Precautions and the order of testing = before entering confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous = atmospheres.

All DOL OSHA

Advanced = Search

=20

A to Z Index | En=20 Espa=F1ol | Contact Us | About=20 OSHA

OSHA

Newsletter 3D"RSS

RSS = Feeds =20 Print This Page Text Size


	What's New \| Offices
Home Workers Regulations=20 Enforcement = Data & = Statistics=20 Training Publicatio= ns=20 Newsroom Small = Business

Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) - Table of=20 Contents

=95 Part = Number:	1915
=95 Part = Title:	Occup. Safety and Health Standards = for=20 Shipyard Employment
=95 Subpart:	B
=95 Subpart = Title:	Confined and Enclosed Spaces and = Other=20 Dangerous Atmospheres in Shipyard Employment
=95 Standard = Number:	= 1915.12
=95 Title:	Precautions and the order of = testing before=20 entering confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous=20 atmospheres.

The employer shall ensure that atmospheric = testing is=20 performed in the following sequence: oxygen content, flammability, = toxicity.

1915.12(a)

Oxygen content.

1915.12(a)(1)

The employer shall ensure that the following = spaces are=20 visually inspected and tested by a competent person to determine = the=20 atmosphere's oxygen content prior to initial entry into the space = by an=20 employee:

1915.12(a)(1)(i)

Spaces that have been sealed, such as, but not = limited to,=20 spaces that have been coated and closed up, and non-ventilated = spaces that=20 have been freshly painted;

1915.12(a)(1)(ii)

Spaces and adjacent spaces that contain or have = contained=20 combustible or flammable liquids or=20 gases;

1915.12(a)(1)(iii)

Spaces and adjacent spaces that contain or have = contained=20 liquids, gases, or solids that are toxic, corrosive, or = irritant;

1915.12(a)(1)(iv)

Spaces and adjacent spaces that have been = fumigated;=20 and

1915.12(a)(1)(v)

Spaces containing materials or residues of = materials that=20 create an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

..1915.12(a)(2)

1915.12(a)(2)

If the space to be entered contains an oxygen = deficient=20 atmosphere, the space shall be labeled "Not Safe for Workers" or, = if=20 oxygen-enriched, "Not Safe for Workers - Not Safe for Hot Work." = If an=20 oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched atmosphere is found, = ventilation shall=20 be provided at volumes and flow rates sufficient to ensure that = the oxygen=20 content is maintained at or above 19.5 percent and below 22.0 = percent by=20 volume. The warning label may be removed when the oxygen content = is equal=20 to or greater than 19.5 and less than 22.0 percent by = volume.

1915.12(a)(3)

An employee may not enter a space where the = oxygen=20 content, by volume, is below 19.5 percent or above 22.0 percent.=20 Exception: An employee may enter for emergency rescue or for a = short=20 duration for installation of ventilation equipment necessary to = start work=20 in the space provided:

1915.12(a)(3)(i)

The atmosphere in the space is monitored for = oxygen=20 content, by volume, continuously; and

1915.12(a)(3)(ii)

Respiratory protection and other appropriate = personal=20 protective equipment and clothing are provided in accordance with = Subpart=20 I of this part.

Note to paragraph (a): Other provisions for work = in IDLH=20 atmospheres are located in Subpart I of this=20 part.

1915.12(b)

Flammable atmospheres.

1915.12(b)(1)

The employer shall ensure that spaces and = adjacent spaces=20 that contain or have contained combustible or flammable liquids or = gases=20 are:

1915.12(b)(1)(i)

Inspected visually by the competent person to = determine=20 the presence of combustible or flammable liquids; and

..1915.12(b)(1)(ii)

1915.12(b)(1)(ii)

Tested by a competent person prior to entry by = an employee=20 to determine the concentration of flammable vapors and gases = within the=20 space.

1915.12(b)(2)

If the concentration of flammable vapors or = gases in the=20 space to be entered is equal to or greater than 10 percent of the = lower=20 explosive limit, the space shall be labeled "Not Safe for Workers" = and=20 "Not Safe for Hot Work." Ventilation shall be provided at volumes = and flow=20 rates sufficient to ensure that the concentration of flammable = vapors is=20 maintained below 10 percent of the lower explosive limit. The = warning=20 labels may be removed when the concentration of flammable vapors = is below=20 10 percent of the lower explosive limit.

