Douglas County Confined Space Policy

Revised 2007

SECTION 1: CONFINED SPACE ENTRY AND OPERATIONAL PLAN

Overview

Every employer is responsible for setting policies to properly handle work operation in confined spaces; as a result Douglas County has established the following confined space policy and procedures.  Management is responsible to ensure that proper procedures are carried out in all phases of confined space entry operations.

The following policy defines the types of spaces that are classified as confined spaces under Oregon OSHA “Permit Required Confined Spaces” CFR 1910.146 Rules.

It is Douglas County Policy that no employee shall enter any vessel or confined space without the expressed permission of his or her supervisor.

Our supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the proper safety equipment is available and used for the safety of the employees during confined space entry.  A designated lead person may be assigned the responsibility of directing the permit confined space entry.

The entry supervisor or designated lead person shall be responsible for:

1. completion of the work permit indicating the safety equipment required

2. Special precautions to be observed.

3. The number of employees permitted to enter.

4. The duration of the permit.

5. Cancellation of the permit.

Employees are responsible for following all steps of the entry procedure exactly as shown on the entry permit.

Program review

The Department managers and supervisors are responsible for maintaining copies of all permits issued for one year.  At the end of the year the managers will review the permits and conduct the required annual program evaluation.

ENTRY INTO CONFINED SPACES WILL OCCUR ONLY AFTER THE PROCEDURES IN THIS POLICY ARE MET! 

Definitions

The following definitions are for terms used throughout this document and are based on OAR 1910.146 Permit Required Confined Space regulation definitions. 

NOTE: ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS ARE FOUND IN THE EMPLOYEE TRAINING  SECTION 5.  THESE ARE KEY DEFINITIONS.

DEFINTIONS

Confined Space means a space that:

1. Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and 

2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins. hoppers, vaults and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry): and

3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Permit-Required Confined Space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

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 which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section.

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

Non-Permit Space means a confined space that does not contain atmospheric hazards, or have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm.  Examples include: vented vaults, motor control cabinets, and drop ceilings.  Although they are “confined spaces”, these spaces have either natural or permanent mechanical ventilation to prevent the accumulation of hazardous atmosphere, and they do not present engulfment or other serious hazards.

Entry:  Entry into a confined space occurs as soon as any part of the entrant’s body breaks the plane of an opening into the confined space.

Entry Permit:  The written permit defines the conditions under which the permit space may be entered.

Hazardous Atmosphere means 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;

Note:  This concentration may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet or less.

3.  An atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent:

4. Atmospheric concentrations of any substance for which a dose or a permissible exposure limit (PEL).

5. Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.

Note:  For air contaminants for which OSHA has not determined a dose or PEL, other sources of information, such as Material Safety Data Sheets that comply with the Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200.

Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) means any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects or that would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape unaided from a permit space.

Permissible Exposure Limits ( PEL) means an airborne chemical exposure limit established by Oregon OSHA which can not be exceeded without proper respiratory protection and the implementation of feasible engineering controls.

Space Classification

CONFINED SPACE ASSESSMENT

Confined space assessments are required to be done by the employer’s trained entry supervisors and safety personnel.  Space characteristics and controls may change; as a result, a space may be initially documented as a permit space and then need to be reclassified.  The entry supervisor must keep documentation on the space classification change in a form of written certification.  Where alternative procedures can be used then a written permit is not required (see Section 2).

NOTE: A space can be reclassified as a non-permit space under the following conditions:

1. If the permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated without entry into the space.

2. If testing and inspection during a permit entry demonstrate that the hazards within the permit space have been eliminated.

The department must document these determinations.  If hazards arise within a declassified space then the employees shall exit and the area will be reclassified as a permit confined space.

SEE TRAINING SECTION ON CONDUCTING SPACE CLASSIFACATION AND RECLASSIFICATION.

SECTION 2: PERMIT REQUIRED ENTRY SAFETY RULES

The following safety procedures define entry into the confined spaces identified in Appendix A as Permit-Required.  When Alternative Procedures can be used then entry can occur without a permit, emergency rescue system and standby person.

ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY INTO PERMIT-REQUIRED SPACES

1. The OSHA rules allow an employer to use Alternative Procedures for entering a permit space under certain conditions.  The entry supervisor will be required to make the decision that Alternative Procedures can be followed.  If Alternative Procedures are permitted then permits and outside attendants are NOT REQUIRED.

