A. Determine Necessity: Determine if confined space entry is necessary. Avoid permit-required confined space entry if possible.
B. Permit Completion: The confined space entry permit must be completed by the designated entry supervisor and reviewed in detail by the authorized entrants and attendants, prior to entry into the confined space.
C. Prevention Of Unauthorized Entry: Set up barriers or take other measures to prevent unauthorized entry into the space. A confined space "danger" sign along with the permit must be posted at the entrance to the permit space.
D. Traffic Control: If entry is to be performed where pedestrian or vehicle traffic poses a danger, appropriate traffic control measures shall be used, including, but not limited to, affected employees wearing traffic safety vests.
E. Hazards Identified: Identify and evaluate any hazards existing in the space to assure acceptable entry conditions are met prior to entry into the space. Hazards should be minimized or eliminated by blanking or blinding, isolation, line breaking, lockout/tagout or other appropriate methods.
F. Atmosphere Testing: Initially, the atmosphere outside the confined space shall be tested to determine if any hazards are present. The atmosphere within the confined space shall then be tested, using a properly calibrated gas detector, and the results recorded on the confined space entry permit. The atmosphere shall be tested at four foot (4') intervals in the direction of the entrant travel and side to side, for a minimum response time as specified by the manufacturer of the test equipment being used, down to the level where work is to be performed. The confined space atmosphere shall also be tested on a continuous basis while workers are in the space.
G. When Ventilation Necessary: If the atmosphere inside the space is within acceptable limits, authorized employees may enter the space using the equipment listed on the entry permit and based upon the type of hazard for this space. If the atmosphere inside the space is not within acceptable limits, the space shall be ventilated until testing indicates that an acceptable atmosphere exists. Ventilation shall continue while there are employees inside the space (see exception under subsection P of this section).
H. Retrieval System; Escape Air Packs:
1. Where applicable, a retrieval system shall be used by each employee who enters the space, such as a chest or full body safety harness worn by the employee, connected to a winch and tripod by means of a tagline and yoke. Where a retrieval system is infeasible or creates a greater hazard, employees should carry five (5) minutes escape air packs for the purpose of safe egress only.
2. In cases where an employee cannot be removed with a safety line (such as where there is no direct exit route or during a side entry) the entry supervisor shall develop a retrieval plan suitable for the conditions prior to allowing entry.
I. Attendants: An attendant shall be stationed outside the space while there are workers inside the space. A ratio of three (3) entrants to one attendant shall not be exceeded.
J. Constant Communication: Constant communication shall be maintained between the entrants inside the space and the attendant.
K. Protective Equipment: All appropriate personal protective equipment shall be worn while entry is in progress.
L. Smoking Prohibited: Smoking in or around a confined space is prohibited.
M. Explosive Atmosphere: When working in a space that contains or has the potential to contain an explosive atmosphere, all equipment shall be grounded, artificial lighting shall be Class 1, division 1, and all other tools shall be sparkless.
N. Gas Detector Alarm Sounds: If the gas detector sounds an alarm, workers shall exit the space immediately and may not reenter until the atmosphere has been determined as safe, using methods as described in subsections F and G of this section, including the issuance of a new entry permit and notifying the designated entry supervisor (see exception under subsection P of this section).
O. Cancellation Of Permit: All entry permits are to be canceled by the designated entry supervisor upon completion of assigned duties. The confined space shall then be returned to its working condition and secured to prohibit unauthorized entry.
P. Exceptions: Note that there are exceptions to subsections H1 and N of this section, for specifically trained employees that are designated to work in hazardous atmospheres or perform rescues with the use of SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) or other supplied air equipment. (2019 Compilation)