Confined Space Entry Safety Procedures

This document outlines the safety procedures for working in confined spaces, including hazard assessment, ventilation requirements, and emergency rescue protocols. It is based on industry best practices and regulatory standards to ensure worker safety.

Hazard Assessment

Before any entry into a confined space, a thorough hazard assessment must be conducted by a competent person to identify and evaluate all existing and potential hazards within the confined space, as well as activities both inside and outside the space [7]

The hazard assessment should consider

• Hazards related to the design, construction, location, use, or contents of the confined space.
• Hazards that may develop while work is done inside the confined space.
• Potential atmospheric hazards, including oxygen deficiency or enrichment, and the presence of flammable or explosive substances.
• Physical hazards such as noise, heat, cold, radiation, vibration, electrical hazards, inadequate lighting, moving parts of equipment, structural hazards, engulfment risks, entanglement risks, and slip and fall hazards.
• Process-related hazards such as residual chemicals or the release of contents from supply lines.
• Biological hazards such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or molds.

The assessment must be recorded in writing and include the name of the person who carried out the assessment, their knowledge, training, and experience. The assessment should be reviewed as often as necessary to ensure it remains current [4]

Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring

Air quality testing is a critical component of confined space entry procedures. Testing should be conducted before entry and at appropriate intervals, especially when conditions may change or work activities could create a hazardous environment [4]

The atmosphere should be tested for:

• Oxygen content: Maintained between 19.5% and 23%.
• Flammable substances: Concentration below 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL).
• Harmful substances: Worker exposure maintained at acceptable levels.
• Hydrogen sulfide concentration.

Testing should be performed by a trained worker using properly calibrated and maintained detection equipment. Continuous monitoring should be considered where atmospheric conditions have the potential to change [2]

Ventilation Requirements

If a hazardous atmosphere exists or is likely to exist, the confined space must be ventilated, purged, or both before a worker enters. Continuous ventilation is required while the worker occupies the space to maintain a safe atmosphere [3]

Mechanical ventilation systems should be set at 100% outside air. Portable blowers can augment natural circulation if needed. If ventilation is used, a competent individual must test the atmosphere to ensure it is safe for entry [2]

If mechanical ventilation is needed, the ventilation system should include a method of alerting workers to a system failure, allowing sufficient time for safe evacuation. All workers must be trained in evacuation procedures in the event of a ventilation system failure [3]

Emergency Rescue Protocols

An effective rescue plan must be in place before any worker enters a confined space. The plan should include procedures to evacuate the confined space immediately if the atmosphere becomes hazardous [3]

Key components of the emergency rescue protocol include:

• Rescue personnel who are qualified in confined space 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.
• Availability of rescue equipment to ensure prompt and safe rescue of employees from the enclosed space.
• Clear communication methods between the entrant, attendant, and rescue team.
• Immediate notification of local fire department rescue personnel in case of an emergency.
• Procedures for removing an injured or incapacitated worker from the confined space.
• First aid and CPR trained personnel should be available.

Rescue attempts should be performed from outside the confined space whenever possible. No worker should enter the confined space to attempt a rescue unless fully trained in rescue procedures and equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, including SCBA or supplied air respirator [8]

Confined Space Entry Permit

A confined space entry permit is required for all entries where the hazard and risk assessment determines that controls such as atmospheric monitoring, isolation, lockout, ventilation, safeguarding devices, or respiratory protection are needed [5]

The entry permit should include:

• The length of time the permit is valid.
• The names of authorized entrants and attendants.
• The name of the supervisor responsible for the work.
• The location and description of the confined space.
• A detailed scope of work.
• Possible hazards inside and outside the space, and those that may develop during work.
• The date and time of entry and anticipated exit.
• Details of atmospheric testing, including when, where, results, and date of last calibration of monitoring equipment.
• Hazard control measures, including ventilation, work procedures, PPE, and other precautions.
• Means of communication between workers inside the space and the attendant.
• The emergency plan and equipment to be used during rescue or other emergency situations.
• Signatures of the worker who did the air testing and the supervisor authorizing entry.
• Continuous gas monitoring results.

The entry permit must be posted at the confined space until the work is completed, and a copy should be kept on file by the employer [6]

Worker Training

All workers involved in confined space entry must be adequately trained. Training should include:

• Recognition and identification of potential hazards.
• Evaluation and control procedures for identified hazards.
• Set-up, use, and limitations of all equipment, including emergency equipment, ventilation equipment, hazardous energy control, isolation and lockout equipment, and air quality monitors.
• Set-up, use, and limitations of personal protective equipment.
• Communication and retrieval systems.
• Safe work procedures for confined space entry.
• Procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
• First aid and CPR.
• The specific work to be done in the confined space.
• Working in a manner that will not endanger lives.

Hands-on training should be an essential part of the confined space training program [1]

Attendant Responsibilities

An attendant must be posted outside the confined space to continuously monitor the workers inside. The attendant's duties include:

• Understanding the nature of hazards inside the confined space and recognizing signs, symptoms, and behavioral effects workers may experience.
• Monitoring the confined space and surrounding area for dangerous conditions.
• Remaining outside the confined space and not performing other duties that may interfere with their primary duty of monitoring the workers inside.
• Maintaining constant two-way communication with the workers in the confined space.
• Ordering immediate evacuation if a potential hazard, not already controlled for, is detected.
• Calling for emergency assistance immediately if an emergency develops.
• Being immediately available to provide non-entry emergency assistance when needed.
• Providing entry rescue only after stringent precautions are taken and another attendant is available to assume attendant duties.

The attendant should never enter the confined space to attempt a rescue unless properly trained and equipped

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