This Procedure establishes the minimum standards for confined space entries for FOX Corporation’s, Facility, and Production needs. At Fox Networks
Group, all confined spaces will be treated as permit-required confined spaces, unless they are re-classified, based upon an evaluation of the hazards
they present. No personnel, who do not possess a permit, will be permitted to any permit-required confined space.
1.0 SCOPE
FOX Corporation’s (FOX) Confined Space Program is intended to alert employees and their supervisors to the potential hazards of confined spaces,
provide procedures to mitigate or eliminate those hazards, and specify training and equipment necessary to perform confined space work safely.
2.0 Definitions
Confined Space:
a space that:
a. Is large enough and so configured that an employee can physically enter and perform assigned work; and
b. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that might
have limited means of entry); and
c. Is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS):
a confined space that also has one or more of the following characteristics:
a. Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere (including creation of a hazardous atmosphere as a result of work occurring during
an entry operation)
b. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant
c. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls, or by a floor that slopes downward
and tapers to a smaller cross-section, or
d. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
Non-Permit Required Confined Space (NPRCS):
a confined space that does not contain or, with respect to atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain, any hazard capable of causing death or
serious physical harm.
Hazardous Atmosphere:
any atmosphere that might expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, injury, or acute illness, or which could impair a person’s ability to
self‑rescue (escape unaided from a confined space).
Confined Space Entry Form:
a written form used to authorize and document each NPRCS entry operation (referred to, in some regulations, as a Permit). Fox’s Confined Space Entry Form is found in Attachment 1.
Non-Entry Retrieval:
the ability of a person outside a confined space to extract a person in the confined space, without assistance from the entrant or a need to enter the
confined space during any portion of the retrieval.
3.0 Responsibilities
In addition to required Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Program responsibilities discussed in EHS001, EHS Policy, the responsibilities described
below are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the procedure.
3.1 Department Heads
Department Heads will be responsible to:
- Ensure the identification of one or more Confined Space Coordinators (CSCs) (see Section 3.2) in their Department, if confined space operations are
performed. CSCs will represent their respective department(s) during confined space entry-related work activities.
3.2 Confined Space Coordinators
The CSC will be the primary expert and point-of-contact within each Department, regarding confined spaces.
Each CSC will be responsible to:
- Complete a Pre-Entry Evaluation Form (Attachment 2) for each confined space and classify the space as a PRCS or NPRCS; ensure that proper
signs, locking/barricade mechanisms, and other warning/safety devices are installed on all such spaces as appropriate based on the classification - Maintain a list of identified confined spaces and their classification, as provided by the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Department
- Serve as the approving authority for any confined space entry conducted by their Department.
3.3 Employees
All Fox employees will:
- Refrain from entering any confined space except as part of a planned entry operation, following the procedures described in Section 4.0
- Identify any new or previously unknown confined space to their Department’s CSC
3.4 Environmental, Health and Safety Department
The EHS Department will:
- Develop appropriate standards for safely conducting confined space entries during all Fox activities
- Perform a periodic review of this Procedure (at least annually) to ensure that all requirements are current and meet Cal/OSHA requirements
- Provide training to designated Department CSCs
- Maintain an inventory of all confined spaces under Fox’s control.
This shall include a map showing the locations of all confined spaces, and the following information about each one:
a. The location of the confined space
b. Any hazards known to be associated with the confined space
c. The classification of the confined space
d. The Fox Department that has primary responsibility for control of the confined space.
4.0 Procedure
Any confined space under the control of Fox will be treated as a PRCS unless a CSC has re-classified the space as a NPRCS on the basis of a hazard
evaluation. Fox does not allow its employees to enter into PRCSs.
The following procedures will be followed at all times when working with confined spaces.
Attachment 2 provides a graphical illustration (flowchart) of this process.
4.1 Classification and Marking of Confined Spaces
- Each identified confined space under Fox’s control is categorized as a permit-required confined space (PRCS), unless a CSC has reclassified it as a
non-permit-required confined space (NPRCS).
No entry of a confined space can occur until it has been evaluated and determined by the CSC to be an NPRCS.
- The CSC will document the hazard analysis of each confined space using the Confined Space Hazard Assessment Form (see Attachment 3).
