514 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 30-37

34-8. General Requirements.

General Guidelines

Confined space work guidelines apply to fixed facilities, construction sites, and USACE floating plant operations, excluding underground construction in confined spaces.
Personnel must barricade and guard confined spaces to prevent unauthorized entry.
Workers must inform supervisors before entering confined spaces.

Confined Space Identification and Evaluation

The QP is responsible for identifying confined spaces as per regulations and documenting the survey in the Confined Space Plan inventory.
Each PRCS must be labeled to prohibit unauthorized entry, meeting specific regulatory requirements.
The CPCSSV must identify, survey, and label confined spaces, maintaining inventory records onsite and at the land-based office.

Entry Requirements

Continuous atmospheric monitoring is required before and during confined space entry, with documentation of air testing results.
If atmospheric hazards are detected, the space must be purged or ventilated to maintain safe levels.
Test for acceptable oxygen levels, flammable atmosphere below 10% LFL, and toxic substances below OEL.

Entry Permits

The Entry Supervisor must complete an entry permit for each confined space entry, detailing hazard control measures.
Permits are valid for one shift only and must be accessible at the confined space location.
Canceled permits should be retained for at least one year for review.

Reclassification

PRCS can be reclassified as NPCS if all hazards are eliminated or isolated, not including atmospheric hazards controlled by ventilation.
Reclassification documentation must be accessible at the confined space and reviewed if hazards reappear.
Entry records under reclassification should be kept for at least one year for review.

Alternate Entry

If a PRCS has only atmospheric hazards controlled by continuous ventilation, the Entry Supervisor may follow alternate entry procedures.
Documentation for alternate entry must be available at the confined space location and reviewed if hazards arise.
Keep alternate entry records for at least one year for review.

Confined Space Hazard Control

Utilize natural or mechanical ventilation to ensure fresh air supply in spaces with hazardous atmospheres.
Install isolation barriers to prevent unwanted entry of liquids or solids during work.
Equip mechanical ventilation systems with alarms to alert failure.

Confined Space Rescue

Confined space rescue plans should match the hazard level, with appropriate rescue teams available as per the specific requirements of each hazard level.
Coordinate with federal, state, or local rescue services to ensure support capability.
Evaluate in-house or contracted rescue services for their ability to perform timely rescues.

34-9. Figures and Tables.

Not Applicable.

34-10. Checklists and Forms.

See Figures/Tables Checklists/Forms

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

34-6. How often is atmospheric monitoring required before and during confined space entry?

Continuously monitor

Test every 15 minutes

Test on entry and exit

Test every 30 minutes

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 34-8.

34-8. General Requirements.

a.  General. The requirements of the chapter apply to all confined space work performed in permanent fixed facilities, construction sites according to 29 CFR
1926.1201 (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA), and USACE floating plant operations and/or floating plant repair and maintenance operations.  Contractor floating plant operations will follow 29 CFR 1915 Subpart B.  This chapter does not apply to underground construction work (for example, tunneling) in a confined space.  (See chapter 26)
(34-8.a)

(1)  To prevent unauthorized entry during confined space work, place barricades and guardrails at appropriate locations.

(2)  Personnel working in and around confined spaces must notify their supervisor prior to entry.

b.  Confined Space Identification and Evaluation.  (34-8.b)

(1)  The QP must identify each confined space according to 29 CFR 1910.146 and
    29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA.  Once a confined space has been identified, conduct a survey to evaluate the existing and potentially hazardous conditions.  Document the survey and include it in the Confined Space Plan inventory.  See non-mandatory ENG Form 6212 (Confined Space Survey) (see para 34-10.g).

Note. When surveys identify a NPCS, no Confined Space Plan or permit is required.

(2)  The QP must label each PRCS with a posted sign or tag at the entrance to prohibit unauthorized entry.  The labeling must meet the requirements of 29 CFR
    1910.146, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA, 29 CFR 1915 Subpart B, ANSI Z117 or
    ANSI A10.43.

(3)  The CPCSSV must identify confined spaces, conduct a survey to evaluate the hazards, label the space according to 29 CFR 1915 Subpart B, and maintain a copy of the inventory onsite and at the land-based office.

(4)  Upon entry into the confined space, the CPCSSV will post additional signage if the confined space contains the following:

(a)  If the confined space has an oxygen deficient atmosphere, the space will be labeled as “Not Safe for Workers.”

(b)  If the confined space has an oxygen-enriched atmosphere, the space will be labeled as “Not Safe for Workers – Not Safe for Hot Work.”

(c)  If the confined space contains a flammable gas or vapor at 10% or higher than the LEL for the gas, then the space will be labeled “Not Safe for Workers – Not Safe for Hot Work.”

(d)  If the confined space contains an atmosphere that is toxic, corrosive, or irritants that exceed the OEL, then the space will be labeled as “Not Safe for Workers.”

c.  Entry Requirements.  (34-8.c)

(1)  Monitor all confined spaces prior to and continuously during entry to ensure acceptable atmospheric levels are present throughout all operations.  Perform air testing prior to ventilating the space.  Document the results of the testing on an atmospheric monitoring form.  Include the name of the individual performing the testing, the make, model, and serial number of the air monitoring device, and last calibration date.  See non-mandatory ENG Form 6205 (Atmospheric Testing) (see para 34-10.b).

(2)  If atmospheric hazards are present within the confined space, purge or ventilate, or both, to ensure acceptable atmospheric levels are maintained and controlled, prior to and throughout the entry.

