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 requirements for safe entry into confined spaces. It includes hazard assessment, atmospheric testing, ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency rescue procedures. This procedure applies to all personnel who are required to enter confined spaces as part of their job duties. A confined space is defined as an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended for human occupancy except for the purpose of performing work; has restricted means of access and egress; and may become hazardous to a person entering it as a result of its design, construction, location or atmosphere, the materials or substances in it, or any other conditions relating to it. [4]

2. Definitions

Confined Space An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended for human occupancy except for the purpose of performing work; has restricted means of access and egress; and may become hazardous to a person entering it as a result of its design, construction, location or atmosphere, the materials or substances in it, or any other conditions relating to it. [4]

Entry Permit A written document that authorizes entry into a confined space, verifying that pre-entry procedures have been completed and the space is safe to enter. [1]

Attendant A person stationed outside the confined space who monitors the entrants, maintains communication, and initiates rescue procedures if necessary. [1]

Atmospheric Testing Testing the atmosphere of a confined space to determine if it is safe to enter, specifically checking for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. [1]

Ventilation The process of removing or displacing hazardous atmospheres from a confined space with clean, breathable air. [1]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that a comprehensive hazard assessment is conducted before any confined space entry.
Develop and implement safe work procedures for confined space entry, including ventilation, atmospheric testing, and emergency rescue protocols.
Ensure all workers are properly trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks.
Provide and maintain all necessary safety equipment, including PPE, testing equipment, and rescue gear.
Issue and review confined space entry permits.
Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with safety procedures.

3.2 Workers

Comply with all safety procedures and guidelines related to confined space entry.
Participate in pre-entry briefings and hazard assessments.
Use required PPE and safety equipment as instructed.
Monitor the atmosphere and be aware of changing conditions.
Communicate any concerns or hazards to the attendant immediately.
Evacuate the confined space immediately if any danger is detected or upon instruction from the attendant.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Participate in the development and review of confined space entry procedures.
Monitor compliance with safety procedures and regulations.
Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions.
Provide safety training and education to workers.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment [2] [5]	Asphyxiation, impaired judgment, increased fire risk.	Test the atmosphere before entry and continuously monitor during work. Provide adequate ventilation to maintain safe oxygen levels and prevent the accumulation of hazardous gases. Use appropriate respiratory protection if necessary.
Flammable or explosive atmospheres [2] [1]	Fire, explosion.	Test for flammable gases before entry and continuously monitor during work. Ensure proper ventilation to maintain concentrations below 10% of the LEL. Use intrinsically safe equipment and eliminate ignition sources.
Toxic gases (e.g., hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide) [2] [1]	Poisoning, illness, death.	Test for toxic gases before entry and continuously monitor during work. Provide adequate ventilation to maintain concentrations below permissible exposure limits (PELs). Use appropriate respiratory protection.
Engulfment [1] [9]	Suffocation, crushing.	Lockout/tagout all energy sources before entry. Ensure that all lines are disconnected, blinded, or blanked off to prevent the release of hazardous materials.
Physical hazards (e.g., slips, trips, falls, inadequate lighting, temperature extremes) [10]	Injury, illness.	Ensure proper lighting is provided. Use fall protection equipment when working at heights. Provide adequate ventilation to prevent heat stress.
Exposure to hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals, waste) [5]	Skin irritation, chemical burns, respiratory problems.	Provide appropriate PPE, including respirators, gloves, and protective clothing. Ensure that workers are properly trained in the use of PPE.
Inadequate training or procedures [3]	Accidents, injuries, fatalities.	Implement a confined space entry permit system. Ensure that all workers are properly trained in confined space entry procedures and emergency rescue protocols.
Lack of communication or rescue capabilities [5]	Delayed rescue, serious injury, death.	Maintain continuous communication between the entrant and the attendant. Develop and implement a rescue plan. Ensure that rescue services are readily available.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel entering confined spaces must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against potential hazards. PPE must be inspected before each use to ensure it is in good working condition.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): Provides respiratory protection in hazardous atmospheres. Must be properly fitted and maintained. [1]
Hard Hat: Protects the head from impact, penetration, and electrical shock.
Safety Glasses or Goggles: Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes.
Safety Boots: Protects the feet from impact, compression, and punctures.
Harness and Lifeline: Provides fall protection when working at heights. Must be properly fitted and connected to a lifeline.
Gloves and Protective Clothing: Protects the skin from contact with hazardous materials.

Respirators must be inspected before each use to ensure a proper fit and that the cartridges are not expired. Harnesses and lifelines should be inspected for any signs of damage or wear. Gloves and protective clothing should be inspected for tears or punctures. Eye protection should be inspected for cracks or damage. [7]

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.