4.1.1 PRCSs
Unless a CSC determines that a confined space can be re-classified as a NPRCS, then the following requirements must be observed:
- Fox employee entry into PRCSs is prohibited.
- The CSC will be responsible for securing the PRCS using locks or other barricades on each entryway, which will prevent inadvertent entry. Keys or
other means of removing the barricade must be under the sole control of the CSC. - The CSC will have signs posted at each entryway which states:
DANGER
DO NOT ENTER – PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE
ENTRY POSES AN IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARD
PLEASE CONTACT THE FOX EHS DEPARTMENT AT 310.369.2671
- Any entry operation may only be conducted by a contractor organization must be provided the following information:
a. A warning that Fox has classified the space as a PRCS
b. Information concerning the nature of the hazard(s) known to be associated with the confined space
c. Information concerning the physical conditions and layout of the confined space (dimensions, access provisions, such as ladders, etc.)
d. Using this information, the contractor must prepare a specific entry procedure, to be provided to the CSC for approval prior to the contractor
initiating the work.
4.1.2 NPRCSs
If the CSC determines that a confined space can be re-classified as a NPRCS, then the following requirements will be observed:
- The CSC will have signs posted at each entryway which states:
WARNING
CONFINED SPACE
ENTRY OF THIS SPACE CAN ONLY BE CONDUCTED WITH THE
APPROVAL OF YOUR DEPARTMENT’S CONFINED SPACE COORDINATOR
- Any entry operation can only be conducted with the approval of the Department’s CSC, following the procedure specified in Section 4.2.
4.2 Confined Space Entry Procedure
Fox personnel may perform an entry of any NPRCS, following the procedures specified here and with the approval of their Department’s CSC.
4.2.1 General Entry Requirements
ALL NPRCS entries by Fox personnel must meet the following requirements:
- The following duties shall be assigned to members of the entry team.
a. Entry Supervisor – the person responsible for overall direction of the entry operation.
The Entry Supervisor can serve as an Attendant, but cannot be an Entrant.
b. Entrant – the person(s) who shall perform the NPRCS entry.
c. Attendant – the person(s) supporting the Entrant from outside the NPRCS, and who will be responsible for identifying any hazard to
the Entrant, initiating non-entry retrieval procedures, if required, and initiating emergency assistance, if needed. One Attendant must be present for
each Entrant performing the entry of any NPRCS.
- Each Entrant must be equipped with an emergency retrieval system, which allows non-entry retrieval by the Attendant.
a. For horizontal entries (work in the NPRCS is performed on the same level as the entryway.), this will consist of a full-body harness and lifeline.
b. For vertical entries (work in the NPRCS is performed on a level below the entryway), this will consist of a full-body harness, lifeline, winch
extractor, and tripod or other mechanism for mounting the winch, which will allow the worker at least three-and-a-half (3-1/2) feet of clearance above
the entryway level so that the Attendant can move the Entrant away from the entry without assistance. Where the configuration of any NPRCS makes the
use of an emergency retrieval system impractical (e.g., internal configuration of the NPRCS prevents extraction using a lifeline), Fox personnel are
prohibited from performing the entry operation.
- The Entry Supervisor must initiate a Confined Space Entry Form.
The form must include information identifying:
a. The NPRCS to be entered
b. The purpose of the entry
c. The names and duties of the personnel on the entry team
d. A list of emergency retrieval system equipment and other personal protective equipment to be used during the entry
e. A listing of all energy isolation procedures required prior to entry (see Section 4.2.2)
f. Air monitoring requirements to be followed during the entry procedure. The Entry Team Department’s CSC must approve the NPRCS entry by signing and
dating the Confined Space Entry Form before entry operations commence.
- If work is to be performed in the NPRCS during the entry operation, which might impact conditions inside the NPRCS (e.g., welding work will be
performed, which might negatively impact air quality), the CSC must contact the EHS Department for guidance.
4.2.2 Pre-entry Requirements
Prior to entry of any NPRCS by Fox personnel, the following steps must be performed:
- The NPRCS will be made safe by the isolation of all hazardous energy and other conditions that might pose a hazard to Entrants, as indicated on the Confined Space Entry form.
