Permit Scope and Duration A permit is only valid for one shift. For a permit to be renewed, the following conditions shall be met before each reentry into the confined space: Atmospheric testing shall be conducted and the results should be within acceptable limits. If atmospheric test results are not within acceptable limits, precautions to protect entrants against the hazards should be addressed on the permit and should be in place. The Entry Supervisor shall verify that all precautions and other measures called for on the permit are still in effect. Only operations or work originally approved on the permit be conducted in the confined space. A new permit shall be issued whenever changing work conditions or work activities introduce new hazards into the confined space. Any problems encountered during an entry operation shall be noted on the respective permit(s) so that appropriate revisions to the confined space permit program can be made. Entry Procedures When into a confined space is necessary, either the Entry Supervisor or (RESPONSIBLE PERSON) may initiate entry procedures, including the completion of a confined space entry permit. Entry into a confined space shall follow the standard entry procedure below. Prior to Entry The entire confined space entry permit shall be completed before a standard entry. Entry shall be allowed only when all requirements of the permit are met and it is reviewed and signed by an Entry Supervisor. The following conditions must be met prior to standard entry Affected personnel shall be trained to establish proficiency in the duties that will be performed within the confined space. The internal atmosphere within the confined space shall be tested with a calibrated, direct-reading instrument. Personnel be provided with necessary PPE as determined by the Entry Supervisor. Atmospheric monitoring take place during the entry. If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry: Personnel within the confined space shall be evacuated by the Attendant(s) or Entry Supervisor until the space can be evaluated to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed; and Controls shall be put in place to protect employees before reentry. Opening a Confined Space Any conditions making it unsafe to remove an entrance cover shall be eliminated before the cover is removed. When entrance covers are removed, the opening shall by promptly guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other temporary barrier that will prevent anyone from falling through the opening. This barrier or cover shall protect each employee working in the space from foreign objects entering the space. If it is in a traffic area, adequate barriers shall be erected.
Gasoline driven saw engines shall be stopped when being refueled. If gasoline is spilled on the chain saw during refueling, it shall be wiped off before the engine is started. A gasoline driven chain saw shall not be used above shoulder level. Employees shall not approach the chain saw operator with the reach of the saw blade while it is in operation. Ropes, pulleys, etc. should be used as necessary to lower larger limbs that may endanger persons and property if allowed to “free-fall”. The proper use of fall protection and/or ladders should be reviewed with all employees prior to working from a position other than ground level. TREE CUTTING & TRIMMING SAFETY Before attempting to trim, cut, or remove any tree, carefully consider its characteristics. to be considered include: Tree lean Tree size Wind conditions Nearby structures Nearby utilities Other trees or brush in the vicinity Before cutting, clear the ground around the tree(s) where the work will be performed, carefully, removing any underbrush or other obstructions. This will provide clear vision, unrestricted movement, and an unhampered escape route when the tree or limb begins to fall. In advance of the cutting, plan an escape route to the side or rear, depending upon the situation and likely direction of tree and limb fall. As the tree or large limb begins to fall, stop the saw and lay it in a safe place that will allow unrestricted escape. Trimming & Cutting Procedures Hold the saw firmly with both hands. If cutting entire tree, make a cut close to the base of the tree but high enough to conveniently avoid running the saw near the soil. Cut through up to 8-inches in diameter with one cut. On larger notch (undercut) at least one-third of the trunk diameter on the fall side of the tree. Then, make a lower cut of the 45-degree notch first to prevent pinching or binding of the chain by wedge cut, if used. Make the cut to initiate the fall on the opposite side of the trunk about 2-inches above and parallel to the horizontal notch. Leave wood fibers intact to act as a hinge to keep the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction or kicking back on the stump. Guide the saw into the tree, do not force it. Remove the saw from the tree and shut down before the tree falls.