Today, the NFPA adopted some interesting revisions to their NFPA 350, Guide for Safe Confined Space Entry and Work. One item that many may find interesting is 8.6.5 Pipes and lines that run through a confined space…
Here are the most notable updates/revisions:
Non-Members can find the changes Here.
3.3.73 Risk
The probability that a substance or situation will produce harm under specified conditions, determined by a combination of two factors: (1) the probability that an adverse event will occur, and (2) the severity of the consequences of the adverse event.
8.6.3 Pipes and lines containing materials that could enter into the confined space should be disconnected and drained. Pipes and lines should also be double blocked, blanked, bled, flushed, purged, or otherwise isolated prior to entry by the Isolation Specialist prior to issuing an Entry Permit.
8.6.4 Pipes and lines that run through a confined space that will be worked on from inside the space need to be disconnected and drained. Pipes and lines should also be double blocked, blanked, bled, flushed, purged, or otherwise isolated by the Isolation Specialist prior to issuing an Entry Permit.
8.6.5 Pipes and lines that run through but do not terminate within a confined space do not need to be disconnected or isolated as indicated in 8.6.3 provided that the Entry Supervisor determines that the materials in these lines are not impacted by the work being done in the space and do not create a hazard to workers in the space.
9.5.6 When flammable gases or vapors are exhausted from within a confined space, the Ventilation Specialist should ensure that the discharge points from all exhaust ventilation processes that are not connected to scrubbing systems or other contaminant control systems) are located a minimum of 3.7 m (12 ft) above grade. The selection of the exhaust discharge points and locations of personnel should ensure that exhausted contaminants are directed away from areas that might contain sources of ignition and areas where personnel might be working.
