ASTM D4276-95

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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Designation: D 4276 – 95 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Confined Area Entry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4276; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope exposed to the high concentrations of vapor that may be found
in enclosed areas. The seriousness of this hazard is often
1.1 This practice covers recognized procedures necessary to
underestimated by those performing this type of work.
protect the health and safety of workers required to enter
4.2 This practice is designed for use by employers in
confined spaces. These procedures are particularly applicable
developing their own specific standards for vessel or enclosed
to entry into the confined areas associated with the use of
area entry.
halogenated organic solvents.
4.3 Many of these areas are considered as permit-required
1.2 Confined areas addressed in this practice include, but are
confined spaces as defined by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.146). The
not limited to: vapor degreasers, cold cleaning tanks, storage
determination of the applicability of these requirements is the
vessels, tank cars and trucks, van trailers, ships or barges, pits
responsibility of the user.
or sumps, and unventilated rooms.
4.4 This practice represents the minimum requirements for
1.3 This practice does not necessarily address entry into all
entry into any confined spaces containing halogenated sol-
confined spaces nor does it address the decision strategy
vents.
involved in requiring such entry.
4.5 This practice does not address all of the requirements
1.4 Although this practice describes specific safety steps to
contained in the OSHA confined spaces standard. Development
be taken for entry into confined spaces, it is not intended to
and implementation of training programs, recordkeeping, and
preclude the use of any additional measures that may be
other additional requirements of the OSHA standard are the
deemed necessary for a particular situation.
responsibility of the user.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Procedure
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 All personnel working in confined areas should be
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
properly trained in safe entry and rescue procedures. They
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
should have a working knowledge and understanding of the
2. Referenced Documents hazards that may exist.
5.2 Entry Permit—Entry into confined spaces should be by
2.1 ASTM Standards:
written entry permit, issued by the responsible supervisor or
CFR 1910.146 U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
other qualified person. The purpose of the entry permit is to
Safety and Health Standards, Permit-Required Confined
ensure that a checklist of precautions has been reviewed prior
Spaces
to entry. This permit is an authorization, and approval in
3. Summary of Practice
writing certifying that all existing hazards have been evaluated
and necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure
3.1 Confined area entry refers to the entering of any tank,
the safety of the worker. The permit should be valid for a
vessel, sump, pit, duct, tank car, tank truck, van trailer, or
limited time only, (usually an 8 or 10-h shift) and issuance of
enclosed space in which there has been, or may have been
a new permit required in the event of any job interruption or
chemicals, chemical vapors, or a lack of ventilation.
any indication of changes in job conditions. Issuance of the
4. Significance and Use
entry permit should address all of the following considerations.
5.3 Vessel Preparation:
4.1 Vapor inhalation is the primary hazard encountered in
5.3.1 Isolation—All process lines exiting or entering the
the use of chlorinated solvents. The greatest potential for over
confined space should be disconnected, capped off, and
exposure to these solvent vapors occurs where the employee is
blinded. Closing of valves alone is not adequate protection.
5.3.2 Lockout—Pumps, connected to the enclosed area, or
any other mechanical or electrical equipment (particularly
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-26 on Haloge-
conveyors ) are to be locked out by locking the main electrical
nated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsi-
bility of Subcommittee D26.05 on Industrial Hygiene. switch in the“ OFF” position.
Current edition approved March 15, 1995. Published May 1995. Originally
5.3.3 Cleaning—The space should be cleared, flushed, or
published as D 4276 – 84. Last previous edition D 4276 – 84 (1989)e .
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 4276
TABLE 1 SAMPLE PERMIT Tank or Confined Area Entry Permit
NOTE 1—This permit is valid only between the hours noted. Any change of supervisor, workman, or working conditions will void this permit.
D 4276
purged of hazardous materials to the extent practical. This 5.8
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