***This could be you . . .***

*Three technicians died in a confined space that contained nitrogen. The
first one passed out and died when he entered the space. The other two
passed out and died trying to rescue him.*

# 1. Applicability of this chapter

You are required to follow this chapter if you:

a.  Do or oversee any work that involves entering confined spaces at
    JSC.

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a.  Have a confined space in your work areas as a facility manager or
    line manager.

b.  Do any of the above work at WSTF; you are required to follow WSTF
    procedures and requirements for entering confined spaces and use
    WSTF forms that meet the intent of this chapter.

# 2. What this chapter covers

This chapter contains JSC requirements for safely entering confined
spaces that meet and exceed those in 29 CFR 1910.146, "Permit-Required
Confined Spaces."

Defining and classifying confined spaces

# 3. What is a confined space?

A confined space is one that meets all of the following criteria:

a.  An employee can completely enter and work in the space.

b.  The space has limited or restricted entries or exits.

c.  The space isn't designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Examples of confined spaces include tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins,
hoppers, vaults, and pits. Hazards of confined spaces include possible
asphyxiation; explosions; poisoning from toxic vapors; slips, trips, and
falls; and mechanical and electrocution hazards.

# 4. Classifying a confined space at JSC

All confined spaces at JSC have entry permit requirements. JSC has two
classes of confined spaces: JSC permit-required confined spaces and OSHA
permit-required confined spaces. Paragraphs 5 and 6 below define these
spaces. The Safety and Test Operations Division, the Clinic Services
Branch, and certain line organizations have classified confined spaces
using these definitions. The Clinic Services Branch keeps a list of
JSC's confined spaces and their normal classifications. Confined space
locations and classification may change as facilities and operations
change.

The following requirements apply to identifying and classifying confined
spaces:

a.  JSC and WSTF shall evaluate their work areas to identify and
    classify confined spaces.

b.  You shall classify a confined space based on its normal use. The
    work to be done in a confined space may change its normal
    classification.

c.  You shall reclassify a JSC permit-required space as an OSHA
    permit-required confined space if the work to be done increases the
    hazard in the space. Examples include welding, chemical use,
    radiography, and painting.

d.  You may reclassify an OSHA permit-required confined space as a JSC
    permit-required confined space if you can eliminate the hazards
    without entering the confined space. This reclassification is only
    valid for as long as the hazards remain eliminated for that entry.

# 5. JSC permit-required confined spaces

A JSC permit-required confined space is a space that doesn't have and
won't have any potential to cause death or serious physical harm to
anyone entering the space.

# 6. OSHA permit-required confined spaces

An OSHA permit-required confined space is one that has one or more of
the following characteristics. The space:

a.  Contains, or has the potential to contain, a hazardous atmosphere
    that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation,
    impairment of ability to self rescue, injury, or acute illness from
    one or more of the following causes:

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1.  Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10% of its lower
    explosive limit (LEL).

2.  Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds
    its LEL.

3.  Atmospheric oxygen concentrations below 19.5% or above 23.5%.

4.  Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which there is a
    published PEL and which could result in employee exposure in excess
    of its dose or PEL.

5.  Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to
    life or health.

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b.  Contains a material that could engulf an entrant.

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

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

# 7. What to do if you have confined spaces in your work area

If you, as a facility manager or line manager, have an OSHA
permit-required or a JSC-permit required confined space in your work
area, you shall follow these rules:

a.  For an OSHA permit-required space, you shall:

    1.  Inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by any
        equally effective means, of the existence and location of and
        the danger posed by the OSHA-permit spaces.

    2.  Lock or bolt the space by a mechanical means.

    3.  Post this sign on all entrances if you can't lock or bolt the
        space:

> **DANGER CONFINED SPACE, NO ENTRY WITHOUT\
> PROCEDURE AND PERMIT**

######### JSC-permit required spaces shall be labeled with the following sign: 

> **DANGER CONFINED SPACE, NO ENTRY WITHOUT\
> PROCEDURE AND PERMIT**

[]{.mark}

Requirements for entering confined spaces

# 8. Requirements for entering any confined space

Carefully plan and control work in a confined space to prevent death or
serious injury. Ideally, you should eliminate the hazards in a confined
space before entering it. If you can't eliminate the hazards, control
them with PPE or other measures. You shall follow these requirements for
entering any confined space:

a.  Have the following before you enter any confined space:

