Source: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincodeexpand/title16/agency25/chapter70/
Timestamp: 2020-02-18 01:00:41
Document Index: 702258829

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 3', '§ 620', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 7', '§ 8', '§ 9', '§ 10', '§ 620']

16VAC25-70-30. Preparation.
Entry into a confined space shall not be made unless the qualified person has assured that the following procedures have first been completed.
A. All pumps or lines which may convey flammable, injurious, or incapacitating substances into a space shall be disconnected, blinded, double blocked and bled, or effectively isolated by other means to prevent the development of dangerous levels of air contamination or oxygen deficiency within the space. The closing of valves alone, or the closing of valves and locking or tagging them, is not considered effective protection. The disconnection or blind shall be so located or done in such a manner that inadvertent reconnection of the line or removal of the blind are effectively prevented.
B. All fixed mechanical devices and equipment that are capable of causing injury shall be placed at zero mechanical state (ZMS). Electrical equipment, excluding lighting, shall be locked out in the open (off) position with a key-type padlock except in cases where locking is impossible; in such cases equipment shall be properly tagged in accordance with 16VAC25-90-1910.145(f). The key shall remain with the person working inside the confined space.
C. All confined spaces shall be emptied, flushed, or otherwise purged of flammable, injurious, or incapacitating substances to the extent feasible. Initial cleaning shall be done from outside the confined space to the extent feasible.
D. Where the existence of a hazardous atmosphere is demonstrated by tests performed by the qualified person, the confined space shall be mechanically ventilated until the concentration of the hazardous substances is reduced to a safe level, and ventilation shall be continued as long as the recurrence of the hazards is possible or appropriate personal protective equipment, as defined in Subpart I of the Virginia Standards for General Industry (16VAC25-90-1910) and Subpart E of the Virginia Standards for Construction Industry (16VAC25-175-1926), shall be used by all employees during entry. The mechanical ventilation shall be located in an unconfined space with the blower intake away from traffic and sources of exhaust fumes and the blower exhaust away from the confined space opening. The blower shall be located a minimum of five feet from the confined space opening to avoid returning purged air into the confined space.
E. When the confined space entry occurs on a public thoroughfare, warning devices, barricades, and traffic cones shall be used for the protection of workers and shall conform to the American National Standards Institute D6.1-1978, "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways."
Derived from VR425-02-30, § 3, eff. November 15, 1987; amended, eff. July 1, 1988.
16VAC25-70-40. Atmospheric testing.
A. Where mechanical ventilation is utilized in accordance with subsection C, the qualified person shall assure that each confined space into which an employee may be required to enter is tested immediately prior to entry using direct reading instruments or go/no-go instruments with preset values, with remote sampling capacity for the following conditions:
1. Potential flammable hazard; and
2. Toxic materials known or expected to be present.
In the absence of mechanical ventilation as specified in subsection C, the qualified person shall also test for oxygen levels prior to entry. The testing of the atmosphere for a particular toxic material is not necessary where the presence of that material is known by virtue of a previous test and appropriate personal protective equipment to protect against that material is utilized.
B. When an attendant has been assigned, as prescribed by 16VAC25-70-50 A, a qualified person shall perform atmospheric testing during occupancy at intervals dependent on the possibility of changing conditions, but in no case less frequently than hourly. Atmospheric test results must be recorded on the permit at least hourly in accordance with 16VAC25-70-60 B.
C. When a non-attendant entry is permitted, as allowed by 16VAC25-70-50 A, at least one entrant shall use a continuous monitoring device equipped with an alarm and capable of evaluating oxygen concentrations and combustible gas concentrations in the confined space. When large confined spaces are entered, a sufficient number of monitoring devices shall be either worn or located in the work area to adequately monitor the atmosphere. Where continuous mechanical ventilation which conforms to the Bell System Practices for Testing and Ventilating Manholes [§ 620-140-501 (4.01-7.05) (1976)] is utilized, monitoring for oxygen concentrations in the confined space shall not be required.
D. Each atmospheric testing instrument shall be calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions or, if no manufacturer's specifications exist, at least yearly, and field checked immediately prior to its use. Instruments which are out of calibration or fail a field check cannot be used until they are properly calibrated.
Derived from VR425-02-30, § 4, eff. November 15, 1987; amended, eff. July 1, 1988.
16VAC25-70-60. Permit systems.
A. The employer shall develop and implement a written entry permit system for all confined space entries which includes a written permit procedure that provides the following minimum information:
1. The minimum acceptable environmental conditions which are acceptable to the employer for entry and work in the confined space;
2. A record of atmospheric test results conducted prior to entry and at least hourly thereafter when an attendant is required;
3. The last calibration dates for the oxygen detector and combustible gas indicator being used;
4. The signature of the qualified person responsible for securing the permit and reviewing conditions prior to entry;
5. A written description of the location and type of work to be done;
6. Each permit shall be dated and carry an expiration time of not more than 12 hours; the permit may be extended for another 12-hour period pending recertification of acceptable conditions.
B. Entry permit forms shall be retained until the corresponding entry has been successfully completed.
C. The permit may be on a pre-printed form or incorporated into a work order, a log book, or any other format, as long as each contains the minimum information required by subsections A 1 to A 6 of this section.
