California Code of Regulations › Title 8 - Industrial Relations › Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations › Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety › Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders › Group 16 - Control of Hazardous Substances › Article 108 - Confined Spaces › Appendix C - Examples of Permit-Required Confined Space Programs

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 28, July 12, 2024
Example 1.
Workplace. Sewer entry.
Potential hazards. The employees could be exposed to
						  the following:
Engulfment.
Presence of toxic gases. Equal to or more than 10 ppm
						  hydrogen sulfide as measured as an 8-hour time weighted average. If the
						  presence of other toxic contaminants is suspected, specific monitoring programs
						  will be developed.
Presence of explosive flammable gases. Equal to or
						  greater than 10% of the lower flammable limit (LFL).
Oxygen Deficiency. A concentration of oxygen in the
						  atmosphere equal to or less than 19.5% by volume.
A. ENTRY WITHOUT PERMIT/ATTENDANT
Certification. Confined spaces may be entered without
						  the need for a written permit or attendant provided that the space can be
						  maintained in a safe condition for entry by mechanical ventilation alone as
						  provided in Section
						  5157(c)(5). All
						  spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry
						  procedures demonstrate otherwise. Any employee required or permitted to
						  pre-check or enter an enclosed/confined space shall have successfully
						  completed, as a minimum, the training as required by the following sections of
						  these procedures. A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required
						  by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The
						  Confined Space Pre-Entry Check List must be completed by the LEAD WORKER before
						  entry into a confined space. This list verifies completion of items listed
						  below. This check list shall be kept at the job site for duration of the job.
						  If circumstances dictate an interruption in the work, the permit space must be
						  re-evaluated and a new check list must be completed.
Controls of atmospheric and engulfment hazards.
Pumps and Lines. All pumps and lines which may
						  reasonably cause contaminants to flow into the space shall be disconnected,
						  blinded and locked out, or effectively isolated by other means to prevent
						  development of dangerous air contamination or engulfment. Not all laterals to
						  sewers or storm drains require blocking. However, where experience or knowledge
						  of industrial use indicates there is a reasonable potential for contamination
						  of air or engulfment into a occupied sewer, then all affected laterals shall be
						  blocked. If blocking and/or isolation requires entry into the space the
						  provisions for entry into a permit-required confined space must be
						  implemented.
Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to
						  avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from the tanks, piping, or sewers.
Testing. The atmosphere within the space will be tested
						  to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency
						  exists. Detector tubes, alarm only type gas monitors and explosion meters are
						  examples of equipment that may be used to test permit space atmospheres.
						  Testing shall be performed by the LEAD WORKER who has successfully completed
						  the Gas detector training for the monitors he will use. The minimum parameters
						  to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL, and hydrogen sulfide concentration.
						  A written record of the pre-entry test results shall be made and kept at the
						  work site for the duration of the job. The supervisor will certify in writing,
						  based upon the results of the pre-entry testing, that all hazards have been
						  eliminated. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. The
						  most hazardous conditions shall govern when work is being performed in two
						  adjoining, connecting spaces.
Entry Procedures. If there are no non-atmospheric
						  hazards present and if the pre-entry tests show there is no dangerous air
						  contamination and/or oxygen deficiency within the space and there is no reason
						  to believe that any is likely to develop, entry into and work within may
						  proceed. Continuous testing of the atmosphere in the immediate vicinity of the
						  workers within the space shall be accomplished. The workers will immediately
						  leave the permit space when any of the gas monitor alarm set points are reached
						  as defined. Workers will not return to the area until a SUPERVISOR who has
						  completed the gas detector training has used a direct reading gas detector to
						  evaluate the situation and has determined that it is safe to enter.
Rescue. Arrangements for rescue services are not
						  required where there is no attendant. See the rescue portion of section B.,
						  below, for instructions regarding rescue planning where an entry permit is
						  required.
B. ENTRY PERMIT REQUIRED
Permits. Confined Space Entry Permit. All spaces shall
						  be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures
						  demonstrate otherwise. Any employee required or permitted to pre-check or enter
						  a permit-required confined space shall have successfully completed, as a
						  minimum, the training as required by the following sections of these
						  procedures. A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by
						  these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The
						  Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed before approval can be given to
						  enter a permit-required confined space. This permit verifies completion of
						  items listed below. This permit shall be kept at the job site for the duration
						  of the job. If circumstances cause an interruption in the work or a change in
						  the alarm conditions for which entry was approved, a new Confined Space Entry
						  Permit must be completed.
Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards.
Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to
						  avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers.
Testing. The confined space atmosphere shall be tested
						  to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency
						  exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be used. Testing shall be performed
						  by the SUPERVISOR who has successfully completed the gas detector training for
						  the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen
						  deficiency, LFL and hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written record of the
						  pre-entry test results shall be made and kept at the work site for the duration
						  of the job. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. The
						  most hazardous conditions shall govern when work is being performed in two
						  adjoining, connected spaces.
Space Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation systems,
						  where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. Where possible, open
						  additional manholes to increase air circulation. Use portable blowers to
						  augment natural circulation if needed. After a suitable ventilating period,
						  repeat the testing. Entry may not begin until the testing has demonstrated that
						  the hazardous atmosphere has been eliminated.
Entry Procedures. The following procedure shall be
						  observed under any of the following conditions:
1.) Testing demonstrates the existence of dangerous or
						  deficient conditions and additional ventilation cannot reduce concentrations to
						  safe levels;
2.) The atmosphere tests as safe but unsafe conditions
						  can reasonably be expected to develop;
3.) It is not feasible to provide for ready exit from
						  spaces equipped with automatic fire suppression systems and it is not practical
						  or safe to deactivate such systems; or
4.) An emergency exists and it is not feasible to wait
						  for pre-entry procedures to take effect.
All personnel must be trained. A self contained
						  breathing apparatus shall be worn by any person entering the space. At least
						  one worker shall stand by the outside of the space ready to give assistance in
						  case of emergency. The standby worker shall have a self contained breathing
						  apparatus available for immediate use. There shall be at least one additional
						  worker within sight or call of the standby worker. Continuous powered
						  communications shall be maintained between the worker within the confined space
						  and standby personnel.
If at any time there is any questionable action or
						  non-movement by the worker inside, a verbal check will be made. If there is no
						  response, the worker will be moved immediately. Exception: If the worker is
						  disabled due to falling or impact, he/she shall not be removed from the
						  confined space unless there is immediate danger to his/her life. Local fire
						  department rescue personnel shall be notified immediately. The standby worker
						  may only enter the confined space in case of an emergency (wearing the self
						  contained breathing apparatus) and only after being relieved by another worker.
						  Safety belt or harness with attached lifeline shall be used by all workers
						  entering the space with the free end of the line secured outside the entry
						  opening. The standby worker shall attempt to remove a disabled worker via his
						  lifeline before entering the space.
When practical, these spaces shall be entered through
						  side openings--those within 3 ½ feet (1.07 m) of the bottom. When entry
						  must be through a top opening, the safety belt shall be of the harness type
						  that suspends a person upright and a hoisting device or similar apparatus shall
						  be available for lifting workers out of the space.
In any situation where their use may endanger the
						  worker, use of a hoisting device or safety belt and attached lifeline may be
						  discontinued.
When dangerous air contamination is attributable to
						  flammable and/or explosive substances, lighting and electrical equipment shall
						  be Class 1, Division 1 rated per National Electrical Code and no ignition
						  sources shall be introduced into the area.
Continuous gas monitoring shall be performed during all
						  confined space operations. If alarm conditions change adversely, entry
						  personnel shall exit the confined space and a new confined space permit
						  issued.
Rescue. Call the fire department services for rescue.
						  Where immediate hazards to injured personnel are present, workers at the site
						  shall implement emergency procedures to fit the situation.
Example 2.
Workplace. Meat and poultry rendering plants.
Cookers and dryers are either batch or continuous in
						  their operation. Multiple batch cookers are operated in parallel. When one unit
						  of a multiple set is shut down for repairs, means are available to isolate that
						  unit from the others which remain in operation.
Cookers and dryers are horizontal, cylindrical vessels
						  equipped with a center, rotating shaft and agitator paddles or discs. If the
						  inner shell is jacketed, it is usually heated with steam at pressures up to 150
						  psig (1034.25 kPa). The rotating shaft assembly of the continuous cooker or
						  dryer is also steam heated.