    1.  An approved written procedure as described in paragraph 13 of
        this chapter.

    2.  An approved entry permit as described in paragraph 14 of this
        chapter.

    3.  Confined space training.

b.  Never enter a confined space until you have assessed the hazards,
    met the requirements in this chapter, and have a permit that
    authorizes you to enter.

c.  Carefully examine any work you will be doing in the space to make
    sure it doesn't increase hazards. If your work will increase the
    hazards in a JSC permit-required confined space, you shall upgrade
    the classification to an OSHA permit-required confined space.

d.  Only allow the minimum number of people necessary to do the job in
    or around a confined space.

e.  You may downgrade an OSHA permit-required confined space to a JSC
    permit-required confined space if you can eliminate the hazards in
    the space without entering it. You shall document that you have
    eliminated the hazards on your entry permit. Ventilate the space for
    30 minutes before testing the atmosphere. Continue ventilation while
    people are in the space. See subparagraph 16a of this chapter for
    more details.

# 9. Requirements for entering a JSC permit-required confined space

A JSC permit-required confined space is one that does not have, and will
not have, any potential to cause death or serious physical harm to
anyone entering the space. In addition to the procedure and permit, you
shall follow any of these requirements that apply to the space or to the
work you will be doing:

a.  Follow your current, approved procedure and all conditions on your
    permit.

b.  Use lockout/tagout to isolate any energy sources. See paragraph 17
    of this chapter for more details.

c.  Eliminate any conditions that make it unsafe to remove any entrance
    cover before you remove it.

d.  Ventilate the space for 30 minutes or as specified in the
    procedures. Continue ventilation while people are in the space. See
    subparagraph 16.a of this chapter for more details.

e.  Do not enter the space until atmospheric testing shows:

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1.  Oxygen levels are between 20.5% and 21.5 %.

2.  Explosive atmospheres are 0% of the LEL.. (See subparagraphs 16b,
    16c, and 16d of this chapter for more details.)

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f.  Use at least one attendant. See paragraph 19 of this chapter for
    more details.

g.  Restrict access with barriers and tape. See subparagraph 21.f of
    this chapter for more details.

h.  Wear hard hats when required. See paragraph 22 of this chapter for
    more details.

i.  Make sure that you have communications with those in the space and a
    method to call for emergency services. See subparagraph 21.c of this
    chapter for more details.

j.  Contact the Occupational Health Department at x36726 if you have any
    questions.

# 10. Requirements for entering an OSHA permit-required confined space

In addition to having an approved procedure and permit, you shall:

a.  Follow your current, approved procedure and all conditions on your
    permit.

b.  Notify the Emergency Operations Center at x34658 and the
    Occupational Health Department at x36726 that you are entering an
    OSHA permit-required confined space.

c.  Use lockout/tagout to isolate any energy sources. See paragraph 17
    of this chapter for more details.

d.  Eliminate any conditions that make it unsafe to remove any entrance
    cover before you remove it.

e.  Ventilate the space for 30 minutes before testing the atmosphere.
    Continue ventilation while people are in the space. See subparagraph
    16.a of this chapter for more details.

f.  Test for a high- or low-oxygen level, explosive atmosphere, and
    toxic gas or vapor as specified in the procedure before entering the
    space. Verify that:

    1.  Oxygen levels are between 20.5% and 21.5%.

    2.  Explosive atmospheres are 0% of the LEL.

    3.  Toxic vapor levels meet the concentration levels specified in
        the confined space procedure.

(See subparagraphs 16b, 16c, and 16d of this chapter for more details.)

g.  Use the following equipment:

    1.  Body harnesses, lifelines, and a hoisting or lifting device. Use
        wristlets for overhead and small openings. See paragraph 23 of
        this chapter for more details.

    2.  Required PPE, including hard hats. See paragraph 22 of this
        chapter for more details.

    3.  Intrinsically safe lighting and tools. See subparagraphs 17.c
        and 17.d of this chapter for more details.

h.  Have an attendant and entry supervisor present. The supervisor may
    leave the space if he or she isn't also the attendant. See
    paragraphs 18 and 19 of this chapter for more details.

i.  Restrict access with barriers and tape. See subparagraph 21.f of
    this chapter for more details.

j.  Make sure you have communications with those in the space and a
    method to call for emergency services. See subparagraph 21.c of this
    chapter for more details.

