Requirements for Work in Confined Spaces
1.1 This document establishes safety requirements for all work conducted within confined spaces.
1.2 The compliance with this procedure does not preclude or preempt the applicability of any other standard, procedure or policy.
2.0 Definition of Confined Space
2.1 A confined space means a space that:
- Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work
- Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.)
- Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy
2.2 A confined space includes, but is not limited to, any of the following if the criteria set forth in Paragraph 2.1 are met:
- Storage tanks, tank cars, process vessels, bins, tank trailers, and other tank-like compartments usually with one or more manholes for entry.
- Open-topped spaces of more than 4 feet in depth, such as bins, silos, pits, vats, tubs, vaults, vessels, floating roof storage tanks, or trenches.
- Ventilation or exhaust ducts, manholes, sewers, tunnels, pipelines, and similar structures;
- Ovens, furnaces, kilns, and similar structures.
2.3 Permit Required Confined Space
Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
- Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
- Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
- Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller
- Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
2.4 Non-Permit Required Confined Space
A non-permit confined space means a confined space that does not contain or, with respect to atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or
serious physical harm.
Activities to be conducted in the Space determines the classification of the confined space (permit vs non-permit).
3.0 Confined Space Entry: All Operations (Farm Operations Have Additional Requirements)
3.1 Entry into a confined space shall not be made unless the following procedures have been first completed.
- Except for fire suppressants and extinguishing systems, insure that all lines containing harmful agents, such as supply, discharge, overflow, vent, drain, or similar connections
entering the space are physically separated or blocked by means of blinds or other devices, capable of insuring complete closure. Steam lines running into and through confined spaces
shall be double valved off from non-confined space locations and allowed to cool before entry is made into such spaces. Any exception to this procedure must be approved by the
Director, Facilities Management and the Director of the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.
- Fixed mechanical devices or equipment, the operation of which might endanger the employee or cause additional hazards, shall be rendered inoperable by disconnecting.
- Lock-Out/tag out all mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical equipment within the confined space. Check operation to verify lock-out.
- The atmosphere shall first be tested for oxygen deficiency/enrichment. Oxygen deficiency exists when less than 19.5 percent oxygen is found in the tested atmosphere. Oxygen
enrichment exists when the oxygen content is greater than 23.5 percent. The internal atmosphere shall be tested for combustible gas in excess of 10 percent of the lower explosive limit
and for air contaminants in excess of levels specified in CFR 1910 Subpart Z or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) TLV booklet (latest edition) when
there is reason to suspect their presence.
- If the tests made in accordance with Paragraph 3.1(4) indicate that the atmosphere is unsafe, before any employee is permitted to enter the confined space, the space shall be
ventilated until the concentration of hazardous substance is reduced to a safe level or removed, and ventilation shall be continued for the duration of the entry.
- As an alternative to ventilation, or if ventilation does not adequately reduce or remove the hazardous substance, an employee may enter a confined space only if that employee wears
an appropriate respirator in accordance with the requirements of the University Respiratory Protection Program. If the employee uses an air supplied (self-contained breathing apparatus
or type C apparatus with SCBA backup) respirator, sufficient primary air capacity shall be available as well as reserve capacity to perform the task inside the confined space. The
wearer of the respirator may not be permitted to remain in the confined space when the primary air system is depleted or is being replaced. The reserve air supply shall be used only in
the event of an emergency.
3.3 An adequate continuous supply of forced ventilation shall be provided while work is performed under any of the following conditions:
- When combustible or explosive gas vapors have been initially detected and subsequently reduced to a safe level by ventilation;
- When organic solvents are used in the work procedure;
- When open-flame torches are used in the work procedure;
- When the confined space is located in that portion of a public right-of-way open to vehicular traffic or exposed to a seepage of gas or gases; or
- When a toxic gas or oxygen deficiency is found.
- Mechanical ventilation is required for all confined spaces regardless of test results from Paragraph 3.1(4). The only exception is when the presence of asbestos containing
materials is suspected.
