Purpose and Scope
The Physical Facilities Department (PFD) of Miami University is firmly committed to provide each employee a safe and healthy work environment. To meet this commitment, this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been established by PFD for entry into a utility tunnel. Employees entering the tunnel system must follow the procedures noted below.
Definitions
Utility Tunnel - An area that has multiple means of entry and exit, is large enough for an employee to comfortably enter and perform assigned work and is suitable for continuous occupancy by the employee.
Confined Space - An area that has limited or restricted means of entry or exit, is large enough for an employee to enter and perform work, and is not designated for continuous occupancy by the employee. These spaces may include, but are not limited to, underground vaults, storage bins, pits and diked areas, vessels and silos.
Responsibilities
Supervisors have the primary responsibility for ensuring that their personnel are trained appropriately and that work activities are conducted in accordance with the University's Utility Tunnel Entry Program. Any employee who willfully violates or disregards provisions of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action as specified by University policy. Any contractor who willfully violates or disregards provisions of this policy will be subject to penalties up to and including removal from the job site and/or loss of contract in accordance with the provisions of the contract.
Procedures
Employees whose work requires them to enter a utility tunnel must notify their supervisor prior to entry. Anyone entering the Utility Tunnel System is to be aware of the potential for changing conditions. Be aware that work conditions could change the normal environment within the tunnel and cause it to become a confined space. The supervisor or designated employee(s) will ensure that the below process for entry into a tunnel is followed:
- Should work require entry into a Confined Space, follow the procedure outlined within Standard Operating Procedure #417: Confined Space Entry Policy.
- Designate the appropriate trained personnel who will be involved in the work operations. Review requirements with entrants and attendants.
- Gather the following safety equipment, as well as job-specific equipment for the type of work to be performed
- communication equipment (cellular phones or two-way radios)
- battery-powered auxiliary lighting
- bump hats
- safety barriers for open tunnel grates or lids
- Ensure all preparatory measures listed are complete. These include, but are not limited to:
- supervisor notification
- protective equipment, communications and safety equipment, etc.
- Obtain verbal authorization from immediate supervisor and proceed with tunnel entry.
Contractors shall coordinate utility tunnel entry through the Project Managers in PFD.
Training
Training shall be provided so that all employees whose work is regulated by this SOP acquire the understanding, knowledge and skills necessary for the safe entry into a utility tunnel. At a minimum, training shall be provided before the employee is first assigned duties requiring entry into a utility tunnel. Contact the PFD Facilities Safety Coordinator to arrange for training.
Revision History