[Adopted 4-26-2016 (Ch.
100, Art. X, of the 2016 Code)]
The Village of Bloomfield is committed to provide a safe and
healthy work environment for our entire staff. In pursuit of this
endeavor, the following written program in this article is in place
to first identify any permit-required confined spaces (PRCS) and to
eliminate or control hazards associated with PRCS operations. This
program is in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
(OSHA) Permit-Required Confined Spaces Standard, 29 CFR 1910.146.
A.
Overall program responsibility. The Superintendent is responsible
for the overall implementation and maintenance of any written program
or any certification concerning the requirements of the Permit-Required
Confined Space Standard at our facility.
B.
Permit-required confined space evaluation.
(1)
The Superintendent is responsible for evaluating the workplace to
determine if any permit spaces are present.
(2)
The Superintendent will be responsible for determining if a PRCS
program is required, or if the permit space can be reclassified as
a nonpermit space, or if alternative procedures can be used.
C.
Training. The Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that all
affected personnel are properly trained and that refresher training
is given. Personnel who may be included are any authorized entrants,
attendants, entry supervisors, on-site rescue team members, and employees
who may potentially enter the space.
D.
Initial contacting for rescue services. The Superintendent will ensure
that rescue and emergency services have been informed of any permit-required
confined spaces at the Village of Bloomfield and have been given access
to the spaces for drills, training, etc.
E.
Equipment. The Safety Officer will ensure that all equipment needed
for safe entry into any permit spaces and nonpermit spaces is available
and in proper working order.
A.
The Superintendent has evaluated the workplace and has determined
that permit-required confined spaces do exist.
B.
The locations and hazards posed by these permit spaces are listed
below:
|
Location
|
Hazard
|
|---|---|
|
Sewer/Water District No. 1 Meter Pit
|
H2S, methane gas, oxygen deprivation
|
|
Water District No. 1 Meter Pit
|
Flooding
|
|
Any manhole deeper than 5 feet
|
H2S, methane gas, oxygen deprivation
|
|
WWTP entrance chamber
|
H2S, methane gas, oxygen deprivation
|
|
WWTP clear well
|
H2S, methane gas, oxygen deprivation
|
|
WWTP clarifiers when drained
|
H2S, methane gas, oxygen deprivation, flooding
|
|
WWTP trickling filters
|
H2S, methane gas, oxygen deprivation
|
|
WWTP anaerobic digester
|
H2S, methane gas, oxygen deprivation, flooding
|
|
WWTP sand filters (area under filters)
|
H2S, methane gas, oxygen deprivation
|
A.
If permit spaces are identified at our work site, the Safety Officer
will inform exposed or potentially exposed employees of their existence
and hazards. The method that will be used will be mandatory training
on, and acknowledgment of, these hazards.
B.
It has been determined by the Superintendent that the permit space
identified at our work site will be entered by employees of our workplace.
A.
Safe entry procedures have been developed for each permit space at
our facility. These procedures specify the proper methods and equipment
necessary to conduct the entry operation in a safe manner. A permit
space entry procedure worksheet has been completed for each permit
space by the Safety Officer and they are located at 5 Elm Street,
Wastewater Treatment Plant office.
B.
A written PRCS program addresses the following elements for each
permit space entered:
(1)
The methods used to prevent unauthorized entry.
(2)
Identify and evaluate the specific hazards before entry.
(3)
Establish measures for the safe control of identified hazards, such
as isolation purging, ventilation, barricades, lockout/tag-out, etc.
(4)
Providing and maintaining equipment necessary for safe entry, including
testing and monitoring, ventilation, communications, personal protection,
lighting, barriers, entry and egress, and rescue equipment.
(5)
Procedure to test the permit space and document results. Procedure
to maintain acceptable conditions in the permit space. Identify duties
of each employee required and provide training.
(6)
Provide at least one attendant outside the permit space for the duration
of the entry operations.
(7)
Implement proper procedures for rescue.
(8)
Establish a written system for preparation, issuance, use and cancellation
of permits.
(9)
Coordinate entry operations during multiple employer entries. Review
entire entry program at least annually, unless previously reviewed
at conclusion of a specific entry.
The OSHA regulations allow permit spaces which have, as their
only hazard, an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere to use alternative
procedures for entry (see standard).
The OSHA regulations also allows permit spaces to be reclassified
as nonpermit spaces by the total elimination of all the hazards. A
permit space can be reclassified as a nonpermit space if there are
no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and if all the other hazards
within the space are eliminated without entry into the space.
B.
Each member of the team will receive initial and annual refresher
training. The training will be specific for the duties of each team
member and include procedures and practices necessary to protect them
from dangers of the permit space. Cross-training is highly recommended.
C.
The training program will include the duties of each team member
as listed below:
(1)
Authorized entrants.
