API St 2217A:2009 pdf download

API St 2217A:2009 pdf download.Guidelines for Safe Work in Inert Confined Spaces in the Petroleum and Petrochemical lndustries.
a) Knows and understands the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of exposure.
b) Verifies by checking that the appropriate information has been recorded on the permit, that all tests specified by the permit have been conducted and that all procedures and equipment specified by the permit are in place before endorsing and posting the permit and allowing entry to begin.
c) Terminates the entry and cancels the permit when:
1) a condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises in or near the permit space;
2) the entry operations covered by the entry permit have been completed.
d) Verifies that rescue services are available, that the means for summoning them for timely response are operable, and that potential rescue procedures are planned to assure proper equipment needed for the specific job have been identified, inspected and staged near the entry location.
e) Removes unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter the permit space during entry operations.
f) Determines, whenever responsibility for a PRCS entry operation is transferred, and at intervals dictated by the hazards and operations performed within the space, that entry operations remain consistent with terms of the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.
g) Verifies that prohibition of access to the inert space is secure when work is not in process or when timely emergency response is not available; and that areas where inert gas is vented are barricaded/cordoned off.
The duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation. These responsibilities also may be transferred between the owner and contractors. For instance, when the owner meets the conditions of vessel preparation, the entry supervision may be turned over to the contractor selected for the job. The owner certifies that the vessel is approved for turnover to a contractor screened for this specialty work and who represents themselves as having people and equipment to safely perform the task. The transferable role of “entry supervisor” should be defined by agreement to establish which party is responsible for the people who are actually performing the entry work. A means should be established to identify and document the person who is serving as entry supervisor. Personnel involved with the entry should be informed when a different person assumes the entry supervisor role.
4.3 Contractors
If a contractor is utilized to perform work in inert confined spaces, the contractor shall certify to the owner/operator of the facility that the contractor conforms with the written procedures and guidelines specified in Section 4 as well as all regulatory requirements relevant to the work to be performed, and that the personnel to be used have been provided an overview of the job, relevant training and documented experience. See API 2220 and API 2221 for guidance on implementing a contractor safety and health program.
The owner/operator of the facility shall advise contractors of the potential hazards associated with the atmosphere being entered. The owner and the contractor shall agree on whatever special precautions are required.
The owner/operator of the facility shall establish the necessary procedures and system of authority to:
a) control those conditions in and around the inert confined space entry within each party’s realm of responsibility;
b) monitor and audit the inert confined space work performed by contractors on a continuing and periodic basis;
Determining the level of risk involves estimating the probability and seventy of exposure events that could lead to harm, and the resulting consequences. While the preceding examples relate hazards to the risk to people, the same principles are valid for evaluating property risk. For instance, hydrocarbon vapors in a flammable mixture with air can ignite if exposed to a source of ignition, resulting in a fire which could damage property.
To ensure the safety of personnel, the hazards of working in and near inert confined spaces must be recognized and communicated to those potentially at risk. Tool-box meetings, job safety analyses (JSAs) and MSDS reviews are some approaches used. This need gains importance because inert gases have no warning properties. Table I lists some of the hazards encountered in inert confined spaces, and the type of exposure events which can result in risk. For inert entry, these hazards always include oxygen deficiency and may include (but are not limited to) the items in Table 1.