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SECTION C <br /> CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES <br /> Introduction <br /> ' It is not anticipated that there will be a need for a confined space entry procedure during the <br /> ' remedial investigation; however, the "HAZWOPPER" law (1910.120) strongly suggests that this <br /> procedure be available for immediate use should that need arise. The National Institute of <br /> Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued a "Criteria Document for a Recommended <br /> Standard for Working in Confined Spaces", and this procedure has been written to comply with <br /> those recommendations. <br />' NIOSH defines a confined space as: "a space which by design has limited openings for entry and <br /> exit; unfavorable natural ventilation which could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, <br /> and which is not intended for continuous employee occupancy. Confined spaces include, but are <br />' not limited to, storage tanks, compartments of ships, process vessels, pits, silos, vats, degreasers, <br /> reaction vessels, boilers, ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers, tunnels, underground utility <br /> vaults and pipelines." <br />' A closed building or room is an example of confined space that some personnel could possibly <br /> encounter but are not likely to during this work. Procedures for entry into such confined spaces <br />' are very similar to entry into the site. Because of poor ventilation, high concentrations of gases <br /> or vapors are more likely to exist in a confined space that an open site. Also, certain confined <br /> spaces may contain hazardous materials. For example, hydrogen sulfide and methane are often <br /> found in sewers. Also, a large amount of organic material in an enclosed space can combine with <br /> oxygen in the surrounding air to produce an oxygen deficient atmosphere. <br /> Besides the problem with possible high concentrations of gases or vapors, confined spaces also <br /> present an entrance and exit problem. Most of the spaces mentioned earlier have only small <br /> openings for entry and exit. This can interfere with the use of equipment like a self-contained <br /> breathing apparatus (SCBA). In some cases, an airline respirator may have to be used in place of <br /> a SCBA. Because of this problem, and in case a worker in injured, a lifeline is often attached to <br /> the worker to aid in pulling him/her out. That way rescuers would not have to enter the space. A <br /> lifeline is especially important in spaces where access is through an opening in the top of the <br /> space. <br /> i <br /> i <br /> 1 <br /> 24 <br />