EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/23/2006
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. / 6709.12_20
Page 1 of 11
FSH 6709.12- safety and health program handbook
Chapter 20- occupational health program
/ Forest Service Handbook
Alaska Region (Region 10)
Juneau, Alaska
fsH 6709.12– safety and health program handbook
chapteR 20 – occupational health program
Supplement No.: R-10 6709.12-2006-2
Effective Date: June 23, 2006
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: /s/ Mary Anne Young (for)DENNIS E. BSCHOR
Regional Forester / Date Approved: 06/07/2006
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last R-10 Supplement to this Handbook was 6709.12-2006-1 to chapter 10.
New Document / 6709.12_20 / 11 PagesSuperseded Document(s) by Issuance Number and Effective Date / 6709.12,20 (6709.12-94-1, 6/24/94) / 11 Pages
Digest:
This supplement converts the format and style to the new FSH template using the agency’s current corporate word processing software.
Although some minor typographical and technical errors have been corrected, this supplement contains no changes to substantive direction.
20 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM
The Forest Service Confined Space Program is designed to make employees who must enter confined workspaces aware of the hazards they may encounter, and to protect them by providing training, monitoring equipment, requiring certain work procedures, and not allowing entry into certain confined workspaces. See 20 - Exhibit 01 for a listing of types of confined spaces, required program elements, and work procedures.
20 - EXHIBIT 01 IS A SEPARATE DOCUMENT
1. Authority. 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-required Confined Spaces, and 29 CFR 1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy.
2. Objective. To protect employees from the hazards of entry into confined work spaces.
3. Policy.
a. Entry into confined workspaces will be made using the "alternate entry procedure" authorized in 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)(1).
Should conditions within a confined space exceed the limits of this authority (atmospheric conditions cannot be controlled by continuous ventilation or other hazards prevent safe entry), entry will be prohibited. In this case, the work will be contracted.
In all cases, entry is prohibited until initial atmospheric testing has been done from the outside, and purging, using forced air ventilation, has been done for the required period of time (See20 - Exhibit 02.)
b. Only trained employees equipped with proper protective and monitoring equipment will be allowed to enter confined work spaces.
c. Work required in confined workspaces where entry by employees is not allowed will be contracted. Contractors must be in full compliance with the standard, provide documentation, and a copy of their confined space program.
d. Confined workspaces will be identified and marked with signs, or in the case of multiple spaces in one location, a site plan and warning shall be posted where employees normally report to work.
e. Where practical, confined spaces will be locked so as to prevent public entry or entry by unauthorized employees.
20 - EXHIBIT 02
Confined Space Pre-Entry Certification
Use this checklist and certification of safe entry conditions each time actual entry into confined space is required. It is not required if the work can be done from outside the space.
Yes / No1. / Did your survey of the surrounding area show it to be free of hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping, or sewers? / ( ) / ( )
2. / Does your knowledge of industrial or other discharges indicate his area is likely to remain free of dangerous air contaminants while occupied? / ( ) / ( )
3. / Are you certified in operation of the gas monitor to be used? / ( ) / ( )
4. / Has a gas monitor functional test (Bump Test) been performed this date on the gas monitor to be used? / ( ) / ( )
5. / Did you test the atmosphere of the confined space (prior to entry)? / ( ) / ( )
6. / Did the atmosphere check as acceptable (no alarms given)? / ( ) / ( )
7. / Will the atmosphere be continuously monitored while the space is occupied? / ( ) / ( )
8. / Is forced air continuous ventilation adequate to maintain the permit space free of atmosphere hazards? / ( ) / ( )
9. / Will barriers/warning devices be needed and are they in place? / ( ) / ( )
10. / Have electrical and mechanical sources of energy been locked out and tagged? / ( ) / ( )
11. / Is positive communications with a source of help present? / ( ) / ( )
12. / Does the second person understand their role? / ( ) / ( )
Notice: If any of the above questions are answered "no" do not enter. Contact your immediate supervisor.
Name of 2nd person:Job Location:
Crew Supervisor: / Date:
4. Responsibility.
a. Forest Supervisors shall identify supervisors and employees authorized to enter confined work spaces, and will train and equip them with the necessary equipment to ensure safe operations. They shall also ensure that contracted operations are in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.146 and 29 CFR 1910.147.
b. Supervisors and employees authorized to enter confined spaces shall control and authorize all entries and records of training for authorized entrants.
c. Employees authorized entry shall comply with program requirements.