# 11. Requirements for entering a sewer

Sewer lift stations are classified as an OSHA permit-required confined
space. Sewer entry differs from other permit entries in that you can
rarely completely isolate the space that you will enter. The atmosphere
may suddenly become deadly from causes beyond your control. To work in a
sewer, you shall follow the requirements in paragraph 10 of this chapter
and:

a.  Keep in contact with the local weather bureau and fire and emergency
    services as much as possible. This will help you know whether you
    should delay your entry into the sewer or cause you to remove people
    from the sewer if:

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1.  Sewer lines might suddenly flood from rain or firefighting
    activities.

2.  Flammable or other hazardous materials may be released into sewers
    from industrial or transportation accidents.

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b.  Never enter a sewer unless you are thoroughly trained in proper
    sewer entry procedures and the use of atmospheric testing equipment.

c.  Monitor the sewer atmosphere before entry and continuously with an
    instrument that sounds an audible alarm in addition to a visual
    display. Monitor for all of the following conditions (see
    subparagraphs 16.b, 16.c, and 16.d of this chapter for more
    details):

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1.  Oxygen level within the range of 20.5% and 21.5%.

2.  Flammable gas or vapor concentrations above 0% of the LEL.

3.  Any detectable hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide concentrations.

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d.  Carry the monitoring instrument at all times while you are in the
    sewer to warn you of any change in atmospheric conditions. If you
    are working with others in the same immediate location, the group
    leader may carry an instrument for the group.

# 12. Requirements for entering the JSC tunnel system

The JSC tunnel system is normally classified as a JSC permit-required
confined space and is continuously ventilated. Atmospheric testing is
not normally required in the JSC tunnel system because it is
continuously ventilated. To work in the tunnel system, you shall follow
the requirements in paragraph 9 of this chapter and:

a.  Assess the work you will be doing. If it will create new hazards
    that require you to upgrade to an OSHA permit-required confined
    space the zone that you will work in, you shall follow the
    requirements in paragraph 10 of this chapter.

b.  Follow your approved, up-to-date procedure.

c.  Fill out and sign a confined space permit to show that you've met
    safe entry conditions before you enter the tunnel.

d.  Verify through the Operations Control Center ((281) 483-2038) that
    the ventilation fans in the areas that you will be working in are
    operating.

e.  Notify the Operations Control Center ((281) 483-2038) before you
    enter and when you leave the tunnel system.

f.  Wear hard hats, safety glasses, and industrial shoes (i.e., no
    soft-sole, open-toe, or canvas-covered shoes).

g.  Have a flashlight with you at all times.

h.  Read, sign, and follow "Tunnel Safety Awareness" at the Operations
    Control Center.

i.  Use the "buddy system." Don't enter the tunnel system alone.

Precautions for entering confined spaces

# 13. Procedure required to enter a confined space

Before you enter any confined space, you shall have a current, approved
written entry procedure that covers the specific job you will do in the
space.

a.  Use JSC Form 992, "Confined Space Entry Procedure," (Appendix 6A).

b.  The entry procedure shall:

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1.  Be approved yearly by the Safety and Test Operations Division, the
    Occupational Health Department, and the contractor safety
    representative. You may use a procedure several times if its
    approval is current. If you need to change a procedure, you shall
    write a new one and have it approved.

2.  Be followed as written.

3.  Be posted at the entrance so that the entrants can confirm that safe
    entry conditions have been met.

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c.  Include MSDSs for any chemicals that you will use in or near the
    confined space.

# 14. Permits for entering a confined space

Confined space entry permits document that you have met the safe entry
conditions required by the entry procedure before you enter a confined
space. You need to have a completed and endorsed entry permit form, JSC
Form 1476, "Confined Space Entry Permit," (Appendix 6A) to enter any
confined space. Entry permits shall:

a.  Document that all safety measures required in the entry procedure
    are taken before entry.  The entry supervisor does this by
    completing and signing the entry permit form to authorize personnel
    to enter.

b.  Be posted when completed and signed at the entrance so that entrants
    can confirm that safe entry conditions have been met.

c.  Be valid only for the time required to complete the job identified
    on the permit and only for one working shift. If you need it for a
    longer time, you shall get approval from the Safety and Test
    Operations Division and the Occupational Health Department.

d.  Include MSDSs for any chemical being used in or near the space.

