appendix c - confined space documentation.pdf

Appendix C Confined Space Documents

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Appendix E Confined Space Entry Program

1. Purpose. The purpose of this program is to effectively protect St. Paul District employees, vendors, or contractors required to enter into confined spaces from mechanical, atmospheric, or other hazards that pose an immediate or delayed threat to life or health.

2. Applicability. This regulation applies to all St. Paul district personnel who may enter a confined space.

3. Distribution Statement. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

4. References. See Appendix A for a list of references.

5. Confined Spaces General Guidance. All confined spaces are considered Permit- Required and will NOT be entered unless following the rules of this program and the space is deemed Non-Permit Required or restricted access by utilizing CE-MVP Form 43 Confined Space Hazard Assessment Form.

a. It is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), St. Paul District policy that NO confined space will be entered without first notifying the Site Supervisor to provide notification of the proposed entry date and work to be done.

b. If hot work is conducted in a confined space, at the point that any welding or cutting equipment is taken into the space, the confined space rules are superseded by the procedures in Appendix D, Welding, Cutting, & Brazing Rules in Confined Spaces Rules with reference to 29 CFR 1910.252(a)(4), and the normal confined space rules for entry are suspended with the exception of the emergency entry procedures. All hot work requires compliance with Appendix D while in a confined space. Appendix D must be followed until the hot work is terminated and the equipment is removed from the space, at which point the regular confined space rules once again resume after the space has its atmosphere tested and is deemed safe for entry.

c. This Appendix contains the rules for all spaces except those on marine vessels. A separate regulation will be developed for spaces on marine vessels.

6. Training.

a. Employees at sites with confined spaces shall (as a minimum) receive Confined Space Hazard Awareness training from CEMVP Form 47 to educate them on the confined spaces, the known hazards (if any) of each confined space, the mandatory use of district form CEMVP Form 42, Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit, and the prohibition of entering confined spaces without prior written or verbal approval

71 DR 385-1-6 ● 9 June 2023 from the site supervisor or safety staff.

b. Employees shall also be trained to understand that NO confined space shall be entered unless it has first been tested and proven to contain a safe atmosphere and has no other hazards which have not been controlled or eliminated.

c. At least one entrant shall be trained and knowledgeable in using the confined space gas monitor.

d. Employees shall document their training and understanding by using and signing form MVP 41, Confined Space Employee Information and Sign-Off Sheet.

7. Definitions.

a. A confined space is defined as a space that is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work, has limited or restricted means for entry or egress, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

b. All MVP confined spaces will be assumed to be, and treated as, Permit- Required Confined Spaces until a proper pre-entry evaluation has been completed to determine if any hazards are present in the space.

c. There are two main classifications of a confined space.

(1) Non-Permit Confined Space. A space which, after being evaluated, is shown to not contain or, with respect to atmospheric hazards, not have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death, or hazards that have the potential of causing death or serious physical harm. The space has no hazards.

(2) Permit-Required Confined Space. A space that has not yet been evaluated to determine if hazards exist, or:

(a) Has a hazardous atmosphere or the potential for a hazardous atmosphere.

(b) Contains a material that can engulf someone working in the space.

(c) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inward converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section.

(d) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

d. Evaluation. This is the process of testing the atmosphere inside the space and eliminating all potential hazards. This MUST be done outside of the space. No entry is permitted for the evaluation. For example, if a pit is going to be entered, all

DR 385-1-6 ● 9 June 2023 72 machinery or equipment that could cause an injury must be de-energized (Locked Out – Tagged Out; LOTO) from outside the space prior to anyone entering. Then the air must be tested in multiple atmospheric levels (top to bottom), with the readings recorded on the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit. Finally, any other hazards known to exist must be eliminated or controlled before actual entry can be started.

e. Authorized Entrant. Entrants are employees authorized to enter a confined space. Duties include:

(1) Reviewing/following the written Confined Space Entry Program procedures.