1915.12(b)(3)

An employee may not enter a space where the = concentration=20 of flammable vapors or gases is equal to or greater than 10 = percent of the=20 lower explosive limit. Exception: An employee may enter for = emergency=20 rescue or for a short duration for installation of ventilation = equipment=20 necessary to start work in the space, provided:

1915.12(b)(3)(i)

No ignition sources are present;

1915.12(b)(3)(ii)

The atmosphere in the space is monitored = continuously;

1915.12(b)(3)(iii)

Atmospheres at or above the upper explosive = limit are=20 maintained; and

..1915.12(b)(3)(iv)

1915.12(b)(3)(iv)

Respiratory protection and other appropriate = personal=20 protective equipment and clothing are provided in accordance with = Subpart=20 I of this part.

Note 1 to paragraph (b): Additional provisions = for work in=20 IDLH atmospheres are located in Subpart I of this part.

Note 2 to paragraph (b): Additional provisions = for work in=20 spaces containing a flammable substance which also has a = permissible=20 exposure limit, are located in Subpart Z of 29 CFR part 1915, and=20 1915.12(c).

1915.12(c)

Toxic, corrosive, irritant or fumigated = atmospheres and=20 residues.

1915.12(c)(1)

The employer shall ensure that spaces or = adjacent spaces=20 that contain or have contained liquids, gases, or solids that are = toxic,=20 corrosive or irritant are:

1915.12(c)(1)(i)

Inspected visually by the competent person to = determine=20 the presence of toxic, corrosive, or irritant residue = contaminants;=20 and

1915.12(c)(1)(ii)

Tested by a competent person prior to initial = entry by an=20 employee to determine the air concentration of toxics, corrosives, = or=20 irritants within the space.

1915.12(c)(2)

If a space contains an air concentration of a = material=20 which exceeds a part 1915 subpart Z permissible exposure limit = (PEL) or is=20 IDLH, the space shall be labeled "Not Safe for Workers." = Ventilation shall=20 be provided at volumes and flow rates which will ensure that air=20 concentrations are maintained within the PEL or, in the case of=20 contaminants for which there is no established PEL, below the = IDLH. The=20 warning label may be removed when the concentration of = contaminants is=20 maintained within the PEL or below IDLH level.

..1915.12(c)(3)

1915.12(c)(3)

If a space cannot be ventilated to within the = PELs or is=20 IDLH, a Marine Chemist or CIH must re-test until the space can be=20 certified "Enter with Restrictions" or "Safe for Workers."

1915.12(c)(4)

An employee may not enter a space whose = atmosphere exceeds=20 a PEL or is IDLH. Exception: An employee may enter for emergency = rescue,=20 or for a short duration for installation of ventilation equipment=20 provided:

1915.12(c)(4)(i)

The atmosphere in the space is monitored = continuously;

1915.12(c)(4)(ii)

Respiratory protection and other necessary and = appropriate=20 personal protective equipment and clothing are provided in = accordance with=20 Subpart I of this part.

Note to paragraph (c): Other provisions for work = in IDLH=20 atmospheres are located in Subpart I of this=20 part.

1915.12(d)

Training of employees entering confined and = enclosed=20 spaces or other dangerous atmospheres.

1915.12(d)(1)

The employer shall ensure that each employee = that enters a=20 confined or enclosed space and other areas with dangerous = atmospheres is=20 trained to perform all required duties safely.

1915.12(d)(2)

The employer shall ensure that each employee who = enters a=20 confined space, enclosed space, or other areas with dangerous = atmospheres=20 is trained to:

1915.12(d)(2)(i)

Recognize the characteristics of the confined = space;

..1915.12(d)(2)(ii)

1915.12(d)(2)(ii)

Anticipate and be aware of the hazards that may = be faced=20 during entry;

1915.12(d)(2)(iii)

Recognize the adverse health effects that may be = caused by=20 the exposure to a hazard;

1915.12(d)(2)(iv)

Understand the physical signs and reactions = related to=20 exposures to such hazards;

1915.12(d)(2)(v)

Know what personal protective equipment is = needed for safe=20 entry into and exit from the space;

1915.12(d)(2)(vi)

Use personal protective equipment; and

1915.12(d)(2)(vii)

Where necessary, be aware of the presence and = proper use=20 of barriers that may be needed to protect an entrant from = hazards.