# 15. Canceling a permit

As an entry supervisor, you shall follow these requirements to cancel a
permit:

a.  Cancel if one of the following occurs:

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1.  The work covered by the entry permit is done.

2.  A condition arises in or near the space that is not allowed under
    the permit.

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b.  All entrants shall leave the space when the permit is canceled.

c.  Follow these steps after you cancel the permit:

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1.  Note any problems you encountered during the operation on the permit
    so that JSC can improve its confined space program.

2.  Send a copy of each canceled permit to the Occupational Health
    Department for a yearly review.

3.  Keep each canceled entry permit for at least 1 year to help JSC
    review the confined space program.

# 16. Controlling atmospheric hazards in a confined space

You shall control atmospheric hazards in a confined space before
entering it by following these requirements:

a.  Ventilate all confined spaces with clean air for at least 30 minutes
    or as required by the procedure before testing the atmosphere in the
    confined space. If the space has permanently installed continuous
    ventilation that has been running and continues to run, you may
    enter without the 30-minute waiting period if you have met all other
    safe entry conditions in the procedure and permit. (In some cases,
    atmospheric testing may not be required in continuously ventilated
    spaces and as approved in the confined space procedure.) You shall
    follow these requirements for forced-air ventilation:

    1.  Ventilate the space continuously until the job is done, whether
        the space is occupied or not.

    2.  Don't enter the space until the forced-air ventilation has
        eliminated any hazardous atmosphere without approval from the
        Safety and Test Operations Division, Occupational Health
        Department, and your safety representative.

    3.  Direct the ventilation to the immediate areas where employees
        are or will be working within the space.

    4.  Take air from a clean source and make sure that the source won't
        increase the hazard in the space.

b.  Test the atmosphere in the confined space with a calibrated
    direct-reading instrument from outside the space. Testing is always
    required before the initial entry. Periodic or continuous testing
    may also be required while working inside the space. A qualified
    person shown on the approved entry procedure needs do the initial
    testing. This person shall be an authorized representative of the
    Occupational Health Department or an employer-designated confined
    space entry supervisor. The Safety and Test Operations Division and
    the Occupational Health Department will decide who will do the
    testing while reviewing the entry procedure.

> Test for the following conditions **in this order** and record the
> results on the entry permit form:

1.  Oxygen content.

2.  Flammable gases and vapors.

3.  Potential toxic air contaminants.

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c.  Confirm that the following acceptable atmospheric conditions exist
    in the confined space before entry:

    1.  An oxygen level between 20.5% and 21.5%.

    2.  No positive indication of a combustible, explosive, or toxic gas
        or vapor.

If initial testing shows conditions are unacceptable, you shall continue
ventilation and retest the atmosphere unless the procedure says
otherwise. If the readings continue to be unacceptable, call the
Occupational Health Department at x36726 for further air quality
testing.

d.  Follow these rules while working in the confined space:

    1.  Test the atmosphere in the space periodically to make sure that
        acceptable conditions are being maintained during entry
        operations. The time period between tests shall be specified on
        the confined space procedure and entry permit.

    2.  Test the atmosphere continuously if you can't isolate the space
        because it is large or is part of a continuous system, or the
        work being done in the space makes continuous testing necessary.

    3.  A continuously ventilated confined space may not require
        periodic or continuous atmospheric testing if no chemicals leak
        into the space or if no hazardous conditions are generated by
        the work being performed. If you detect a chemical leak or
        change in conditions in the space, you shall reevaluate the
        continuously ventilated space and test the atmosphere.

