Culvert

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Culvert - Confined Space
Long Culvert
A walk behind Bobcat was used to clean sediment
from the bottom of a culvert. The workers had to
seek medical attention for Carbon Monoxide
poisoning. This was a long culvert and no
ventilation was in place. See attached
information for proper procedures for entering
confined space. This had the potential to
result in a bad day for the workers and their
families. Please be careful out there.
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NCDOT Safety Policy and Procedure Manual
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SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES Confined Space Entry
NCDOT operates in many different areas and
situations where confined spaces may exist.
Typical locations include the holds of ferry
vessels, paint truck storage tanks, weigh
station scale pits, vertical drill shafts, and
sometimes the area between tightly spaced bridge
beams. Any area which has a limited opening for
entry and exit, or unfavorable natural
ventilation, or that is not designed for
continuous worker occupancy may be classified as
a confined space. 1. All employees shall be
trained in the procedures and hazards of the
space they are to enter. 2. Employees shall be
in good physical condition before entering a
confined space. 3. All spaces shall be checked
and evaluated by a qualified person before entry.
4. A qualified person shall test for a
hazardous atmosphere and complete a confined
space entry permit before entry is allowed. 5.
No entry will be allowed if any hazardous
condition is detected, unless proper protective
equipment is used. 6. All persons entering a
confined space shall wear the personal protective
equipment that is appropriate for the work to be
performed. 7. If mechanical ventilation is
provided, at least one person shall wear a
multi-gas monitoring device. If an alarm sounds,
all persons shall immediately evacuate the
confined space. 8. Lockout/Tagout procedures
shall be followed if the confined space contains
mechanically active equipment. 9. The qualified
person shall determine if the entry can be made
without a qualified attendant or if a standby
person is necessary. 10. If an attendant is
required, he shall a. Be trained in rescue
from outside techniques b. Not enter confined
space under any circumstances c. Be within
sight or call of the entrant, and d. Have the
means to summon assistance.
NC DOT Work Place Safety Manual
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NC OSHA Standards for the Construction
Industry February, 2001