supervisor or designate is to certify the confined space is back in service by signing the entry permit form.

(c) Maintain Permits: All confined space permits shall be maintained in a file by the VAMC Fire Department for review. Permits will be stored for a minimum of two years.

(15) Additional Provisions: Confined space entry work, when not performed properly, can lead to a serious injury or death.

(a) VAMC will not provide air-testing equipment or retrieval equipment to outside contractors required to use such equipment for confined space entry.

(b) VAMC reserves the right to not allow a contractor into a VAMC confined spaces who:

(i.) Does not have proper equipment.

(ii.) Does not have a permit.

(iii.) Has not provided documentation of being confined space trained.

(iv.) ls working unsafely in or around a VAMC confined.

(16) Training:

(a) Initial Training: Initial training will be provided to any VAMC employee before their first assigned confined space duties and/or before there is a change in assigned duties as part of this confined space program.

(i.) Entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors will be trained on their respective responsibilities.

(ii.) VAMC employees will be trained on rescue procedures to follow from outside a confined space.

(iii.) VAMC employees will not be trained on rescue procedures requiring entry into a confined space.

(b) Initial training will include, at minimum: Review of the OSHA standard:

(c) The VAMC Confined Space Program, to include:

(i.) Review of key elements of the program - Definitions of Confined Space

(ii.) Entry Checklist/Permit

(iii.) Air testing

(iv.) Energy neutralization (lockout/tagout) - Authorized entrants

(v.) Duties of attendants

(vi.) Entry Supervisor's Role

(vii.) Special permits i.e., hot work Rescue

(viii.) Contractors

(ix.) Training requirements

(x.) Hazards Found in Confined Spaces

(xi.) Respiratory Protection Policy Review

(xii.) Air Monitoring Equipment

(xiii.) Combustible gas/oxygen meter

(xiv.) Confined Space Entry Equipment and Protective Clothing

(xv.) Rescue Methods and Techniques

(xvi.) Hands-On Use of Equipment

(d) Retraining: will be provided every three (3) years for Entrants, Attendants, and Entry Supervisors and when:

(i.) There is a change in permit space operations that present a new hazard; or

(ii.) There is reason to believe that there are deviations to or inadequacies with the permit system or procedures.

5. Attachments:

Attachments A. Definitions

Attachments B. Confined Space Entries on Coatesville VAMC Property

Attachments C. Confined Space Entry Initial Checklist

Attachments D. Types of Detector Tubes or Monitoring Equipment Available

Attachments E. Air Monitoring Equipment Calibration Form

6. DEFINITIONS

See Attachment A.

7. REFERENCES

OSHA 1910.146, OSHA 1926.21(b)(6)(i) and (ii)

8. RESCISSION

SF-07-18, Confined Space Program, is rescinded.

9. REVIEW

This Medical Center Policy SF-07-20 is to be recertified every five years at a minimum.

10. RECERTIFICATION

This MCP SF-07 is scheduled for recertification on or before the last working day of March 2023. This MCP SF-07 will continue to serve as local policy until it is recertified or rescinded. In the event of contradiction with national policy, the national policy supersedes and controls.

11. SIGNATORY AUTHORITY

Jeffrey A. Beiler, II Medical Center Director

NOTE: The signature remains valid until rescinded by an appropriate administrative action.

DISTRIBUTION: Medical Center Policies are available here. Medical Center Policy Attachments are available here.

https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHACOAvamc/policies/default.aspx https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHACOAvamc/policies/MCP%20Attachments/Forms/AllItems.aspx

Attachment A: DEFINITIONS

a. Attendant: A person who is:

(1) Assigned to monitor a confined space entry and provide help in case of emergency;

(2) Physically stationed immediately outside the confined space during all work therein; and,

(3) Trained as required by this procedure.

b. Entrant: A person who is authorized to enter a confined space by the VA Medical Center:

(1) Has a valid need to enter a confined space;

(2) Has been trained as required by this procedure; and

(3) Has been briefed on the hazards of the confined space and is properly protected from all such hazards by the use of engineering controls or personal protective equipment.

c. Confined Space: An enclosed area that has each of the following three characteristics:

(1) Large enough to bodily enter and perform assigned work.

