Grande Prairie

Valleyview

Grande Cache

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SEPTIC TANK ENTRY - confined space

SAFE WORK PROCEDURE: 
1036-SWP-ST.ENTRY
​HAZARDS
  • Heat / cold
  • Cuts / laceration
  • Pinch / Crush
  • High Pressure
  • Biological Waste
  • Toxic Gases
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Follow Country Pump Outs ERP Procedure
PPE REQUIRED
​PRE-START CHECKS
  1. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as listed above
  2. Ensure all personnel are trained and competent to perform the task at hand
  3. Ensure personnel are fit for duty
​SAFE WORK PROCEDURE 
  1. Check all safety gear, tripod, winch, rope, harness, etc. for any damage or wear. Document any defects and take the item out of service.
  2. Turn on gas monitor and ensure it has a valid calibration date.
  3. Bump test the gas monitor with test gas cylinder and ensure its working properly.
  4. Attach hose with filter to the vacuum of the monitor and lower into the tank close to the bottom of the tank and maintain a constant reading.
  5. Confirm the oxygen levels are between 19.5%-23%, LEL is at zero, and there are no toxic gases present.
  6. Once tank has been vacuumed out,
  7. Fill out the Confined Space Tank Entry permit and hazard assessment
  8. Set up tripod and winch system over the confined space. Set up rope and lanyard if going into a confined space horizontally.
  9. Put Harness on checking again for defects and attach the rope or winch to the top “D ring” of the harness.
  10. Place vac hose in the tank for continuous ventilation, ensure hose is moved around to ventilate all possible pockets of toxic contaminates
  11. Test the atmosphere a minimum of 2 times, in 15-minute increments prior to entering
  12. Enter the confined space ONLY if you have a trained person outside the confined space as a safety watch/rescue.
  13. The safety watch is to stay by the confined space at all times while someone is inside and to keep an eye on the monitor levels. Exit the confined space if there is any alarm condition and re-evaluate the situation.
  14. Enter tank to preform assigned work, if safe to do so
    1. The atmosphere of the confined space shall be considered within acceptance limits whenever the following conditions are maintained:
      1. oxygen- 19.5% to 23.0%
      2. flammability- less than 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
      3. toxicity- more than exposure limits (8hrs @ 15ppm or 15min @ 20ppm)
  15. Continuously monitor the atmosphere while in the tank.
  16. Exit the confined space immediately if:
    1. ordered to do so by an attendant
    2. automatic alarms sound
    3. you perceive you are in danger
  17. you notice physiological stresses or changes in yourself or co-workers (e.g., dizziness, blurred vision, shortness of breath)
POST-JOB PROCEDURE
  1. Perform a visual inspection of truck and job site for any damage or signs of wear, reporting any issues to the appropriate personnel.
  2. Properly clean and stow hoses, tools and any other equipment used.
  3. Document the completed job
  4. Close out Confined Space Permit
  5. Record any issues if necessary
  6. Complete a final walk around before leaving site.