(2) Becoming familiar with known or potential hazards associated with the confined space. In addition, know how exposure to hazards can occur as well as the symptoms and consequences of exposure to the hazards.

(3) Properly using equipment, they might have to operate testing/monitoring equipment, ventilating systems, personal protective equipment, communication systems, lighting equipment, rescue, and emergency equipment.

(4) Communicating with the attendant outside the space to enable the attendant to monitor the status of the entrant. Communication is essential if the need to evacuate the confined space arises.

(5) Alerting the attendant outside the space whenever the entrant recognizes a warning sign or symptom of exposure or detects a condition that is prohibited by the evaluation/entry permit.

(6) Exiting from the confined space whenever the attendant or supervisor orders evacuation of the space, when the entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, or the entrant detects a condition prohibited by the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit.

f. Attendant. An individual stationed outside the confined space that monitors the authorized entrants and performs all the duties assigned under the Confined Space Entry Program. Duties include:

(1) Reviewing/following the written Confined Space Entry Program procedures.

(2) Becoming familiar with known or potential hazards associated with the confined space. In addition, know how exposure to the hazards can occur as well as the symptoms and consequences of exposure to the hazards.

(3) Knowing how exposure to the various hazards can affect the behavior of people working in those spaces.

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(4) Remaining outside the confined space during entry operations until relieved by another attendant.

(5) Accurately identifying who is in the space based on the information on the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit.

(6) Continuously maintaining an accurate count of authorized entrants in the space.

(7) Communicating with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor their status.

(8) Monitoring activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space.

(9) Ordering evacuation of the space if a condition is detected that is prohibited by the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit, the entrant is exhibiting behavior that would indicate exposure to a hazard, a situation outside the space could endanger entrants or the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all their duties.

(10) Contacting a rescue or emergency service group whenever the attendant determines that the entrant may need assistance to escape from the hazards within the space.

(11) Warning unauthorized personnel to stay away from the confined space.

Inform the entrants and entry supervisor if any unauthorized persons have entered the space.

(12) Performing non-entry rescues as specified per this program.

(13) Avoiding activities that might divert attention from responsibilities as an attendant.

(14) Properly using equipment that they might have to operate test/monitoring equipment, ventilating systems, personal protective equipment, communication systems, and rescue and emergency equipment.

g. Entry Supervisors. The person responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit space where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and for terminating entry. Duties include:

(1) Reviewing/following the written Confined Space Entry Program procedures.

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(2) Becoming familiar with known or potential hazards associated with the confined space. In addition, know how exposure to the hazards can occur as well as the symptoms and consequences of exposure to the hazards.

(3) Verifying that all tests specified by the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit have been conducted and that all procedures and equipment specified on the form are in place before entry into a confined space.

(4) Verifying that communication systems that would be used to contact emergency services are operating correctly.

(5) Removing any unauthorized people who enter or attempt to enter a permit space while work is going on.

(6) Making sure that entry operations are consistent with the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained as long as work is being done in the space.

(7) Terminating entry and cancelling the entry permit whenever work covered under the permit has been completed or a condition arises in or near the space that is not allowed to occur under the entry permit. Return all cancelled permits to the safety office within 48 hours.

h Signs. All St. Paul District confined spaces shall be identified through the use of signs or other equally effective means to prevent unauthorized entry. Wording on the signs shall be: “DANGER—CONFINED SPACE. DO NOT ENTER.”

8. Pre-Entry.

a. General.

(1) Site supervisors and the safety office will inventory all confined spaces within the district and identify them as such with the following sign: “DANGER—

CONFINED SPACE. DO NOT ENTER.”

(2) Hazard Identification. Each confined space identified with the above sign will be evaluated for known and potential hazards. These known or potential hazards will be listed on the confined space log, which shall be specific for each confined space. The entry supervisor shall insure these hazards are also listed on the evaluation/entry permit, which shall be maintained by the entry supervisor. If all hazards have been properly controlled or eliminated, then all entrants (including the entry supervisor) must sign the permit documenting they’ve reviewed the evaluation paperwork. After entry has been terminated, the completed permit form will be maintained on site by the Site Supervisor and subject to audit by the Safety Office.

