Confined space

Generated on: May 22, 2025

Safe Work Procedure: 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 necessary steps and safety precautions to be followed when entering, working in, and exiting confined spaces. It applies to all personnel who may be required to enter a confined space to perform work. This procedure aims to minimize the risks associated with confined space entry by providing a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measure implementation [1].

This SWP applies to all confined spaces as defined in this document, including but not limited to tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits [2]. It is applicable in situations where a worker is required or permitted to enter a confined space to perform tasks such as inspection, maintenance, repair, or cleaning [3].

This SWP should be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures, including but not limited to Lockout/Tagout procedures, Hazard Communication procedures, and Emergency Response procedures.

2. Definitions

Confined Space: A space that (a) is enclosed or partially enclosed; (b) is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy; and (c) has limited or restricted means of entry or exit that may complicate the provision of first aid, evacuation, rescue or any other emergency response [4].

Hazardous Confined Space: A confined space that contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, or any other serious safety or health hazard [5].

Entry Permit: A written authorization that allows entry into a confined space after specific conditions and precautions have been met [6].

Attendant: An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all attendant's duties assigned in the employer's permit space program [2].

Entrant: An employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space [2].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that a confined space entry procedure is established and followed [7].
Ensure that all workers involved in confined space entry are adequately trained and competent [8].
Ensure a valid entry permit is completed, signed, and readily available before any worker enters the confined space [6].

3.2 Workers

Comply with all requirements and procedures outlined in the confined space entry procedure and entry permit [8].
Use all required safety and personal protective equipment [6].
Immediately report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor [7].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Participate in the development and review of the confined space entry procedure [1].
Advise on hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures [1].
Monitor compliance with the confined space entry procedure and make recommendations for improvement [1].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Oxygen Deficiency/Enrichment [9]	Asphyxiation, fire, explosion	Test atmosphere before entry; provide ventilation; use air-supplied respirators 4, 10
Toxic Gases/Vapors/Dusts [9]	Poisoning, irritation, illness	Test atmosphere before entry; provide ventilation; use appropriate respirators 5, 10
Flammable/Explosive Atmospheres [9]	Fire, explosion	Test atmosphere before entry; eliminate ignition sources; use intrinsically safe equipment 17, 20
Engulfment (liquids, solids) 14, 18	Suffocation, drowning	Lockout/tagout sources; physically isolate the space; ensure the space is clear of engulfment hazards [10]
Hazardous Energy (electrical, mechanical) 15$	Electrocution, injury	Implement lockout/tagout procedures; verify isolation [10]
Falls from Heights [9]	Injury, death	Use fall protection equipment; guard openings [11]
Configuration of Space (narrow spaces, inwardly sloping walls) [9]	Entrapment, difficulty in rescue	Use retrieval systems; have attendant monitor entrants 6, 7

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times when working in or around confined spaces to minimize the risk of injury or exposure to hazards [5].

Respirator - Use an air-purifying or air-supplied respirator based on the atmospheric hazards identified. Ensure proper fit testing and training 5, 10.
Coveralls - Protect against contamination from hazardous substances. Select appropriate material based on the specific hazards [5].
Gloves - Protect hands from chemical or physical hazards. Select appropriate glove material based on the specific hazards [5].
Safety Glasses/Goggles - Protect eyes from dust, debris, or chemical splash. Use goggles when there is a risk of splash [5].
Safety Boots - Protect feet from physical hazards such as impacts or punctures. Use chemical-resistant boots when there is a risk of chemical exposure [5].

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace any damaged or defective PPE immediately [6]. Clean and maintain PPE according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Ensure all equipment and tools are in good working condition and appropriate for the task and potential hazards [5].