(2) Limited or restricted means for worker entry or exit due to the number, size, or location of openings (some examples include: tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, manholes, sewer lines, fuel cells, tail booms, kilns, dryers and ovens)

(3) Not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

d. Confined Space Checklist: An initial Checklist Form to ensure that a confined space is safe for entry (no atmospheric or recognized serious safety or health hazards) without the need for a permit. If a hazard is identified, the Confined Space Permit, located on the reverse side of the Checklist, must be completed.

e. Engulfment: The surrounding and effective capture of a person by liquid or finely divided solid substances.

f. Emergency: Any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or monitoring equipment) or event internal or external to the permit space that could endanger entrants.

g. Entry: The act of placing one's face, hand, or any body part through the plane of an opening into a permit-required confined space (or passing bodily through the opening) as well as all periods of time in which the confined space is occupied.

h. Entry Procedures: A procedure developed for specific confined space or type of confined space. These procedures identify potential hazards and describe safe entry procedures to be followed for the confined space.

i. Hazardous Atmosphere: An atmosphere which contains one or more of the following:

(1) An atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5% or above 23.5%.

(2) A flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10% of its lower explosive limit

(LEL).

(3) An airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its lower explosive limit or obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet or less.

(4) An atmospheric concentration of any substance that exceeds the OSHA permissible exposure limits (PEL). In the case of substances for which no PEL has been established, the Program Administrator shall be contacted to establish safe atmospheric concentrations prior to entry.

(5) A concentration of an air contaminant that is considered immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) by any published source, including the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

j. Hot Work: Work that produces arcs, sparks, flames, heat or other sources of ignition. This includes, but is not limited to, burning, welding, grinding, riveting and space heating.

k. Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH): A condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life or that could cause irreversible adverse health effects that would interfere with an individual's ability to escape from a permit space.

l. Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): The minimum concentration of a flammable gas or vapor in air (usually expressed in percent by volume at sea level), which will ignite if an ignition source is present.

m. Non-Permit 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 harm.

n. Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere: An atmosphere containing less than 19.5% oxygen by volume.

o. Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere: An atmosphere containing more than 23.5% oxygen by volume.

p. Permit-Required Confined Space: A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

(1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;

(2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section; or

(3) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards.

q. Permit: The written document, which must be properly completed prior to any permit required confined space entry and must be posted at or near the confined space entrance in use. It is on the reverse side of the Confined Space Checklist.

When the Permit is completed, a Permit-Required Confined Space entry is in effect and all appropriate precautions must be taken. These precautions may include the use of lifelines and full body harness by entrants, continuous air monitoring, ventilation, and the use of an attendant throughout the entry.

r. Permit Hot Work: The written document (a.k.a. a hot-work permit) that must be properly completed prior to any hot work being performed. Hot work performed in a confined space requires a permit for both hot work and confined space entry.

s. Rescue Service: The personnel designated to rescue employees from non-permit required and permit-required confined spaces.

(1) A rescue service is to be contacted and an agreement must be established to provide you with Confined Space Rescue trained people.

(2) The Program Administrator shall verify that the rescue service can respond to a confined space emergency.

(3) The rescue service must be at the confined space entry for confined spaces with an IDLH hazard.

(4) The rescue service does not need to be on-site for non-permit required confined space entries.

t. Retrieval Equipment: Equipment (including but not limited to retrieval line, full body harness, wristlets if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor point) used for non-entry rescue of persons from permit spaces.

u. Testing: The process by which the hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are identified and evaluated. Testing includes specifying the tests that are to be performed in the permit space.

