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 confined spaces for inspection, maintenance, repair, or any other purpose. This procedure does not cover emergency rescue operations; a separate emergency response plan must be in place for such situations.

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. Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) An atmospheric concentration of any toxic, corrosive, or asphyxiant substance that poses an immediate threat to life or would cause irreversible or delayed adverse health effects. Confined Space Entry Permit A document issued by the employer to authorize and control entry into a confined space. It verifies that all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of entrants. Ventilation The process of supplying or removing air by mechanical means to maintain a safe atmosphere in a confined space. Attendant A person stationed outside the confined space who monitors the entrants and can summon emergency assistance if needed.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all workers are trained and competent in confined space entry procedures.
Provide all necessary equipment and PPE in good working order.
Ensure a confined space entry permit is completed and approved before entry.
Monitor work activities inside the confined space to ensure safety procedures are followed.
Correct unsafe acts, such as a breach of rules

3.2 Workers

Follow all confined space entry procedures and safety rules.
Use required PPE and equipment properly.
Participate in pre-entry briefings and hazard assessments.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
Be aware of the rule

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Participate in the development and review of the confined space entry program.
Participate in job safety analysis
Participate in their formulation
Participating in consulting, developing, implementing, and monitoring all phases of the health and safety program.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Hazardous Atmospheres (e.g., oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, flammable vapors)	Asphyxiation, poisoning, explosion	Conduct air monitoring before entry and continuously during work. Use calibrated and maintained air monitoring equipment. Provide adequate ventilation to maintain safe atmospheric conditions.
Uncontrolled Energy (e.g., electrical, mechanical, hydraulic)	Electrocution, crushing, entanglement	Lockout/tagout all energy sources before entry. Verify isolation using appropriate testing equipment.
Physical Hazards (e.g., slips, trips, falls, poor lighting)	Injuries from falls, slips, trips, or being struck by objects	Ensure proper lighting is used. Implement fall protection measures where required. Maintain good housekeeping practices.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials (e.g., chemicals, sewage)	Skin irritation, chemical burns, illness	Provide appropriate PPE, including respirators, gloves, and protective clothing. Ensure workers are trained in the proper use and maintenance of PPE.
Entrapment or Engulfment (e.g., in granular materials, liquids)	Suffocation, crushing	Implement a buddy system. Ensure the attendant is properly trained and equipped to perform rescue operations. Establish communication methods between entrant and attendant.
Extreme Temperatures (e.g., heat, cold)	Heat stroke, hypothermia	Provide ventilation and cooling measures. Schedule work during cooler times of the day. Ensure workers take frequent breaks.
Use of Hand tools, and power tools	Musculoskeletal injuries	Use tools designed for confined spaces. Ensure tools are properly grounded and insulated.
Exposure to biohazards, including raw sewage when working on sewage pipes or septic tank outlets, when laying new pipe in soil, or flood clean-up.	Potential infection from bird or rodent droppings	Follow company safety rules

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The correct PPE must be used.

Hard Hat: Provides head protection from falling objects, impact, and electrical hazards. Must meet ANSI Z89.1 standards. Inspect before each use for cracks, dents, or damage.
Safety Glasses/Goggles: Protects eyes from dust, debris, chemical splashes, and other hazards. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. Use appropriate lens type for the specific task (e.g., tinted lenses for welding).
Respirator (e.g., air-purifying, supplied-air): Protects the respiratory system from hazardous atmospheres. Select the appropriate respirator based on the identified hazards and atmospheric conditions. Ensure proper fit testing and training are conducted.
Gloves (e.g., nitrile, leather, insulated): Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, chemical exposure, and extreme temperatures. Select gloves appropriate for the specific task and hazards. Inspect before each use for punctures, tears, or degradation.
Safety Boots: Protects feet from impact, compression, and puncture hazards. Must meet ASTM F2413 standards. Ensure slip-resistant soles are used.
Coveralls: Provides full-body protection from chemical exposure, dirt, and other contaminants. Select coveralls appropriate for the specific hazards. Ensure proper fit and closure.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace PPE when it is no longer in good condition.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools must be inspected before use.