(3)  Test the atmosphere in the order specified below.  The atmosphere is considered acceptable when the following conditions exist:

(a)  Oxygen concentration:

(a-1)  Construction and General Industry:  19.5% to 23.5%.

(a-2)  Ships and Vessels:  19.5% to below 22%.  Entry is prohibited when the LEL
        is greater than 10% unless it is required for emergency rescue.

(b)  Flammable atmosphere:  Less than 10% LFL.

d.  Entry Permits. (34-8.d)

(1)  The Entry Supervisor must complete an entry permit, documenting the appropriate elimination, mitigation, and control measures to be implemented for all existing and potential hazards.  See non-mandatory ENG Form 6208 (Permit-Required Confined Space Entry) (see para 34-10.d).

(2)  Permits are limited to one shift.  If work operations exceed one shift, the permit must be reissued.

(3)  Make available the permit and any other documentation specific to the entry at the confined space location.

(4)  Mark the permit as canceled after the date and time stated on the permit has expired, the work is completed, or there is a change in conditions that requires cancellation.

(5)  Once the PRCS operation has concluded, hold a debrief to review the written
    Confined Space Plan and any hazards encountered or created.

(6)  Keep cancelled permits for at least one year for Entry Supervisors to review prior to entering a confined space.

e.  Reclassification.  If the Entry Supervisors determines the PRCS poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated or isolated prior to entry, the PRCS may be reclassified as a NPCS for as long as the non-atmospheric hazards remain eliminated or isolated according to 29 CFR 1910.146 or 29 CFR 1926.1203 (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA).  (34-8.e)

(1)  Control of atmospheric hazards through forces air ventilation does not constitute elimination.

(2)  The reclassification must be documented and available at the confined space location.  See non-mandatory ENG Form 6210 (Confined Space Reclassification) (see para 34-10.e).

(3)  If hazards arise in the reclassified space, employees must exit the space and the space must be reevaluated.

(4)  Keep documentation of entries conducted under reclassification for at least one year for Entry Supervisors to review prior to entering a confined space.

f.  Alternate Entry.  If the Entry Supervisor determines the PRCS has no potential for any other hazard, other than atmospheric, and is controlled with continuous ventilation (see para 34-8.g) and monitoring (see para 34-8.c), alternate entry procedures can be followed according to 29 CFR 1910.143 or 29 CFR 1926.1203.
(34-8.f)

(1)  Entry Supervisor must be able to demonstrate that continuous force air ventilation alone is sufficient to maintain safe entry conditions.

(2)  The alternate entry must be documented and available at the confined space location.  See non-mandatory ENG Form 6204 (Alternate Entry Procedure)
    (see para 34-10.a).

(3)  If hazards arise in the space, employees must exit the space and the space must be reevaluated.

(4)  Keep documentation of entries conducted under alternate entry for at least one year for Entry Supervisors to review prior to entering a confined space.

g.  Confined Space Hazard Control.  (34-8.g)

(1)  Ventilation.

(a)  When a hazardous atmosphere is present, use natural or mechanical ventilation controls to provide continuous fresh air into the confined space based on the work that will be performed.

(b)  Natural ventilation may be used to supply adequate breathing quality air within the confined space.

(c-1)  General (that is, Dilution) Ventilation.  Air supply must be from a clean source that does not increase the hazards in the space.  When continuous forced air is used, direct the ventilation towards the immediate areas where an Entrant will be present.

(c-2)  Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).  When hot work, painting, or the use of a combustible or flammable material is necessary in the confined space, utilize LEV to capture and remove contaminants at the source.

(c-3)  If a confined space contains an atmospheric hazard controlled by mechanical ventilation, use an audible or visual warning system to alert individuals in the event of the failed system.

(2)  Isolation. Install an isolation barrier to prevent any liquids or free flowing solids from entering the confined space when work is being conducted.

h.  Confined Space Rescue.  (34-8.h)

(1)  Base the confined space rescue plan on the hazard level.  Until a confined space can be proven to have no potential for hazards and no potential difficulty associated with the rescue of Entrants, the rescue service must be able to meet the requirements of the following hazard levels:

(a)  Hazard Level 1.  A confined space that does not contain any potential or recognized Hazards, but could require technical rescue due to its configuration that would prohibit Entrants from being easily removed should a worker become incapacitated. A fully trained rescue team must be available to respond within five minutes to the site and is capable of setup and rescue entry within 15 minutes of arrival onsite.

(b)  Hazard Level 2.  A confined space that does not contain life-threatening or other potentially IDLH hazards, but does contain potential or recognized hazards that could incapacitate Entrants or prevent them from exiting the space without assistance. A fully trained rescue team must be onsite, equipped, and capable of setup for safe entry for rescue within 12 to 15 minutes of incident occurrence.

(c)  Hazard Level 3.  A confined space that contains life-threatening hazards requiring immediate intervention (that is, IDLH atmosphere).  A fully trained rescue team must be onsite and standing by in the immediate area throughout the entire entry.  The rescue team must be dedicated to a single entry with no other responsibilities and will  be completely set up and capable of rescue entry within two minutes of incident occurrence.

(2)  Coordinate with applicable federal, state, or local municipal rescue services to ensure they are capable of supporting the entry.

(3)  In-house or contract provided rescue services will be evaluated to ensure they are fully capable of performing the rescues within the required timeframe.  See ENG Form 6211 (Rescue Service Evaluation) as an example (see para 34-10.f).