Minnesota Administrative Rules

5207.0302 OPERATING PROCEDURES AND WORKER TRAINING.

Subpart 1.

Implementation.

The employer shall implement the provisions of this part before any worker is allowed to enter a confined space.

Subp. 2.

Entry permit system.

The employer shall develop, implement, and use an entry permit system that includes a written permit procedure that provides all the means necessary to:

A.

determine all confined spaces and identify them to the workers to prevent unauthorized entry;

B.

determine the actual and potential hazards associated with the space at the time of entry so the employer can choose the appropriate means to execute a safe entry;

C.

ensure by appropriate testing that the control measures used are effective; and

D.

provide for preplanned emergency rescue.

Subp. 3.

Entry permit.

A written permit form must be completed before allowing a worker to enter a confined space. The written permit must contain the following minimum specific information for each permit entry space:

A.

date;

B.

location;

C.

time of issue;

D.

time of expiration;

E.

names of workers assigned to enter;

F.

name and position of the person authorizing or in charge of the entry;

G.

description of the hazards known or reasonably expected to be present in the confined space;

H.

atmospheric testing required to be done immediately before and during the entry period;

I.

designated individual responsible for performing the tests;

J.

personal protective equipment required, including respiratory protection, clothing, or harnesses required for entry and rescue;

K.

description of any additional hazards that may be reasonably expected to be generated by the entrants' activities in the space;

L.

identification of all special work practices or procedures to be followed; and

M.

specification of all means of isolation, cleaning, purging, or inserting to be done before entry to remove or control those hazards, or certification that these procedures have been done if a hazardous air contamination or oxygen deficient condition exists.

Subp. 4.

Duration and retention of permit.

The maximum duration for which a permit form may be issued is one shift except as indicated in part 5207.0304, subpart 1. Each written permit form for confined space entry must be retained for a minimum of 30 days. Permits shall be readily available to all workers before entering a confined space, and the permits shall remain at the work site as long as the work is being performed there. Where atmospheric testing showed a dangerous air contamination, oxygen deficiency, or oxygen enrichment, the employer shall retain the written permit form or record showing the results of the atmospheric testing for a minimum of one year.

Subp. 5.

Operating procedures.

A.

Written, understandable operating and rescue procedures shall be developed and provided to affected workers.

B.

When respiratory protection is used, a respiratory protection program as outlined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, section 1910.134, shall be in place.

C.

Operating procedures shall conform to the applicable requirements of parts 5207.0303 and 5207.0304 and shall include provision for surveillance of the surrounding area to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from other work operations.

Subp. 6.

Worker training.

A.

Workers who will enter the confined space and standby persons required by part 5207.0304 shall be trained in operating and rescue procedures and on the hazards they may encounter. This training shall be conducted annually or before confined space entry.

B.

Workers who will perform atmospheric monitoring in confined spaces shall be trained on the use of such equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions before confined space entry and then on an annual basis thereafter.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 182.655

History:

23 SR 2132

Published Electronically:

June 11, 2008