Safe Work Procedure: Confined Space Entry

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary steps and safety precautions for safely entering and working in confined spaces. It applies to all personnel who are required to enter, work in, or supervise work in confined spaces at [COMPANY/SITE NAME]. This procedure aims to minimize the risks associated with confined space entry by providing a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation.

This SWP applies to all confined spaces as defined in Section 2. It is to be used in conjunction with any relevant site-specific procedures, manufacturer's guidelines, and legislative requirements related to confined space entry. This SWP does not cover emergency rescue procedures, which are addressed in a separate document.

2. Definitions

Confined Space: A space that: (a) is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and (b) has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry); and (c) is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Entry Permit: A written document issued by the [DESIGNATED AUTHORITY] authorizing entry into a confined space. The permit verifies that pre-entry requirements have been met and specifies acceptable entry conditions.

Attendant: An individual stationed outside the confined space who monitors the entrants, communicates with them, and performs emergency duties as required.

Entrant: A qualified individual who is authorized to enter the confined space to perform work.

Hazardous Atmosphere: An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes: (a) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL); (b) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL; (c) Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent; (d) Any atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that a comprehensive risk assessment is conducted before any confined space entry.
Ensure that all workers involved in confined space entry are adequately trained and competent.
Issue entry permits and verify that all pre-entry requirements are met.
Ensure that all necessary equipment is available and in good working order.
Monitor the work being performed in the confined space to ensure compliance with this SWP.

3.2 Workers

Participate in all required training and competency assessments.
Follow all instructions and procedures outlined in this SWP and the entry permit.
Use all required PPE and safety equipment properly.
Immediately report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor or attendant.
Evacuate the confined space if any alarm is activated or if instructed to do so by the attendant or supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on confined space entry procedures.
Conduct regular audits of confined space entry activities to ensure compliance with this SWP and relevant regulations.
Investigate any incidents or near-misses related to confined space entry and recommend corrective actions.
Review and update this SWP as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, technology, or industry best practices.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Oxygen Deficiency	Asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, death	Ventilate the space to ensure oxygen levels are between 19.5% and 23.5%. Continuous atmospheric monitoring. Use of supplied air respirators if ventilation is not sufficient.
Toxic Gases/Vapors	Poisoning, irritation, chemical burns, asphyxiation	Identify potential contaminants. Conduct air monitoring before and during entry. Use appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., air-purifying respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus). Ventilate the space to remove contaminants.
Flammable Gases/Vapors	Fire, explosion	Ensure the atmosphere is below 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). Use intrinsically safe equipment. Eliminate ignition sources. Ventilate the space to remove flammable substances.
Engulfment	Suffocation, crushing	Ensure all loose materials (e.g., grains, sand, liquids) are removed or controlled. Lockout and tagout of any equipment that could introduce materials into the space.
Mechanical Hazards (e.g., moving parts)	Entanglement, crushing, amputation	Lockout and tagout of all equipment with moving parts. Ensure equipment is de-energized and isolated.
Electrical Hazards	Electrocution, burns	De-energize and lockout electrical equipment. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Inspect electrical equipment for damage before use.
Noise	Hearing damage	Use hearing protection (e.g., earplugs or earmuffs). Limit exposure time.
Slips, Trips, and Falls	Injuries ranging from minor to severe	Ensure adequate lighting. Use non-slip footwear. Keep the work area clean and free of obstructions.
Extreme Temperatures	Heat stress, heatstroke, hypothermia	Provide ventilation or cooling/heating as needed. Use appropriate clothing. Provide frequent breaks and hydration.
Biological Hazards (e.g., bacteria, mold)	Infection, allergic reactions	Use appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators, gloves, coveralls). Implement hygiene practices.
Poor Communication	Delayed response to emergencies, misunderstandings	Establish clear communication methods (e.g., two-way radios, visual signals). Ensure all team members understand the communication plan.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the appropriate PPE for the hazards identified in the risk assessment. Inspect all PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition and functioning properly.

Hard Hat - Protects the head from impact and falling objects.
Safety Glasses/Goggles - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes. Wear approved eye protection (properly fitted dust- or splash-proof chemical safety goggles) and face protection (face shield) 4, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20.
Gloves - Protects the hands from chemical exposure, cuts, and abrasions. Wear suitable waterproof gloves 4, 10, 15, 16, 20.
Respirator - Protects the respiratory system from hazardous atmospheres. A NIOSH approved dust mask or filtering facepiece is recommended in poorly ventilated areas or when permissible exposure limits may be exceeded. Respirators should be selected by and used under the direction of a trained health and safety professional following requirements found in OSHA's respirator standard (29 CFR 1910.134) and ANSI's standard for respiratory protection (Z88.2) 12, 15.
Protective Clothing - Protects the body from chemical exposure, cuts, and abrasions. Wear suitable waterproof protective clothing 4, 10, 16, 20.
Safety Boots - Provides foot protection against impact, punctures, and chemical exposure. Use non-slip safety boots.
Harness and Lifeline - Used for fall protection and retrieval in vertical confined spaces.
Hearing Protection - Earplugs or earmuffs to protect against excessive noise levels.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or wear. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Ensure all equipment and tools are in good working condition and appropriate for the task. Use only intrinsically safe equipment in potentially flammable atmospheres.

Atmospheric Monitoring Equipment - Used to test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.
Ventilation Equipment - Blowers or fans to ventilate the confined space.
Lighting - Intrinsically safe lighting to provide adequate illumination inside the confined space.
Communication Equipment - Two-way radios or other devices for communication between entrants and the attendant.
Retrieval System - Tripod, winch, and harness for emergency retrieval of entrants.
Lockout/Tagout Equipment - Locks, tags, and devices to isolate energy sources.
First Aid Kit - For immediate treatment of injuries.
Fire Extinguisher - Appropriate for the potential fire hazards in the confined space.