(2)
Attendants.
(a)
Know the hazards associated with the permit space and their
effects.
(b)
Maintain an accurate account of the authorized entrants.
(c)
Remain at their assigned station until relieved by another attendant
or until the permit space entry is complete.
(d)
Monitor conditions in and around the permit space.
(e)
Summon rescue and applicable medical services in the event of
an emergency.
(f)
Perform nonentry rescue procedures.
(g)
Perform appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized personnel
from entering the permit space.
(3)
Entry supervisors.
(a)
Know the hazards associated with the permit space and their
effects.
(b)
Verify that the safeguards required by the permit have been
implemented.
(c)
Verify that rescue services are available and that means for
summoning them are operable.
(d)
Cancel the written permit and terminate the permit space entry
when required.
(e)
Remove personnel who are not authorized to enter the permit
space during operations.
(f)
Periodically, determine that the entry operation is being performed
in a manner consistent with the requirements of the permit space entry
procedures and that acceptable entity conditions are maintained.
(4)
Rescue personnel. See Appendix P for information on rescue personnel.
If a full PRCS Program is required, training is needed on the
following topics:
A.
Type of confined space hazards.
B.
Components of the written PRCS Program.
C.
Components of the entry permit system.
D.
Components of the hot work permit.
E.
The need for prompt guarding of the entrance opening.
F.
Atmospheric testing equipment, including its use, calibration, and
maintenance.
I.
Procedures the employees must follow if they detect a hazard.
J.
The evaluation process to be used for reentry if hazards are detected.
K.
The use of entry equipment (ladders, rope, etc.).
O.
Procedures for annual review of canceled permits.
P.
Any other information necessary to ensure employees' safety during
a permit space entry operation.
Q.
Documentation of the training.
The following is a list of employees who have equipped and trained
to serve as authorized entrants, attendants and/or entry supervisors
at our facility:
|
Trainer
|
Date of Training
| |
|---|---|---|
|
Brian Rayburn
|
Ontario County
|
12-8-1994
|
|
Rick Widman
|
In-house review
|
1-8-2014
|
|
Brian Steenburn
|
In-house review
|
1-8-2014
|
|
Chris Treadway
|
In-house review
|
1-8-2014
|
|
Dan Whittaker
|
In-house review
|
1-8-2014
|
When contractors are involved in permit space entry work at
our workplace, the Superintendent will inform them on the following
information and coordinate any entry operations:
A.
The location of the permit spaces at our facility and that entry
into these spaces is allowed through a permit space program or alternative
procedures or space reclassification.
B.
Our rationale for listing the space as a permit space, such as any
identified hazard and our experiences with the particular space.
C.
Precautions that we have implemented to protect employees working
in or near the space.
D.
The Superintendent will debrief the contractor at the completion
of the entry operation, or during, if a need arises, and if any hazards
were confronted or created during their work.
When the contracted company is hired to perform work in a PRCS,
the contractor's representative will obtain the following information
from the host employer and ensure the following tasks are performed:
A.
Obtain any information on the hazards of the permit space and information
from previous entry operations from the host employer.
B.
Determine if the host employer's workers will be working in or near
the space.
C.
If the host employer will have employees working in or near the space
during the entry operation, the contractor's representative will coordinate
entry operations with the host employer's representative.
D.
Inform the host employer of the permit space program that will be
utilized.
E.
Hold a debriefing conference at the completion of the entry operation
or during the entry operation (if needed) to inform the host employer
of any hazards confronted or created.
A.
The precautions and procedures outlined in our written PRCS program
are designed to ensure that our employees are safe while working in
permit spaces. Under no circumstances do we expect our employees to
enter a permit space where hazards have not been eliminated or effectively
controlled.
B.
Additionally, we recognize that unexpected situations might arise
that prevent entrants from self-rescue. In response, the following
rescue and emergency action plan has been developed and will be strictly
enforced:
(1)
The Village of Bloomfield will utilize off-site rescue services when
applicable.
(2)
The Superintendent has made arrangements with the East Bloomfield-Holcomb
Volunteer Fire Department for off-site rescue and emergency services
and they have consented to provide this service.
(3)
The Superintendent has informed the East Bloomfield-Holcomb Volunteer
Fire Department of the hazards they may encounter if they are summoned.
The Superintendent has also provided access to the rescue service
so they can evaluate the permit spaces to develop appropriate rescue
plans and practice rescue operations. If rescue and emergency services
are needed, the following procedures will go into effect:
(a)
Contact by county radio or by phone the EBH Fire Department
and/or Ambulance Squad whenever rescue and emergency services are
needed.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
A.
Training must be given to each employee who has access or potential
access to a permit space. The amount and type of training needed will
depend on the individual's duty assignment. The overall intent of
this training is to give employees the understanding, knowledge, and
skills necessary for the safe performance of their assigned duties
in relation to the permit spaces of concern.
