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 safety requirements for entering, working in, and exiting confined spaces. It applies to all personnel who may be required to enter confined spaces as part of their job duties. This procedure covers hazard identification, risk assessment, atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency rescue, and permit-to-work systems. It is designed to ensure worker safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. This SWP does not cover entry into hazardous waste sites or IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environments without specialized training and equipment.

2. Definitions

Confined Space A space that is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Permit-to-Work A written document that authorizes entry into a confined space, verifying that all necessary safety precautions have been taken. Atmospheric Monitoring The process of testing the atmosphere within a confined space for oxygen levels, flammable gases, toxic substances, and other potential hazards. Ventilation The process of supplying or removing air from a confined space to maintain a safe atmosphere. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Equipment worn by workers to protect against specific hazards, including respirators, harnesses, and protective clothing.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure all workers are trained and competent in confined space entry procedures.
• Conduct thorough hazard assessments and implement appropriate control measures.
• Issue and verify permit-to-work before entry.
• Ensure proper atmospheric monitoring and ventilation are in place.
• Provide and ensure the use of appropriate PPE.
• Oversee emergency rescue procedures and ensure rescue equipment is readily available.

3.2 Workers

• Adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines outlined in this SWP.
• Participate in pre-entry briefings and hazard assessments.
• Use required PPE properly and report any defects.
• Monitor the atmosphere and report any changes or alarms.
• Follow entry and exit procedures as per the permit-to-work system.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to the supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Participate in the development and review of the confined space entry program.
• Conduct regular inspections of confined spaces and entry procedures.
• Provide recommendations for improving safety measures and controls.
• Investigate incidents and near misses related to confined space entry.
• Promote safety awareness and compliance among workers.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment.	Asphyxiation, fire, or explosion.	Conduct atmospheric monitoring before entry and continuously during work. Provide ventilation to maintain safe oxygen levels and reduce hazardous gases. Use appropriate respiratory protection.
Exposure to toxic gases, vapors, or chemicals.	Poisoning, irritation, or other health effects.	Isolate and lockout/tagout all energy sources. Purge and clean the confined space of any residual materials. Use appropriate PPE, including chemical-resistant clothing and respirators.
Flammable gases or vapors.	Fire or explosion.	Test for flammable gases before entry. Ensure proper ventilation to maintain concentrations below the lower explosive limit (LEL). Use intrinsically safe equipment.
Slips, trips, falls, or poor visibility.	Injuries from falls or collisions.	Ensure proper lighting is available. Use fall protection equipment when working at heights. Maintain clear communication between workers inside and outside the confined space.
Excessive noise.	Hearing damage.	Provide appropriate PPE, including hearing protection. Implement engineering controls to reduce noise levels. Limit exposure time.
Manual handling of heavy objects.	Musculoskeletal injuries.	Use proper lifting techniques and equipment. Provide mechanical aids for heavy lifting. Ensure adequate space for movement.
Electrical hazards.	Electric shock or electrocution.	Implement lockout/tagout procedures. Verify isolation of electrical equipment. Use insulated tools and PPE.
Extreme temperatures (heat or cold).	Heat stress, heat stroke, hypothermia.	Provide training on heat stress management. Ensure adequate ventilation and cooling. Provide cooling PPE and hydration.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All PPE must be inspected before each use to ensure it is in good condition and provides adequate protection. Any defective PPE must be replaced immediately.

• Hard Hat: Provides head protection against impact, penetration, and electrical shock. Must meet ANSI Z89.1 standards.
• Safety Glasses/Goggles: Protects eyes from dust, debris, chemical splashes, and other hazards. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.
• Respirator (SCBA/Supplied Air): Provides respiratory protection against hazardous atmospheres. Selection depends on the specific hazards identified during atmospheric monitoring. Fit testing is required.
• Full Body Harness with Lanyard: Protects against falls from heights. Must be inspected before each use and meet ANSI Z359.1 standards.
• Gloves (Chemical Resistant, Cut Resistant): Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, chemical exposure, and other hazards. Selection depends on the specific hazards present.
• Safety Boots: Provides foot protection against impact, compression, and punctures. Must meet ASTM F2413 standards.

Respirators must be inspected before each use and cleaned and sanitized after each use. Harnesses and lifelines must be inspected for any signs of wear or damage. Gloves and protective clothing must be inspected for any tears or punctures.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used in confined spaces must be inspected before each use to ensure they are in good working condition. Any defective equipment must be removed from service immediately.

• Atmospheric Monitoring Equipment: Used to monitor the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. Must be calibrated regularly and used by trained personnel.
• Ventilation Fan/Blower: Used to provide fresh air into the confined space. Must be properly sized for the space and maintained in good working order.
• Two-Way Radio: Used for communication between workers inside and outside the confined space. Must be reliable and suitable for the environment.
• Rescue Retrieval System: Used for emergency retrieval of workers from the confined space. Must be inspected before each use and appropriate for the space.
• Intrinsically Safe Lighting: Provides illumination inside the confined space. Must be intrinsically safe and suitable for the environment.