Inspect all equipment before each use to ensure it is in good working condition. Remove any defective equipment from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for the proper use and maintenance of all equipment.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All personnel involved in confined space entry must be adequately trained and competent in the following areas:

Confined space hazards and control measures
Use of atmospheric monitoring equipment
Use of ventilation equipment
Use of personal protective equipment
Lockout/tagout procedures
Emergency procedures and rescue techniques
First aid and CPR

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before each confined space entry. The briefing should cover the following topics:

Scope of work
Identified hazards and control measures
Entry permit requirements
Use of PPE and safety equipment
Communication plan
Emergency procedures
Roles and responsibilities of all team members

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Isolate the confined space from all potential hazards (e.g., energy sources, materials flow).
Lockout and tagout all equipment that could pose a hazard to entrants.
Ensure the confined space is clean and free of obstructions.
Provide adequate lighting and ventilation.
Set up a retrieval system if required.
Establish a communication system between entrants and the attendant.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment and Permit Acquisition

Before commencing any confined space work, a competent person must conduct a thorough hazard assessment to identify all potential risks associated with the confined space. This assessment will determine the necessary control measures and PPE required for safe entry. Obtain a confined space entry permit from the [DESIGNATED AUTHORITY]. The permit must be completed and signed by all relevant parties before entry is allowed.

Review the history of the confined space to identify any past incidents or recurring hazards.
Inspect the confined space and surrounding area for potential hazards.
Consult with subject matter experts as needed.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure the hazard assessment is comprehensive and accurate. Do not proceed with entry if the permit is not properly completed and approved.

Step 2: Atmospheric Testing and Ventilation

Prior to entry, test the atmosphere inside the confined space using calibrated and properly functioning atmospheric monitoring equipment. Test for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. If the atmosphere is not within acceptable limits (oxygen between 19.5% and 23.5%, flammable gases below 10% of LEL, and toxic substances below permissible exposure limits), ventilate the space until acceptable conditions are achieved. Continuous atmospheric monitoring must be conducted throughout the entry.

Calibrate atmospheric monitoring equipment before use.
Test the atmosphere at different levels within the confined space.
Use ventilation equipment to introduce fresh air and remove contaminants.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure atmospheric testing is accurate and continuous. Do not enter the space if the atmosphere is hazardous.

Step 3: Entry and Work Execution

Once the atmosphere is verified to be safe and the entry permit is in place, entrants may enter the confined space to perform the required work. The attendant must remain outside the confined space at all times to monitor the entrants and maintain communication. Entrants must use all required PPE and follow all safety procedures outlined in the entry permit and this SWP.

Ensure entrants are properly trained and equipped.
Maintain continuous communication between entrants and the attendant.
Monitor the entrants for signs of fatigue or distress.

Safety considerations for this step: The attendant must be vigilant and prepared to initiate emergency procedures if necessary. Entrants must immediately report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the attendant.

Step 4: Continuous Monitoring and Re-evaluation

Throughout the duration of the work, continuously monitor the atmosphere inside the confined space and re-evaluate the hazards as conditions change. If any hazardous conditions are detected, immediately evacuate the space and re-assess the situation. The entry permit must be updated to reflect any changes in hazards or control measures.

Regularly check atmospheric conditions.
Monitor the performance of ventilation equipment.
Observe the work being performed for any new hazards.

Safety considerations for this step: Continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the ongoing safety of entrants. Be prepared to evacuate the space at any time if hazardous conditions arise.

Step 5: Exit and Closure

Once the work is completed, ensure all personnel and equipment are removed from the confined space. Conduct a final inspection to ensure no hazards remain. Close and secure the confined space. Cancel the entry permit and document any lessons learned or recommendations for future entries.

Remove all tools, equipment, and materials from the confined space.
Verify that all personnel have exited the space.
Secure the entrance to prevent unauthorized entry.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure the confined space is left in a safe condition. Document any issues or concerns for future reference.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Never enter a confined space without proper training and authorization. - Confined spaces can be deadly if not entered and worked in safely.
Always test the atmosphere before entry. - Hazardous atmospheres can be present even if not immediately obvious.
Always use appropriate PPE. - PPE provides a barrier against potential hazards.
Always have an attendant present. - The attendant is the lifeline to the outside world and can initiate emergency procedures if needed.
Always follow lockout/tagout procedures. - Prevents accidental activation of equipment or release of hazardous materials.
Ensure good ventilation of the work station. 1, 4, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20 - Adequate ventilation helps to maintain a safe atmosphere by removing contaminants and ensuring sufficient oxygen levels.
Avoid release to the environment. 1, 4, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20 - Proper waste disposal and containment methods should be used to prevent environmental contamination.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, the attendant must immediately activate the alarm and initiate the rescue plan. The attendant must not enter the confined space unless properly trained and equipped for rescue operations. Call emergency services (911) and provide them with the location and nature of the emergency. Provide first aid to any injured personnel.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Entrant becomes unconscious: Activate the retrieval system and remove the entrant from the confined space. Provide first aid and call for medical assistance.
Hazardous atmosphere detected: Immediately evacuate the confined space. Re-assess the situation and implement additional control measures before re-entry.
Fire or explosion: Evacuate the area and call the fire department. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire unless properly trained and equipped.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[COMPANY NAME] Safety Department: [PHONE NUMBER]
[SITE NAME] Security: [PHONE NUMBER]
[LOCAL HOSPITAL] Emergency Room: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to confined space entry must be reported to the supervisor and the Health and Safety Department immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation report will be reviewed by management and shared with all relevant personnel.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]