Atmospheric Monitoring Equipment - Used to test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. Calibrate before each use [12].
Ventilation Equipment - Used to ventilate the confined space to maintain a safe atmosphere. Ensure proper airflow and placement 4, 10.
Lighting - Use explosion-proof lighting to provide adequate illumination within the confined space [13].
Communication Equipment - Use radios or other communication devices to maintain contact between the entrant and attendant 4, 15.
Retrieval System - Use a harness and lifeline for rescue purposes. Ensure proper anchor points and training 6, 7.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers entering confined spaces must be trained and competent in confined space entry procedures, hazard recognition, use of PPE and equipment, and emergency response 2, 6. Training must be conducted by a competent person and documented [8].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before each confined space entry to discuss the hazards, control measures, entry permit requirements, and emergency procedures 1, 8. All workers involved in the entry must attend the briefing and acknowledge their understanding.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Isolate the confined space by disconnecting or blanking off all pipelines or other sources of potential hazards [10].
Lockout/tagout all energy sources to prevent accidental activation of equipment [10].
Ventilate the confined space to remove or dilute any hazardous atmospheres 4, 10.
Guard any openings to prevent accidental falls [11].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment and Permit Acquisition

Before entering any confined space, a competent person must assess the space to identify potential hazards, such as atmospheric hazards, engulfment hazards, or structural hazards 2, 6.

Conduct air monitoring to determine oxygen levels, presence of flammable gases, and toxic substances [12].
Evaluate the potential for engulfment by liquids or solids [13].
Identify any physical hazards, such as sharp edges, slippery surfaces, or moving parts [9].

Based on the hazard assessment, obtain a confined space entry permit from the supervisor. The permit must specify the precautions to be taken and the equipment required for safe entry [6].

Step 2: Entry and Monitoring

Ensure that the atmosphere within the confined space is continuously monitored for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances [12].

An attendant must be stationed outside the confined space to monitor the entrant and maintain communication 6, 14.
The entrant must wear a full body harness with a lifeline attached to a retrieval system 6, 7.
The entrant must continuously communicate with the attendant to report any changes in conditions or potential hazards 4, 15.

Step 3: Work Execution and Continuous Monitoring

Perform the work as outlined in the entry permit, taking care to avoid creating any additional hazards [14].

Use appropriate tools and equipment for the task [5].
Avoid generating sparks or flames in potentially flammable atmospheres [13].
Continuously monitor the atmosphere and communicate with the attendant 5, 6.

Step 4: Exit and Closure

Upon completion of the work, exit the confined space in a safe and orderly manner [1].

Ensure that all tools and equipment are removed from the confined space [5].
The attendant must assist the entrant in exiting the space 6, 14.
The entry permit must be signed off and returned to the supervisor [6].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Atmospheric Testing: Always test the atmosphere before entry and continuously monitor it during occupancy to ensure safe levels of oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic substances [12].
Ventilation: Provide continuous ventilation to maintain a safe atmosphere and prevent the build-up of hazardous gases or vapors 4, 10, 12.
Lockout/Tagout: Implement lockout/tagout procedures to prevent the accidental release of energy or materials into the confined space [10].
Communication: Maintain continuous communication between the entrant and attendant to ensure prompt response in case of an emergency 4, 15.
Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that rescue equipment is readily available and that all workers are trained in emergency procedures 6, 7.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately activate the alarm and evacuate the confined space [7]. Contact emergency services and provide them with information about the nature of the emergency and the location of the confined space [12].

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Atmospheric Hazard: If the atmospheric monitoring equipment detects a hazardous condition, immediately evacuate the confined space and ventilate the area 5, 10.
Entrapment: If a worker becomes entrapped, use the retrieval system to remove the worker from the confined space. If the retrieval system is not effective, contact emergency services 6, 7.
Medical Emergency: If a worker experiences a medical emergency, provide first aid and contact emergency services 1, 2.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Safety Department Phone Number]
[Local Hospital Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence [1].

12. References and Related Documents

Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) 1, 3
Occupational Health and Safety Code 2, 10, 15
Occupational Safety General Regulations (N.S. Reg. 44/99) 6, 7, 11
General Regulation (N.B. Reg. 91-191) 8, 16, 17, 20
Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon) 5, 9, 12, 18, 19
Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) [2]
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020) [3]