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(3) Take precautions to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the confined space and guard against pedestrian or vehicle traffic from jeopardizing employees in a confined space entry.

(4) If any paints or other chemicals that have a safety data sheet are taken into the space, then a copy of the safety data sheet shall be maintained with the entry permit.

b. Isolating the confined space.

(1) All lines, including sewer connections, to or from the confined space will be checked as a source of hazard. If the line carries any hazardous materials such as electrical, steam, gasses, corrosive liquids, or flammable liquids, comply with one of the following:

(a) Blanking the line with a blank of sufficient thickness and strength to withstand the maximum pressure that might be exerted upon the line (this is the preferred method).

(b) Remove a section of the line.

(c) Electrical, mechanical, gravity and like items must be locked out in accordance with site specific procedures.

(d) Piping must have at least two valves upstream on the line locked out such that there are no other interconnecting lines that bypass either valve. This provides a backup in case one of the valves should fail. If this is not possible either number (a) or (b) above must be complied with.

(e) All lines, including sewer connections extending to and from the confined space, will be drained, flushed, and cleaned. Remember that toxic gases can back up from a sewer drain.

(2) Guard against activation of mechanical apparatus in a confined space. If any electrical or mechanical apparatus is installed within the confined space, its activation must be guarded against. All electrical or mechanical equipment must be locked out in accordance with the St. Paul District Regulation No. 385-1-7 CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT) PROGRAM machine specific lockout procedures.

(3) Atmospheric testing.

(a) Each monitor must be calibrated per manufacturer instructions and “zeroed” prior to each use. Initial atmospheric testing of confined space shall be made immediately prior to allowing entry by anyone. See Appendix C, Entry Procedure Checklist for subsequent testing requirements. These tests are to be

DR 385-1-6 ● 9 June 2023 76 performed by a trained and qualified individual and must only be done under natural ventilation conditions.

(b) If after testing of the entire space the atmosphere in the confined space is unacceptable for entry, the space must be ventilated using mechanical ventilation fans and hoses. Continue ventilating the space while re-checking using the lockout and isolation procedures. Entry shall be permitted if the test results are acceptable as long as mechanical ventilation continues during the entry and one of the entry team employees is wearing the gas monitor within the confined space. The atmosphere will be tested for:

(i) Oxygen Content. The oxygen level must be checked first before tests for other contaminants are performed. (If there isn’t enough oxygen, the other gases won’t read properly.) Combustible and toxic gases that are heavier than air can cause oxygen inside of the vessel to become displaced, causing an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Entry will not be permitted where the atmosphere is determined to be either oxygen deficient (19.5 percent or lower), or oxygen enriched (23.5 percent or higher).

(ii) Combustible Gases. Combustible gas concentrations, if present, must be reduced to a minimum. Ideally, a zero (0) reading on the meter is desirable but this is often not achievable. The following guidelines must be followed to when testing for combustible gasses:

(iii) The gas meter will sound an alarm if it detects a reading of 10 percent or more of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of combustible gas.

(aa.) Entry will not be permitted.

(bb.) All employees except those necessary to eliminate the hazard shall move to a safe location.

(cc.) All electrical apparatus except those certified as intrinsically safe or explosion-proof shall be disabled and removed until the gas concentration has been reduced to a safe level (less than 10% LEL).

(dd.) All tools and personal protective equipment shall be of non- sparking design.

(ee.) Continue purging the confined space with fresh air until a stable reading of 10 percent LEL or less is obtained.

(ff.) Re-check lockout to ensure that the confined space has been properly isolated and rule out the possibility of valve leakage.

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(iv) If the combustible gas reading is between 0 percent LEL and 10 percent LEL, entry into the confined space will be permitted.

