Best operations & security practices/standards related to subterranean distribution systems
Len Phillips
This item is posted on behalf of a major urban district energy system, a member of IDEA, that is working on a security assessment of plant and distribution systems and is looking to find best practices/standards related to four specific aspects of subterranean distribution systems:
1. Is there a National Standard for securing access points to subterranean infrastructure, man hole covers and steam grates?
2. Is there National Standard for industrial security that describes, allowable noise decibels (DB) for confined space and the protective gear required for working in subterranean systems?
3. How are workers monitored for health and safety while working alone in a subterranean system? Is there an OSHA standard?
4. How do other city service providers implement and monitor the physical security of an underground structure, e.g., cameras, sensor systems etc.?
Len Phillips
Hearing Conservation Programs
o 90 dB is trigger for plan and protection
o Plan
o Employee screening
o Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Atmospheric Monitoring
o Stray voltage testing
o Oxygen
o Carbon Monoxide
o Explosive
o Using blowers to circulate air
· There are no federal mandates on securing manholes
o Be sure tunnels are secure
o Selected manholes can be welded or epoxied shut temporarily upon request (e.g., by request of the UN General Assembly)
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