Potential Hazards. The recognized hazards associated
						  with cookers and dryers are the risk that employees could be:
1. Stuck or caught by rotating agitator;
2. Engulfed in raw material or hot, recycled
						  fat;
3. Burned by steam from leaks into the cooker/dryer
						  steam jacket or the condenser duct system if steam valves are not properly
						  closed and locked out;
4. Burned by contact with hot metal surfaces, such as
						  the agitator shaft assembly, or inner shell of the cooker/dryer;
5. Heat stress caused by warm atmosphere inside
						  cooker/dryer;
6. Slipping and falling on grease in the
						  cooker/dryer;
7. Electrically shocked by faulty equipment taken into
						  the cooker/dryer;
8. Burned or overcome by fire or products of
						  combustion; or
9. Overcome by fumes generated by welding or cutting
						  done on grease covered surfaces.
Permits. The supervisor in this case is always present
						  at the cooker/dryer or other permit entry confined space when entry is made.
						  The supervisor must follow the pre-entry isolation procedures described in the
						  entry permit in preparing for entry, and ensure that the protective clothing,
						  ventilating equipment and any other equipment required by the permit are at the
						  entry site.
Control of hazards.
Mechanical. Lock out main power switch to agitator
						  motor at main power panel. Affix tag to the lock to inform others that a permit
						  entry confined space entry is in progress.
Engulfment. Close all valves in the raw material blow
						  line. Secure each valve in its closed position using chain and lock. Attach a
						  tag to the valve and chain warning that a permit entry confined space entry is
						  in progress. The same procedure shall be used for securing the fat recycle
						  valve.
Burns and heat stress. Close steam supply valves to
						  jacket and secure with chains and tags. Insert solid blank at flange in cooker
						  vent line to condenser manifold duct system. Vent cooker/dryer by opening
						  access door at discharge end and top center door to allow natural ventilation
						  throughout the entry. If faster cooling is needed, use a portable ventilation
						  fan to increase ventilation. Cooling water may be circulated through the jacket
						  to reduce both outer and inner surface temperatures of cooker/dryers faster.
						  Check air and inner surface temperatures in cooker/dryer to assure they are
						  within acceptable limits before entering, or use proper protective
						  clothing.
Fire and fume hazards. Careful site preparation, such
						  as cleaning the area within 4 inches (10.16 cm) of all welding or torch cutting
						  operations, and proper ventilation are the preferred controls. All welding and
						  cutting operations shall be done in accordance with the requirements of
						  California Code of Regulations, Title 8, welding standards. Proper ventilation
						  may be achieved by local exhaust ventilation, or the use of portable
						  ventilation fans, or a combination of the two practices.
Electrical shock. Electrical equipment used in
						  cooker/dryers shall be in serviceable condition.
Slips and falls. Remove residual grease before entering
						  cooker/dryer.
Attendant. The supervisor shall be the attendant for
						  employees entering cooker/dryers.
Permit. The permit shall specify how isolation shall be
						  done and any other preparations needed before making entry. This is especially
						  important in parallel arrangements of cooker/dryers so that the entire
						  operation need not be shut down to allow safe entry into one unit.
Rescue. When necessary, the attendant shall call the
						  fire department as previously arranged.
Example 3.
Workplace. Workplaces where tank cars, trucks, and
						  trailers, dry bulk tanks and trailers, railroad tank cars, and similar portable
						  tanks are fabricated or serviced.
A. During fabrication. These tanks and dry-bulk
						  carriers are entered repeatedly throughout the fabrication process. These
						  products are not configured identically, but the manufacturing processes by
						  which they are made are very similar.
Sources of hazards. In addition to the mechanical
						  hazards arising from the risks that an entrant would be injured due to contact
						  with components of the tank or the tools being used, there is also the risk
						  that a worker could be injured by breathing fumes from welding materials or
						  mists or vapors from materials used to coat the tank interior. In addition,
						  many of these vapors and mists are flammable, so the failure to properly
						  ventilate a tank could lead to a fire or explosion.
Control of hazards.
Welding. Local exhaust ventilation shall be used to
						  remove welding fumes once the tank or carrier is completed to the point that
						  workers may enter and exit only through a manhole. (Follow the requirements of
						  California Code of Regulations, Title 8, welding standards at all times.)
						  Welding gas tanks may never be brought into a tank or carrier that is a permit
						  entry confined space.