NOTE: Hot work (welding, cutting, or brazing) will be permitted as long as the confined space remains under constant mechanical ventilation and monitoring with the gas monitor. If hot work will be used in the confined space, at the point that equipment is taken into the space, the confined space rules are no longer applicable and the OSHA welding standard rules would apply while ANY hot work (welding, cutting, or brazing) is performed. See Appendix D, Welding, Cutting & Brazing Rules in Confined Spaces with Reference to [29 CFR 1910.252 (a)(4) & (b)(4)].

(v) Toxic Gases. Toxic gasses will vary from space to space. It is crucial to know what toxic gas or gasses are present prior or most likely could be present before testing the atmosphere. The toxic gases that must be tested are hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon monoxide (CO). Concentrations of toxic gases or vapors must not be above the recommended Threshold Limit Value (TLV). If any measurable toxic gas is found above the TLV, purge the confined space until an acceptable reading is obtained.

(vi) Sampling. Sampling must be representative of the entire confined space.

This will be accomplished by using extension probes and various lengths of hoses on metering equipment and detector tubes to safely sample multiple layers of the confined space.

(vii) Subsequent Tests. In addition to the initial atmospheric tests, confined spaces will be re-checked:

(aa.) Prior to each subsequent entry by the entry team or any entry by a newly formed entry team.

(bb.) Wherever personal gas monitors have alarmed indicating an unacceptable atmosphere, all employees in the confined space must exit immediately.

(cc.) When any valve, pipeline or blanks have been unlocked, removed or open.

(dd.) Whenever the confined space has been left unattended for greater than thirty minutes (such as during a lunch break) or when there is any question regarding the length of time the confined space has been unattended.

NOTE: The re-tests will be conducted by a qualified individual and documented on the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit. The confined space will not normally be subject to a re-test as long as the confined space is continuously occupied by workers and a standby person is present. (This allows others of the entry group to enter and exit the vessel without the need for re-testing.)

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(c) Ventilation. Since gases may leak into or otherwise enter a confined space during work, or an oxygen deficiency may be created, good ventilation practices are necessary to create and maintain a safe working environment while workers are in the confined space. The following ventilation practices must be adhered to:

(i) Natural. The confined space must have good movement of air within the space. (If all atmospheric tests are within acceptable limits, entry during natural ventilation conditions will be permitted.)

(ii) Mechanical. The confined space must be under constant mechanical ventilation when:

(aa.) Testing results indicate an unacceptable atmosphere with the mechanical ventilation shut off but acceptable with it is turned on.

(bb.) Performing hot work within the confined space. (NOTE: The welding/cutting rules of OSHA take priority and will be used instead of this confined space policy when doing hot work inside a confined space! See Appendix D, Welding, Cutting & Brazing Rules in Confined Spaces with Reference to [29 CFR

1910.252 (a)(4) & (b)(4)].

(cc.) Bringing chemicals, paints, solvents, etc. into the confined space.

(iii) Safety precautions are necessary when using mechanical ventilation.

These safety precautions include:

(aa.) Preventing re-circulation of contaminated air.

(bb.) Preventing exhaust gasses from contaminating the fresh air intake.

(cc.) Avoid contaminating other areas with concentrations of flammable or toxic materials that have been removed.

(dd.) Checking for pockets of trapped contaminants remaining in the confined space.

(ee.) Ensuring the air supply for ventilation is from a clean source.

(ff.) Ensuring the air supply cannot introduce other hazards into the space.

(gg.) Ensuring the ventilation system be directed to ventilate the immediate areas where employees are working.

(hh.) Ensuring the ventilation system operates until all employees have left the space.

