Confined Space Safety Policy -
The nine parts of a comprehensive yet efficient confined space safety
by Rayce Bannon
This article briefly describes the nine parts of a comprehensive yet efficient confined space safety program.
1 - Purpose - The confined space safety policy states the requirements for the identification and safe entry into both permit required and non-permit required confined spaces.
The policy applies to areas of the workplace not designed for continuous occupancy and containing recognized serious safety or health hazards.
2 - Reference - OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146
3 - Scope - Applicable to all of the business's employees, visitors and contractors.
4 - Administration - Variable, but generally administration of the confined space policy is by safety coordinators, supervisors, engineers and other trained managerial staff.
5 - Definitions - Can be standard, see: OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Act
6 - Descriptions - Confined Space is an area/space where an employee
- Has limited openings for entry and egress
- Can bodily enter and which is large enough to perform assigned work
- Could
be engulfed by bulk materials
- Is not intended to continuously occupy
Non-Permit Required Confined Space is a confined space neither containing nor having the potential to contain any hazard.
Permit Required Confined Space is a confined space with
- A hazardous atmosphere or potential for it
- Material that could engulf an entrant
- Converging/tapering walls/floors
that could entrap or asphyxiate
- A recognized hazard.
Procedures Followed For All Permit Required Confined Space Entry Permit
- Issuance - By the supervisor, mandatory for the employee, one shift in duration.
- Cancellation - At shift end or on job completion.
- Retention - Must be reviewed and kept. - Alternate Entry/Space Reclassification - Specific ref: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (c)(5)/(c)(7)
- Pre-Entry Briefing - By permit issuing entry supervisor.
- Contractor Notification - Outside contractor adheres to procedures - compliance must be assured. - Lighting Requirements - Natural, auxiliary, emergency.
- Special Tools and Equipment - Intrinsically safe in flammable or combustible atmosphere.
- Preparation and Hazard Control - Preventing engulfment, burns. Lockout/tagout procedures.
- Assuring adequate ventilation.
- Pre-Entry Atmospheric Testing - Includes employee training with testing equipment.
- Monitor Calibration and Testing
- Field and Manufacturer Testing.
- Attendant Duties - Mandatory for permit required confined space entry, no other duties.
- Entry Supervisor Duties - Trained and authorized entry supervisor.
- Safety Equipment - PPE, non-entry rescue, rescue, general.
- Equipment Inspection - Per manufacturer's recommendation.
- Handling Problems
- Rescue and Emergency Services - Documented, available, trained, equipped.
- Summoning Rescue Services Procedure
These are the nine parts of a Confined Space Safety Policy. The actual policy expands on each item, and those details are available at: Confined Space Safety Policy
Additional briefs on the subject of industrial safety,
environmental health and safety, and loss control are available at: Environmental Safety Articles
About the Author:
Rayce Bannon is a freelance writer working closely with Evan Casey and his staff at Great Lakes Environmental and Safety Consultants.
