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 [LOCATION_CONTEXT]. 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 covers all confined space entries, including but not limited to tanks, vessels, pits, manholes, and other enclosed or partially enclosed structures. It is applicable in situations where entry is required for inspection, maintenance, repair, or any other work activity. This procedure does not cover emergency rescue operations, which require a separate emergency response plan.

Related procedures and documents that should be consulted in conjunction with this SWP include:

• Confined Space Entry Permit
• Hazard Assessment Form
• Emergency Response Plan

2. Definitions

Confined Space: A space that:

• Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work;
• Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and
• Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Entry Permit: A written document that authorizes entry into a confined space, specifies the hazards, and outlines the necessary precautions and procedures.

Attendant: An individual stationed outside the confined space who monitors the entrants, communicates with them, and initiates rescue procedures if necessary.

Entrant: An individual who is authorized to enter a 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:

• Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL);
• Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL;
• Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent;
• Any atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that a confined space entry permit is completed and approved before any entry occurs.
• Ensure that all workers involved in confined space entry are properly trained and competent.
• Provide all necessary equipment and resources for safe confined space entry.
• Monitor the work to ensure compliance with this SWP and the entry permit.

3.2 Workers

• Participate in required training and understand the hazards associated with confined space entry.
• Follow the instructions outlined in this SWP and the confined space entry permit.
• Use all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Immediately report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• 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 periodic audits of confined space entry activities to ensure compliance with this SWP.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to confined space entry and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Oxygen deficiency	Asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, death	- Test atmosphere before entry [1].

• Provide ventilation to maintain oxygen levels between 19.5% and 23.5%.
• Use supplied-air respirators if ventilation is not sufficient. | | Toxic gases/vapors | Poisoning, irritation, chemical burns | - Test atmosphere before entry [1].
• Provide ventilation to remove contaminants.
• Use appropriate respirators and PPE. | | Flammable gases/vapors | Fire, explosion | - Test atmosphere before entry [1].
• Eliminate ignition sources.
• Use intrinsically safe equipment. | | Engulfment (e.g., by liquids or solids) | Suffocation, crushing | - Lockout and tagout all potential sources of engulfment.
• Ensure the space is empty and clean before entry. | | Mechanical hazards (e.g., moving parts) | Injury, amputation | - Lockout and tagout all equipment with moving parts.
• Ensure equipment is de-energized before entry. | | Electrical hazards | Shock, electrocution | - Lockout and tagout all electrical sources.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). | | Slips, trips, and falls | Injury | - Ensure adequate lighting.
• Keep the work area clean and free of obstructions.
• Use fall protection equipment when necessary. | | Extreme temperatures | Heat stress, hypothermia | - Provide ventilation or cooling/heating as needed.
• Use appropriate PPE.
• Monitor workers for signs of heat stress or hypothermia. | | Noise | Hearing damage | - Use hearing protection.
• Implement noise control measures. | | Hazardous materials | Skin irritation, chemical burns, respiratory issues | - Wear appropriate protective gloves and protective clothing [1]. -Eye protection: Use close fitting safety goggles, don't use eye lens [2].
• Refer to safety data sheets (SDS) for specific hazards and precautions. |

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE [1].

• Respirator - Use a properly fitted respirator (air-purifying or supplied-air) when the atmosphere contains hazardous contaminants or is oxygen-deficient. Refer to 29 CFR 1910.134 CSA Z94.4 for information on selection and use of appropriate respiratory protection equipment [3].
• Safety Glasses/Goggles - Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles to protect eyes from splashes, dust, or flying particles [4].
• Gloves - Wear chemical-resistant gloves to protect hands from contact with hazardous materials [5].
• Protective Clothing - Wear appropriate protective clothing (e.g., coveralls, suits) to prevent skin contact with hazardous substances [4].
• Safety Boots - Wear safety boots with steel toes to protect feet from impact and compression hazards.
• Harness and Lanyard - Use a full-body harness and lanyard when working at heights or when there is a risk of falling.
• Hearing Protection - Wear earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments.
• Hard Hat - Wear a hard hat to protect the head from falling objects or bumps.

Inspect all PPE before each use to ensure it is in good condition and functioning properly. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use proper equipment and tools.

• Atmospheric Testing Equipment - Use calibrated multi-gas meters to test for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants before and during entry.
• Ventilation Equipment - Use fans or blowers to ventilate the confined space and maintain a safe atmosphere.
• Lighting - Use explosion-proof lighting to provide adequate illumination inside the confined space.
• Communication Equipment - Use two-way radios or other communication devices to maintain contact between entrants and the attendant.
• Retrieval System - Use a retrieval system (e.g., tripod, winch, harness) to facilitate rescue in case of emergency.
• Lockout/Tagout Equipment - Use locks and tags to isolate energy sources and prevent accidental activation of equipment.
• First Aid Kit - Keep a well-stocked first aid kit readily available.
• Fire Extinguisher - Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, especially when hot work is being performed.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use to ensure they are in good working condition. Remove any defective equipment from service. Use equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All personnel involved in confined space entry must complete a confined space entry training program that covers:

• Hazard recognition
• Atmospheric testing
• Ventilation techniques
• Use of PPE
• Entry permit procedures
• Rescue procedures

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before each confined space entry to discuss:

• The scope of the work
• The hazards involved
• The control measures to be implemented
• The entry permit requirements
• Emergency procedures
• Roles and responsibilities of each team member

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Isolate the confined space from all potential hazards (e.g., energy sources, flowing materials).
• 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.
• Set up ventilation equipment to maintain a safe atmosphere.
• Establish a communication system between entrants and the attendant.
• Ensure that rescue equipment is readily available.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment and Permit Acquisition

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the confined space to identify potential hazards such as atmospheric contaminants, engulfment risks, and physical hazards. Complete a confined space entry permit, detailing the identified hazards, required control measures, and emergency procedures. Obtain necessary approvals before proceeding.