Gas Detector: A device used to measure the levels of oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic substances in the atmosphere. Must be properly calibrated and maintained. [1]
Ventilation Equipment: A device used to provide fresh air to the confined space. Must be properly sized for the space and capable of providing adequate airflow. [1]
Communication Equipment: Used for communication between the entrant and the attendant. Must be reliable and provide clear communication. [3]
Explosion-Proof Lighting: Used to provide illumination within the confined space. Must be explosion-proof and provide adequate lighting for the work being performed. [10]
Lifeline: A rope or cable used to raise or lower workers into the confined space or to rescue them in case of emergency. Must be in good condition and have sufficient strength for the load.
Hoisting Device: A device used to lift workers out of the confined space in case of emergency, especially when entry is through a top opening. [3]

Gas detectors must be calibrated regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect hoses and connections for leaks or damage. Ensure that the unit is functioning properly by performing a bump test before each use. Ventilation equipment should be inspected for proper airflow and any signs of damage. Ensure that all electrical equipment is properly grounded and that cords are in good condition. [2]

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All personnel involved in confined space entry must be trained in the hazards of confined spaces, entry procedures, use of PPE, and emergency rescue procedures. Training must be documented and updated regularly. [1]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-entry briefing must be conducted to discuss the hazards of the confined space, the work to be performed, the safety procedures to be followed, and the emergency rescue plan. All personnel involved in the entry must attend the briefing.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: The area around the confined space must be secured to prevent unauthorized entry. Warning signs must be posted to alert others to the presence of a confined space. All necessary equipment, including ventilation equipment, testing equipment, and rescue gear, must be readily available. [8]

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Conduct a Hazard Assessment: A qualified person must conduct a hazard assessment to identify potential hazards within the confined space. The assessment should consider the design, construction, location, use, and contents of the space, as well as any hazards that may develop during the work. [2]
Perform Atmospheric Testing: The atmosphere within the confined space must be tested before entry to determine if it is safe to enter. Testing should include oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. Continuous monitoring should be conducted during the work. [1]
Provide Ventilation: If the atmosphere is not safe, the confined space must be ventilated to remove hazardous gases and provide a safe oxygen level. Mechanical ventilation is typically required. [1]
Use Appropriate PPE: All entrants must wear appropriate PPE, including respirators, harnesses, lifelines, and protective clothing, as determined by the hazard assessment. [1]
Station an Attendant: An attendant must be stationed outside the confined space to monitor the entrants, maintain communication, and initiate rescue procedures if necessary. [1]
Enter the Confined Space: Entry into the confined space should only occur after all pre-entry requirements have been met and the entry permit has been signed. The permit should be posted at the entrance to the confined space. [1]
Monitor Conditions: Continuously monitor the atmosphere and the condition of the entrants. If any hazardous conditions are detected, the entrants must evacuate the confined space immediately. [3]
Complete the Work and Inspect the Space: Upon completion of the work, all tools and equipment must be removed from the confined space. The space should be inspected to ensure that no hazards remain.
Close Out the Permit and Report Incidents: The entry permit must be closed out and filed. Any incidents or near misses should be reported and investigated.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Ensure that a confined space entry permit is completed and signed by a qualified person before any entry is made. [1]
Continuously monitor the atmosphere within the confined space for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. [3]
Provide adequate ventilation to maintain a safe atmosphere within the confined space. [1]
Ensure that all workers are properly trained in confined space entry procedures and the use of PPE. [1]
Maintain continuous communication between the entrant and the attendant. [3]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, the attendant must immediately initiate the emergency response plan. This includes alerting emergency services, initiating rescue procedures, and providing first aid as needed. Under no circumstances should the attendant enter the confined space unless properly trained and equipped for rescue operations. [3]

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Detection of a hazardous atmosphere (e.g., toxic gas leak, oxygen deficiency).: Activate the emergency alarm, immediately evacuate the confined space, and account for all personnel. Do not re-enter until the source of the leak has been identified and controlled, and the atmosphere has been re-tested and verified as safe.
Entrant becomes incapacitated or unresponsive.: Activate the emergency alarm, assess the situation from outside the confined space, and immediately contact emergency services. If trained and equipped, attempt a non-entry rescue using a lifeline. Only enter the confined space for rescue if properly trained, equipped with appropriate PPE (including SCBA), and after backup rescue personnel are on-site.
Spill or release of hazardous materials within the confined space.: Activate the emergency alarm, evacuate the confined space, and shut down all equipment. Contact emergency services and provide them with information about the chemicals involved. Do not re-enter until the spill has been contained and cleaned up, and the atmosphere has been re-tested and verified as safe.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Provide the location of the confined space, the nature of the emergency, and the number of people involved. Ensure that someone is available to guide emergency responders to the site.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A written report must be completed within 24 hours of the incident. The report should include a detailed description of the incident, the cause of the incident, and any corrective actions taken. [6]

A thorough investigation must be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident. The investigation team should include representatives from safety, supervision, and the workforce. The investigation should identify any contributing factors and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence. All findings and recommendations must be documented and implemented. [6]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]