Air Monitoring Equipment: Used to monitor the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances (e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide). Must be calibrated and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions. Ensure workers are trained in its proper use.
Ventilation Fan/Blower: Used to provide fresh air to the confined space. Ensure the blower is properly sized for the space and that the air intake is located in a clean air source.
Intrinsically Safe Lighting: Used to illuminate the confined space. Must be intrinsically safe and approved for use in hazardous atmospheres. Inspect for damage before each use.
Two-Way Radio: Used for communication between the entrant and the attendant. Ensure the radio is functioning properly and that the communication channel is clear.
Retrieval System (e.g., harness, lifeline, winch): Used for retrieval of the entrant in case of emergency. Ensure the harness fits properly and that the lifeline is in good condition.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions. Remove any defective equipment from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training: All personnel involved in confined space entry must receive comprehensive training on the hazards of confined spaces, entry procedures, use of PPE, atmospheric monitoring, and emergency response. Training must be documented and updated regularly.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Entry Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted before each confined space entry. The briefing should cover the identified hazards, planned work activities, safety procedures, and emergency response plan. All workers must acknowledge their understanding of the briefing.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area: The area around the confined space must be clear of obstructions and hazards. Ensure adequate lighting is provided. Barricade the area to prevent unauthorized entry.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Hazard Assessment: Before any entry, a qualified person must assess the confined space to identify potential hazards, such as atmospheric conditions, structural issues, or stored energy. This assessment will determine the necessary precautions and PPE.
Permit to Work: A confined space entry permit must be completed and approved by a supervisor before any entry. The permit should include details such as the purpose of entry, identified hazards, required PPE, atmospheric monitoring results, and emergency procedures.
Atmospheric Monitoring: The atmosphere inside the confined space must be tested for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances before entry and continuously during work. Record the results on the entry permit. If hazardous conditions are detected, the space must be ventilated until a safe atmosphere is achieved.
Ventilation: Ventilate the confined space to ensure a continuous supply of fresh air. Position the ventilation fan to draw air from a clean source and exhaust contaminated air away from the work area. Monitor the atmosphere continuously to ensure ventilation is effective.
Lockout/Tagout: Ensure all energy sources to the confined space are locked out and tagged out before entry. This includes electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic energy. Verify isolation using appropriate testing equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All entrants must wear the required PPE, including a hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, respirator, gloves, safety boots, and coveralls. Ensure PPE is in good condition and fits properly.
Attendant: An attendant must be stationed outside the confined space to monitor the entrants and provide assistance if needed. The attendant must be trained in emergency procedures and equipped with communication equipment and rescue equipment.
Communication: Establish and maintain clear communication between the entrant and the attendant. Use two-way radios or other reliable communication methods. Conduct regular check-ins to ensure the entrant is safe and aware of any changes in conditions.
Emergency Procedures: If the atmosphere becomes hazardous or any other unsafe condition arises, the entrant must exit the confined space immediately. The attendant must initiate emergency procedures and summon assistance if needed.
Completion: Once the work is completed, inspect the confined space to ensure no tools or equipment are left behind. Remove all lockout/tagout devices and restore energy sources. Document the completion of the work on the entry permit.
Permit Close-Out: After the work is complete and the space is vacated, the confined space entry permit should be closed out, indicating the date and time of completion, and signed by the supervisor or authorized personnel. Any issues encountered during the entry should be noted for future reference.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Ensure all workers involved in confined space entry are trained and competent in the specific hazards and procedures associated with the space. Training should include hazard identification, atmospheric monitoring, PPE use, and emergency response.
Before entry, conduct a thorough pre-entry briefing with all workers involved. Discuss the identified hazards, planned work activities, safety procedures, and emergency response plan. Ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.
Continuously monitor the atmosphere inside the confined space for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. If any hazardous conditions are detected, evacuate the space immediately and re-evaluate the entry plan.
Ensure all equipment used in the confined space is intrinsically safe and approved for use in hazardous atmospheres. Inspect equipment before each use for damage or defects.
Implement a system to prevent unauthorized entry into the confined space. This may include barriers, signage, and locked access points.
Practice safety procedures for selection, use, and maintenance of personal protective equipment [1]

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. Under no circumstances should the attendant enter the confined space without proper training and equipment.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Entrant becomes incapacitated (e.g., due to heat stroke, asphyxiation): Activate the alarm, contact emergency services, and initiate the retrieval system to remove the entrant from the space. Provide first aid and monitor the entrant's condition until emergency services arrive.
Detection of hazardous atmosphere: Evacuate the space immediately and investigate the source of the leak. Ventilate the space until a safe atmosphere is achieved before re-entry.
Chemical spill or release: Activate the alarm and evacuate the space immediately. Contact emergency services and provide information about the chemical involved.
Fire or explosion: Activate the alarm and evacuate the space immediately. Ensure all workers are accounted for and provide first aid if needed.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will then notify the safety department and other relevant personnel. A written report must be submitted within 24 hours of the incident.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation team will include representatives from the safety department, supervision, and workers. The investigation report will be reviewed by management and the health and safety committee.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]