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9. Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit.

a. A written Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit is required before entry into any confined space is permitted. Blank permits are available on the Safety and Operations SharePoint site.

b. The entry supervisor shall assure that all pre-entry considerations have been met and necessary information has been recorded on the permit.

c. The permit shall be signed by the entry supervisor indicating approval to begin entry operations. Under no circumstances can entry operations begin without approval by the entry supervisor.

d. The supervisor or a designee, who has performed the responsibilities of ventilation, isolation and testing the atmosphere, shall initial the entry permit.

e. The completed permit shall be posted near the location entry for employees to review.

f. Once the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit is completed, it shall remain in effect for the duration of the entry or shift completion, until the task is completed, or if conditions require a re-evaluation due to time requirements or environmental hazards found.

g. At the beginning of each shift, a new evaluation/entry permit must be completed, issued, and signed.

h. If lockout procedures are used to isolate equipment, employees/entrants and any standby personnel assigned to the confined space must be sure to place their personal lock at the appropriate lockout location(s) (if needed) and sign the permit prior to entering or beginning work in the confined space.

i. The permit shall be VOID if for any reason the work is not started within thirty minutes of the initial atmospheric testing of the confined space. (In which case, a new evaluation form must be started with new atmospheric testing performed.)

j. All expired permits must be signed by the supervisor or a designee and removed from the posted area when the job is completed. A copy of the permit must then be retained on site with the Site Supervisor subject to audit by the Safety Office. The expired permit must be retained by the safety office for a period of at least one year.

k. Any problems encountered during confined space work must be noted on the permit.

10. Re-Classification of a Permit-Required Confined Space Entry.

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a. It is critical that efforts are taken to eliminate all “hazards” from a “Permit- Required” space and then temporarily re-classify that space as a “Non-Permit Confined Space” before entry. A Non-Permit Confined space is 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. To re-classify a space as Non-Permit Confined:

(1) Eliminate all hazards (including atmospheric) in the space without entering the space.

(2) If necessary, cut power (lockout) any items in the space that could cause injury.

b. If it is necessary to enter the space, eliminate existing hazards, and follow all procedures and practices outlined in this program. A contractor, qualified in confined space, must be brought on-site for this type of entry. Once testing or inspection during entry demonstrates that the hazards within the space have been eliminated, the space is considered “temporarily re-classified,” and no additional paperwork is required.

c. You must document what was done to eliminate all hazards in the Permit- Required Confined Space before it is considered re-classified. Documentation for this determination must be listed on the evaluation/entry permit and must also include the name of the site, location of the space, the monitoring results and all actions required to eliminate and/or control the hazards. In addition, the permit requires the signature of the person making the determination.

d. All district confined spaces are considered “Permit-Required,” and entry is forbidden until an evaluation takes place.

11. Permit-Required Confined Space Entry.

a. All confined spaces are considered “Permit-Required” spaces and shall NOT be entered until it is proven safe to enter.

b. If any space is found in which the atmosphere or any other hazard cannot be controlled through ventilation (natural or mechanical) or made safe through lockout, (or other action) then that space SHALL NOT be entered.

c. St. Paul District employees will contact the Site Supervisor to discuss the space to be entered, the known hazards and entry conditions before any entry to any space is attempted. (Under no circumstances will district personnel enter a space without all hazards being controlled or eliminated before entry!)

d. If entry is needed and the hazards cannot be controlled or eliminated, a contractor, qualified in confined space entry will be brought on-site. The contractor

81 DR 385-1-6 ● 9 June 2023 will be briefed on the hazards of the space, and they will conduct the entry to do whatever work is required.

e. During the contractor entry, if it is at all possible, hazards they encounter will be permanently eliminated to allow future entry by St. Paul District personnel. (This may include adding guarding, moving valves or gauges that are read to an outside area, adding ventilation, etc.)

f. Prior to any contractor entry, the contractor shall demonstrate that they have a trained and qualified confined space rescue capability and equipment and are knowledgeable in the confined space standard and its requirements. A copy of their training and certification shall be part of the Accident Prevention Program (APP) submitted for their work.

