POLICY

It is the Policy of Western Oregon University to be in compliance with 
Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 437-2/j-1910.146.  All persons who 
enter a confined space as identified by this policy, will be required to
follow safety and engineering controls to prevent accidental or hazard 
exposure that may cause injury or death.  It is also the policy of Western 
Oregon University that NO EMPLOYEE OR CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEE WILL ENTER OR WORK
IN ANY CONFINED SPACE WHERE A HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERE, ENTRAPMENT, ENGULFMENT OR 
OTHER SERIOUS SAFETY OR HEALTH HAZARD IS POSSIBLE.

    PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is intended to identify and evaluate potential 
hazards of work in confined spaces, assure use of protective measures in 
these spaces to prevent injuries and fatalities by developing and 
implementing procedures, and defining methods to prevent injuries and/or 
illness.

	DEFINITIONS

1. Confined Space -  There are two levels of confined space:  
 
    ? Level One -  Spaces having limited access or egress which 
      can be bodily entered, however, are not designed for occupancy.
 
    ? Level Two - A "permit required" confined space where a 
      hazardous atmosphere, engulfment or entrapment is 
      possible, including but not limited to:
 
        a. The potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere such as 
           oxygen deficiency, toxic or flammable vapors;

        b. Engulfing, entrapping or asphyxiating a person or material;

        c. Potential to cause serious injury or death (heat stress, moving 
           equipment, electricity);

        d. 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;

        e. Contains any other recognized serious health or safety hazard;

        f. All "permit required" confined spaces will be identified by a 
           painted stencil mark or label stating, "Confined Space - Permit
           Required".

2. Permit -  A document that is to be posted at the entrance of a confined
   space prior to entry which includes the following:  

    ? General Information;
    ? Permit Space Hazards;
    ? Entry Preparation;
    ? Emergency Service;
    ? Equipment Required for Entry and Work;
    ? Communication Procedures;
    ? Authorized Attendants;
    ? Testing Record;
    ? Authorization by Entry Supervisors;

3. Attendant - A trained person who monitors the entrance, hazards, 
   personnel, emergency service, communications and equipment at a 
   confined space.

4. Entrant - A trained person who passes through an opening into a 
   permit-required confined space to ensure work activities.  The 
   entrant is considered to have entered as soon as any part of the 
   entrant's face breaks the plane of an opening into a space.

5. Hazardous Atmosphere - An atmosphere which exposes persons to a 
   risk of injury, acute illness, impairment of ability to escape 
   unaided from a permitted space, incapacitation or death, from one 
   or more of the following common causes:

    ? Flammable - Gas, vapor or mist in excess of 10% of its 
      lower flammable limit (LFL);
    ? Airborne Dusts - Airborne combustible dust at a 
      concentration that meets or exceeds the LFL (this 
      concentration may be approximated as a condition in which 
      the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet);
    ? Oxygen Levels - Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 
      19.5% or above 23.5%;
    ? Atmospheric Conditions - Any atmospheric condition that 
      is immediately dangerous to life or health (MSDS can 
      provide assistance).

6. Physical Hazards - Physical hazards in confined space may include
   moving parts, valves and pipes, noise, heat, live wires, engulfment
   and falling.

7. "Permit Required" Identified Confined Spaces -  The following 
    locations are identified as permit entry confined spaces at Western:

    ? Sawdust bin collector located on the north side of the Physical Plant;
    ? Inner fining chamber of all four boilers in the Physical Plant;
    ? Condensate return tank located in the Physical Plant Boiler Room;
    ? Steam vent vault located on the east side of the University Center;
    ? Irrigation vault located to the southeast corner of Valsetz Dining Hall;
    ? Three irrigation control vaults on the east side of the football 
      field when any type of activity is being conducted other than mechanical 
      adjustments to the control systems;
    ? All electrical vaults located in parking lots or city streets 
      within the campus geographic perimeter;
    ? All storm vaults located in parking lots or city streets within 
      the campus geographic perimeter;
    ? Any confined space as described in the permit entry confined space
      definition that has not been identified in this section.

    PROCEDURES

1. Permit - "Permit required" spaces will not be entered until all 
   hazards are eliminated.  A permit (attached) is required to be 
   completed for all "Permit Required Confined Space Entry Work."  
   Issued permits are to include all work to be done in the space 
   during a shift and encompass all participants, including the 
   following:

    ? General Information;
    ? Permit Space Hazards;
    ? Entry Preparation;
    ? Emergency Service;
    ? Equipment required for entry and work;
    ? Communication procedures;
    ? Authorized person that may enter the confined space;
    ? Authorized attendants;
    ? Testing record;
    ? Authorization by entry supervisors.