3.4 The employees working inside and outside the confined space shall be adequately trained in confined space entry. An employee shall not enter a confined space subject to a
hazardous atmosphere or other recognized safety or health hazards, or a confined space that contains the potential for engulfment by particulate matter, or by a liquid unless:
- Provision has been made for constant communication with an attendant in the immediate vicinity who is not in the confined space;
- Provision has been made for communication equipment for summoning emergency or rescue services;
- Provision has been made for adequate rescue procedure including rescue equipment specifically designed for rescue from the confined space in which work is being
- The employees working inside and outside the confined space have been adequately trained in confined space entry.
3.5 Ladders or other safe means shall be used to enter and exit manholes, trenches, etc. exceeding 4 feet in depth.
3.6 When open flames are used, the following precautions shall be taken to protect against the accumulation of combustible gas:
- A test for combustible gas shall be made immediately before using the open-flame device, and at least once per hour while using the device; and
- A fuel tank (for example, acetylene) may not be in the confined space.
3.7 Lighting and electrical equipment
- Temporary lights shall be equipped with guards to prevent accidental contact with the bulb, except that guards are not required when the construction of the
reflector is such that the bulb is deeply recessed.
- Temporary lights shall be equipped with heavy-duty electric cords with connections and insulation maintained in safe condition. Temporary lights may not be
suspended by their electric cords unless cords and lights are designed for this means of suspension. Splices shall have insulation equal to that of a cable.
- Working spaces, walkways, and similar locations shall be kept clear of cords so as not to create a hazard to employees.
- Portable electric lighting used in moist or other hazardous locations (for example, drums, tanks, and vessels) shall be operated at a maximum of 12 volts. Portable
electric lighting (125 volts) used in other locations shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- All electrical equipment shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
4.0 Confined Space Entry: Farm Operations
4.1 An employee shall not enter into a confined space for farm operations unless:
- Fixed mechanical devices or equipment which might endanger the employee or cause additional hazards shall be rendered inoperable by disconnecting. Electrical service equipment,
excluding lighting, shall be padlocked or tagged in accordance with lock out/tag out procedures.
- Lighting and electrical equipment
- Temporary lights shall be equipped with guards to prevent accidental contact with the bulb, except that guards are not required when the construction of the reflector is
such that the bulb is deeply recessed.
- Temporary lights shall be equipped with heavy-duty electric cords with connections and insulation maintained in safe condition. Temporary lights may not be suspended by
their electric cords unless cords and lights are designed for this means of suspension. Splices shall have insulation equal to that of a cable.
- Temporary lights and electrical services shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- Working spaces, walkways, and similar locations shall be kept clear of cords so as not to create a hazard to employees.
- All electrical equipment shall be protected by a GFCI.
4.2 Requirements for Entering Confined Spaces Containing Fermenting Animal Feeds
- An employee shall not enter a confined space containing fermenting animal feed during filling or 10 days thereafter. Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Department of
Environmental Health & Safety.
4.3 Grain Storage. An employee shall not enter a confined space used for grain storage without wearing an appropriate respirator in accordance with the requirements of the University
Respiratory Protection Program.
4.4 Manure pits, tanks and other animal waste handling systems.
- An employee shall not enter a confined space used for animal waste handling without approval of the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.
4.5 All items listed under Section 3 apply to farm confined spaces.
5.0 Entry Permit
5.1 An entry permit shall be required for entry into all confined spaces.
5.2 The entry permit shall authorize entry only by authorized entrants into a specific confined space, for a specific purpose, with entry by a specific shift or work crew permitted for a
period not to exceed 8 hours.
5.3 The entry permit shall include items 1 through 11 below.
- Specify the minimum acceptable environmental conditions for entry and work in the confined space;
- Make provision for assuring and certifying that the specified pre-entry requirements are met;
- Name the attendant, unless the permit directs that the attendant function rotates;
- Make provision for assuring that the means specified by the department to summon the designated outside assistance is available.
