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6160 Appendix T4 Atmospheric Testing and Ventilation of Permit-Required Confined Space |
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At Jefferson Lab a Confined Space Entry (CSE) Permit is considered to be a Work Control Document and thus a Standard Protecting Measure. Only when all hazard issues associated with the PRCS and the work activity are acknowledged and mitigated, in accordance with this program, can the area’s associated Risk Code be considered < 2. At a minimum, all work requiring entry into a PRCS is discussed with the entry supervisor prior to commencement. A formal Task Hazard Analysis and Operational Safety Procedure is required for work considered to be Risk Code >2 in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 3210 Work Planning, Control, and Authorization Process. |
Atmospheric testing for oxygen, toxics, and flammables, and subsequent ventilation to ensure proper levels, is mandatory during Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS) entry. This appendix provides the process steps used to ensure adequate controls are implemented and maintained during entry.
The process steps for this procedure are performed in coordination with ES&H Manual Chapter 6160 Permit-Required Confined Space Entry.
NOTE: Management authority may be delegated at the discretion of the responsible manager.
3.1
Authorized
Attendant/Qualified Entrant
·
Perform air monitoring during PRCS work as designated
by the Entry Supervisor.
3.2
Entry Supervisor/Subcontracting Officer’s
Technical Representative (SOTR)/ Sponsor
· Determine the testing method and designate
the person (the Authorized Attendant, Qualified Entrant, or yourself) to be responsible
for performing the initial and subsequent tests.
· Ensure monitoring instruments are appropriately maintained and calibrated.
· Only issue monitoring instruments to Authorized Entrant, Qualified Attendant, or Entry Supervisor.
· Provide instruction on monitoring instrument operation(s) prior to issuance.
The following process steps can only be
performed by Qualified
Entrant, Authorized Attendant, or Entry Supervisor.
Step 1:
Obtain Monitoring Instrument
and Accessories
Obtain monitoring instrument(s) and
accessory devices from Industrial Hygiene.
(Accessories include: tubing adequate for the PRCS’s
depth; auxiliary sampling pumps; and
spare battery(s) adequate for the estimated duration of the work.)
Provide Industrial
Hygiene with the following information:
· Work processes taking place in,
around, or near the PRCS, particularly those generating toxic or
asphyxiating gases or vapors, such as CO2, helium, refrigerants,
etc.
·
Estimated
duration of work.
·
Known depth and “worst-case” condition(s) of the PRCS.
·
Permanent mechanical ventilation or other Engineering
Controls in PRCS, if functioning.
·
Need for other toxic-detection capability (e.g.: colorimetric
indicator tubes) for
conditions such as: acetylene, hydrogen, NOx or ozone.
· Any
additional information, as provided by the system owner, area manager, Confined
Space Coordinator, or others.
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NOTE: Jefferson Lab offers multi-function gas meters. These monitoring instruments are able to detect the following parameters:
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Step 2:
Verify Adequacy of Monitoring Instrument:
Industrial Hygiene will ensure
monitoring instrument and auxiliary sampling pumps are functioning adequately
and provide instruction to individuals as required. This will include, but not be limited to:
·
Turning the instrument on in an uncontaminated area.
·
Ensuring there is ample power for duration of work. (For
safety, consider continuous operation limit to be no more than five hours. A spare set of batteries is always recommended).
·
Allowing instrument to perform self-diagnostics.
· Performing a bump test to force the alarm to sound.
·
Ensuring all functions are
operating normally.
Step 3:
Initial Atmospheric Test
Ensure all entrants, who will use
or rely on, the monitoring instrument understand its display and audible
alert(s) and they observe the initial atmospheric test.
· Prior to ventilating or otherwise disturbing the air, perform the initial atmospheric test from outside the PRCS. (If this cannot be done contact the Confined Space Coordinator.)
· Denote the readings on the first column of the permit.
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NOTE: If you are using colorimetric indicator tubes, promptly write down the concentration as indicated by the length and degree of color change. The stained area will likely continue to change (+) after exposure, and the tube will become useless as a record. Be sure you read the tube instructions carefully for proper sample volume (pump strokes), interfering substances, and any temperature/humidity corrections that may be required. Also check the expiration date for the tubes; do not use them if the date has passed. |
Step 4:
Ventilation
Set-up blowers in accordance
with training.
Figure 1 Example of a typical
ventilation set-up
Step 5:
Hourly Tests
Minimally test
atmosphere every hour of PRCS continual occupancy. Any interruption in operations requires
re-test before re-entry.
The two acceptable methods include:
o Continuous
Monitoring - carry
the instrument into the space and document results at appropriate intervals.
o
Hourly/Interval Testing – Perform test at designated intervals from
outside the PRCS and document the results at appropriate intervals.
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NOTE: When atmospheric conditions are out-of-specification, immediately evacuate the PRCS and inform the entry supervisor. |
Step 6:
Conclusion
When the entry is concluded, return the monitoring instrument to Industrial Hygiene and the completed confined space entry permit to the Confined Space Coordinator.
5.0
Revision Summary
Revision
1 – 06/19/12 – Update to reflect current laboratory operations.
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ISSUING AUTHORITY |
TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT |
APPROVAL DATE |
EXPIRATION DATE |
REV. |
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ESH&Q
Division |
06/19/12 |
06/19/15 |
1 |
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