• Sub-step 1.1: Identify all potential hazards associated with the confined space.
• Sub-step 1.2: Develop control measures to mitigate the identified hazards.
• Sub-step 1.3: Complete the confined space entry permit with all required information.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure all hazards are identified and appropriate control measures are in place before entry.

Step 2: Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring

Test the atmosphere inside the confined space using calibrated multi-gas meters to ensure oxygen levels are between 19.5% and 23.5%, flammable gases are below 10% of the LFL, and toxic contaminants are within acceptable limits. Continuously monitor the atmosphere during entry and work.

• Sub-step 2.1: Calibrate and inspect atmospheric testing equipment.
• Sub-step 2.2: Test the atmosphere at various levels within the confined space.
• Sub-step 2.3: Continuously monitor the atmosphere during entry and work.

Safety considerations for this step: Do not enter the confined space if the atmosphere is not safe. Continuously monitor the atmosphere for any changes.

Step 3: Ventilation and Purging

If the atmosphere is not safe, ventilate the confined space using fans or blowers to remove contaminants and maintain a safe atmosphere. Purge the space with fresh air or an inert gas if necessary.

• Sub-step 3.1: Set up ventilation equipment to provide continuous airflow.
• Sub-step 3.2: Monitor the atmosphere to ensure contaminants are being removed.
• Sub-step 3.3: Continue ventilation until a safe atmosphere is achieved and maintained.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure ventilation equipment is properly grounded and positioned to avoid creating additional hazards.

Step 4: Entry and Work

Once a safe atmosphere is established, authorized entrants may enter the confined space to perform the assigned work. The attendant must remain outside the space to monitor the entrants and maintain communication.

• Sub-step 4.1: Entrants don appropriate PPE.
• Sub-step 4.2: Entrants enter the confined space and perform the assigned work.
• Sub-step 4.3: The attendant monitors the entrants and maintains communication.

Safety considerations for this step: Entrants must follow all safety procedures and use equipment safely. The attendant must be vigilant and ready to initiate rescue procedures if necessary.

Step 5: Continuous Monitoring and Communication

Continuously monitor the atmosphere, the condition of the entrants, and the surrounding environment. Maintain constant communication between the entrants and the attendant. Be prepared to initiate emergency procedures if necessary.

• Sub-step 5.1: Monitor the atmosphere for any changes.
• Sub-step 5.2: Monitor the condition of the entrants for signs of distress.
• Sub-step 5.3: Maintain constant communication between entrants and the attendant.

Safety considerations for this step: Be aware of any changes in the environment that could affect the safety of the entrants.

Step 6: Exit and Closure

Once the work is completed, entrants must exit the confined space. Ensure all tools and equipment are removed. Close and secure the confined space. Cancel the entry permit.

• Sub-step 6.1: Entrants exit the confined space.
• Sub-step 6.2: Remove all tools and equipment.
• Sub-step 6.3: Close and secure the confined space.
• Sub-step 6.4: Cancel the entry permit.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure all entrants are accounted for and the confined space is left in a safe condition.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Atmospheric Monitoring: Continuously monitor the atmosphere inside the confined space for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants. [1]
• Ventilation: Provide continuous ventilation to maintain a safe atmosphere inside the confined space.
• Lockout/Tagout: Implement lockout/tagout procedures to isolate energy sources and prevent accidental activation of equipment.
• Communication: Maintain constant communication between entrants and the attendant.
• Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that rescue equipment is readily available and that all personnel are trained in emergency procedures.
• Hot Work Permits: Obtain a hot work permit before performing any hot work (e.g., welding, cutting) inside the confined space.
• Fall Protection: Use fall protection equipment when working at heights or when there is a risk of falling.
• Hazardous Materials: Handle hazardous materials in accordance with safety data sheets (SDS) and wear appropriate PPE [6], [7], [8], [9].
• Confined Space Signage: Post warning signs at all entrances to the confined space to alert personnel of the hazards.
• Entry Permit Display: Ensure the entry permit is displayed at the entrance to the confined space.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, the attendant must immediately:

• Activate the alarm system.
• Notify emergency services.
• Initiate rescue procedures.
• Provide first aid.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Atmospheric Hazard: If atmospheric conditions become hazardous, immediately evacuate the confined space and ventilate the area until a safe atmosphere is restored.
• Entrant Incapacitation: If an entrant becomes incapacitated, immediately initiate rescue procedures using the retrieval system. Do not enter the confined space without proper respiratory protection and rescue equipment.
• Fire or Explosion: If a fire or explosion occurs, immediately evacuate the confined space and activate the fire alarm. Use a fire extinguisher to suppress the fire if it is safe to do so.
• Engulfment: If there is a risk of engulfment, immediately evacuate the confined space and stop the flow of materials into the space.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Security]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Health and Safety Department]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Site Supervisor]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to confined space entry must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

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