- Describe the hazards known or reasonably expected to be present in the confined space;
- Specify all means of isolation, cleaning, purging or inerting to be done prior to entry to remove or control those hazards, or certify that these procedures have been done;
- Describe any additional hazards that may be reasonably expected to be generated by entrants' activities in the space and specify all special work practices or procedures to be
- Specify the personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, clothing, etc., that is necessary for entry or rescue;
- Specify the atmospheric testing to be done immediately prior to and during the entry period and designate the individual(s) responsible for performing the tests unless otherwise
permitted by this section;
- Where hot work is necessary, authorize such hot work, either as part of the entry permit itself or by a separate hot work permit which is attached to the entry permit, with its
issuance noted on the entry permit; and
- Specify the type(s) of equipment necessary for rescue purposes that must be readily available. In the case of entry into an actually or potentially IDLH atmosphere, NIOSH approved
positive pressure atmosphere supplying breathing apparatus or a positive pressure airline respirator equipped with 5 minute (or greater) emergency escape bottle, and any other
equipment necessary for rescue purposes shall be available at the point of entry.
5.4 The permit must be conspicuously posted at the entrance to the confined space before entry is made and remain posted until the permit expires or the work has been completed.
6.0 Training Requirements
6.1 General. Departments shall assure that all employees who may enter a confined space in the course of their employment are aware of the appropriate procedures and controls for entry and,
also, are aware that unauthorized entry into such spaces is forbidden. Employees shall be made aware that the consequences of unauthorized entry can be fatal, and that their senses are unable
to detect and evaluate the severity of atmospheric hazards.
6.2 Training for authorized entrants. Departments shall assure that all authorized entrants know the emergency action plan and have received training covering the following subjects prior
to entering any confined space:
- Hazard recognition. Departments shall assure that every employee, before entering a confined space containing a potentially hazardous environment, understand the nature of the
hazard, and the need to perform appropriate testing to determine if it is safe to enter.
- Use of personal protective equipment. Employees shall be taught the proper use of all personal protective equipment, including respirators and clothing required for entry or
- Self-rescue (a) Employees must be trained to exit from the confined space as rapidly as they can without help (self-rescue) whenever an order to evacuate is given by the attendant,
whenever an automatic evacuation alarm is activated, or whenever employees recognize the warning signs of exposure to substances whose presence in the confined space is known or
expected.(b) Employees shall be made aware of the toxic effects and symptoms of exposure to anticipated hazardous materials that may be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested,
or which may be carried through their skin by solvents they are using. They shall also be trained to relay an alarm to their attendant and to attempt self-rescue immediately on
becoming aware of these effects.
- Special work practices or procedures. The employer shall train employees in any modifications of normal work practices that are necessary for confined space work.
6.3 Training for person authorizing or in charge of entry. In addition to the requirements of paragraph 6.1, the person authorizing or in charge of entry shall be trained to:
- Recognize the effects of exposure to hazards reasonably expected to be present;
- Carry out those duties that the entry permit (if applicable) assigns to the person authorizing or in charge of entry.
6.4 Training for attendant. The attendant shall be trained in the department's emergency action plan, the duties of the attendant, and in:
- Proper use of the communications equipment furnished by the department for communicating with authorized entrants or summoning emergency or rescue services;
- Authorized procedures for summoning rescue or other emergency services;
- Recognition of the early behavioral signs of intoxication caused by contaminants whose presence could be anticipated in the space;
- The requirements of paragraph 6.2 if the permit (if applicable) specifies that the attendant function will alternate among the authorized entrants; and
- In accordance with section 9.0 if the attendant will have rescue duties that could require entry.