2. Monitoring - Is to occur in all portions, top to bottom, corners, 
   spaces, pipes and duct work of the space before and during entry.  
   Results are to be recorded on the permit for each entry.

    ? Elements Monitored - The confined space is to be monitored at all
      times for oxygen, lower explosive limit (LEL), and carbon monoxide.
    ? Monitor Calibration - The monitor is to be calibrated prior to each
      day's use to the manufacturers standard of operation for carbon
      monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and oxygen.
    ? Alarms - Monitor alarms are to be set at 20.4% (lower limit) 
      and 21.4% (high limit) for oxygen, 10% of LEL for methane, 
      13 PPM (one-half of the ACGIH time-weighted average 
      exposure limit) for carbon monoxide.
    ? Maintenance on the monitor is to occur based on manufacturer's 
      recommendation.

3. Training - The Physical Plant Facilities Maintenance Supervisor 
   will provide confined space training to all employees assigned to 
   work as entry or standby personnel.  Annual training by the 
   Physical Plant Facilities Supervisor will consist of the following:

    ? Hazard Communication;
    ? Confined Space Entry Equipment - Including lifeline, monitoring 
      instruments and methods, hoisting equipment, non-sparking tools, 
      ventilation equipment and communication methods;
    ? Emergency Rescue - Polk County Fire District Number One is designated
      as the rescue agency for confined space rescue.  Polk One is to be 
      notified prior to any confined space entry;
    ? Protective Equipment - Consists of eye, skin, and respiratory equipment 
      and their maintenance;
    ? Confined Space Entry - Review of entry to include ventilation,
      isolation, communication, posting, barricading procedures and 
      protection from external hazards;
    ? Permits - Procedural and permit elements;
    ? Hazardous Atmosphere - Instructions including development, prevention, 
      control and working in hazardous atmospheres;
    ? Hazard Recognition - Identification of the types of hazards which can be 
      encountered, signs/symptoms of exposure, first aid procedures;
    ? Fall protection;
    ? Lock Out/Tag Out - Energy control procedures.

4. Confined Space Work Procedures

    ? Confined Space Entry Permit - The Physical Plant Facilities Supervisor
      or his designee is the person responsible to authorize entries and have 
      oversight of the monitoring section of the permit.
    ? Unauthorized Entry - Work will not be performed in unauthorized confined 
      spaces by Western employees or contractors.
    ? Hazardous Free Spaces - Spaces are to be cleaned and purged prior to 
      entry to include being free of hazardous atmospheres.  Oxygen content
      of 20.4-21.4%, toxic content less than 1/2 of the exposure limits and 
      flammability levels at less than 10% of LEL for specific gas/vapor for
      the entire entry period.
    ? Lock Out/Tag Out - Energy control procedures for all energy sources are 
      to be followed.
    ? Monitored Spaces - Spaces are to be monitored before entry and 
      continuously through the work process.  Entry persons are to be 
      evacuated whenever a monitor alarm sounds, and reassessment of the 
      space performed.
    ? Ventilation will occur throughout the work if initial monitor results 
      indicate the atmosphere is not acceptable. 
    ? Non-Sparking Tools - Only non-sparking tools may be used whenever 
      flammable or combustible atmospheres are capable of being created.
    ? Work Review is to occur prior to entry to determine of the work itself 
      will contribute to an unacceptable atmosphere, including welding and
      gluing.
    ? Hot Work Permit - If equipment that generates a hazardous atmosphere by 
      consuming oxygen or creating a harmful vapor or gas is used in a 
      confined space, additional precautions are to take place to eliminate 
      the hazard and protect the entrant person.  A second permit is required 
      detailing additional precautions required.
    ? Standby Person will be at the point of entry in constant communication 
      with the entry person(s).  The standby person can order an evacuation 
      when a hazard or ill effect of an entrant is noted.  The standby person 
      must summon Polk One for rescue.
    ? Rescue - Polk One will respond and rescue the entrant.  If the person 
      has a lifeline the standby person is to call Public Safety for initial 
      response until Polk One arrives.  If the person can be retrieved 
      through a pre-existing lifeline the standby person and Public Safety 
      may attempt to retrieve the person if it can be determined that no 
      urther serious harm will occur.
    ? Heat Stress and Disorders - Heat stress may cause a person to process 
      information poorly, disregard danger warnings, make poor choices, have 
      slower reaction time, have impaired coordination, or misjudge istances. 
      Persons who begin to experience heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat 
      stroke are to remove themselves from the space.

