514 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 30-37

34-7. Minimum Plan Requirements.

Confined Space Program (USACE Only)

When USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) workers need to enter small, restricted spaces, a special plan called the Confined Space Program is required. This program, created by a qualified person, must be checked every year and cover several key areas:

Roles and Responsibilities: Who does what in the program.
Confined Space Surveys: How to find, list, and mark these small spaces.
Site-Specific Plans: Each location must have its own detailed safety plan.
Training: Making sure everyone knows what to do and how to stay safe.
Rescue Plans: How to get someone out quickly if something goes wrong.

Confined Space Plan

Before starting work in confined spaces, the person in charge (Entry Supervisor) must write a specific plan for that space and get it approved. This plan needs to include:

What's Being Done: A clear explanation of the work.
Permits and Hazards: Identifying dangers and how to deal with them.
Who's Involved: Listing everyone's jobs and proving they're trained for it.
Checking Work: How to make sure the plan is followed.
Needed Equipment: What tools and safety gear are necessary.
Air Checks: How and when to test the air to ensure it's safe to breathe.
Staying in Touch: How workers will communicate with each other.
Knowing the Space: Keeping a current list and labels for confined spaces.
Getting Out Safely: Plans for rescue in case of emergencies.

When to Stop and Update the Plan

If anything changes or goes wrong, work in the confined space must stop immediately. The plan must be updated and approved again before work can continue. This includes:

New Dangers: Finding unexpected risks.
Changes in the Space: Any alterations to the space or how it's used.
Job Changes: Different roles for the workers.
Emergency Exit: If workers have to leave quickly or if the use of the space changes in a way that could make it more dangerous.
New Spaces: Discovering or creating new confined spaces because of building or taking something down.
Accidents or Close Calls: If something bad happens or almost happens.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

34-5. If anything changes or goes wrong during work in a confined space, when may work resume?

After the confined space supervisor approves

After the plan is updated and approved

After the hazards have been mitigated

After a 30-minute waiting period

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 34-7.

34-7. Minimum Plan Requirements.

a.  Confined Space Program (USACE Only).  A written Confined Space Program must be developed by a QP when USACE employees are exposed to confined spaces. The Confined Space Program must be reviewed at least annually and include the following: (34-7.a)

(1)  Roles and Responsibilities for all personnel covered by the program.

(2)  Confined Space Survey(s), Inventory, and labeling procedures.

(3)  Requirement for each facility to develop a Site-Specific Confined Space Plan
    (see para 34-7.b).

(4)  Procedures to ensure all personnel exposed to confined spaces are provided with appropriate training.

(5)  Procedures to provide effective in-house rescue service when applicable.

Note. See paragraph 34-4.g, CPCSSV, for Confined Space Program requirements on ships and vessels.

b.  Confined Space Plan.  Prior to beginning PRCS work, the Entry Supervisor must develop and submit a written Site-Specific Confined Space Plan to USACE
supervisor for approval or to the KO or COR for acceptance.  The plan will include at least the following: (34-7.b)

(1)  Detailed description of the activity being performed.

(2)  Confined Space Permit process that identifies hazards or concerns and the control measures that will be implemented to control to an acceptable level.

(3)  Assignment of personnel and their roles and responsibilities.  Include necessary information/documentation to support qualification/training of such persons.

(4)  Inspection and oversight methods to ensure adherence to the plan.

(5)  Equipment required for each entry.

(6)  Procedures for conducting atmospheric monitoring.

(7)  Communication methods used.

(8)  Confined Space Inventory.

(9)  Labeling procedures.

(10)  Rescue Plan to include anticipated hazard levels.

c.  If any of the following conditions or events occur, stop all confined space work, update the Site-Specific Confined Space Plan, and resubmit it for acceptance prior to resuming entry if:  (34-7.c)

(1)  Additional hazards are identified.

(2)  There is a change in the configuration, conditions, contents, or operation of the space.

(3)  There is a change in assigned duties.

(4)  Entrants must evacuate, or if there are changes in the overall use of the space that may increase the hazards to the Entrant.

(5)  A new confined space is discovered or created due to construction or demolition activity.

(6)  An accident or near miss occurs.