    4.  Variations from atmospheric conditions as indicated above are
        acceptable.

    5.  Record all readings on the permit.

e.  Make sure all instruments used to test the atmosphere in a confined
    space are:

    1.  Calibrated under the manufacturer's guidelines.

    2.  Working properly before using them.

    3.  Labeled with calibration dates and cycles to show that they are
        within the calibration period.

f.  Isolate pipelines that contain flammable, toxic, irritating, or
    oxygen-displacing gases or vapors, if feasible, to prevent a
    hazardous atmosphere from forming inside the space while work is
    being done. Isolate pipelines by:

    1.  Completely depressurizing and disconnecting possible contaminant
        supply lines and placing a blank flange on the pipe leading into
        the confined space.

    2.  Using two blocking valves with a vent valve open between them.

    3.  Using other blank, block, and bleed valve configurations that
        have been previously approved by the Safety and Test Operations
        Division.

# 17. Controlling other hazards in a confined space

You need to isolate energy sources to the area you in which you will be
working to prevent mishaps such as electrical shock, fire, or injury
from moving parts. To do this, you shall:

a.  Follow lockout/tagout and isolation requirements in Chapter 8.2,
    "Lockout/tagout practices," of this handbook to:

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1.  De-energize electrical or pneumatic equipment within the space.

2.  Lock and tag all control devices for fixed equipment in the space.
    This doesn't include fixed lighting or ventilation equipment, unless
    you are working on them.

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b.  Deactivate, shield, or remove all radioactive sources.

c.  Safeguard electrical equipment by:

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1.  Using only properly insulated or grounded portable electrical
    equipment. Double-insulated electrical hand tools are acceptable.
    Inspect all electrical before entry.

2.  Using ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers for
    all case-grounded, handheld electrical equipment. GFCIs should be 4
    to 6 milliamp, where possible. Place them at the power source unless
    the source is an ungrounded portable generator, an ungrounded
    battery of less than 28 volts, or an ungrounded isolation
    transformer of less than 28 volts.

3.  Using pneumatic power tools instead of electrical tools when
    possible. Pneumatic tools shall have conductive air supply hoses.
    Never use nitrogen or other inert gases to power the tools. Use
    breathable air to power pneumatic tools.

4.  Using cordless, rechargeable portable power tools, with an
    intrinsically safe rating, when possible. If they are used, they
    shall have an explosion-proof or intrinsically safe rating for
    spaces that could contain or develop an explosive atmosphere.

5.  Protecting temporary lighting with bulb guards or by recessing the
    bulbs. Power temporary lighting in locations that are wet or have
    standing fluids with batteries or low-voltage circuits.

6.  Grounding or double-insulating heavy-duty electric cords and all
    metal housings.

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d.  Control ignition sources by:

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1.  Using explosion-proof or intrinsically safe (non-sparking) lighting,
    ventilation equipment, and tools in potentially flammable
    atmospheres.

2.  Never bringing ignition sources into an OSHA permit-required
    confined space until tests by a confined space monitor have
    confirmed that combustible or flammable gases or vapors aren't
    present in the space. You may work in confined space atmospheres
    with more than 0%, but never more than 10%, of the LEL if you have
    previous approval from the Safety and Test Operations Division or
    the Occupational Health Department.

3.  Never using polyethylene and other materials that generate static
    electricity where explosive atmospheres could exist. Tents erected
    over or around the space shall be of a conductive material and
    properly grounded.

People and equipment required for\
entering confined spaces

# 18. Duties of entry supervisors

As an ***entry supervisor***, you shall, for each entry:

a.  Know the hazards entrants may face in a confined space, including
    information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the
    hazard exposures.

b.  Make required pre-entry notifications, and coordinate all entries
    with your safety representative.

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1.  Notify the JSC Emergency Operations Center ((281) 483-4658) and the
    Occupational Health Department (x36726) immediately before anyone
    enters an OSHA permit-required confined space.

2.  Notify the area fire warden if you will do hot work before entry. If
    you are at Ellington Field, notify the Ellington Field fire
    inspector as well.

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c.  Evaluate conditions inside and outside the confined space, including
    temperature extremes, humidity, noise, and vibration, before entry.
    Determine what measures are necessary for a safe entry and to make
    sure that those measures are taken.

d.  Get an entry permit and check each entry to make sure of the
    following before signing the permit and allowing anyone to enter:

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1.  All required blocks are filled in.

