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 activities related to confined space entry, including but not limited to: pre-entry checks, atmospheric testing, entry and exit procedures, work performed inside the confined space, and emergency rescue operations. It applies to all personnel who may be required to enter, work in, or supervise work in confined spaces. Excluded from this assessment are spaces not meeting the definition of a confined space as per regulatory guidelines.

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 (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, and PPE) is 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	High	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Oxygen deficiency or enrichment within the confined space.

Potential Consequences: Asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, death.

Affected Persons: Workers, Rescue Personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Eliminate the need for entry by performing tasks from outside the confined space whenever possible.
• Use remote tools or robotic devices to minimize human entry.
• Implement a lockout/tagout procedure to isolate energy sources.
• Provide continuous ventilation to maintain a safe atmosphere.
• Use appropriate PPE, including respirators and protective clothing.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

2. Presence of flammable or explosive gases or vapors.

Potential Consequences: Fire, explosion, burns, death.

Affected Persons: Workers, Rescue Personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Test the atmosphere for flammable gases before entry and continuously monitor during work.
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases.
• Use intrinsically safe equipment to eliminate ignition sources.
• Implement hot work permits for any activities that may generate sparks or heat.
• Provide fire suppression equipment and training.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

3. Exposure to toxic gases, vapors, or fumes.

Potential Consequences: Poisoning, respiratory illness, organ damage, death.

Affected Persons: Workers, Rescue Personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Test the atmosphere for toxic substances before entry and continuously monitor during work.
• Provide adequate ventilation to remove or dilute toxic contaminants.
• Use appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., respirators) when ventilation is insufficient.
• Implement strict hygiene practices to prevent exposure.
• Provide training on the hazards of specific toxic substances.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

4. Accidental activation of equipment or machinery.

Potential Consequences: Crushing injuries, amputation, electrocution, death.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Lockout and tagout all energy sources before entry.
• Verify isolation by testing equipment and machinery.
• Use barriers or guards to prevent accidental contact with moving parts.
• Implement a permit-required confined space program.
• Provide training on lockout/tagout procedures.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

5. Slips, trips, and falls.

Potential Consequences: Sprains, fractures, contusions, head injuries.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure proper lighting inside the confined space.
• Provide slip-resistant surfaces and maintain good housekeeping.
• Use fall protection equipment when working at heights.
• Implement a buddy system to monitor worker safety.
• Provide training on safe work practices in confined spaces.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

6. Heat stress due to high temperatures and humidity.

Potential Consequences: Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent heat buildup.
• Provide cooling devices such as fans or cooling vests.
• Implement work/rest schedules to limit exposure time.
• Provide adequate hydration.
• Train workers to recognize the symptoms of heat stress.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

7. Engulfment by liquids or solids.

Potential Consequences: Suffocation, crushing injuries, death.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Catastrophic	Medium

Control Measures

• Implement procedures to prevent the entry of materials into the confined space.
• Monitor the space for potential engulfment hazards.
• Provide rescue equipment and training for engulfment scenarios.
• Ensure workers are aware of the potential for engulfment.
• Use barriers or other means to prevent materials from entering the space.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Implement a Confined Space Entry Permit system to document hazard and risk assessments for each confined space entry.

The permit should include the scope of work, potential hazards, atmospheric testing results, control measures, communication methods, and emergency plans. [3] [1]

• Conduct atmospheric testing before and during entry to monitor oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.

Use calibrated instruments and record all testing results on the entry permit. [4]

• Provide mechanical ventilation to maintain air quality inside the confined space.

Ensure ventilation equipment is functioning properly and set to 100% outside air. [3]

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure rescue personnel are qualified in confined space rescue procedures and are immediately available near the confined space to provide emergency assistance. Rescue personnel should be familiar with the structural design of the confined space. [6]

7. Training Requirements

• Confined Space Hazard Awareness: Workers must be trained to recognize the hazards associated with confined spaces, including atmospheric hazards, engulfment hazards, and mechanical hazards. [2]
• Atmospheric Testing Procedures: Training must cover the proper use of atmospheric testing equipment, including calibration and bump testing.
  • Calibration
  • Bump testing
• Respiratory Protection: Workers must be trained in the correct selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protection equipment.
• Emergency Response Training: Training on emergency procedures, including rescue techniques and communication protocols, is essential for all workers involved in confined space entry. [1] [5]

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	Continuous	Attendant	Continuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions (oxygen, LFL, toxic gases) during confined space entry.
Regular Inspection	Daily before use	Supervisor	Regular inspection of ventilation equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Audit	After each entry	Safety Officer	Review of entry permits to ensure completeness and accuracy.

9. Special Circumstances

• Night work may reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
• Lone work increases response time in case of emergencies. Implement a buddy system or use remote monitoring.
• Adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow) can create slippery surfaces and increase the risk of falls.

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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