Attachment B: Confined Space Entries on Coatesville VAMC Property

Description (Quantity) Location Permit

Required (Yes/No)

Sanitary/Storm Sewer Manhole Entry

Various Locations Yes

Steam Stations/Vaults w/ Manhole Entry

Various Locations Yes

Boilers (4) Building 14 Yes

Steam Tunnels Various Locations under main buildings and between manholes

Yes

Exhaust Stacks (1) Building 14 Yes

Natural Gas Service Vault (1)

Small building west Side of building 14

No

HVAC Systems, mixing chambers, ductwork

Various Locations Throughout Medical Center

No

Crawl Space (Dirt Floor) Buildings 1, 10, 16, 38, 39, 57, 58 and 72

No

Crawl Space Building 139, 69 No

Cooling Tower (2) Building 17 Rooftop No

Steam piping pit Building 17 No

Plumbing Piping Closets All buildings in Ovals 1 & 2, and Building 10

No

Sewer Pit Building 138 Mechanical Room

Yes

Water Tower (2) At buildings 59 and 70 Yes

Electrical Vaults Various Buildings VAMC No

Electrical Vaults (underground)

Various areas VAMC Yes

Phone Vaults (underground)

Various areas VAMC Yes

Elevator Pits Various areas VAMC Yes

Attachment C: Confined Space Entry Level Checklist

A permit is required for entering any Permit Required Confined space and may be granted in accordance with the provisions of the VAMC "Confined Space Procedures".

This permit must be placed at or near the confined space entrance during entry. This permit is only valid for one shift. First complete the first page checklist to determine if a permit is required. If all checklist conditions are met, proceed with entry. If all conditions are not met, or if a specific confined space entry procedure requires use of a full permit, you must also complete side 2, the Confined Space Permit side of this form.

DATE: SHIFT:

SPECIFIC ENTRY PROCEDURE NUMBER:

CONFINED SPACE NAME AND LOCATION:

PURPOSE FOR ENTRY:

TIME JOB STARTED:

TIME JOB COMPLETED:

Before this permit can be signed, the following rules must be satisfactorily complied. If an item is left blank, a reason must be given.

1. Ventilation equipment is grounded to reduce static discharge potential. NA

Yes No

2. Space is cleaned, washed and purged: NA Yes No .

3. All electrical lockout/tagouts (LOTO) made and rechecked: NA Yes No

All required valves are closed and tagged: NA Yes No* LOTO includes all energy sources such as: pneumatic, hydraulic, springs, gravity, chemical, and so on.

Comments:

4. Environmental Monitoring (Test the confined space initially and record results. If this is a permit required space, also record air monitoring results at least every hour during an entry, and prior to entering the space after a break of more than 15-minutes. Test for additional chemicals as required on any specific procedure or as determined necessary by the entry supervisor. If a tested value is outside the levels considered safe in the table, the "Confined Space Permit" form must also be completed.

5. Hot Work — (A Hot Work or cutting/welding permit is required): Yes** No

6. There is an engulfment hazard: Yes** No

7. Explosion-proof light in Hazardous Environments or low voltage lighting required:

Yes** No NA

8. Lighting has ground fault circuit interrupter or is low voltage: NA Yes No***

NA Yes No

9. Entry requires use of fall protection:

10. Comments or additional precautionary remarks: (Attach MSDS to Permit) Specific entry procedures always take precedence over the general requirements. Check specific procedures for permit requirements. If all conditions of this Initial Checklist permit have been met, entry is considered safe as long as the entrant does not create a hazard, bring a chemical hazard into the confined space, or perform hot work in the confined space. This is now a "No Hazard" or Non-Permit confined space. Skip to certification portion of this confined space permit on the bottom of page 2.

* Contact the supervisor, or his designate, for special procedures.

**Confined space conditions require that Full Permit Conditions be followed. Go to the "Permit Form" on back of this page.

***Entry is not permitted.

Confined Space Permit must be completed, in addition to the checklist (on side one) if: 1. a full permit is required according to a specific entry procedure, or 2. when the checklist indicates that an atmospheric hazard or other serious safety hazard is present in the confined space, or 3. when a chemical, hot work, or other activity in the confined space can present a is hazard.