2. Alternative Procedures are allowed if the entry supervisor can show that:

a.      The only hazard posed by the permit space is a potential or actual hazardous atmosphere and that continuous forced air ventilation alone is sufficient to maintain that permit space safe for entry.  This also assumes that all physical hazards such as mechanical equipment can be safely locked-out from outside the space prior to entry.

b.      Entry supervisor has air monitoring date to show that the air quality is safe and is maintained during the work in the space.  A written record of the testing is maintained by the entry supervisor – SEE SECTION 3. Certification Form.

c.      Since an outside standby person is not required, any entrance covers that are removed shall promptly have the opening guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other temporary barrier that will prevent an accidental fall trough the opening and that will protect each employee working in the space from foreign objects entering the space.

d.      Before the employee enters the space, the internal atmosphere shall be tested for potential hazards.  The entry supervisor will determine type of direct reading testing but at a minimum it shall include oxygen deficiency and flammable/combustible gases.  Testing shall be done periodically while entrants are in the space.

e.      Continuous forced air ventilation shall be used.  The air must be from a clean source.

f.        If a hazardous atmosphere is detected then the entrant will immediately leave the space and entry would only be made with an entry permit, if changes in the space can not render it completely safe.

PERMIT REQUIRED ENTRY SAFETY PROCEDURES

The following entry and operational plan has been developed for our permit-required confined space entries.

Training

Only trained employees will perform work in a confined space.  Supervisors shall ensure that only authorized employees who have received the appropriate training are permitted to enter confined spaces.

Inspection

The safety equipment to be used in confined space must be inspected by a qualified person designated by the supervisor.  See Section 4 Equipment Inspection Procedures. 

Permit

A Confined Space Entry-Hazardous Atmosphere Work Permit must be issued for each permit-required confined space entry.  The permit will be properly filled out and followed.  Specific permit instructions are given in Section 3.

1. The permit is required to be kept for one year.  The entry supervisors will maintain copies of the permits and conduct an annual review of this policy.

2. Permits may be granted for the duration of the project requiring confined space entry.  The permit is only valid as long as the physical conditions set out in the permit are met.

3. The permits are to be posted at the work area.

Signs

Signs shall be posted on or near permit spaces in our facilities to notify employees what hazards may be present and that only authorized employees’ may enter those spaces.  Signs are neither practical nor feasible for the manhole covers or hatches thus all are considered confined spaces and only authorized employees will be allowed access.

Testing

Testing the air within confined spaces shall be performed prior to entry to determine oxygen content and in some cases there may be other potentially hazardous gases present.  The entry supervisor will arrange for monitoring to be done.

1. Initial testing of the atmosphere is to be done from outside the space.

2. The tests performed shall include those for oxygen content and flammable/combustible gases.  Additional tests may be required by the entry supervisor depending on the circumstances.

Acceptable Atmosphere without an SCBA

If the space meets the following air quality standards then entry may be done without a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or continuous airline with an escape bottle:

·        Oxygen level between 19.5% - 23.5%

·        Flammable vapors below 10% the LFL*

·        Hydrogen sulfide below the PEL of 10 ppm

*Note:  Many flammable and combustible gases are also toxic.  The standard LEL or LFL readings are not sensitive enough to detect toxic levels nor do the meters determine what chemical is present.  If toxic gases are present, other sampling methods such as direct reading procedures would be needed.

Even if the air tests show no problem it still may be prudent to wear respiratory protection for other airborne hazards like welding fumes or dust exposures.  This decision needs to be made by supervisor filling out the permit with possible assistance from the Safety Manager for additional technical support.

If unusual odors are present, entry shall be made using air supplied respiratory equipment.  The presence of odors is not always related to the degree of hazard just as the lack of odor does not mean that it is safe.  The entry supervisor needs to be notified immediately to determine if the space is safe to work in.

Acceptable Atmosphere with an SCBA

The atmosphere with one or more of the following characteristics may be entered only with SCBA or airline with 5 minute escape bottle because the environment would be defined as Dangerous and/or IDLH.  However, it is Douglas County’s policy to ventilate, purge, and clean confined spaces until time the atmosphere is below dangerous levels.

Our employees will never enter under the following conditions:

·        Oxygen levels below 19.5% or above 23.5%.

·        Flammable vapors over 10% LFL/LEL.

·        Hydrogen Sulfide above the PEL of 10ppm.

·        Other toxic materials above the OSHA PEL.