7.0 Duties of the Attendant.
The attendant shall remain outside the confined space and shall:
- Maintain continuous communication with all authorized entrants within the permit entry confined space by voice, radio, telephone, visual observation, or other equally effective
means. If it is not possible for one attendant to maintain communication with each entrant because of the entrant's work station in the space, other arrangements shall be made to
assure that the attendant is continuously aware of the location and condition of any entrant who is out of direct communication range in the permit entry confined space because of work
- Have the authority to order entrants to exit the space at the first indication of a not-permitted condition, an unexpected hazard, indication of a toxic reaction, e.g., unusual
conduct by the entrants, or if a situation occurs outside the space that could pose a hazard to the entrants;
- Know the procedure and have the means to summon immediate emergency assistance if needed; and
- Remain at his or her post and not leave for any reason except self-preservation, unless replaced by an equally qualified individual while entry continues. The attendant shall order
the entrants to exit the space if the attendant must leave and there is no replacement.
- Warn unauthorized persons not to enter, or to exit immediately if they have entered, and advise the authorized entrants and any others specified by the employer of entry by
8.0 Duties of the Person Authorizing or in Charge of Entry.
The person authorizing or in charge of entry shall:
- Assure that the pre-entry portions of the permit are completed before any employee enters a permit entry confined space.
- Verify that the necessary pre-entry conditions exist (does not need to personally conduct tests).
- Verify that the means for summoning the in-plant rescue team or other emergency assistance are operable.
- Terminate the entry upon becoming aware of a not-permitted condition.
9.1 Departments with employees who may enter a confined space shall purchase or otherwise make available all equipment and supplies necessary for compliance with this procedure.
9.2 Departments shall maintain equipment in accordance with the manufacturer'ss specifications.
10.0 Entry into Non-Permit Required Confined Spaces
All confined spaces are permit required confined spaces unless reclassified by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. Entry into non-permit required confined spaces does not
require an attendant.
- Elevator Pits
- Elevator pits five feet or less in depth may be considered for reclassification to a non-permit required confined space. All elevator pits greater than five feet deep are
permit required spaces.
- Elevator pit entry procedures for routine inspection, maintenance: i.e., no car movement and no hazardous work are listed below.
(1) notify Operations Center at X1141 (2) electrically deenergize cars (3) erect barricade across opening (4) remotely test atmosphere and document readings (5) make entry wearing
test meter and two way radio (6) notify Operations Center when work is completed
Entry into pits greater than five feet deep or entry into any pit with car movement, hot work, or work reasonably anticipated to create additional safety hazards are considered
permit required spaces.
All training requirements apply to entrants into both categories of confined spaces.
11.1 University Requirements
When the University arranges to have employees of another employer (contractor) perform work that involves permit confined space entry, the assigned University employee shall:
- Inform the contractor that the workplace contains confined spaces and that entry is allowed only through compliance with the University's Confined Space Program.
- Provide copies of these procedures and a permit.
- Appraise the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and the University's experience with the space, that make the space in question a permit required confined
- Appraise the contractor of any precautions or procedures that the University has implemented for the protection of employees in or near permit required confined spaces where
contractor personnel will be working.
- Coordinate entry operations with the contractor, when both University and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit required confined spaces to protect both groups of
- Debrief the contractor at the conclusion of the entry operations regarding the Confined Space Program followed and regarding any hazards confronted or created in these spaces
during entry operations.
11.2 Contractor Requirements
In addition to complying with the confined space requirements that apply to all employees, each contractor who is retained to perform confined space entry operations shall:
- Obtain any available information regarding confined space hazards and entry operations from the host employer.
- Coordinate entry operations with host employer when both groups of employees will be working in or near confined spaces.
- Inform host employer of the Confined Space Program that the contractor will follow and of any hazards confronted or created in confined spaces through a debriefing or during the
entry operation. Provide a copy of their Confined Space Procedures and permit system to the University prior to commencement of work.
All identified confined spaces shall be placarded with a sign reading:
"Danger-Confined Space, DO NOT ENTER"
Contact Operations Center at 831-1141 or
Environmental Health & Safety at 831-8475
Questions regarding confined space entry procedures should be addressed to EHS (x8475)