(1) When a contractor is used, and when they complete their job and before they leave the site, a documented meeting shall take place to identify hazards they encountered and what they did to abate them. Hazard information will be documented and forwarded to the safety office for future reference.

(2) Prior to entering a Permit-Required Confined Space the contractor shall:

(a) Set up barriers to prevent unauthorized entry into the space.

(b) Prepare a correctly filled out evaluation/entry permit that will assure safe entry operations including:

(i) Specifying acceptable entry conditions.

(ii) Properly isolating the permit space.

(iii) Eliminating or controlling atmospheric hazards existing in the space by purging, inerting, flushing, or ventilation.

(iv) Erecting barriers or other equipment to protect employees working in the space from external hazards, such as traffic.

(v) Verifying those conditions those conditions in the permit space are safe during the duration of the work being performed in the space.

(vi) Providing equipment needed for use during the confined space entry.

(vii) Testing/monitoring equipment to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist.

(viii) Setting up a communication system to allow attendants stationed outside the space to communicate with entrants via radios, verbal communications, hand

DR 385-1-6 ● 9 June 2023 82 signals, etc.

(ix) Ventilating equipment needed to create acceptable entry conditions.

(x) Erecting barriers shields to protect entrants from external hazards.

(3) Personal protective equipment. Respiratory protection, full body harness with retrieval line, tripod, and winches for vertical entry or Immediate Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmospheres. Refer to entry profile and Activity Hazard Analysis.

(a) Ladders for entry and exit.

(b) Proper lighting equipment.

(c) Rescue and emergency equipment needed for emergency rescue.

(d) Rescue and emergency equipment needed for non-entry rescues— harness, retrieval lines, tripod, winches.

(4) Evaluate permit space conditions to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist. (See Section 5. Pre-Entry, earlier in this document.)

(5) Designate entrant(s), attendant(s), entry supervisor and tester/monitor.

(6) Identify the duties of each employee who is designated to have an active role in the work being done. Ensure that each employee has the training, knowledge, skills and understanding to carry out their duties.

(7) If Contractors are working in a Permit-Required Confined Space the contractor shall:

(a) Provide an attendant outside the permit space for the duration of the work being done in the space.

(b) Carry out all their assigned duties.

(c) Continuously monitor conditions in the area where employees are working to make sure that the space does not become hazardous and if the space being worked in cannot be isolated.

(d) Prevent unauthorized personnel from attempting to rescue employees in the confined space.

(e) Contact 911 in case of an emergency.

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(f) Activate their certified rescue squad.

(g) Provide necessary emergency services to rescued employees.

(h) Use entry permits correctly.

NOTE: Entrants must evacuate the space when acceptable conditions no longer exist per the permit.

(8) When work in a Permit-Required Confined Space is complete:

(a) Take the appropriate steps to conclude entry operations once work within the space has been completed:

(b) Close off the space.

(c) Cancel the entry permit.

(d) Return a completed copy of the permit to the Site Supervisor before leaving the work site.

(e) Review activities that took place during a confined space operation whenever there is a reason to believe employees were not adequately protected.

(f) Revise this Confined Space Entry Program due to any deficiencies discovered during a confined space operation.

(g) Conduct an after-action de-briefing with USACE personnel to advise them of all hazards and conditions encountered.

12. Rescue and Emergency Services by USACE Personnel.

a. Under normal circumstances, after a confined space is evaluated and hazards eliminated and/or controlled, operations would continue until the work specified on the entry permit is completed. However, despite preparation and precautions, sometimes emergencies occur during an entry. In case of emergency:

b. DO NOT ENTER: Entry to “rescue” is prohibited.

(1) If an emergency develops, the attendant shall notify all entrants to evacuate the space immediately.

(2) The attendant will notify the entry supervisor (if different from the site supervisor), and immediately contact emergency services via 911. (Ambulance or other emergency services will be notified if appropriate).

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(3) The attendant will then execute any non-entry rescue procedures appropriate for the situation.

