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. This procedure aims to minimize the risks associated with confined space entry by providing a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measure implementation [1].

This SWP applies to any space that meets the definition of a confined space as defined by OSHA, including but not limited to tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, manholes, tunnels, underground utility lines, and pipelines 9, 11.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout, Hazard Communication, and Emergency Response procedures.

2. Definitions

Confined Space: A space that: (1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and (2) 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 (3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy 9, 11.

Permit-Required Confined Space (Permit Space): A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: (1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; (2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; (3) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or (4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard [2].

Hazardous Atmosphere: An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a permit space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes: (1) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL); (2) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL; (3) Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent; (4) Hydrogen sulfide concentration +10 PPM *15PPM 5, 11; (5) Aromatic Hydrocarbon + 1 PPM * 5PPM [3]; (6) Hydrogen Cyanide (Skin) * 4PPM [3]; (7) Sulfur Dioxide + 2 PPM * 5PPM [3]; (8) Ammonia *35PPM [3].

Entry Permit: A written document that allows and controls entry into a permit space 1, 2.

Attendant: An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all duties of an attendant as specified in this section [4].

Authorized Entrant: An employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space [5].

Entry Supervisor: The person responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit space where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and for terminating entry as required by this standard [6].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that a comprehensive hazard assessment is conducted before any confined space entry [7].
• Ensure that all workers involved in confined space entry are adequately trained and competent 1, 2.
• Verify that all necessary permits are completed and signed before entry 1, 2.
• Ensure that all safety equipment is available, inspected, and in good working order 7, 17.
• Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with this SWP and all applicable safety regulations [4].

3.2 Workers

• Participate in all required training and understand the hazards associated with confined space entry 1, 2.
• Follow all instructions and procedures outlined in this SWP and the entry permit 3, 5.
• Use all required PPE and safety equipment properly 7, 17.
• Immediately report any unsafe conditions or hazards to the supervisor 4, 10.
• Evacuate the confined space if any alarm conditions are reached or if instructed to do so by the attendant or supervisor 4, 10.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on confined space entry procedures [5].
• Conduct periodic audits of confined space entry operations to ensure compliance with this SWP and applicable regulations [8].
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to confined space entry and recommend corrective actions [9].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Hazardous Atmospheres (toxic gases, oxygen deficiency/enrichment, flammable gases/vapors) [10]	Asphyxiation, poisoning, explosion, fire	Test atmosphere before entry and continuously monitor during entry; provide ventilation; use appropriate respiratory protection (SCBA) 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 20
Engulfment (in liquids or solids) 7, 14	Suffocation, crushing	Lockout and tagout all potential sources of engulfment; block or disconnect lines; use appropriate barriers 2, 7, 11
Fall Hazards	Injury, death	Use fall protection equipment (harness, lifeline); ensure proper access and egress (ladders, scaffolding) [11]
Mechanical Hazards (moving parts of equipment) [12]	Lacerations, crushing, amputation	Lockout and tagout equipment; use machine guarding; ensure equipment is de-energized 2, 7
Electrical Hazards	Electrocution, shock	De-energize and lockout electrical equipment; use GFCI protection; inspect equipment for damage [12]
Temperature Extremes (heat, cold) [12]	Heat stress, hypothermia	Provide ventilation, cooling/heating devices; use appropriate protective clothing; monitor workers for signs of heat stress/hypothermia [12]
Noise	Hearing damage	Use hearing protection; limit exposure time; use noise-dampening materials
Poor Visibility	Slips, trips, falls, injury	Provide adequate lighting; use reflective clothing
Biological Hazards (sewage, mold)	Infection, illness	Use appropriate PPE (gloves, respirators); practice good hygiene
Welding/Cutting Fumes	Respiratory irritation, poisoning	Use local exhaust ventilation; wear appropriate respiratory protection; follow hot work procedures [12]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times during confined space entry to minimize the risk of injury or illness 7, 17.

• Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects and bumps.
• Safety Glasses/Goggles - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes.
• Gloves - Protects the hands from cuts, abrasions, chemical exposure, and temperature extremes. Select the appropriate type of glove based on the specific hazards present.
• Respirator - Protects the respiratory system from hazardous atmospheres. Use a properly fitted respirator (air-purifying or supplied-air) as required by the entry permit and air monitoring results 1, 4, 6, 10, 20.
• Protective Clothing - Provides protection against chemical splashes, temperature extremes, and other hazards. This may include coveralls, Tyvek suits, or specialized chemical-resistant clothing [12].
• Safety Boots - Protects feet from falling objects, punctures, and slips. Steel-toed boots may be required depending on the specific hazards present.
• Hearing Protection - Earplugs or earmuffs should be worn in areas with high noise levels.
• Harness and Lifeline - Required for entry into vertical confined spaces or when there is a risk of falling. The lifeline should be attached to a fixed point outside the confined space and monitored by the attendant [11].

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace any damaged or defective PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Only use equipment and tools that are in good working condition and appropriate for the specific hazards present in the confined space 7, 17.