1915.12(d)(3)

The employer shall ensure that each entrant into = confined=20 or enclosed spaces or other dangerous atmospheres is trained to = exit the=20 space or dangerous atmosphere whenever:

1915.12(d)(3)(i)

The employer or his or her representative orders = evacuation;

1915.12(d)(3)(ii)

An evacuation signal such as an alarm is = activated; or

1915.12(d)(3)(iii)

The entrant perceives that he or she is in = danger.

..1915.12(d)(4)

1915.12(d)(4)

The employer shall provide each employee with=20 training:

1915.12(d)(4)(i)

Before the entrant begins work addressed by this = section;=20 and

1915.12(d)(4)(ii)

Whenever there is a change in operations or in = an=20 employee's duties that presents a hazard about which the employee = has not=20 previously been trained.

1915.12(d)(5)

The employer shall certify that the training = required by=20 paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(4) of this section has been=20 accomplished.

1915.12(d)(5)(i)

The certification shall contain the employee's = name, the=20 name of the certifier, and the date(s) of the = certification.

1915.12(d)(5)(ii)

The certification shall be available for = inspection by the=20 Assistant Secretary, the Director, employees, and their=20 representatives.

1915.12(e)

Rescue teams. The employer shall either = establish a=20 shipyard rescue team or arrange for an outside rescue team which = will=20 respond promptly to a request for rescue service.

1915.12(e)(1)

Shipyard rescue teams shall meet the following=20 criteria:

..1915.12(e)(1)(i)

1915.12(e)(1)(i)

Each employee assigned to the shipyard team = shall be=20 provided with and trained to use the personal protective equipment = he or=20 she will need, including respirators and any rescue equipment = necessary=20 for making rescues from confined and enclosed spaces and other = dangerous=20 atmospheres.

1915.12(e)(1)(ii)

Each employee assigned to the shipyard rescue = team shall=20 be trained to perform his or her rescue functions including = confined and=20 enclosed and other dangerous atmosphere entry.

1915.12(e)(1)(iii)

Shipyard rescue teams shall practice their = skills at least=20 once every 12 months. Practice drills shall include the use of = mannequins=20 and rescue equipment during simulated rescue operations involving = physical=20 facilities that approximate closely those facilities from which = rescue may=20 be needed.

Note to paragraph (e)(1)(iii): If the team = performs an=20 actual rescue during the 12 month period, an additional practice = drill for=20 that type of rescue is not required.

1915.12(e)(1)(iv)

At least one person on each rescue team shall = maintain=20 current certification in basic first aid which includes = maintenance of an=20 airway, control of bleeding, maintenance of circulation and=20 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills.

1915.12(e)(2)

The employer shall inform outside rescue teams = of the=20 hazards that the team may encounter when called to perform = confined and=20 enclosed space or other dangerous atmosphere rescue at the = employer's=20 facility so that the rescue team can be trained and equipped.

Note to paragraph (e): The criteria for in-house = rescue,=20 listed in paragraph (e)(1) can be used by the employer in = evaluating=20 outside rescue services.

..1915.12(f)

1915.12(f)

Exchanging hazard information between employers. = Each=20 employer whose employees work in confined and enclosed spaces or = other=20 dangerous atmospheres shall ensure that all available information = on the=20 hazards, safety rules, and emergency procedures concerning those = spaces=20 and atmospheres is exchanged with any other employer whose = employees may=20 enter the same spaces.

[47 FR 16986, Apr. 20, 1982, as amended at 58 FR = 35514,=20 July 1, 1993; 59 FR 37816, July 25, 1994; 60 FR 14218, March 16,=20 1995]

Next=20 Standard (1915.13)

Regulations=20 (Standards - 29 CFR) - Table of=20 Contents

U.S. Department of Labor | = Occupational Safety=20 & Health Administration | 200 Constitution Ave., NW, = Washington,=20 DC 20210
Telephone: 800-321-OSHA (6742) | TTY: = 877-889-5627
http://www.osha.gov/=20