Application of interior coatings/linings. Atmospheric
						  hazards shall be controlled by forced air ventilation sufficient to keep the
						  atmospheric concentration of flammable materials below 10% of the lower
						  flammable limit (LFL) (or lower explosive limit (LEL), whichever term is used
						  locally). The appropriate respirators are provided and shall be used in
						  addition to providing forced ventilation if the forced ventilation does not
						  maintain acceptable respiratory conditions.
Permits. Because of the repetitive nature of the
						  entries in these operations, an "Area Entry Permit" will be issued for a 1
						  month period to cover those production areas where tanks are fabricated to the
						  point that entry and exit are made using manholes.
Authorization. Only the area supervisor may authorize
						  an employee to enter a tank within the permit area. The area supervisor must
						  determine that conditions in the tank trailer, dry bulk trailer or truck, etc.
						  meet permit requirements before authorizing entry.
Attendant. The area supervisor shall designate an
						  employee to maintain communication by employer specified means with employees
						  working in tanks to ensure their safety. The attendant may not enter any permit
						  entry confined space to rescue an entrant or for any other reason, unless
						  authorized by the rescue procedure, and even then, only after calling the
						  rescue team and being relieved by as attendant by another worker.
Communications and observation. Communications between
						  attendant and entrant(s) shall be maintained throughout entry. Methods of
						  communication that may be specified by the permit include voice, voice powered
						  radio, tapping or rapping codes on tank walls, signalling tugs on a rope, and
						  the attendant's observation that work activities such as chipping, grinding,
						  welding, spraying, etc., which require deliberate operator control continue
						  normally. These activities often generate so much noise that the necessary
						  hearing protection makes communication by voice difficult.
Rescue procedures. Acceptable rescue procedures include
						  entry by a team of employee-rescuers, use of public emergency services, and
						  procedures for breaching the tank. The area permit specifies which procedures
						  are available, but the area supervisor makes the final decision based on
						  circumstances. (Certain injuries may make it necessary to breach the tank to
						  remove a person rather than risk additional injury by removal through an
						  existing manhole. However, the supervisor must ensure that no breaching
						  procedure used for rescue would violate terms of the entry permit. For
						  instance, if the tank must be breached by cutting with a torch, the tank
						  surfaces to be cut must be free of volatile or combustible coatings within 4
						  inches (10.16 cm) of the cutting line and the atmosphere within the tank must
						  be below the LFL.
Retrieval line and harnesses. The retrieval lines and
						  harnesses generally required under this standard are usually impractical for
						  use in tanks because the internal configuration of the tanks and their interior
						  baffles and other structures would prevent rescuers from hauling out injured
						  entrants. However, unless the rescue procedure calls for breaching the tank for
						  rescue, the rescue team shall be trained in the use of retrieval lines and
						  harnesses for removing injured employees through manholes.
B. Repair or service of "used" tanks and bulk
						  trailers.
Sources of hazards. In addition to facing the potential
						  hazards encountered in fabrication or manufacturing, tanks or trailers which
						  have been in service may contain residues of dangerous materials, whether left
						  over from the transportation of hazardous cargoes or generated by chemical or
						  bacterial action on residues of non-hazardous cargoes.
Control of atmospheric hazards. A "used" tank shall be
						  brought into areas where tank entry is authorized only after the tank has been
						  emptied, cleansed (without employee entry) of any residues, and purged of any
						  potential atmospheric hazards.
Welding. In addition to tank cleaning for control of
						  atmospheric hazards, coating and surface materials shall be removed 4 inches
						  (10.16 cm) or more from any surface area where welding or other torch work will
						  be done and care taken that the atmosphere within the tank remains well below
						  the LFL. (Follow the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 8,
						  welding standards, at all times.)
Permits. An entry permit valid for up to 1 year shall
						  be issued prior to authorization of entry into used tank trailers, dry bulk
						  trailers or trucks. In addition to the pre-entry cleaning requirement, this
						  permit shall require the employee safeguards specified for new tank fabrication
						  or construction permit areas.
Authorization. Only the area supervisor may authorize
						  an employee to enter a tank trailer, dry bulk trailer or truck within the
						  permit area. The area supervisor must determine that the entry permit
						  requirements have been met before authorizing entry.
1. New
						  Appendix C filed 11-24-93; operative 12-24-93 (Register 93, No.
						  48).
Note: Authority cited: Section
							 142.3, Labor
							 Code. Reference: Section
							 142.3, Labor
							 Code.