5. Definitions.
a. Alternate Procedures. Entry procedures into confined spaces where it can be demonstrated the only hazard of the space is actual, or potential hazardous atmosphere, and continuous forced air ventilation is sufficient to maintain the space safe for entry.
b. Confined Space. A space that:
(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work;
(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits, and spaces that may have limited means of entry); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
c. Entry. The action by which a person passes through an opening into a permit-required confined space. Entry includes ensuing work activities in that space, and is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant's body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.
d. Hazardous Atmosphere. An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a permit space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:
(1) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL).
(2) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL.
(3) Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent.
(4) Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a "dose" or a permissible exposure limit is published.
(5) Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.
e. Lockout/Tagout. Refers to an OSHA standard, 29 CFR 1910.147, that applies to the control of energy during the maintenance of equipment and machines.
f. Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere. An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume.
g. Permit-required Confined Space (Permit Space). A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
(1) Contains or has a 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 which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section.
(4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
6. General Program Requirements.
a. U.S.Forest Service.
(1) Inventory and evaluate confined work spaces and identify confined spaces. Periodically update the inventory as new facilities come on line. See the sample form in 20 - Exhibit 03.
20 - EXHIBIT 03 IS A SEPARATE DOCUMENT.
(2) Sign confined workspaces using wording such as, "Confined Workspace, Entry by Authorized Employees Only."
(3) A written alternate entry program will be developed for local conditions and confined space situations. This written program must be available to employees or their representatives and must contain these elements:
(a) Location of monitoring and inspection data that supports allowing entry using the alternate procedure rule, 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)(i).
(b) How the monitoring and inspection data is to be made available to entry employees.
(c) Details of how work procedures comply with requirements of the alternate procedure:
-Elimination of hazards before entrance covers are removed.
-Steps to be taken to guard entrance openings after cover removal.
-Atmospheric testing procedures before entry and periodic testing during entry (oxygen, flammable gases and vapors, toxic air contaminants, in that order).
-What to do if a hazardous condition is detected after entry.
-Use of continuous air ventilation equipment.
-Written certification verifying the space is safe for entry.
b. Contractors. Work in confined spaces may be contracted. Certain duties remain with the host employer:
(1) Notify the contractor that entry under the contract must be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.146 and 29 CFR 1910.147.
(2) Inform the contractor of hazards identified with the space or spaces to be entered, and coordinate entry procedures when both the host and contractor will be working in or near the confined spaces.
(3) The contractor has the responsibility to ask about hazards and to inform the Forest Service of the entry program to be followed and any hazards encountered during the work.
c. Required Equipment. This equipment will be provided at no cost to employees. It shall be maintained in good working order, and employees will be trained in proper care and use. Proper maintenance of test equipment is extremely important to assure accurate readings of atmosphere within the space.
(1) Testing and Monitoring Equipment. Will measure oxygen content, combustible gases and vapors, and toxic gases and vapors. The equipment must:
(a) Be able to test for oxygen, combustible gases, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide.
(b) Have an audible alarm system.
(c) Be portable so a worker can carry into the space.
(d) Have remote sensing capability with either an aspirator or mechanical pump.
(e) Be equipped with a calibration kit.
(f) Be rechargeable
(2) Forced-Air Ventilation Equipment. Provides clean toxic-free air to obtain and maintain acceptable entry conditions. This equipment can be gas or electrically powered and be equipped with a minimum of 20 feet of hose. An AC/DC adapter to supply electric power for lighting is recommended.
(3) Communication Equipment. Allows alerting entrants of the need to evacuate the space. This will vary from voice commands to more elaborate equipment, depending on the situation. Emergency notification will require equipment capable of reaching a source of assistance.
(4) Personal Protective Equipment. This could include eye protection, coveralls, and gloves as described in FS Form 6700-7, Job Hazard Analysis (See 20 - Exhibit 04).
20 - EXHIBIT 04 IS A SEPARATE DOCUMENT.
(5) Lighting Equipment. Capable of providing enough light to allow work and to exit the space quickly in an emergency.
(6) Barriers, Signs, Tape, and Other Protective Devices. Necessary to protect entrants from external hazards.
(7) Lockout Devices. Locks and tags to isolate electrical and mechanical energy.
d. General Hazards of Confined Workspaces and General Safeguards. Any confined space may have associated safety and health hazards. These include:
(1) Wet or damp conditions which favor electrical hazards; rusted and deteriorated or slippery metal surfaces; the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other micro-organisms which could result in the buildup of toxic gases; and an increased possibility of the presence of disease causing organisms.