• Gas Monitor - Used to test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. The gas monitor must be calibrated and bump-tested before each use 1, 2, 6, 20.
• Ventilation Fan - Used to provide continuous forced-air ventilation to maintain a safe atmosphere 1, 2, 10, 20.
• Communication Equipment - Two-way radios or other communication devices are essential for maintaining contact between the entrant and the attendant [11].
• Lighting - Explosion-proof lighting is required to provide adequate illumination inside the confined space [11].
• Retrieval System - A winch or other retrieval system may be necessary to rescue an incapacitated entrant from a vertical confined space [11].
• Lockout/Tagout Equipment - Locks, tags, and other devices used to isolate energy sources and prevent accidental start-up of equipment 2, 7.
• Non-Sparking Tools - Required when working in areas where flammable gases or vapors may be present [11].

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance of all equipment and tools.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All personnel involved in confined space entry must receive comprehensive training on the hazards of confined spaces, entry procedures, and emergency response. Training must include 1, 2, 8:

• Hazard recognition
• Atmospheric testing and monitoring
• Ventilation techniques
• Use of PPE and safety equipment
• Entry permit procedures
• Rescue procedures

Supervisors must also receive additional training on their responsibilities, including permit issuance, hazard assessment, and monitoring worker safety [6].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before each confined space entry to discuss the following 1, 2:

• The specific hazards associated with the confined space
• The control measures that will be implemented
• The roles and responsibilities of each member of the entry team
• The communication procedures that will be used
• The emergency procedures

The briefing should be documented on the entry permit.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

The following steps must be taken to prepare the work area for confined space entry 1, 2, 7:

• Isolate the confined space by disconnecting, blinding, or locking out all potential sources of energy or materials that could enter the space 2, 7, 11.
• Survey the surrounding area to identify any potential hazards, such as drifting vapors or traffic 1, 2, 6.
• Guard the entrance to the confined space to prevent accidental falls or unauthorized entry [13].
• Ensure that adequate lighting is provided [11].
• Set up ventilation equipment to provide continuous forced-air ventilation 1, 2, 10, 20.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring

Before entry, test the atmosphere inside the confined space using a calibrated gas monitor 1, 2, 6, 20.

• Test for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances 1, 2, 6, 20.
• Ensure that the atmosphere meets the following criteria: Oxygen level between 19.5% and 23.5%; Flammable gases below 10% of the LFL; Toxic substances below permissible exposure limits 5, 11.
• Continuously monitor the atmosphere during entry to detect any changes in air quality [11].

If the atmosphere is not safe for entry, ventilate the space until acceptable conditions are achieved. If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry, all personnel must leave the space immediately 4, 10, 13.

8.2 Entry and Work

Once the atmosphere has been tested and verified as safe, entry may begin 1, 2.

• Ensure that all entrants are wearing the required PPE 7, 17.
• Use a safety harness and lifeline if required [11].
• Maintain continuous communication between the entrant and the attendant [11].
• Perform work in a safe and orderly manner [13].

Be aware of your surroundings and watch for any potential hazards. If any unsafe conditions are observed, stop work and notify the supervisor.

8.3 Exit and Closure

When work is complete, exit the confined space in a safe and orderly manner [5].

• Remove all equipment and tools from the space 7, 17.
• Inspect the space to ensure that no hazards remain 1, 2.
• Cancel the entry permit and document the completion of the work 1, 2.
• Secure the entrance to the confined space to prevent unauthorized entry 8, 16.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Never enter a confined space without proper training and authorization. - Confined spaces can be deadly if the proper precautions are not taken 1, 2, 8.
• Always test the atmosphere before entry and continuously monitor it during entry. - Hazardous atmospheres can develop quickly and without warning 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 20.
• Always use the required PPE. - PPE provides essential protection against a variety of hazards 7, 17.
• Always maintain communication with the attendant. - The attendant is your lifeline in case of an emergency 4, 6.
• Never attempt a rescue without proper training and equipment. - Improper rescue attempts can put rescuers at risk 4, 19.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, the following general procedures should be followed:

• Immediately notify the attendant and supervisor 4, 6.
• Evacuate the confined space if it is safe to do so 4, 10, 13.
• Provide first aid to any injured personnel [4].
• Contact emergency services (911) if necessary [11].

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Entrant becomes incapacitated: The attendant should immediately attempt a non-entry rescue using a lifeline or retrieval system. If a non-entry rescue is not possible, the attendant should call for emergency services and wait for trained rescuers to arrive 4, 19.
• Hazardous atmosphere detected: All personnel should immediately evacuate the confined space. The space should be re-evaluated and ventilated before any subsequent entry is attempted 4, 10, 13.
• Fire or explosion: All personnel should immediately evacuate the confined space and activate the fire alarm. Contact emergency services (911) [11].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services (911): 911
• [Company Security]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Health and Safety Department]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Local Fire Department]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Any incident, near-miss, or hazardous condition that occurs during confined space entry must be reported to the supervisor and 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.

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

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