514 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 30-37

Chapter 34: Confined Space

This chapter on confined spaces emphasizes the importance of identifying, evaluating, and safely entering confined spaces.

Workers preparing before entering a confined space

This chapter emphasizes the importance of identifying, evaluating, and safely entering confined spaces.

It underscores the necessity of comprehensive training for all personnel involved. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of different personnel, including Entrants, Attendants, Entry Supervisors, and rescue services, ensuring a thorough understanding of potential hazards and the implementation of safety measures.

Key procedures such as atmospheric testing, permit issuance, and emergency response are detailed to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure worker safety. The chapter advocates for a systematic approach to managing confined space work, including the development of specific confined space programs and plans, alongside the mandatory documentation and adherence to regulatory standards and best practices.

34-1. References.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 34-1.

34-1. References.

a.  ANSI/ASSE A10.43, Confined Spaces in Construction and Demolition Operations (https://www.ansi.org)  (34-1.a)

b.  ANSI/ASSP Z117.1, Safety Requirements for Entering Confined Spaces (https://www.ansi.org) (34-1.b)

c.  NFPA 306, Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels (https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards)  (34-1.c)

d.  NFPA 350, Guide for Safe Confined Space Entry and Work (https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards)  (34-1.d)

e.  29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol5/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol5- sec1910-146.pdf)  (34-1.e)

f.  29 CFR 1915.7, Competent Person, Confined Space in Ships and Vessels (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol7/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol7- sec1915-7.pdf)  (34-1.f)

g.  29 CFR 1915 Subpart B, Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres in Shipyard Employment (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020- title29-vol7/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol7-part1915-subpartB.pdf)  (34-1.g)

h.  29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA Confined Spaces in Construction (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol8/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol8- part1926-subpartAA.pdf)  (34-1.h)

34-2. Definitions.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 34-2.

34-2. Definitions.

a.  Attendant. An individual assigned to monitor outside of a single confined space and provide support or respond as required for the safety of the Entrants.  (34-2.a)

b.  Competent Person, Confined Spaces in Ships and Vessels (CPCSSV).  An individual, designated in writing by the employer, responsible for testing, inspecting, and evaluating spaces and meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1915.7.  (34-2.b)

c.  Confined Space.  A space that meets all of the following:  (34-2.c)

(1)  Is large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter and perform assigned work.

(2)  Has limited or restricted means for entry and exit.

(3)  Is not designed for continuous worker occupancy.

d.  Confined Space on a Ship or Vessel.  A compartment of small size and limited access such as a double bottom tank, cofferdam, or other space that is enclosed by bulkheads and overheads and can readily create or aggravate a hazardous exposure. (34-2.d)

e.  Enclosed Space.  Any space, other than a confined space, which is enclosed by bulkheads and overhead.  It includes cargo holds, tanks, quarters, and machinery and boiler spaces. (34-2.e)

f.  Enter with Restrictions.  Refers to entry into a confined space on a ship or vessel when engineering controls, PPE and time limitations are imposed by the CPCSSV.  (34-2.f)

g.  Entrant. An individual authorized by the Entry Supervisor to enter a confined space and perform an assigned task or operation.  (34-2.g)

h.  Entry Permit. The document that lists the hazards, controls, and procedures required for entry into a permit-required confined space (PRCS).  See non-mandatory ENG Form 6208 (Permit-Required Confined Space Entry) (see para 34-10.d).  (34-2.h)

i.  Entry Supervisor.  The QP responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a PRCS.  They will authorize entry, oversee entry operations, and terminate entry as required by this manual.  (34-2.i)

j.  Evacuation. An unaided emergency exit or self-rescue from a confined space. This action may result from the Entrant’s own decision or by a command from outside the space.  (34-2.j)

k.  Hazardous Atmosphere.  An atmosphere that exists or has the potential to exist and is capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or illness. Examples include oxygen deficiency or enrichment, flammability or explosivity by gas, vapor, dust, or toxicity.  (See 29 CFR 1926.1202 (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA))  (34-2.k)

l.  Lower Explosive Limit/Lower Flammability Limit (LEL/LFL).  The lowest concentration (that is, percentage) of a gas or a vapor in air capable of producing a flash of fire in presence of an ignition source (for example, arc flash, flame, heat). (34-2.l)

m.  Non-Permit Confined Space (NPCS).  A confined space that does not contain or have the potential to contain a hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm. (34-2.m)
n.  Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere.  An atmosphere with an oxygen content below 19.5% by volume.  (34-2.n)

o.  Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere.  An atmosphere containing more than 23.5% oxygen by volume. (34-2.o)

p.  Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere, on a Ship or Vessel.  An atmosphere containing more than 22% oxygen by volume.  (34-2.p)

q.  Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS).  A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:  (34-2.q)

(1)  Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.

(2)  Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an Entrant.

(3)  Has an internal configuration such that an Entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section.

(4)  Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

r.  Purging.  The replacement of a flammable, indeterminate, or high-oxygen- bearing atmosphere with another gas that, when complete, results in a non-flammable final state. (34-2.r)

s.  Rescue Service.  A team of qualified responders with the training, expertise, and equipment to readily provide confined space rescue.  (34-2.s)

t.  Safe for Workers, on a Ship or Vessel.  Denotes a confined space on floating plant that meets the following criteria:  (34-2.t)

(1)  The oxygen content of the atmosphere is at least 19.5% and below 22% by volume.

(2)  The concentration of flammable vapors is below 10% of the LEL.

(3)  Any toxic materials in the atmosphere associated with cargo, fuel, tank coatings, or inserting media are within permissible concentrations at the time of the inspection.