Ventilation

Ventilation of confined spaces shall be used to provide an adequate level of oxygen, to dilute toxic and flammable gases and to improve general air quality.  The ventilation equipment shall be explosion proof if it is placed inside the confined space.

The space should be continuously ventilated as long as the entrant is in the space.  Exception to this would be made on a case by case bases by the entry supervisor filling out the entry permit.

Other Chemicals

The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) of all products and cleaning materials used in the confined space must be reviewed before entry unless the products have already been covered with the employees in the routine Hazard Communication training.

Lock-out

Mechanical equipment installed in the confined space must be disconnected from its power source and locked out.  Our lock-out program must be followed.

Electrical

Only double insulated electric tools or tools on a ground fault circuit interrupter system are used in confined spaces.  All portable lights and tools shall be explosion proof when working in a confined space where there is a potential flammable or explosive atmosphere.

Emergency Rescue

The entry supervisor will ensure that the proper procedures and equipment necessary to rescue an entrant from a permit space are implemented and provided.  This includes:

·        Safety harness, life line and tripod hoist, or other type of rescue devices as needed for the permit space being entered.

·        Communication with other entry team members by mobile radio, telephone or other effective means provided.

·        First aid and emergency response by notification of the proper first aid/CPR trained member and 911 rescue assistance.

Hot Work

When any hot work involving sources of ignition including welding and burning is done in a confined space, then all fire hazards and flammable atmospheres must be controlled.  All combustible material shall be protected.  Hot work permit and instructions are found in Section 3.  These procedures are in addition to the general Hazardous Atmosphere Permit Entry requirements.

Other Safety Issues

Many other occupational safety regulations relate directly or indirectly to conditions found in confined spaces.  Section 5 provides a listing of possible related issues and the rule references.  If you have any questions about these other safety issues please contact your supervisor or the Risk Manager.

Outside Contractors

When we hire an outside contractor to conduct confined space work then our management must ensure that the contractor is provided with information about the hazards associated with the confined spaces involved in the contract.

See Section 3 – Outside Contractor Notification Form

Entry Steps

The following pages provide the minimum required procedures for preparation and enty into the basic types of spaces our employee may be entering.

MANHOLE AND TANK ENTRY PROCEDURES

Policy

This procedure is in effect when entering all manholes and tanks.

Required Equipment

The following equipment is required to be with each crew performing confined space entries:

1. Gas monitor (oxygen O2, lower explosive limits LEL, carbon monoxide CO, and Hydrogen Sulfide H2S).

2. Power ventilator.

3. Appropriate respirators for hazards other than oxygen deficient which may include dust/particulate/cartridge respirator.

4. Safety harness and life line.

5. Personnel-lift (hoist) and/or fall protection as appropriate.

6. Personal Protective Equipment including but not limited to: hard hat, coveralls or other protective clothing, gloves.

7. Communication system – verbal instructions and radios.

Personnel

A minimum two person crew is required for permit required spaces.  If the space and entry are difficult more employees may be needed because of the complexity of work and potential problems encountered when performing maintenance and repair.  This includes extended entry times in manholes and vaults, chemical product usage, extensive equipment to use and handle.

PROCEDURES

Step 1 Permit Alternative

The Entry supervisor fills out the Entry Permit or certificate of Alternative Procedures noting the specific requirements to be followed.  Those requirements will include the following steps.

Step 2 Testing

Monitor the manhole or tank atmosphere with the gas detector.  Record the levels on the permit and continually monitor while the manhole is open.  If the monitoring indicated an unacceptable atmosphere after either ventilating or waiting for a short time period the crew’s supervisor or lead person needs to be notified.  An acceptable atmosphere is defined on the permit.  If the atmosphere is not acceptable then employees are NOT PERMITTED TO ENTER THE SPACE AND THE PERMIT WOULD NOT BE VALID.

Step 3 Ventilate

Ventilate with power ventilators of at least 750 CGM capacity or more if necessary.  Ventilate until the atmosphere is safe to enter and continue to ventilate while the manhole is open if monitoring shows any problems with the atmosphere.

Step 4 Rescue Devices and Access

For manholes and tanks with vertical entrance set-up a personnel-lift if the space is 5 feet or deeper, examine and inspect all the lines to ensure that they are functioning properly.  For horizontal entrances have the employee in a safety harness and life line.  If the space requires portable ladders or other entrance devices they will be made available and be in proper working condition.

Step 5 Communication

The employees shall discuss and determine communication methods prior to manhole or tank entry.  Emergency rescue procedures need to be determined and communicated with the entrant(s) and standby employees.

