Hoffman Estates Fire Department Confined Space Guidelines PDF

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SPECIALIZED OPERATION - 003 January 1, 2022...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SPECIALIZED OPERATION - 003 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: Confined Space Guideline Revision: 2 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2025 Fire Chief 3 PURPOSE POLICY Confined space incidents may involve injured persons, persons asphyxiated or overcome by toxic substances, cave-ins, or fires occurring within the space. Operations within confined spaces shall be approached with extreme caution. Direct supervision is required and all safety guidelines are to be rigidly enforced. Operations shall be conducted in a manner which avoids premature commitment to unknown risks. PROCEDURE If the emergency involves confined space, Command is responsible to complete the following activities: A. Secure permit entry information involving the following: 1. Isolation/lockout/tag points 2. Hazards expected 3. Ventilation set up 4. Atmospheric testing results 5. Protective clothing and respirator being used 6. Lifeline, mechanical advantage systems, and harness being used 7. SDS data regarding material found in the space Before allowing personnel to enter a confined space, Command must attempt to gather any available information about the nature of the situation or hazard, particularly as it pertains to the atmosphere inside the space. THIS IS CRITICAL WHEN THE SITUATION INVOLVES UNCONSCIOUS VICTIMS OR PERSONS WHO MAY HAVE BECOME OVERCOME BY THE ATMOSPHERE INSIDE THE SPACE. Command must assume that an unsafe atmosphere exists within the confined space until testing establishes that it is indeed safe. B. Complete a fire department entry permit involving all rescue operations. 1 C. Assure appropriate isolation (lockout, tagout, blanking) of any electrical, steam, fluid or mechanical sources has been completed prior to rescue operations being initiated within the space. D. Complete atmospheric testing for oxygen concentration, combustibility, and toxicity (minimally for carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. Any other toxics that may be reasonably found in the space will need a stand-alone atmospheric monitor.). 1. Vertical spaces must be tested at four foot increments, along with top and bottom measurements. 2. Horizontal spaces must be tested in the area of the lead entrant. 3. Test readings must be taken simultaneously or in the order shown below. IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) readings are to be regarded as follows: 1. Oxygen concentration a. < 19.5% b. > 23.5% 2. Combustibility a. 10% of LEL b. < 5' of obscured vision due to dust 3. Toxicity a. Hydrogen sulfide - 10ppm b. carbon monoxide - 35ppm E. Ventilate the confined space as needed (for securing safe atmospheric levels) using a confined space ventilator or other appropriate air movement equipment. Air quality will be sampled at the point of air intake for the ventilator. The air quality will be sampled for oxygen concentration, combustibility, and toxicity (carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide). F. Complete continuous atmospheric monitoring in the work space within the confined space during the duration of the entry operation. G. Assure that all personnel entering the space shall use (without exception) SCBAs or SARs (with a five-minute escape pack) until analysis of the atmosphere confirms that it is safe to breathe. Personnel shall not remove facepieces or take any action to compromise the effectiveness of their breathing system while inside the confined space's contaminated atmosphere. H. Assure that all personnel entering the space wear protective clothing (at least: a helmet, gloves, ankle protection, eye protection, and a full body harness) as required by the situation. 2 I. Assure that all members entering the space are connected to a lifeline and that all vertical spaces (greater than 5 feet) utilize a mechanical advantage system for entry (for example, a tripod and/or haul safe). J. Assure that any electrical or mechanical equipment taken inside the confined space, including lighting and radio equipment, shall be of an explosion-proof type. SUPPORT ACTIVITIES In order to provide adequate support for confined space incidents, Command shall provide a minimum 2:1 ratio of personnel outside the confined space to personnel working within the confined space. This shall include a stand-by rescue team with a 1:1 ratio to provide emergency assistance to our personnel within the confined space. This team shall be equipped with SCBA and standing by to enter if needed. A Treatment Group or Division shall also be established near the entrance/exit point to the space. Command should establish an Accountability Officer (utilizing the PASSPORT system) at the entrance/exit to control access to the confined space. The Accountability Officer shall record the names, assignments, entry times, and SCBA cylinder pressures of all personnel entering the confined space. The primary function of the Accountability Officer is to control the number of personnel inside the confined space and prevent crowding at the entrance/exit. The Accountability Officer will maintain a time awareness of the expected exit time for each individual based on air supply at the time of entry (based on one minute for entry time per 100 psi for low pressure and high pressure, 60 minute units, along with one minute of entry time per 200 psi for high pressure, 30 minute units) and provide a warning at the predetermined time to begin exit guidelines. The warning will be provided by radio or other communication system. The Department Safety Officer is to consult with Command on the safety measures and precautions to be taken in each case. Command will assign a Safety Division Officer to assume these responsibilities during the initial stages of the incident until the Department Safety Officer arrives on the scene. Both the Safety Officer and the Accountability Officer are to evaluate the risks and enforce all safety requirements associated with the emergency. If either judges that the operation is unsafe, the operation is to be suspended until the unsafe factors are corrected or evaluated again. DEFINITIONS EXCEPTIONS Where MABAS Illinois Policies and Procedures current online reference or MABAS 1 Operating Guidelines/Policy Statements are in conflict with HEFD Standard Operating Guidelines, HEFD Standard Operating Guidelines will take precedence. REFERENCES MABAS Illinois Policies and Procedures current online reference MABAS 1 Operating Guidelines/Policy Statements End of Document 3