(4) To achieve this type of rescue: develop a non-entry rescue retrieval system to be used whenever an entrant goes into a permit space.

(5) A retrieval system shall not be used if the retrieval increases the overall risk of injury to the entrant or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant.

(6) All entrants should be wearing a chest or full body harness with a retrieval line attached to the center of their back or above the entrant’s head to assist with removal if an emergency develops.

(7) Wristlets can be used instead of a harness if using the harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard than if wristlets are used.

(8) The other end of the retrieval line must be attached to a fixed point or mechanical device (tripod, winch) outside the permit space in order to begin rescue operations as soon as needed.

(9) A mechanical device (winch, tripod) must be available if entrants are working in a vertical space that is more than five feet deep.

(10) If non-entry rescue efforts are unsuccessful for all employees within the confined space, the attendant will immediately call 911 and assist the rescue personal by providing:

(a) Information on the entry permit.

(b) Observation of the situation.

(c) Information provided to the attendant(s) by the entrant(s) who just came out of the space.

(11) Once rescue of the entrant(s) in the space is completed, the site manager/entry supervisor will:

(a) Provide the safety data sheet for any chemicals that entrant(s) may have been using or exposed to, to the responding medical authorities to assist in treating the rescued entrant(s).

(b) Describe the entry conditions during the entry.

(c) Give any other information that might be important.

(d) Have appropriate management personnel notify relatives of rescued

85 DR 385-1-6 ● 9 June 2023 entrant(s).

(e) Cancel entry permit; notify the Site Supervisor and safety office of the situation and the results.

(f) Site Supervisor will Close the permit and send a copy to the safety office so that a meeting can be scheduled to discuss what happened and how to prevent a recurrence.

13. Contractors.

a. When a contractor or an outside agency performs work in a Permit- Required Confined Space. The St. Paul District contracting representative is required to:

(1) Inform the contractor that they will be working in a Permit-Required

Confined Space.

(2) Inform the contractor that they must follow and comply with the St. Paul District’s Confined Space Entry Program, or they can use their own if the St. Paul District safety office reviews and approves it.

(3) Inform the contractor of all known hazards and what it is that makes the space that they will be working in a “Permit- Required Space”.

(4) Inform the contractor of all past experiences in the space.

(5) Advise the contractor of any precautions or procedures that have been implemented in or near the permit space to protect employees.

b. Before a contractor entry, the USACE site supervisor is required to coordinate with the contractor if St. Paul District employees will be working with the contract employees during a permit entry. (District personnel will NOT enter the space. They can be available outside the space to provide information.)

c. Contractor responsibilities include:

(1) Obtaining information regarding hazards and entry operation affecting the space in which they will be working.

(2) Complying with the “Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Program” requirements.

(3) Coordinating activities with the St. Paul District site employees.

(4) Advising the district of any hazards found, created, or abated during the

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d. At the conclusion of the entry, the USACE site supervisor is required to:

(1) Debrief the contractor at the conclusion of entry to determine:

(a) Hazards found or created during the work performed.

(b) Hazards eliminated during the work performed

14. Confined Space Profiles.

a. Confined spaces at the St. Paul District sites are profiled as follows:

(1) Each site shall identify the spaces and hazards associated with that space in writing.

(2) Place a sign or stencil the space indicating it’s a Permit-Required Confined Space and is not to be entered.

(3) A photograph of each space will be taken help identify it.

b. A copy of the above will be placed into each site’s confined space binder and a copy sent to the safety office.

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Form MVP 41 - Confined Space Employee Information and Sign-Off Sheet (Sample) MVP FORM 41.pdf https://usace.dps.mil/:b:/r/sites/PUBS-MVP/Forms/MVP%20FORM%2041.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=HzuhkZ

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Form MVP 42 - Confined Space Evaluation Entry Permit (Sample) MVP FORM 42.pdf https://usace.dps.mil/:b:/r/sites/PUBS-MVP/Forms/MVP%20FORM%2042.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=tX1lsJ

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Form MVP 47 - Confined Space Hazard Assessment Form MVP Form 47.pdf https://usace.dps.mil/:b:/r/sites/PUBS-MVP/Forms/MVP%20FORM%2047.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=QfTfDN

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Entry Procedure Checklist

Complete the following steps before, during and after a confined space entry.

