Entry Procedures

DOE-EM-STD-5503-94

permit and should be in place. Second, a qualified person should verify that all precautions and

other measures called for on the permit are still in effect. Finally only operations or work

originally approved on the permit should be conducted in the confined space.

A new permit should be issued or the original permit reissued whenever changing work

conditions or work activities introduce new hazards into the confined space. The employer

should retain each cancelled entry permit for at least one year to facilitate the review of the

confined space entry program. Any problems encountered during an entry operation should be

noted on the pertinent permit so that appropriate revisions to the confined space permit program

can be made.

13.7. ENTRY PROCEDURES

Whenever entry into a confined space is needed, either an Entry Supervisor or the person in

charge of the job may initiate entry procedures, including the completion of a confined space

entry permit. Entry into a confined space should follow the standard entry procedure.

The following are requirements for standard entry:

Training to establish personnel proficiency in the duties required,

Atmospheric testing for entry, and

Atmospheric monitoring during the entry.

Before an employee enters the space, the internal atmosphere should be tested with a calibrated,

direct-reading instrument. If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry:

The space should be evaluated to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed,

and

Measures should be implemented to protect employees before any subsequent entry takes

place.

Personnel should be prohibited from entering hazardous atmospheres without wearing proper

respiratory equipment as determined by qualified entry supervisors. The entire confined space

entry permit should be completed for a standard entry. Entry should be allowed only when all

requirements of the permit are met and it is reviewed and signed by an Entry Supervisor.

13.8. OPENING A CONFINED SPACE

Any conditions making it unsafe to remove an entrance cover should be eliminated before the

cover is removed. When entrance covers are removed, the opening should be promptly guarded

by a railing, temporary cover, or other temporary barrier that will prevent anyone from falling

through the opening. This barrier or cover should protect each employee working in the space

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