A Confined Space Safety Policy can be divided into 9 sections.
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.7 - Responsibilities - Employees and Entry Supervisor - Safety Coordinators - Supervisors - Contractors
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.- Alternate Entry/Space Reclassification - Specific ref: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (c)(5)/(c)(7)
- - Cancellation - At shift end or on job completion.
- - Retention - Must be reviewed and kept.
- 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.- Attendant Duties - Mandatory for permit required confined space entry, no other duties.
- - Monitor Calibration and Testing - Field and Manufacturer Testing.
- 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
8 - Training - Initial - Refresher - Annual
9 - Revision - Annually by Safety Coordinators
These are the nine parts of a Confined Space Safety Policy. The actual policy expands on each item, and those details are available at: http://www.osha-compliance-and-loss-control-solutions.com/confined-space-safety-policy.html
Additional briefs on the subject of industrial safety, environmental health and safety, and loss control are available at: http://www.osha-compliance-and-loss-control-solutions.com/environmental-safety-articles.html
The contact form for questions and assistance from Evan Casey and the staff at Great Lakes Environmental and Safety Consultants is at: http://www.osha-compliance-and-loss-control-solutions.com/safety-and-health.html
Rayce Bannon is a freelance writer working closely with Evan Casey and his staff at Great Lakes Environmental and Safety Consultants.
Source: www.isnare.com