(2) Unexpected electrical or mechanical energy release.
(3) A high chance of slips, trips, and falls.
(4) The quality of the atmosphere in a confined space is suspected.
e. Safeguards.
(1) Always assume a safety and health hazard exists.
(2) Atmospheric hazards are almost always not visible. Always sample before entering or allowing entry.
(3) Continuous forced air ventilation is required whenever an employee is in the space. Pre-entry purging shall be done after atmospheric sampling. See 20 - Exhibit 05 for purge times.
20 - EXHIBIT 05
Fresh Air Purge Time Based on Volume of
Confined Space (cubic feet) and Blower
Capacity (cubic feet per minute)
Size of conf. space(cf) / Size of cf blower
(cfm) / Required Purge Time (minutes)
0-499 / Minimum of 5 minutes
500 / 1000 / 5
1000 / 1000 / 8
2000 / 1000 / 15
3000 / 1000 / 22
4000 / 1000 / 30
Assume average blower capacity commercially available is 800 - 1390 cfm.
(4) Sources of energy must be isolated before entry.
(5) A second person must be present to act as an attendant and must not enter the space under any circumstances.
f. Lockout/Tagout Procedures. The electrical and mechanical energy which may be present in confined spaces must be isolated before entry and service or maintenance work is performed. Protection of workers from these sources of injury is one of the first planning steps. Water tanks with electric float valves, grinding pumps, and heavy hinged door and hatch openings are typical. Many water tanks are remotely located from electrical control panels making it difficult to control unintentional reactivation of energy.
(1) Utilities and mechanical equipment serving the space must be isolated and disconnected in preparation for entry.
(2) Main breakers to electrical service must be positively locked out of service using a padlock, locking device, and an "out of service" tag firmly affixed to the lock. Throwing a circuit breaker or disconnect switch to the "off" position is not a positive lockout.
(3) Circuit breaker panels must be locked shut to prevent opening while work is in progress. If necessary, add a hasp to the panel box to allow the use of a padlock.
(4) Doors, grates, and hinged hatch covers have stored mechanical energy which would be released if allowed to fall. Positively lock and support their weight while work is in progress.
g. Cleaning of Confined Spaces. The introduction of chemicals for the purpose of disinfecting and cleaning can also result in the creating of a hazardous atmosphere. Incompatible chemicals, such as ammonia and bleach, when used in combination, can create toxic gas. Inappropriately strong solutions of common chemicals can cause asphyxiation. Procedures for cleaning operations in confined spaces:
(1) Continuous forced air ventilation is required for the full time cleaning operations are being done.
(2) Flammable or combustible chemicals are prohibited from use as cleaners or disinfectants.
(3) Ammonia and bleach shall not be mixed or used together in any combination.
(4) Review the Material Safety Data Sheet for all chemicals to be used for cleaning. Substitute safer chemicals where possible.
(5) Use a commercially prepared 5 percent mix of bleach diluted with water for disinfecting water tanks under continuous forced ventilation
h. Written Entry Certification.
(1) A written entry certificate will be completed before entry to any confined space. The certificate verifies the space is safe for entry and that the measures required by paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of 29 CFR 1910.146 have been taken.
(2) The certificate must contain the date, location of the space, length of time to be occupied, and be signed by the supervisor. It is valid only for the length of time required to complete the work which required entry. Retain the certificates for 12 months and review annually to monitor the adequacy of pre-entry procedures.
i. Training. Employees who will be supervising entry procedures and employees who will be making entries will receive training in:
(1) Work procedures allowed under this program, local written program plans for confined space, Job Hazard Analysis for confined space, 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-required Confined Spaces and 29 CFR 1910.147, Control of Hazardous Energy.
(2) Hazard recognition and awareness of the potential health and safety hazards to be found in confined spaces.
(3) Use and limitations of the atmospheric monitoring equipment provided. Care and maintenance of the equipment will also be covered.
(4) Use of personal protective equipment and requirements for its use.
(5) Use of ventilation and other equipment needed for entry procedures.
(6) The dangers of incompatible chemicals used in cleaning and use of material safety data sheet (MSDS) information.
(7) What to do in case of an emergency.
(8) Lockout/tagout procedures to be used in all spaces where it is necessary to isolate electrical and mechanical energy sources.
(9) Responsibilities of supervisors, entrants, and persons assigned as attendants.