This could include:
· Shut-off and lockout of all electrical energy to the NPRCS. Lockout of equipment and devices will be performed in accordance with EHS 403, Lockout/Tagout.
· Shutdown and lockout of all valves that might permit entrance of water, sewage, high-pressure (pneumatic) air, or other fluids
- Shutdown and lockout of mechanical systems in the NPRCS.
- The Entry Supervisor will evaluate the air quality inside the NPRCS, using a real time monitoring instrument, following the procedures on the Confined Space Entry form.
- Readings must be taken at both the NPRCS entryway and at the working level inside the NPRCS.
- Results must be recorded on the Confined Space Entry form.
5. At a minimum, the following parameters must be evaluated:
a. Oxygen Content – must be greater than nineteen point five (19.5) percent (%) and less than twenty-three point five (23.5) percent (%)
b. Explosivity – must be less than ten (10) percent (%) of the lower flammability limit (LFL)
c. Hydrogen Sulfide – must be less than ten (10) parts per million (ppm)
d. Carbon Monoxide – must be less than thirty-five (35) ppm
e. Other parameters as determined by the EHS Department.
- If any measured parameter is outside the acceptable range, the entry operation must be terminated and the EHS Department contacted for guidance.
- The emergency retrieval system must be fully assembled and inspected to ensure it is functional and will work effectively.
- The Confined Space Entry form must be visibly posted at the NPRCS entryway.
4.2.3 Entry Operations
During the entry operation, the following requirements will be observed:
- The Entry Supervisor will follow the procedures on the Confined Space Entry form.
- The Entry Supervisor will continue to evaluate the air quality inside the NPRCS at thirty (30)-minute intervals, using a real time monitoring
instrument. - All readings will be taken at the entrants’ working location.
- All readings will be recorded on the Confined Space Entry form.
- The entry operation will be terminated immediately if conditions are outside the acceptable range for any parameter.
- Each Attendant will be responsible for maintaining visual or aural contact with their Entrant at all times.
- No Attendant will leave the NPRCS entryway, or be assigned any other responsibilities, while his/her Entrant is inside the NPRCS.
- If at any time, an Entrant notes an unusual odor or experiences nausea, dizziness or other symptoms that might indicate the presence of a hazard,
the entry must be terminated immediately and the EHS Department contacted for guidance. - If the Attendant notes the Entrant exhibiting any unusual or unsafe behavior during the entry, or loses both visual and aural contact for more than
thirty (30) seconds, the entry must be terminated. - If the Entrant becomes disabled or unconscious, the Attendant will initiate non-entry retrieval, using the emergency retrieval system. Under NO
circumstances, will the Attendant attempt to enter the NPRCS to rescue or assist the Entrant. - If the Non-Entry Retrieval fails, the Attendant must activate the emergency response system.
- Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel stationed at Station 92 will provide all rescues from confined spaces. They have been notified of their
role and provided a copy of this procedure. - The EHS Department will also respond to a confined space rescue and will provide support and technical advice to the Los City Fire Department as it
relates to the confined space.
4.2.4 Post-Entry Requirements
At the conclusion of each NPRCS entry, the Entry Supervisor will:
- Complete and sign the Confined Space Pre-Entry Evaluation Form
- Provide the Confined Space Pre-Entry Evaluation Form to the Department’s CSC.
5.0 REFERENCES
EHS 001, EHS Policy
EHS 403, Lockout/Tagout
6.0 ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Confined Space Entry Form.