2.  All tests specified by the procedure have been conducted.

3.  All requirements and equipment specified by the procedure are in
    place.

4.  The approved permit is posted at the job site and everyone who needs
    a copy has one.

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e.  Make sure that all attendants and authorized entrants are properly
    trained before entry.

f.  Make sure that you have all other required permits, such as hot work
    and hazardous operations permits, before entry.

g.  Make sure that oxygen and combustible gas-monitoring devices are
    available, calibrated, and used for atmospheric testing if required
    by the entry procedure.

h.  Make sure that rescue services are available, you can maintain
    communications, and communication devices work.

i.  Remove unauthorized individuals who enter, or who attempt to enter,
    the space during operations.

j.  If you need to transfer responsibility for the space to another
    supervisor, make sure that operations remain consistent with terms
    of the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are
    maintained. Evaluate conditions as often as needed by the hazards of
    operations in the space.

k.  Make sure that the method of communication is appropriate for the
    atmosphere in the space.

l.  Remove all workers from the space and cancel the permit when the job
    is done or when unacceptable conditions have arisen. Provide the
    Occupational Health Department a copy of the canceled permit.

# 19. Duties of entry attendants

At least one attendant needs to be in the immediate vicinity outside an
OSHA permit-required confined space and other spaces, if the procedure
requires, while people are working in the space. As an ***entry
attendant*** you shall:

a.  Know the hazards entrants may face in a confined space, including
    information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the
    hazard exposures.

b.  Be aware of possible behavioral effects on entrants exposed to
    hazards.

c.  Continuously keep an accurate count of authorized entrants in the
    space on the entry permit form.

d.  Remain outside the permit space during entry operations until
    relieved by another attendant.

e.  Keep in visual or voice contact with authorized entrants as
    necessary to monitor entrant status. If the personnel in the space
    need to leave visual contact and verbal contact with the attendants,
    use mechanical or electronic communications.

f.  Monitor activities inside and outside the space to determine whether
    it is safe for entrants to stay in the space. Order those inside to
    leave the space immediately if you:

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1.  Detect a prohibited condition.

2.  Notice behavioral effects of hazard exposure in someone in the
    space.

3.  See a situation outside the space that could endanger those inside.

4.  Can't effectively and safely perform all of your required duties.

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g.  Maintain the method of contacting emergency services as required in
    the approved procedures.

h.  Call emergency rescue services when you see that those inside may
    need help to escape from hazards in the space.

i.  Take the following actions when unauthorized persons (not involved
    in the entry) approach or enter a permit space while entry is under
    way:

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1.  Warn the unauthorized persons that they need to stay away from the
    permit space.

2.  Advise the unauthorized persons that they need to exit immediately
    if they have entered the permit space.

3.  Inform the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if
    unauthorized persons have entered the permit space.

4.  Stop confined space operations until unauthorized personnel are
    removed.

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j.  Perform non-entry rescues, when necessary and feasible, after
    notifying emergency rescue services. Never enter a confined space to
    rescue someone unless you are part of an emergency rescue team as
    described in paragraph 24 of this chapter.

k.  Never do anything that might interfere with your primary duty to
    monitor and protect those inside the space.

# 20. Duties of authorized entrants

If you are an ***authorized entrant***, you shall:

a.  Know the hazards that you may face in a confined space, including
    information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the
    hazard exposures.

b.  Properly use equipment as required by this chapter.

c.  Communicate with the attendant as necessary so the attendant can
    monitor your status and alert you if you need to evacuate the space.

d.  Alert the attendant if you:

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1.  Recognize any warning sign or symptom of a dangerous situation.

2.  Detect a prohibited condition.

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e.  Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible if you:

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1.  Get an order to evacuate from the attendant or the entry supervisor.

2.  Recognize any warning sign or symptom of a dangerous situation.

3.  Detect a prohibited condition.

4.  Hear an evacuation alarm.

# 21. Equipment for entering a confined space

You shall have the following equipment before you enter as required by
the procedure:

a.  Portable ventilating equipment for spaces without permanent
    mechanical ventilation. You are responsible for providing
    ventilating equipment.

b.  Testing and monitoring equipment for atmospheric testing as
    indicated on approved entry procedures. You are responsible for
    providing testing equipment.

c.  Communications equipment that is compatible with the atmosphere in
    the space for communicating with entrants and emergency services.

d.  GFCI for all portable electrical equipment.

e.  Lighting equipment for safety while working in and exiting the
    space.

f.  Barriers and shields to prevent inadvertent entries into confined
    spaces while work is in progress. Post the following sign at all
    open entrances to confined spaces:

**CAUTION CONFINED SPACE WORK IN PROGRESS.**

**NO ENTRY WITHOUT PERMIT AND PROCEDURE.**

h.  Equipment, such as ladders, needed to safely enter and exit the
    space.

i.  Any other equipment necessary for safe operations in the space.