Atmospheric monitoring equipment must be calibrated regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ventilation equipment must be inspected for proper airflow and maintained in good working order. Rescue equipment must be inspected for any damage or defects before each use.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All personnel involved in confined space entry must receive comprehensive training on the hazards of confined spaces, entry procedures, use of monitoring equipment, PPE, and emergency rescue procedures. Training must be documented and regularly updated. Workers should be competent in the use of all required equipment and procedures.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-entry briefing must be conducted with all members of the entry team to discuss the hazards, control measures, entry procedures, emergency procedures, and communication methods. All team members must acknowledge their understanding of the plan.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Prior to entry, the confined space must be isolated from all potential hazards, including energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic), process materials, and other substances. Lockout/Tagout procedures must be implemented to ensure isolation. The area around the confined space entrance must be clear and free of obstructions.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Pre-Entry Briefing: Review the SWP, permit-to-work, and hazard assessment. Ensure all team members understand their roles and responsibilities.
   • Confirm atmospheric testing requirements.
   • Verify availability of rescue equipment.
   • Establish communication protocols.
2. Atmospheric Monitoring: Test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. Record the results on the permit-to-work. Continue monitoring throughout the entry.
   • Oxygen level: 19.5% - 23.5%
   • Flammable gases: < 10% LEL
   • Toxic substances: Below permissible exposure limits (PELs)
3. Ventilation: If the atmosphere is not safe, ventilate the space until acceptable levels are achieved. Continue ventilation during the entry to maintain a safe atmosphere.
   • Position the ventilation fan to draw fresh air into the space.
   • Monitor the air flow to ensure adequate ventilation.
   • Re-test the atmosphere after ventilation.
4. PPE Inspection and Use: Ensure all workers wear the required PPE, including respirators, harnesses, and protective clothing. Inspect PPE for any defects before use.
   • Conduct fit testing for respirators.
   • Check harnesses for wear and tear.
   • Ensure proper donning and doffing procedures.
5. Entry and Standby Procedures: Use a full body harness and lifeline connected to a retrieval system. Ensure a standby person is present outside the confined space to monitor the entry and provide assistance if needed.
   • Verify the standby person is trained in rescue procedures.
   • Establish a clear line of sight or communication between the entrant and standby person.
   • Ensure the standby person has immediate access to rescue equipment.
6. Performing the Work: Perform the work as outlined in the permit-to-work. Monitor the atmosphere continuously and be aware of any changes or hazards.
   • Follow safe work practices.
   • Avoid creating additional hazards.
   • Communicate any concerns to the standby person.
7. Exit Procedures: Exit the confined space in a safe and orderly manner. Remove all equipment and materials from the space.
   • Ensure all workers are accounted for.
   • Decontaminate PPE and equipment.
   • Close and secure the confined space.
8. Post-Entry Review: Review the entry with the team to identify any lessons learned and areas for improvement. Update the SWP and hazard assessment as needed.
   • Document any incidents or near misses.
   • Share lessons learned with other teams.
   • Update training materials as needed.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Ensure all workers are trained and competent in confined space entry procedures. Training should include hazard identification, risk assessment, use of monitoring equipment, PPE, and emergency rescue procedures.
• A permit-to-work system must be in place to control entry into confined spaces. The permit must be completed and signed by authorized personnel before entry is allowed.
• Continuous atmospheric monitoring is required to ensure the atmosphere remains safe throughout the entry. Monitoring should include oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.
• Emergency rescue procedures must be established and practiced regularly. Rescue equipment must be readily available and in good working order. Standby personnel must be trained in rescue techniques.
• All equipment used in the confined space must be intrinsically safe to prevent ignition of flammable gases or vapors.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, the standby person should immediately activate the alarm and initiate rescue procedures. Do not enter the confined space without proper training and equipment. Call emergency services and provide them with the location and nature of the emergency.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Worker experiences difficulty breathing or shows signs of oxygen deficiency.: Activate the alarm and initiate rescue procedures. Do not enter the space without proper respiratory protection. Provide the worker with a respirator and assist them in exiting the space. Seek medical attention.
• Detection of flammable gases above the permissible limit.: Evacuate the space immediately. Eliminate the ignition source and ventilate the space. Re-test the atmosphere before re-entry.
• Worker falls or is injured inside the confined space.: Activate the alarm and initiate rescue procedures. Do not enter the space without proper fall protection equipment. Use a retrieval system to remove the injured worker. Provide first aid and seek medical attention.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Provide the location of the confined space and the nature of the emergency. Contact the site supervisor and safety manager.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions must be reported immediately to the supervisor and safety department. A written report must be submitted within 24 hours of the incident.

A thorough investigation must be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation should involve the supervisor, safety representative, and workers involved.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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