Confined Space Entry and Work Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all activities related to confined space entry and work performed within confined spaces at the facility. This includes but is not limited to: tanks, vessels, silos, pits, manholes, and other enclosed or partially enclosed spaces that meet the definition of a confined space. Excluded are spaces not meeting the definition of a confined space as per regulatory requirements.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The hierarchy of controls will be followed to identify and implement control measures.

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Hazardous Atmosphere (oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, flammable gases).

Potential Consequences: Asphyxiation, poisoning, explosion, or fire. [6]

Affected Persons: Workers, Rescuers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Major	High

Control Measures

• Elimination: If possible, perform the work from outside the confined space to eliminate the need for entry.
• Engineering: Implement mechanical ventilation to maintain air quality.
• Administrative: Use an entry permit system to document hazard assessments and control measures.
• PPE: Provide and require the use of appropriate respiratory protection.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

2. Engulfment in liquids or free-flowing solids.

Potential Consequences: Suffocation, drowning.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Medium

Control Measures

• Elimination: Remove liquids or free-flowing solids from the confined space.
• Engineering: Install barriers to prevent entry of liquids or solids.
• Administrative: Implement lockout/tagout procedures for all relevant equipment.
• PPE: Provide appropriate PPE to prevent contact with residual materials.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

3. Fire or explosion due to flammable materials or ignition sources.

Potential Consequences: Burns, death.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Medium

Control Measures

• Elimination: De-energize and lockout all energy sources.
• Engineering: Use non-sparking tools.
• Administrative: Implement hot work permits.
• PPE: Use flame-resistant clothing.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

4. Slips, trips, and falls.

Potential Consequences: Injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Elimination: Ensure proper lighting.
• Engineering: Use slip-resistant surfaces.
• Administrative: Provide training on safe entry and exit procedures.
• PPE: Require appropriate footwear and fall protection.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. Entanglement with moving parts of equipment.

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or death.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Elimination: Isolate the confined space from moving equipment.
• Engineering: Install physical barriers.
• Administrative: Implement lockout/tagout procedures.
• PPE: Use high-visibility clothing.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Implement a written confined space entry program that includes hazard assessments, safe work procedures, and entry permits.

The program should assign responsibilities, list confined spaces, and detail safe work procedures. [1]

• Use warning signs to prevent unauthorized entry to the confined space.

Signs should clearly indicate the presence of a confined space and the potential hazards. [3]

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure rescue personnel are immediately available and familiar with the structural design of the confined space. [5]

7. Training Requirements

• Confined Space Hazard Awareness: Workers must be trained in the recognition of confined space hazards. [4]
• Air Monitoring Equipment Training: Workers must be trained in the proper use of air monitoring equipment.
  • Calibration
  • Bump testing
  • Interpretation of results
• Confined Space Rescue Training: Workers must be trained in rescue procedures.
  • Self-rescue
  • Non-entry rescue
  • Entry rescue

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, and after any incident or near-miss related to confined space entry.

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Before entry, after any interruption in work, and at appropriate intervals during work.	Trained worker	Regularly test the atmosphere of the confined space for oxygen levels, toxic gases, and flammable substances. [2]
Regular Inspection	Before each use.	Maintenance personnel	Inspect and maintain ventilation equipment to ensure proper operation.
Audit	Before each entry.	Supervisor	Review entry permits to ensure all required information is complete and accurate.

9. Special Circumstances

• Night work may reduce visibility and increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
• Lone work increases the risk due to the lack of immediate assistance in case of an emergency.
• Extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) can affect worker safety and equipment performance.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, and after any incident or near-miss related to confined space entry. or when significant changes occur.

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