Confined Space

Sewer entry differs in three vital respects from other permit entries; first, there rarely exist and way to completely isolate the space to be entered; second, because isolation is not complete, the atmosphere may suddenly and unpredictably become lethally hazardous from causes beyond the control of the entrant or employer, and third, experienced sewer workers are especially knowledgeable in the entry and work in their permit spaces because of their frequent entries. Unlike other employment's where permit space entry is a rare and exceptional event, sewer workers' usual work environment is a permit space. Entry into large bore sewers may require the use of special equipment. Such equipment might include such items as atmosphere monitoring devices with automatic audible alarms, escape self-contained breathing apparatus (ESCBA) with at least 10 minute air supply, and waterproof flashlights, and may also include boats and rafts, radios and rope standoffs for pulling around bends and corners as needed.