Step 6 Respirator

In all cases entry will only be made when the levels of oxygen are greater than 19.5% and less than 23.5%.  There may be conditions; however, where the work will involve the use of paints, other chemicals, and welding that would require proper respiratory protection.  This must be determined and stated on the permit based on the hazards.

Step 7 Personal Protective Equipment

The employee entering puts on the safety harness, gloves, hard hat, and is secured to the personnel-hoist device.  Don the respiratory protection if needed.  The employee will generally wear the gas monitor, if not the standby employee will monitor the atmosphere with a remote probe in the area where the entrant is working.

Step 8 Attendant Duties

When the attendant is prepared, check gas monitor, and personnel-lift.  After all the equipment is checked then the entrant can be lowered into the manhole or tank.  The attendant will continuously check the gas monitor if the entrant is not wearing the monitor or other personal air monitors.

While the entrant is in the manhole, the attendant shall remain alert to his/her activity.  Radios must be immediately available to the attendant.  If the monitor alarm activates, the entrant will immediately leave the space and the attendant will retract the hoist line.

Step 9 Exiting

When the work is completed the entrant will signal attendant who will then operate the man-lift and life lines to ensure none become entangled with obstructions.

SECTION 3: FORMS AND EXPLANATION

This section provides various forms needed to document proper space assessment, entry permits, and contractor notification.  The following forms are provided:

• CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT
• HOT WORK PERMIT
• ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES AND RECLASSIFICATIO CERTIFICATION
• CONTRACTOR NOTIFICATION FORM

A written permit is necessary at times, because of the special precautions that must be taken to ensure that the confined space work is performed safely.  The permit functions as a check list to ensure proper work preparation and atmospheric testing.  The permit establishes expiration time and date which prevents the entry permit from being used for unauthorized entries.  The permit also requires signature or the responsible supervisor/lead person in charge and employees who will perform work.

There are 2 permit forms and certificates for documenting alternative procedures:

• Confined Space Entry Permit – The permit requires that the entry be evaluated for safety and health hazards to determine necessary controls.

• Hot Work Permit – This permit is to be used with the Confined Space Entry Permit which addresses the additional hazards from welding and other hot work.

• Alternative Procedures and Reclassification Form – This is to evaluate and certify that the space meets the requirements in the OSHA standard for a non- permit confined space and documents the findings.

Confined Space Entry Permit Instructions

1. The identity of the permit space or location of work.

2. The purpose of entry (nature of job being done).

3. The individual authorizing the entry shall sign the permit before the entry begins.  Entry is not permitted until all actions and conditions necessary for a safe entry have been performed (on-site supervisor).

4. Special instructions prior or during entry.

5. Space classification.  Note if the space is determined not to be a confined space a record shall be made and noted on the form.

6. The measures for isolation of hazardous energy sources in the permit space which include lock-out procedures to be performed.

7. Type of hazardous work being performed which takes additional precautions including: painting, sandblasting, electrical work, welding, etc.  If hot work is necessary then a Hot Work Permit will be required along with the Entry Permit.

8. Special precautions that will be needed including procedures for purging, inserting, ventilation and flushing the space to remove or control the potential hazards.

9. The Communication procedures and equipment used by authorized works and attendants to maintain contact.

10. Rescue procedures, equipment, and rescue services which would be summoned in case of emergency and means of communication with those services.

11. The Personal Protective Equipment, such as: hard hats, gloves, coveralls, respirators, safety harnesses, and retrieval lines, provided in order to ensure employee safety.

12. Acceptable environmental conditions with regards to the hazards identified in the permit space by monitoring the air quality.

13. The date of entry and authorized duration.

14. The authorized confined space workers’ signatures.

15. Upon completion of the entry covered by the permit and after all workers have exited the permit space, the individual authorizing the entry shall cancel the permit.

          NOTICE

In the event toxic/flammable gases in a confined space cannot be reduced below acceptable levels as posted on the procedures, no one shall enter except when using proper equipment including SCBA units or air-supplied respirator.

Hot Work Permit Procedures and Instructions

REQUIREMENTS

An additional Hazardous Work Permit is required when the Department’s employees are welding or using some type of an open flame/hot work in a confined space.  The permit is to ensure that the proper planning and precautions are taken because hot work in a confined space is inherently dangerous.

Douglas County’s permit system requires the supervisor to complete the Confined Space Entry Permit.