Attachment 2 – Flowchart of Confined Space Entry Procedures
Attachment 3 – Confined Space Hazard Assessment Form
ATTACHMENT 1
Confined Space Entry Form
Confined Space Entry Form
1. Permit space to be entered:
2. Purpose of entry:
3. Good on this date only: From: AM/PM To: AM/PM
Authorized Entrants: Authorized Attendants: Entry Supervisor:
5. Hazards within the permit space:
6. Permit Space Preparation
1. Work area isolated with signs/barriers? __________Yes __________No
2. All energy sources locked/tagged out? __________Yes __________No
3. All input lines capped/blinded? __________Yes __________No
4. Permit Space cleaned/purged? __________Yes __________No
5. Ventilation provided 30 minutes before entry? __________Yes __________No
7. Rescue Services: Los Angeles City Fire Department, Station 92
Dial – 911
8. Communication devices and procedures to be used during entry:
9. Safety Equipment required for entry:
PPE N/A ( ) YES ( ) Specify_________________________________________________
Testing Equipment N/A ( ) YES ( ) Specify_________________________________________________
Alarm System N/A ( ) YES ( ) Specify_________________________________________________
Rescue Equipment N/A ( ) YES ( ) Specify_________________________________________________
Other N/A ( ) YES ( ) Specify_________________________________________________
The Entry Operation described above is authorized to be performed on (date).
Confined Space Coordinator (Signature): Date/Time:
Initial atmospheric testing
Entryway Work Level
Reading
Reading
Time
Acceptable level
Oxygen% _______ _______ > 19% – 23.5%
LEL _______ _______ < 10% LFL
Hydrogen Sulfide _______ _______ < 10 ppm
Carbon Monoxide _______ _______ < 35 ppm
Other Contaminants _______ _______ _____________
Follow-up Monitoring
Tests To Be Taken |
Permissible
Entry Levels |
Test 1 |
Test 2 |
Test 3 |
Test 4 |
A. Percent of Oxygen | >19.5%, and
< 23.5% |
||||
B. Explosivity | < 10% LFL | ||||
C. Hydrogen Sulfide | < 10 ppm | ||||
D. Carbon Monoxide | < 35 ppm | ||||
E. Other | |||||
Test Times |
I certify that the confined space entry was performed as shown on this form.
Entry Supervisor (Signature): Date/Time:
ATTACHMENT 2
Flowchart of Confined Space Entry Procedures
ATTACHMENT 3
Confined Space Hazard Assessment Form
Confined Space Hazard Assessment Form
Space Name/Description |
||||
Hazards |
Personal Protective Equipment Required |
|||
Yes/No/N/A |
Type |
Yes/No/N/A |
Type |
|
Explosive / Combustion Hazard | Air supplied Respirator | |||
Exposed Electrical Circuits | Air Purifying Respirator | |||
Unguarded Machine Parts | Welding Protection | |||
Atmospheric Hazard | Gloves | |||
Potential Atmospheric Hazard | Hard Hat | |||
Thermal Hazard |
Ventilation Requirements |
|||
Chemical Hazard | Continuous cuft/min
(20 Air Changes per Hour (ACH) for duration of entry) |
|||
Fall Hazard | ||||
Engulfment hazard | Initial Purge Time=
7.5 X _ (space volume) Effective Blower Capacity |
|||
Converging Walls | Space Volume | |||
Floors slope-small cross-section | Adequate Blower Capacity (ABC) = ________
ABC = Space Volume x 20 ACH 60 minutes |
|||
Slip Hazard | ||||
Entry Path |
Vent Exhaust Point: | |||
Yes/No/N/A |
Type |
Vent Supply Point: | ||
Side entry |
Minimum initial Purge Time= 10 Minutes |
|||
Bottom entry |
Sketch of Space and ventilation configuration requirements: |
|||
Top open entry | ||||
Top manhole entry | ||||
Hinged hatch | ||||
Entry & Rescue Equipment Required |
||||
Yes/No/N/A |
Type |
|||
Full body Harness | ||||
Tripod | ||||
Man Winch |
Acceptable Entry Conditions |
|||
Fall Arrest Unit |
Yes/No/N/A |
Condition |
||
Emergency Retrieval Line | Confined Space Entry permit posted | |||
Atmospheric Monitor | Oxygen 19.5 – 23.5% | |||
Blower & Hose | Lower Explosive Level l0% | |||
Intrinsically Safe Drop Light | Airborne contaminant levels less than Action Limit/PEL | |||
Communication Gear | No engulfing material in space | |||
Ladder | No hazardous chemicals or material | |||
Hand held radios | Drained – Flushed | |||
Portable Lighting | Rescue Team Available on Site | |||
Floor level opening barrier | Ventilation Established & Maintained | |||
Form Completed By: Name: Signature: Date: |