# 22. Protective clothing and equipment for entering a confined space

If you enter a confined space, you shall wear PPE as required in the
procedure to protect you from hazards in the space:

a.  Hard hats to protect you from falling objects or overhead bump
    hazards.

b.  Impervious personal protective clothing if you will work with
    corrosive or irritating products or toxic chemicals that penetrate
    the skin.

c.  Eye or face protection if your eyes or face could be hurt.

d.  Industrial shoes (no soft-sole, open-toe, or canvas-covered shoes).

e.  Respiratory protection for hazardous atmospheres. You shall also
    follow these requirements:

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1.  If you wear a respirator in a confined space, you shall follow
    Chapter 7.2, "Respiratory protection," of this handbook.

2.  Use only NIOSH-approved respirators.

3.  Use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) only when you can
    fit through the entry openings with an SCBA strapped on. If you
    can't do this, or if free space opening is less than or equal to 18
    inches in diameter, use a supplied-air respirator.

4.  Use only certified breathing air (Compressed Gas Association, Grade
    D).

5.  See Chapter 5.6, "Personal protective equipment," of this handbook
    for more requirements on PPE.

# 23. Rescue and emergency equipment

You shall have non-entry rescue and emergency equipment in place before
anyone enters the confined space as required in the approved procedures.
Never enter a confined space to rescue someone. You shall have:

a.  Retrieval equipment for anyone who enters an OSHA permit-required
    confined space, unless that equipment would increase the overall
    risk of entry or would not help you rescue an entrant. Each entrant
    shall have the following retrieval equipment:

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1.  A chest or full-body harness with a retrieval line that meets ANSI
    A10.14, "Construction and Demolition Operations -- Requirements for
    Safety Belts, Harnesses." You shall attach the retrieval line at the
    center of the entrant's back, near shoulder level, or above the
    entrant's head. Inspect harness and lines before each use and load
    test them yearly as described in the manufacturer's instructions.

2.  Wristlet harnesses instead of a chest or full-body harness if access
    to the confined space is less than 18 inches in unobstructed
    diameter. You may also use wristlet harnesses if you can show that a
    chest or full-body harness isn't feasible or creates a greater
    hazard. You need to show that wristlet harnesses are the safest and
    most effective alternative. The Safety and Test Operations Division
    and the Clinic Services Branch shall approve any exceptions.

> **Note:** Wristlets are designed to help remove people from confined
> spaces by extending their arms, but are not designed to lift a person
> out of a space. Use a full-body harness instead.

3.  A retrieval line from the harness that is attached to a mechanical
    device or fixed point outside the space so that you can begin rescue
    if you are aware that rescue is necessary.

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b.  A mechanical hoist and supporting structure over the opening for
    OSHA permit-required confined spaces with top-opening entrances or
    that are vertical and more than 5 feet deep. The entry supervisor
    may require hoist and support for JSC permit-required confined
    spaces with top-opening entrances.

c.  Extra supplied air respirators for rescuers if the entrants use
    supplied air respirators to work in the space. You usually use
    supplied air respirators if openings aren't large enough for SCBAs
    or the job will last longer than an SCBA's air supply. Inspect and
    check all rescue respirators before anyone enters the space.

d.  Any other equipment necessary to safely rescue someone from the
    space.

e.  A method of contacting emergency services as required in the
    approved procedures.

# 24. What to do in an emergency

Remember, your emergency numbers are: x33333 at JSC and Sonny Carter
Training Facility, x44444 at Ellington Field, 911 at any off-site
location, and x5911 at WSTF.