1.      The identity of the permit space or location of work.

2.      The purpose of entry.

3.      Identifying the special fire hazards are so that proper precautions can be implemented to control the conditions.

4.      The special measures taken to ensure that the tank or basin has been properly purged by specifying the methods for flushing and ventilating the confined space.

5.      The measures for isolation of other hazards that may be affected by hot work including: electrical lock-out, and gas or hazardous chemical line blanking.  Compressed gas cylinders shall not be allowed in the confined space.

6.      Air monitoring to verify that acceptable environmental conditions are being maintained during hot work.

7.      Additional personal protective equipment, such as respirators, clothing, special eye protection and welding helmets, provided in order to ensure employee safety.

8.      The date of entry and authorized duration.

9.      The authorized employees’ and entry supervisor’s signatures.

DOCUMENTATION OF CONFINED SPACE ASSESSMENT

ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES / RECLASSIFICATION

1.      Potential Confined Space and Specific Location: ______________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

2.      Reasons for entry and how frequent: ________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

3.      Is there a potential hazardous atmosphere?  If not why? _________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

4.      List other potential hazards: _______________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

5.  Who last entered and why?   List any comments on possible problems during the entries. _______

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

6.  Specific conditions of the space and space test data:  ____________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

SPACE CLASSIFICATION:  This space meets the following requirements (Note if the space classifies as IDLH/Dangerous then a permit must be issued.

Alternative Procedures Permitted: _____________________________________________________

Non-Permit:  ______________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________            ________________________

Safety Manager/Entry Supervisor                                            Date

Contractor Notification Form

The contractor notification will be done by the department’s Project Manager and/or Supervisor.  This notification is to ensure that Douglas County complies with OAR 1910.146 (c) (8).  If the department contracts work that requires the contractor or their employees to perform work in a confined space that department is responsible to:

1.  Inform the contractor that the work involves a permit required confined space.  This includes information about any chemicals in the space per Hazard Communication requirements.

2.  Apprise the contractor of the hazards the department has identified and any experience the department’s employees have had with the space.

3.  Apprise the contractor of any precautions the department’s employees have taken for entry.

4. Coordinate entry operations with the contractor if more than one contractor or if the department’s employees will also be entering the space.

5.  Debrief the contractor to determine if any problems were encountered requiring changes in procedures.

Contractor Confined Space Notification Checklist 

Project Coordinator: ________________________________________ Date:  __________________

Contractor Representative: ___________________________________________________________

Location of Confined Space: _________________________________________________________

                                                            Checklist of Safeguards

                                                                                      Hazards and Recommended Safeguards

Isolation:

                1.  Electrical                                                ___________________________________________

                2.  Mechanical                                           ___________________________________________

                3.  Other                                                         ___________________________________________

Hazardous Work:

                1.  Welding/Burning/open flame                              ___________________________________________

                2.  Electrical Work                                              ___________________________________________

                3.  Chemicals                                              ___________________________________________

Special Requirements:

                1.  Lock out/Tag out                                  ___________________________________________

                2.  Lines Disconnected                                     ___________________________________________

                3.  Vessel/Tank Purge – Flush & Vent                ___________________________________________

                4.  Ventilation                                            ___________________________________________

                5.  Secure Area                                          ___________________________________________

                6.  Lighting                                                 ___________________________________________

                7.  Communication                                   ___________________________________________

                8.  Fire Extinguishers                                        ___________________________________________

                9.  Emergency Egress Procedures                    ___________________________________________

                    10.  Other                                                               ___________________________________________

Personal Protective Equipment Needed

                1.  Harness & Lifeline                                           ___________________________________________

                2.  Respirator                                             ___________________________________________

                3.  Eye Protection                                             ___________________________________________

                4.  Hearing Protection                                     ___________________________________________

                5.  Protective Clothing                                        ___________________________________________

Atmosphere Tests – List type of air                                      ___________________________________________

                Testing that will be necessary                      ___________________________________________

Contractor’s Emergency Response Information Needed:

1.  Phone Number and Location of Nearest Telephone             ___________________________________________

2.  Name of First Aid Responder and Nearest First Aid Kit

_________________________________________              ___________________________________________

3.  Emergency Rescue Plan:   _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Post Entry Debriefing Notes:   ________________________________________________________________________

NOTE:  There may be additional hazards related to this confined space.  The contractor may be introducing additional hazards based on work processes and methods.  This document is advisory only.  It may not list all existing hazards or rule compliance issues.  The Contractor is responsible for the safety of his/her employees and must comply with OAR 1310.146 Confined Space Regulations.