Step 1 – Contact the Site Supervisor in advance of proposed entry through email or text message notifying them of the planned entry. Written confirmation/approval to enter the space must be received from the safety office or the entry cannot take place.

Step 2 – Obtain a Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit from Safety SharePoint site.

Step 3 – Notify Supervisor before the confined space entry.

Step 4 – Verify Confined Space testing equipment has been calibrated and is in working order.

Step 5 – Test the communication equipment.

Step 6 – Ensure all rescue equipment (e.g., tripod, harness, lanyard) is in place prior to entry.

Step 7 – Monitor the confined space with the gas detector prior to pre-entry atmosphere test at three or more levels prior to entry. Document the findings on the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit.

Step 8 – The entrant and attendant should complete as much as possible the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit before entry. The entrant and attendant should sign the permit authorization section on page 3 of the permit to ensure all actions and conditions necessary for safe entry have been performed.

Step 9 – The crew involved in the operation will have a pre-brief that includes the review of the Hazards of Confined Spaces and Special Requirements section of the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit.

Step 10– Employee entering the confined space will wear at a minimum the 4-Gas Detector after the pre-entry atmosphere test. The employee should also have a body harness and lanyard attached to the rescue tripod. Employee shall have a radio to ensure communication in addition to any other necessary personal protective equipment.

Step 11 – Employee can enter the confined once Step 10 is completed. Once the employee is within the confined space, the entrant should gather the % Oxygen, % Explosive Gases, Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Sulfide readings, and communicate them to the attendant to place on the entry permit.

DR 385-1-6 ● 9 June 2023 94

Step 12 – The attendant should maintain constant communication with the entrant until the entrant has exited the confined space.

Step 13– The attendant should contact site supervisor once the entrant has exited the confined space and the permit has been cancelled.

Step 14 – Once completed, the Confined Space Evaluation/Entry Permit, should be given to the program coordinator and a copy sent to the safety office to file in the confined space records.

95 DR 385-1-6 ● 9 June 2023

Welding, Cutting, & Brazing Rules in Confined Spaces with Reference to [29 CFR

1910.252 (a)(4) & (b)(4)]

Step 1 – Test the atmosphere in the confined space and purge, if necessary, prior to any entry.

Step 2 – Provide mechanical ventilation in the space whenever any employee is in the space using cutting, welding, or brazing equipment. (Minimum of 2000 cubic feet per minute [CFM] per welder.) Eliminate exposure to welding fumes by placing ventilation tubing that draws welding fumes away from the welder.

Step 3 – Close all valves from the welding gas supply to the torch when not in use for any extended time such as breaks or lunch. When practical, remove torch from the space, such as during the overnight.

Step 4 – While in the confined space and when not in use, such as during breaks or lunch, remove electrodes from holder and turn off power to the unit.

Step 5 – Prohibit use of welding cylinder or power source in a confined space. Leave it outside of the space.

Step 6 – The area must be made fire safe. If welding cannot be moved outside of the space, then all combustibles must be moved or protected from ignition sources.

Step 7 – If there is appreciable combustible material within 35 feet, a fire watch shall be provided equipped with a suitable fire extinguisher. The fire watch shall stand by during welding and for at least 30 minutes after welding or cutting is finished.

Step 8 – Welders shall place the welding cables and other equipment so that it is clear of passageways, ladders, and stairways.

Step 9 – After welding is completed, the welder shall mark the hot metal or provide some other means of warning other workers.

Step 10 – Once welding/cutting is completed and equipment is removed, normal confined space rules go back into effect.