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 procedure covers the safe entry, work, and exit from confined spaces. It applies to all employees and contractors who may be required to enter confined spaces as part of their work duties. This procedure is applicable in all work environments where confined spaces are present, including but not limited to tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits.

This procedure should be used in conjunction with the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Code.

2. Definitions

Confined Space
A space that is large enough for an employee to enter and perform work, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous occupancy .

Permit-Required Confined Space
A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant, has an internal configuration that could trap or asphyxiate an entrant, or contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard .

Attendant
An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and performs all attendant's duties assigned in the employer's permit space program .

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all confined space entries are conducted in accordance with this procedure.
• Verify that all personnel involved in confined space entry are trained and competent.
• Ensure that entry permits are completed and signed by a competent person before entry.

3.2 Workers

• Comply with all confined space entry procedures and use the required PPE.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Participate in training and emergency drills.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of confined space entry procedures.
• Participate in hazard assessments and inspections.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Hazardous Atmosphere	Asphyxiation, poisoning	Continuous atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, use of respiratory protection
Engulfment	Suffocation, injury	Use of lifelines, monitoring of material levels
Restricted Entry/Exit	Entrapment, delayed rescue	Ensure clear access, use of retrieval systems

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for safety in confined spaces.

• Respiratory Protection - Use supplied air respirators when required .
• Hard Hat - Protects against head injuries from falling objects.
• Safety Harness and Lifeline - For fall protection and rescue .
• Protective Clothing - To prevent exposure to hazardous substances.
• Gloves - To protect hands from chemicals and sharp objects.

Inspect PPE before use and maintain it according to manufacturer instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Use appropriate equipment and tools for confined space work.

• Gas Detectors - For monitoring atmospheric conditions .
• Ventilation Equipment - To maintain safe air quality .
• Communication Devices - For maintaining contact with attendants .
• Rescue Equipment - For emergency situations .
• Lighting - Explosion-proof lighting for visibility.

Inspect and maintain equipment regularly.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained in recognizing confined space hazards and emergency procedures .

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a briefing to review the entry plan, hazards, and emergency procedures .

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the area is clear of hazards and that all necessary equipment is in place and functioning.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the confined space.

• Identify potential atmospheric hazards.
• Determine necessary PPE and equipment.
• Document findings and communicate to all involved personnel.

Step 2: Entry Permit

Complete and review the entry permit.

• List all personnel involved.
• Specify the duration of the permit.
• Ensure all safety measures are in place.

Step 3: Entry and Work

Enter the confined space and perform work safely.

• Maintain communication with the attendant.
• Monitor atmospheric conditions continuously.
• Follow all safety protocols and use PPE.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Ventilation - Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent hazardous atmospheres .
• Communication - Maintain constant communication with attendants .
• Emergency Preparedness - Be prepared to evacuate immediately if conditions change .
• Permit System - Use a permit system to control entry .
• Training - Regularly train workers on confined space procedures .

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

Evacuate the confined space immediately if an alarm is activated or if conditions become unsafe .

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Atmospheric Hazard - Evacuate and ventilate the space.
• Entrapment - Use retrieval systems for rescue.
• Medical Emergency - Provide first aid and call emergency services.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents and near-misses immediately. Conduct investigations to determine causes and prevent recurrence .

12. References and Related Documents

• Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
• Occupational Health and Safety Code
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910

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

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