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Confined Space
| Definition | Responsibilities
| Signs | VEHS Services
| Resource Links | Questions
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A Confined Space is defined to be
an area that is large enough to enter and work, has limited means
for entry and exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy.
A Confined Space Entry Permit is required for entry into a
confined space that has at least one of the following:
- Potential for hazardous atmosphere
- Potential for engulfing an entrant
- Internal configuration capable of trapping or asphyxiating an
entrant
- Other safety or health hazard
Confined spaces sometimes must be entered for repairs,
inspection, and maintenance. If you have to enter
permit-required confined spaces on campus, you may encounter
extremely hazardous atmospheric conditions and/or access
difficulties that can result in injury or death. Examples of
locations which fall into this category include: sewers,
tanks, boilers, crawl spaces, vaults, storm drains, pipelines, bins,
ducts, vessels, acid pits and tubs. Each time you go into a
confined space, it must be evaluated by your supervisor before you
enter. This is necessary to determine the hazards involved and
the appropriate safety measures and controls that must be taken for
your safety. Death can result if you enter a confined space
without using the necessary safety procedures.
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Responsibilities
It is you, your supervisor's and the attendant's responsibility
to follow the proper procedures to keep you safe when entering a
confined space. Supervisors must ensure that these entry procedures
are followed and that personnel understand and comply with these
safety requirements. Always inform your supervisor of any departure
from approved procedures.
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Signs
VEHS assists supervisors in the identification, evaluation and
labeling of all confined spaces in facilities controlled by
Vanderbilt University. VEHS, Plant Operations and Plant Services
maintain a list of all known confined spaces. Supervisors must
report to VEHS the existence of locations in their work space that
may be considered a confined space so that they can be evaluated and
posted with a sign, if required.
Some confined spaces, such as sewer and storm drains, do not
readily allow for the installation of a sign. Locations such
as these areas are to be considered permit required confined spaces,
whether labeled as such or not. If you are in doubt as to
whether or not a certain area is a confined space, consult with your
supervisor and VEHS. Your supervisor is required to train you
to recognize areas that may be confined spaces and not enter these
areas until a determination is made. Do not rely only on the
presence of a warning sign to warn you about confined spaces.
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VEHS Services related to Confined Spaces:
- Supervisor Training
- Recommendations for undesignated spaces
- Assistance with signage
- Determination of confined spaces
- Permit Required
- Non-permit Required
- Provide Assistance to supervisors
- Provide technical training on confined space equipment
including air monitoring instruments.
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Resource Links:
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If you have questions about Confined
Spaces, please contact Mark Bogard (mark.j.bogard@vanderbilt.edu).
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