In an emergency, you as an ***attendant*** or ***entry supervisor***
shall:

a.  Follow your emergency procedures. Never attempt to rescue a worker
    from a confined space until you call your emergency number or call
    for a rescue team.

b.  Never enter a confined space to rescue someone. Only approved rescue
    teams that meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.146(k) and are
    approved by the Safety and Test Operations Division and the
    Occupational Health Department may enter a confined space for
    rescue.

c.  Make sure an MSDS or similar written information is provided to the
    medical facility treating an entrant who is exposed to a hazardous
    substance if you have the MSDS or information at your worksite.

d.  Coordinate with local fire and ambulance services if you rely on
    them for confined space rescues by:

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1.  Telling them about the hazards that they may face during confined
    space rescues.

2.  Having them visit all confined spaces to which they may be called so
    that they can develop rescue plans for each space and practice
    rescue operations.

Other requirements for\
entering confined spaces

# 25. Training for working in confined spaces

Training needs to provide supervisors, attendants, and entrants with the
knowledge and skills needed to work safely in confined spaces. Training
shall follow these requirements:

a.  If you are involved with any work in a confined space, you shall
    have training:

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1.  Before you are first assigned duties in confined spaces and before
    your assigned duties change.

2.  Whenever work in a confined space presents new hazards you have no
    training for.

3.  Whenever you think that there are deviations from entry procedures
    or that your knowledge or use of the procedures may be inadequate.

4.  By taking JSC's Confined Space Entry course. This course meets the
    requirements of 29 CFR 1910.146 for entry supervisors, attendants,
    and entrants. You may also take current off-site training after you
    attend an overview of JSC's confined space program and demonstrate
    that you understand JSC's program.

5.  By getting a training completion card that states that you have been
    trained and demonstrated proficiency in JSC's confined space
    requirements. The card is good for 2 years. Then you shall be
    retrained.

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b.  As an ***entry supervisor***, you shall at least have training in
    JSC's confined space entry program and in your duties listed in
    paragraph 18 of this chapter.

c.  As an ***entry attendant*,** you shall at least have training in
    JSC's confined space entry program and in your duties listed in
    paragraph 19 of this chapter.

d.  As an ***authorized entrant***, you shall at least have training in
    JSC's confined space entry program and in your duties listed in
    paragraph 20 of this chapter.

# 26. Off-site contracts that involve entering confined spaces

For off-site contractors involved in entering confined spaces:

a.  If you arrange to have employees of an off-site contractor perform
    work in a confined space, you shall:

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1.  Inform the contractor that the workplace has confined spaces and
    that the contractor needs to follow JSC's confined space entry
    program when working in confined spaces.

2.  Tell the contractor why a space in question is a confined space,
    including the hazards identified and JSC's experience with the
    space.

3.  Tell the contractor of any precautions or procedures that JSC has
    implemented under its program to protect employees in or near the
    spaces that contractor personnel will be working in.

4.  Make sure that contractor employees who will enter confined spaces
    receive the training in paragraph 25 of this chapter.

5.  Coordinate entry operations with the contractor.

6.  Debrief the contractor when the job is done about JSC's permit space
    program and the hazards found or created in the spaces during entry
    operations.

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b.  If you are the contractor in subparagraph a above, you shall follow
    JSC's confined space requirements in this chapter and:

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1.  Obtain any available information on permit space hazards and entry
    operations from the contracting organization.

2.  Make sure that all employees who will work in confined spaces are
    trained as described in paragraph 25 of this chapter. They shall
    also provide documentation of prior class work in confined space
    entry, receive the JSC confined space overview, and demonstrate an
    understanding of JSC's program.

3.  Coordinate entry operations with the contracting organization.

4.  Inform the contracting organization of any hazards that you find or
    create in any confined space, either at a debriefing or while you
    are working.

# 27. For more information on entering confined spaces

You can find more information on entering confined spaces in these
documents:

a.  29 CFR 1910.146, "Permit-Required Confined Spaces"

b.  ANSI A10.14-91, "Safety Belt Use"

c.  ANSI Z1171.1-1989, "Standard on Confined Space Entry"

d.  NIOSH Criteria Document on Working in Confined Spaces

e.  NIOSH Publication IF 87-113, "A Guide to Safety in Confined Spaces"

f.  NHS/IH 1845.2, Publication No. 80-106, "Entry Into and Work in
    Confined Spaces"