PRO-U5950.02A Entering Confined Spaces

Procedural Notes

  • EHS staff and FM Certified Asbestos Worker determine if personal protective equipment is needed.  
  • FM Certified Asbestos Worker dons appropriate protective equipment based on visual evaluation in tunnel.  
  • FM employee wears protective equipment only if required by EHS Staff or FM Certified Asbestos Worker.  
  • Dedicated cloth coveralls are recommended but not required when working in confined spaces.  
  • Give cloth coveralls to FM Asbestos Certified Worker or his/her Supervisor for cleaning. 

Action By:

Facilities Management (FM) Employee

  1. Before entering the Fairhaven Tunnel System, notifies safety professional or industrial hygienist at Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and notifies certified asbestos worker at Facilities Management.  

EHS Staff

  1. Performs work task hazard assessment.  
  2. Provides confined space entry permit. 

FM Certified Asbestos Worker

  1. Enters Fairhaven Tunnel System following confined space procedures. 
  2. Inspects work location for asbestos contamination or damage to adjacent asbestos insulation. 
  3. Evaluates asbestos in areas to and from tunnel work site.
  4. Handles asbestos material by removing, encapsulating or leaving it alone. 
  5. Exits Fairhaven Tunnel System. 

FM Employee

  1. Acts as standby outside the tunnel for FM Certified Asbestos Worker and follows confined space procedures.  

FM Certified Asbestos Worker

  1. Acts as standby outside the tunnel for FM employee

FM Employee

  1. Performs work in tunnel.
  2. If asbestos is disturbed, FM employees stops work and exits the tunnel 

FM Certified Asbestos Employee

  1.  Cleans up disturbed asbestos. 

Procedure Information

Approved By:

Vice President, Business and Financial Affairs

Effective Date:

September 23, 2003

Procedure Contact

Environmental Health and Safety

Email: ehs@wwu.edu

Phone: 360-650-3064

Environmental Health and Safety website