What you need to know
All UW departments that work in or have control of permit-required confined spaces should develop, implement and enforce a confined space entry plan. Such plans should follow the UW Confined Space Entry Program and address the department's specific needs. Use the fillable Confined Space Entry Plan Template for developing department-specific confined space entry procedures.
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Develop and implement the confined space entry plan for employees who enter or assist those who enter confined spaces.
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Identify and notify EH&S of all permit-required confined spaces.
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Verify prior to entry that the confined space entry supervisor, entrants and attendants are trained in the department’s confined space entry plan and are up-to-date with the UW confined space entry training.
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Recognize any potential hazards during entry, including signs and symptoms of exposure (entry supervisors).
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Ensure that a written entry permit for permit-required confined spaces is complete and approved prior to every permit-required confined space entry; also ensuring rescue services are in place.
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Ensure that proper procedures are followed and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn whenever employees enter a confined space.
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Ensure that proper confined space entry equipment and PPE are purchased, maintained and available.
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Work with EH&S to resolve issues related to the confined space entry program.
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Ensure all injuries and near-misses, including those potentially caused by work in confined spaces, are reported using the Online Accident Reporting System.
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Ensure contractors entering confined spaces have reviewed the confined space entry plan, have been informed of the potential hazards and participate in a post-entry review
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Complete required initial and periodic refresher training for the confined space entry program.
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Be aware of and understand the hazards that may be encountered during entry.
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Follow prescribed confined space safety practices and procedures
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Wear appropriate PPE when entering a confined space.
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Communicate with attendants as necessary to alert them of hazards.
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Evacuate the space if a hazard is recognized, if ordered to evacuate, or if alarm is activated.
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Monitor the work area for hazardous conditions, communicate with entrants and monitor their status, and perform non-entry rescue or summon rescue and emergency services as needed (performed by attendants stationed outside the confined space).
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Establish and maintain the overall UW Confined Space Entry program.
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Produce and maintain program documentation, including confined space inventories, procedures and forms.
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Assist departments with the development of their confined space entry plans.
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Ensure that permit-required confined spaces are posted and assist departments with signage.
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Evaluate spaces to determine if they meet the confined space definition and therefore must be managed as a permit-required confined space.
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Work with departments to fully implement the program for the confined spaces they manage.
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Provide employees with confined space safety training and resources.
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Audit departments for compliance with the program.
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Monitor changes in regulations, policies and best practices.
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Provide a copy of the company’s confined space program to the department.
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Obtain information about specific confined space hazards and entry operations from the UW department.
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Coordinate entry operations with any other employers or departments whose employees will be working in or near the confined space.
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Inform the host employer or department about:
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Entry procedures that will be followed
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Any hazards confronted or created in the space during entry operations
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