B.
Four basic categories have been set up to train employees based on
duties and potential exposure.
(2)
Training required for using alternative procedures. If the space
qualifies for alternative procedures, training on the following topics
is warranted:
(a)
A major point concerning the use of alternative procedures is
that these procedures can only be used when a hazardous atmosphere
is the only hazard of concern.
(b)
The harm associated with the atmospheric hazards of concern,
including their acceptable entry levels and symptoms of overexposure.
(c)
Awareness training to recognize other potential hazards in or
around the space.
(d)
Any conditions which may make it unsafe to remove the entrance
cover.
(e)
The need for prompt guarding of the entrance opening.
(f)
Atmospheric testing equipment, including its use, method of
calibration, and maintenance.
(g)
Preentry, frequent or continuous testing of the permit space.
(h)
Check all levels of the space for atmospheric hazards.
(j)
Procedures the employee must follow if a hazardous atmosphere
is detected.
(k)
The evaluation process to be used for reentry if a hazardous
atmosphere is detected or the individual vacates the space and returns
some time later.
(l)
The use of entry equipment used, including ladders and intrinsically
safe lighting.
(m)
Personal protective equipment, its use, limitations, and required
maintenance.
(n)
A review of the completed written certification form (Appendix
D) with the employee prior to entering the space.
(o)
Any process which may introduce a hazard which would prohibit
use of alternative procedures.
(p)
Any other information needed to ensure the safety of the employee.
(q)
The documentation of the training.
(3)
Training required for using the reclassifying permit space procedures.
If the permit space can be reclassified as a nonpermit space, the
following items must be discussed:
(a)
Documentation of the elimination of the hazards. If the elimination
of the hazards or verification of elimination requires employees to
enter the space, then a full PRCS program is needed.
(b)
Train employee on the hazards associated with the space (i.e.,
mechanical, chemical, atmospheric) and the methods needed to eliminate
the hazards, such as:
[1]
Isolation techniques: lockout/tag-out.
[2]
Disconnection and misalignment of pipes.
[3]
Double block and bleed.
[4]
Blanking and blinding.
[5]
Removal of engulfment hazards.
[6]
Elimination of hazardous atmosphere by draining, inerting, purging,
cleaning, venting.
[7]
Train employees on the use of entry equipment used, including
ladders, GFI for electrical equipment, etc.
[8]
Personal protective equipment, including its use, limitations,
and required maintenance.
[9]
A review of the completed written certification form (Appendix
E) with the employee entering the space.
(c)
Inform employees that any procedures such as welding, cleaning
with a chemical, etc., would negate the reclassification and convert
the space back to a permit space.
(d)
Any conditions which may make it unsafe to remove entrance cover.
(e)
The need for prompt guarding of the entrance opening.
(f)
Atmospheric testing equipment, including its use, method of
calibration, and maintenance.
(h)
Procedures the employee will follow if a hazard is detected.
(i)
The evaluation process to be used for reentry if a hazard is
detected or the individual vacates the space and returns some time
later.
(j)
Awareness training to recognize other potential hazards in or
around the space.
(k)
The documentation of the training.
Within one year of any entry operation, the Superintendent will
conduct a review of the program using the canceled entry permits to
identify any deficiencies in our program. A review will be conducted
sooner if there is reason to believe that the program does not adequately
protect our employees. Any corrective measures will be documented
by a revision of the program. Employees will be trained on any changes.
Additionally, employees who note any inadequacies with the program
can contact the Superintendent. If no permit space entry operations
are conducted during the year, no review is needed.
|
A, Permit-Required Confined Space Standard
|
|
B, Permit-Required Confined Space Poster
|
|
C, Confined Space/Permit-Required Confined Space Recognition
Form
|
|
D, Alternative Procedure Worksheet
|
|
E, Reclassifying Permit Space Worksheet
|
|
F, Permit-Required Confined Space Written Program Worksheet
|
|
F1, Sample Copy of Permit-Required Confined Space Program Worksheet
|
|
G, Host Employer's Responsibilities with Contractor Worksheet
|
|
H, Contractor's Responsibilities with Host Employers Worksheet
I
|
|
I, Hot Work Permit
|
|
J, Common Combustible Substances
|
|
K, MSDS for Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Methane
|
|
L, Highlights of Permit-Required Confined Space Standard/Training
Guides
|
|
M, Not applicable at this time
|
|
N, Sample Letter from Employer to Outside Rescue Service
|
|
O, Sample Letter from Rescue and Emergency Provider to Employer
|
|
P, Rescue and Emergency Services
|
|
P1, Rescue Plan Checklist
|
|
Q, Entry Permit
|
|
R, Employee Training Record
|