5. Permit Entry Procedures - Persons who determine a need to enter a "permit
   required" confined space are to comply with the following procedures:

    ? Inform supervisor. 
    ? Determine Hazards - Determine the potential hazards in the confined 
      space (e.g., oxygen deficiency, internal configurations, or depths 
      impairing the ability to escape unaided should an injury or acute 
      illness occur).
    ? Test Atmosphere - Test upper and lower levels using the gas monitor 
      which may include using plastic tubing on the lower levels.  
      Ventilation is to occur if a hazard is identified or possible.
    ? Personal Protective Equipment - Wear protective equipment based on 
      potential hazardous atmosphere which may include, but not be limited 
      to, gloves, respirator, boots, etc.  (This will include a lifeline, 
      shoulder harness, and retrieval system.)
    ? Complete Permit - Complete the entire permit and have it signed by the 
      Physical Plant Facilities Maintenance Supervisor.
    ? Standby Person - Is to be located at the entry point in constant 
      communication.
    ? Rescue Notification - Polk One is to be notified prior to entering a 
      confined space.

6. Contractors - When contracted work is to occur in a "permit required"
   confined space the Physical Plant Facilities Supervisor is to be notified.  
   He will provide the contractor with Western's Confined Space Program, MSDS 
   and hazard information.  It will be the responsibility of the contractor to 
   evaluate, monitor, and enter the space at their own assumption of risk.

7. Shared Work - In the event a contractor and Western work together in a 
   confined space, Western's confined space procedures will be followed.

    AUTHORITY

Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 437-2/J-1910,146.

    APPROVAL

Before entering a confined space, authorization must be received from the 
Physical Plant Facilities Supervisor or designee who will also have 
oversight of the work to be done.  Polk Fire District #1 is to be notified at 
least 24 hours in advance (immediately, if an emergency exists).

Polk County Fire District #1 will perform confined space rescue for 
Western Oregon University.  The equipment is owned by and located on 
the premises of Western Oregon University and may be used by Polk Fire 
for the purposes of training and rescue.



                          CONFINED SPACE 
                          Training Ledger

As an employee of Western Oregon University, I understand that I may be 
requested to enter a permit- required confined space as part of my job 
duties.

In compliance with OAR 1910.146, I understand the following information 
has been covered in training provided by my supervisor.  I also 
acknowledge that if I do not understand part or all of the points covered, 
it is my responsibility to seek clarity from my supervisor.

? Definition of a confined space vs. a permit entry confined space;
? Definition of Attendants and Entrants;				
? What constitutes a hazardous atmosphere;
? Procedures for entering a confined space;				
? What personal protective equipment is to be used in a confined space;	
? How to meet the requirements and complete a confined space entry permit;
? Procedures to calibrate and use an oxygen and gas monitor;		
? When and how the rescue team is used in retrieving a confined space worker;
? When and how a hot work permit is used.

   SIGNATURES           DATE                      SIGNATURES        DATE

1.                                         7. 			
			
   
2.                                         8. 			
			

3.                                         9. 			
			

4.                                        10. 			
	 			
	
5.	                                 11.


6.                                        12. 			



                            
                             WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
                                Confined Space Entry

                                      PERMIT


Location:								

Date:                             Time Permit Issued: 	
			
Permit Authorized by (Supervisor): 					

Time Permit Expires: 						

Describe Job: 							

Describe Potential Hazards: 							
Authorized Entrants: 								
Have the following precautions been taken? 	Yes   No   N/A

1. Are the entry, standby, and rescue personnel properly trained in CSE    
   procedures, emergency action, required PPE selection, use, limitations, 
   maintenance; and Hazard Communication.

2. Have confined space interconnections, electrical switches been completely 
   isolated, locked out, tagged and tested?

3. Does the entry person have the key to the lock, only?		

4. Has proper rescue equipment been fitted to the entrant?		

5. Have all sections of the space been monitored, ventilated, and re-monitored 
   for: 
      ? Oxygen Deficiency (20.4% to 21.4%)?
      ? % LEL (less than 10% required)?				
      ? Toxic Contaminates (<1/2 PEL required- 13 PPM for CO)	

6. Have current MSDS(s) of products been reviewed by those involved?

7. Has space been set up for ventilation for full work period?		

8. Has proper PPE been specified for use, checked for fitted? 		

9. Have entry persons been equipped with oxygen/LEL/CO monitors	and emergency 
   escape respirators? 

10. Have proper tools been specified and workers equipped?

11. Has proper lighting equipment been provided? 			

12. Has standby personnel been provided? 				

13. Appropriate signs & barricades placed and personnel notified? 	

14. Is hot work to be done? 					

15. Have special procedures been satisfied?  (Local ventilation, monitoring 
    combustibles/flammables removed).

16. Precautions taken to prevent creation of hazardous atmosphere while entry 
    personnel are in the confined space (such as local ventilation, monitoring, 
    escape provisions)?

17. Supervisor has reviewed all procedures particular to this specific task?

18. Are rescue and standby personnel on site, and in communication?