                        SECTION 4: CONFINED SPACE ENTRY EQUIMPMENT

INSPECTION PROCEDURS

Equipment Inspection Procedures

Requirement

The safety equipment used in a confined space must be inspected by a qualified person designated by the supervisor and periodically by other members of the crew.  The inspection evaluates the equipment to ensure that it is functioning as required by the OSHA standards or by the manufacture’s specifications.  The inspection frequency varies depending on specific rule requirements and the manufacture’s specifications.

OSHA currently has specific inspection and/or maintenance rules for ladders and respiratory equipment.  General standards that require an employer to assure a safe workplace and that equipment is in “good repair” would apply to other devices used in the workplace.  However for specific inspection protocols the manufacturer’s specification or ANSI standards will need to be used for the personnel-lift (hoist), safety harness, gas monitoring equipment, ventilators, and communication systems.

Inspection Log

Our employees inspecting the equipment will use an inspection log to keep track of the equipment condition and ensure that all the relevant items are evaluated.

Inspection Protocols: The following provides general inspection protocols for the safety equipment and access/egress equipment used in confined space entries.

Ladders

Oregon OSHA rules have specific care, maintenance and inspection procedures for ladders dependent on the type of ladder – portable wood or metal and fixed fixtures.

Wood Ladders

Wood ladders are to be free of sharp edges and splinters.  Upon inspection the ladders are not to shake, or wane.  The ladder is not to show any compression fractures, decay or the other irregularities.  (ORS 1910.25(b) (1) (l))

The specific care and maintenance includes: (ORS 1310.25(d) (l)-(xi))

   1.      Ladders shall be maintained in good condition at all times, the joint between the steps and side rails shall be  tight, all hardware and fittings securely attached, and the movable parts shall operate freely without binding or undue play. 

   2.    Metal bearings of locks, wheels, pulley, etc., shall be frequently lubricated.

3. Frayed or badly worn rope shall be replaced.
4. Safety feet and other auxiliary equipment shall be kept in good condition to insure proper performance.
5. Ladders shall be inspected frequently and those which have developed defects shall be withdrawn from service for repair or destruction and tagged or marked as “Dangerous, Do Not Use.”
6. Rungs should be kept free of grease and oil.

Portable Metal Ladders

The maintenance and care of portable metal ladders includes.

1. Ladders must be maintained in good usable condition at all times. 
2. If a ladder is tipped over or damaged in any way then an immediate inspection is necessary, which includes:

a.      Inspecting the side rails for dents, bends, or excessively dented rungs;

b.      Checking all rung-to-side rail connections

c.      Checking hardware connections and the rivets for shear;

3. If ladders are exposed to oil and grease, equipment should be cleaned of oil, grease or slippery materials.

Fixed Ladders

Fixed ladders are required to be protected from deterioration. This includes:

1. Metal ladders and appurtenances shall be painted or otherwise treated to resist corrosion and rusting when location demands.
2. Ladders rungs in a corrosive atmosphere shall be a minimum diameter of 1 inch or shall be painted or otherwise treated to resist corrosion that is maintained in good repair.  Fixed ladders are to be maintained in a safe condition, and all ladders shall be inspected regularly, with the interval between inspection being determined by use and exposure. (OAR 1310.27(f))

Fall Protection

Follow fall protection requirements in OAR 1926.500 to 1926.503.

SECTION 5: EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAM

Objectives

Employees who are required to work in a confined space or in support of those working in a confined space shall have the following training:

·        Understand the hazards associated with confined spaces.

(a)    General hazards and the specific hazards for each confined space that will be entered.

(b)   Recognition of the signs and symptoms of exposure to a hazard and the consequences of the exposure.

• How the communications will be maintained between the attendant and the workers in the confined space.
• Emergency entry and exit procedures
• Use of respirators and other protective equipment
• First Aid and CPR
• Lock Out/Tag Out and Isolation procedures
• Safety equipment use
• Rescue procedures
• Permit system
• Work practices required under the permit

Supervisor Training

The individual in charge or authorizing the entry shall have additional training on how to evaluate the confined space ensuring that the permit calls for adequate safeguards.  This individual needs to know how to use the testing and monitoring equipment and all other aspects of the entry program.  This additional training will be arranged by department management including arrangements with equipment manufacturer’s training programs.

Training Certificates

The department will keep records of training in the employees file.