Attachment C cont.:

1. Employees in the immediate area alerted to help if needed? Yes No*

2. Local fire/rescue services are alerted per the emergency rescue procedures? Yes No*

3. The emergency rescue procedures for entrants and attendants have been reviewed?

Yes No*

4. Radio/telephone or other communications are available for emergency purposes? Yes No*

5. Rescue harness is worn, as appropriate, such as: a full body harness with lifeline attached? Yes No*

6. Fresh air is (circle selection) Natural, Mechanically Supplied, or Mechanically Vented:

7. Ventilation system, if used, is properly grounded? Yes No*

8. Continuous testing for, at minimum, oxygen and °/oLEL levels during entry? Yes No*

9. List Protective clothing required: PPE:

*Entry is not permitted without an acceptable alternative.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES AND CERTIFICATION TO PERFORM WORK

This is a Non-Permit Confined Space This is a Permit-Required Confined Space

I certify that all necessary precautions have been taken to make the confined space safe for entering and carrying on prescribed work during the shift specified. This permit is only valid until the end of the shift it was started. A new permit is required for the next shift.

VAMC Employees ARE NOT to enter any confined space that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), such as oxygen <19.5% or other hazard that could cause an immediate or delayed threat to life or that could cause irreversible adverse health effects that would interfere with an individual's ability to escape from a permit space.

Entry Supervisor: / Atmosphere Tester: / (or designate) print name initial print name initial

STANDBY ATTENDANT(S):

PERSON(S) AUTHORIZED TO ENTER:

Print Name Time In/Out

I have been properly instructed for safe entry into and/or for attendance of this confined space and understand my duties.

Work Completed: If work is completed: I certify that all lockout and tagout locks and tags and blank lines have been removed and such systems are properly reconnected for service. This confined space is ready for normal service.

Time: Entry Supervisor or Designate:

Work Not Completed: I certify that work on this confined space is not complete and that lockout and tagout and blank lines will remain in place until the work can be properly finished. Any future work in the permit required confined space will require that a new permit be completed. Time: Entry Supervisor or Designate:

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Emergency Rescue Service Phone is 4123 (Call Fire Department or Operator on Radio, inform them to site information, that it is a confined space emergency, and to Call a Code Blue) If an emergency should occur, the attendant is to call for assistance based on the emergency rescue procedures. The designated rescue service is to be contacted. The attendant and other workers in the area can assist the entrant in evacuating the confined space. Lifelines and retrieval equipment can be used to assist in this effort based on your training. DO NOT ENTER THE CONFINED SPACE. If a person has collapsed for no apparent cause, you must assume that toxic gases or oxygen deficiency could exist.

Other Emergency Phone Numbers:

Inform Emergency Services That This Is A Confined Space Emergency.

RETURN ALL FORMS TO THE SAFETY OFFICE (140) WHEN COMPLETED.

Attachment D: Types of Detector Tubes or Monitoring Equipment Available Based on chemicals that may be present

COMPONENT AIR DEVICE ACGIH TLV OSHA PEL DO NOT ENTER WHEN

Oxygen Gas MSA Orion NL 19.5 – 23.5% Below 19.5%

(Acceptable Range) Above 23.5%

TLV = American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value based on an eight-hour time weighted average.

C = Ceiling Limit (never exceed this limit) NL = Not Listed LEL = Lower Explosive Limit (methane) PEL = OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit

* = STEL = Short Term Exposure Limit ** = IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health *** = Ceiling Limit - should not be exceeded **** = Exit from space at 10% LEL

ATTACHMENT E: AIR MONITORING EQUIPMENT CALIBRATION FORM

This Calibration Form is to be used for the periodic calibration of Air Monitoring Equipment used for Confined Space Entry.

1. Each air-monitoring device is to be calibrated no more than 31-days prior to a confined space entry.

2. If there is a problem with the sensors or if the manufacture of the meter requires, more frequent calibration may be required.

3. All calibrations as mentioned above are to be logged onto this form. Pre-use equipment checks are not to be logged onto this form.

This Calibration Log is for:

(Make and Model or Monitor) (Manufacturer's Name) (Serial #)

1. Place the numerical results of the calibration test and an "OK" or "Fail" in the box for each chemical you are calibrating for.

2. If you are not calibrating for a listed test gas, then place a "NA" in the box for that chemical. (Revised 7-10-07)

Date/Time

% Oxygen

Combustible (%LEL)

Carbon Monoxide

Hydrogen Sulfide

Other

Other

Calibrated By (Print Name)

Comments