ENTRY PROCEDURES FOR CONFINED SPACES/ENCLOSED AREAS

ENTRY PROCEDURES FOR CONFINED SPACES/ ENCLOSED AREAS

Caution taken when entering a confined space or enclosed area is very important in insuring

employee safety. The necessity of pre-checking and continuing to check these types of areas

cannot be over emphasized.

Permit Required Confined Space Entry

Before entry, a calibrated gas detector will test the air below. The gas detector shall sample air at

one-foot intervals for a period of one minute each. This shall be done until the detector reaches

the work area. The gas detector shall sample for oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, combustible

gas/vapor, and other chemicals on a continuous basis.

A confined space entry permit must be completed and signed by the employee entering the

confined space and by a qualified supervisor before entry is allowed.

If the atmosphere below tests okay, the employee will be allowed to enter the confined space.

The employee will monitor the gas detector at all times. Do not enter if gas alarm sounds.

Ventilate for 10 minutes and recheck.

A safety harness with yoke at top must be worn when working in a confined space. This harness

must be attached to the winching equipment at all times.

Contact the supervisor prior to entry and again upon exit of confined space.

A five-minute emergency escape breathing apparatus shall be on site and available for

emergency egress from confined space. This emergency breathing apparatus shall not be used for

entry into a contaminated confined space unless absolutely necessary and with prior approval of

supervisor.

Hard hats must be worn at all times when working in a confined space.

self contained breathing apparatus (scba’s) continued

Smoking in or around a confined space is prohibited.

Artificial lighting shall be certified explosion-proof.

If gas detector alarm sounds, employee shall exit confined space at once and shall not re-enter

until space has been ventilated for ten minutes, and has been re-checked with a gas detector.

Another employee at the point of entry shall tend employees working in a confined space. At no

time shall the tending employee leave their partner working in confined space or divert their

attention away from the person below.

Vehicle's safety lights shall be activated upon approach to an entrance of a confined space.

Vehicles shall be parked in such a manner that exhaust fumes cannot accumulate in the confined

space.

Before uncovering a manhole, traffic safety cones shall be placed around the manhole and any

vehicle. They shall be visible to traffic in all directions. Cones shall be placed to protect the

employees and to channel traffic flow. Additional warning devices shall be employed in areas of

high traffic volume.

Traffic safety vests or equivalent shall be worn at all times when working on the street or

easement surface.