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) applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who are required to enter confined spaces at any company location. It outlines the necessary steps and precautions to ensure the safety and health of all personnel involved in confined space entry operations. This SWP covers hazard identification, risk assessment, atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, PPE, emergency rescue, and permit-to-work systems.

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. Hazardous Atmosphere An atmosphere containing a hazardous concentration of an air contaminant, or an oxygen content outside the range of 19.5% to 23.0% by volume. Entry Permit A written document that authorizes entry into a confined space, specifies the conditions for entry, and outlines the necessary safety precautions.

3. Responsibilities

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment	Asphyxiation, fire, explosion	Conduct atmospheric testing before entry. Provide continuous ventilation. Use air-supplied respirators if necessary.
Hazardous energy (electrical, mechanical, etc.)	Electrocution, injury	Lockout/tagout all energy sources. Test for hazardous energy before entry.
Exposure to toxic gases or chemicals	Poisoning, chemical burns, respiratory illness	Use appropriate PPE, including respirators, gloves, and eye protection. Provide adequate ventilation.
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries	Ensure proper lighting. Use fall protection equipment if necessary. Maintain good housekeeping.
Communication breakdown	Entrapment, delayed rescue	Provide training on confined space entry procedures. Ensure clear communication between entrants and attendants.
Inadequate rescue procedures	Serious injury, death	Implement a permit-to-work system. Ensure all entrants are trained in rescue procedures. Have a designated rescue team on standby.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for confined space entry:

Air-Supplied Respirator: Provides respiratory protection in hazardous atmospheres.
Hard Hat: Protects the head from impact and falling objects.
Safety Glasses or Goggles: Protects the eyes from chemical splashes and flying particles.
Gloves: Protects the hands from chemical exposure and physical hazards.

All PPE must be inspected before each use to ensure it is in good condition. Any damaged or defective PPE must be replaced immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

The following equipment and tools are required for safe confined space entry:

Atmospheric Monitor: Used to monitor the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.
Ventilation Equipment: Used to provide continuous ventilation to the confined space.
Harness and Lifeline: Used to provide a safe means of entry and exit from the confined space.
Portable Lighting: Used to provide adequate lighting inside the confined space.

All equipment must be inspected before each use to ensure it is in good working condition. Any defective equipment must be removed from service immediately.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All personnel involved in confined space entry must be trained and competent in the following areas:

Confined space entry procedures
Hazard identification and risk assessment
Atmospheric monitoring
Use of PPE
Emergency rescue procedures
Permit-to-work systems

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted with all personnel involved in the confined space entry. The briefing should cover the following topics:

The scope of the work to be performed
The hazards associated with the confined space
The control measures to be implemented
The emergency procedures to be followed

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Before commencing work, the following preparations must be completed:

Isolate the confined space from all potential hazards.
Lockout/tagout all energy sources.
Ventilate the confined space to ensure a safe atmosphere.
Set up barriers and warning signs to prevent unauthorized entry.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Obtain Entry Permit: Obtain an entry permit from the authorized person. Ensure that all sections of the permit are completed accurately.
Test Atmosphere: Test the atmosphere inside the confined space for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. Record the results on the entry permit. Ensure the atmosphere is within acceptable limits before entry.
Ventilate the Space: If the atmosphere is not within acceptable limits, ventilate the confined space until a safe atmosphere is achieved. Continue monitoring the atmosphere during entry.
Wear Required PPE: Ensure all entrants are wearing the required PPE, including respirators, harnesses, and lifelines. Inspect all PPE for damage before use.
Maintain Communication: Maintain continuous communication between the entrant and the attendant. The attendant must remain outside the confined space at all times.
Monitor Conditions: If any hazardous conditions are detected during entry, evacuate the confined space immediately. Re-evaluate the hazards and implement additional control measures before re-entry.
Complete Work and Close Permit: Upon completion of the work, ensure that all tools and equipment are removed from the confined space. Update and close the entry permit.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Ensure continuous atmospheric monitoring is conducted throughout the confined space entry.
Maintain continuous ventilation to ensure a safe atmosphere.
Ensure clear communication is maintained between entrants and attendants at all times.
Follow all permit-to-work requirements.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, the following steps should be taken: 1. Evacuate the confined space immediately. 2. Account for all personnel. 3. Provide first aid and medical assistance as needed. 4. Contact emergency services if required.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In the event of an emergency, immediately contact emergency services and the designated rescue team. Ensure clear communication and provide accurate information about the location and nature of the emergency.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

The incident investigation will include: 1. Gathering information about the incident. 2. Interviewing witnesses. 3. Analyzing the sequence of events. 4. Identifying the root cause(s). 5. Developing corrective actions. 6. Implementing and monitoring the corrective actions.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]