Derived from VR425-02-30, § 6, eff. November 15, 1987; amended, eff. July 1, 1988.
16VAC25-70-70. Training.
A. The employer shall inform his employees of the hazards of working in confined spaces by providing specific training to employees before they may be authorized to enter a confined space.
1. General. The employer shall assure that the qualified person and all employees who may be required to enter a confined space have received training covering the following subjects:
a. Hazard recognition;
b. Use of respiratory protection equipment if the use of such equipment will be required. Training requirements are specified in 16VAC25-90-1910.134;
c. Use of atmospheric testing devices for those employees required to perform atmospheric tests. Training shall cover field checks as specified by the manufacturer, normal use, and specific limitations of the equipment;
d. Lockout and tagging procedures;
e. Use of special equipment and tools;.
f. Emergency and rescue methods and procedures.
2. Rescue Teams. Rescue Teams shall be trained to use the equipment they may need to perform rescue functions assigned to them.
a. At least annually rescue teams shall practice removing victims through openings and portals of the same size, configuration and accessibility as those of spaces from which an actual rescue could be required.
b. The attendant or at least one member of each rescue team shall hold current certification in basic first aid and CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation).
B. The employer shall maintain the records of the most recent training program conducted. These records shall include the dates of the training program, the instructors of the training program, and the employees to whom the training was given.
Derived from VR425-02-30, § 7, eff. November 15, 1987; amended, eff. July 1, 1988.
16VAC25-70-80. Special equipment and tools.
A. No sources of ignition shall be introduced into a confined space until the implementation of the appropriate provision of this section has ensured that dangerous air contamination due to flammable or explosive substances, or both, does not exist.
B. All electrical cords, tools, and equipment shall be inspected for visually detectable defects before use in a confined space. In the absence of low voltage circuits and equipment or double insulated tools, equipment shall be of the heavy duty insulation type or ground fault circuit interrupters shall be used. Temporary lighting shall conform with 16VAC25-175-1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(G).
C. No fan or other equipment used for removing flammable gases or vapors shall create an ignition hazard.
D. Cylinders of compressed gases shall never be taken into a confined space, and shall be turned off at the cylinder valve when not in use. When to be left unattended, the torch and hose shall be removed from the confined space. Open end fuel gas and oxygen hoses shall be immediately removed from enclosed spaces when they are disconnected from the torch or other gas-consuming device.
Exempt from this rule are cylinders that are part of self-contained breathing apparatus or resuscitation equipment.
Derived from VR425-02-30, § 8, eff. November 15, 1987; amended, eff. July 1, 1988.
16VAC25-70-90. Tripods, safety harnesses, retrieval lines and respiratory protection.
A. Where the existence of an IDLH atmosphere, a hazardous atmosphere or potential for engulfment has been demonstrated by the qualified person, the following requirements shall also apply:
1. An appropriate retrieval device with retrieval line shall be used by any entrants, except where the retrieval lines themselves could cause a hazard because of structures, equipment, or becoming entangled with other lines inside the confined space. Where a retrieval line is used, the free end of the retrieval line shall be secured outside the entry opening either by another person holding the line or by securing it in some other manner.
2. When entry is made through a top opening, a hoisting device such as a tripod shall be provided for lifting employees out of the space.
B. When a person is required to enter a confined space which has either an IDLH atmosphere or a hazardous atmosphere there shall be either a positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus or a combination positive-pressure air-line respirator with an auxiliary self-contained air supply immediately outside the entrance to the confined space.
C. When persons must enter a confined space which contains either an IDLH atmosphere or a hazardous atmosphere without a retrieval line attached, then each entrant shall be supplied with and wear a MSHA/NIOSH approved positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.
Derived from VR425-02-30, § 9, eff. November 15, 1987; amended, eff. July 1, 1988.
16VAC25-70-100. Effective date and start up date.
A. Effective date - July 1, 1987.
B. Startup date - Enforcement of 29 CFR 1910.268(t) requirements for continuous mechanical ventilation will begin November 15, 1987. Enforcement of all other portions of 29 CFR 1910.268(t) will begin July 1, 1988. Appendix B lists those subsections of 29 CFR 1910.268(o) to be amended or deleted effective July 1, 1988.
Derived from VR425-02-30, § 10, eff. November 15, 1987; amended, eff. July 1, 1988.
APPENDIX B. Amendments and deletions to 29 CFR 1910.268(o), Telecommunication standard for General Industry, to become effective July 1, 1988 and to coincide with the start up date of 1910.268(t):
Telecommunications, 1910.268
1910.268(o)
Amended to apply 1910.268(t) to the ventilation and testing for gas in manholes and unvented vaults.
1910.268(o)(1)(ii)
1910.268(o)(1)(ii)(a)
1910.268(o)(1)(ii)(b)
1910.268(o)(1)(ii)(c)
1910.268(o)(2)
Amended to apply 1910.268(t) to entry of manholes and unvented vaults.
19l0.268(o)(2)(ii)(a)
1910.268(o)(3)
1910.268(o)(5)
1910.268(o)(5)(i)
1910.268(o)(5)(ii)
Documents Incorporated by Reference (16VAC25-70)
Bell System Practices for Testing and Ventilating Manholes, § 620-140-501(4.01-7.05), 1976.