Confined Space Entry Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all confined space entry activities undertaken by personnel. It includes assessing hazards associated with the confined space itself, the tasks performed within it, and the equipment used. The scope includes identifying potential atmospheric hazards, physical hazards, and any other conditions that could pose a risk to entrants. Excluded from this assessment are spaces not meeting the definition of a confined space as per regulatory guidelines, and entry procedures not adhering to the established confined space program.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings based on likelihood and severity. The hierarchy of controls is strictly followed to identify and implement appropriate control measures, starting with elimination and substitution, followed by engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally, personal protective equipment. The assessment is conducted by a qualified person with adequate knowledge, training, and experience in the recognition, evaluation, and control of confined space hazards.

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	High	Extreme
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	High
Moderate	Low	Medium	High	High	Extreme
Minor	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Oxygen deficiency or enrichment within the confined space.

Potential Consequences: Asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, death. [8] [8]

Affected Persons: Workers, Attendants, Rescue Personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Eliminate the need for entry if possible.
• Implement a strict permit-required confined space program.
• Ensure continuous atmospheric monitoring.
• Provide appropriate respiratory protection (SCBA)

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Low

2. Presence of flammable or explosive atmosphere.

Potential Consequences: Fire, explosion, burns, death. [8]

Affected Persons: Workers, Attendants, Rescue Personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Ventilate the confined space to remove flammable gases or vapors.
• Use intrinsically safe equipment.
• Implement hot work permits where applicable.
• Continuously monitor the atmosphere for flammable substances.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Low

3. Uncontrolled release of hazardous energy (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, etc.).

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, crushing injuries, burns, chemical exposure. [6]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Lockout/Tagout procedures for all energy sources.
• Physically disconnect or isolation blanks bolted in place on pipes.
• Use two blocking valves, with an open vent or bleed valve between the blocking valves when isolating pipelines or similar conveyances to prevent entry of materials and hazardous contaminants.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

4. Engulfment in liquids or free-flowing solids.

Potential Consequences: Suffocation, drowning, crushing injuries. [6]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Remove any liquids or free-flowing solids from the confined space.
• Implement barriers to prevent entry of liquids or solids.
• Continuous monitoring by attendant.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

5. Exposure to toxic or corrosive substances.

Potential Consequences: Skin irritation, chemical burns, respiratory illness, poisoning. [8]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide appropriate PPE (respirators, gloves, eye protection, etc.).
• Implement decontamination procedures.
• Ensure proper hygiene practices.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

6. Heat stress due to high temperatures within the confined space.

Potential Consequences: Heat exhaustion, heat stroke. [9]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide adequate ventilation.
• Use cooling vests or other cooling devices.
• Implement work/rest cycles.
• Provide adequate hydration.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

7. Slips, trips, and falls due to inadequate lighting or slippery surfaces.

Potential Consequences: Sprains, fractures, contusions. [9]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure adequate lighting.
• Remove slip and trip hazards.
• Provide appropriate fall protection.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

8. Electrical shock from faulty equipment.

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, burns. [9]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure equipment is properly grounded.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
• Regularly inspect electrical equipment.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

9. Lack of communication between workers inside the confined space and the outside attendant.

Potential Consequences: Delayed response to emergencies, injuries. [4]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide training on hazard recognition and avoidance.
• Ensure clear communication between workers, attendant, and emergency response team.
• Implement a buddy system.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

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

Ensure signs are visible and clearly indicate the hazards present. [2]

• All potentially hazardous energy sources such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal must be de-energized (or isolated) and locked out prior to entry to the confined space so that equipment cannot be turned on unintentionally.

Follow established lockout/tagout procedures. [6]

• A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job.

Ensure all workers have access to and are familiar with the procedures. [7]

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In the event of an alarm from monitoring equipment or any other indication of danger, workers should immediately leave the confined space. [2]
• Rescue personnel who are qualified in confined spaces rescue procedures should be available immediately nearby the confined space to provide emergency assistance if needed. The rescue personnel should be familiar with the structural design of the confined space. [5]
• The detailed plan for emergency response to an injury or other emergency within the confined space should be described in detail in the confined space hazard assessment and control program. [5]

7. Training Requirements

• Confined Space Entry Training: All workers who enter confined spaces must be trained in hazard recognition, atmospheric testing, use of PPE, and emergency procedures. [3]
• Attendant Training: Attendants must be trained in monitoring procedures, communication protocols, and rescue techniques.
• Supervisor Training: Supervisors must be trained in permit issuance, hazard assessment, and enforcement of safety procedures.
• Gas Detection Equipment Training: Personnel using gas detection equipment must be trained in its proper use, calibration, and maintenance. [7]

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, and after any incident or changes to procedures

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Continuous during entry	Attendant	Continuous atmospheric monitoring for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.
Regular Inspection	Before each entry and every 4 hours during entry	Attendant	Regular inspection of ventilation equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Audit	After each entry	Supervisor	Review of entry permits to ensure all required information is complete and accurate.
Audit	Annually	Safety Officer	Periodic review of confined space program and procedures. [1]

9. Special Circumstances

• Work during hot weather may increase the risk of heat stress. Implement additional cooling measures and increase hydration breaks.
• Night work may reduce visibility. Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
• Lone work is prohibited in confined spaces. An attendant must always be present.

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 changes to procedures or when significant changes occur.

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