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 applies to all personnel who may be required to enter confined spaces as part of their job duties. This SWP covers hazard assessment, atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), entry permits, standby personnel, and emergency rescue procedures. It does not cover entry into hazardous waste sites or IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environments, which require specialized procedures and equipment.

2. Definitions

Confined Space A space that is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Hazard Assessment The process of identifying potential hazards and evaluating the risks associated with a confined space before entry. Atmospheric Monitoring The testing and evaluation of the atmosphere within a confined space for oxygen content, flammable gases, toxic gases, and other potential hazards. Entry Permit A written authorization that allows entry into a confined space after all safety requirements have been met. Standby Person An employee stationed outside the confined space who monitors the entrants and is responsible for initiating rescue procedures if necessary.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all workers are trained and competent in confined space entry procedures.
Provide necessary equipment and PPE in good working order.
Ensure a pre-entry hazard assessment is conducted and documented.
Verify atmospheric testing is completed and within safe limits before entry.
Oversee the implementation of control measures, such as ventilation and lockout/tagout.
Ensure emergency rescue procedures and equipment are readily available and functional.

3.2 Workers

Participate in confined space entry training and understand the procedures.
Conduct pre-entry checks of equipment and PPE.
Follow all confined space entry procedures and safety protocols.
Monitor atmospheric conditions and report any changes or concerns.
Use equipment and PPE properly and report any defects.
Be aware of potential hazards and control measures.
Participate actively in pre-job briefings.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Participate in the development and review of confined space entry procedures.
Conduct regular inspections of confined space entry operations.
Provide recommendations for improving safety procedures and equipment.
Investigate incidents and near misses related to confined space entry.
Promote awareness of confined space entry hazards and safety requirements.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment	Asphyxiation, fire, or explosion	Conduct thorough atmospheric testing before entry. Provide continuous ventilation to maintain safe oxygen levels and prevent the accumulation of hazardous gases. Use calibrated and regularly inspected monitoring equipment.
Flammable or explosive atmospheres	Fire or explosion	Isolate and lockout/tagout all energy sources. Purge and inert the confined space if necessary. Use non-sparking tools and equipment. Ensure proper grounding and bonding.
Toxic gases or vapors	Poisoning, illness, or death	Conduct thorough atmospheric testing to identify and quantify toxic gases. Provide appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., air-purifying respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus). Increase ventilation to reduce contaminant levels. Use continuous monitoring to detect changes in atmospheric conditions.
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries ranging from minor to severe	Ensure proper lighting is provided. Use fall protection equipment when working at heights. Implement housekeeping procedures to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Electrical hazards	Electric shock or electrocution	Inspect and maintain all equipment before use. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for electrical equipment. Ensure proper grounding and bonding.
Biohazards (e.g., sewage, bacteria) [1]	Infection or illness	Provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, coveralls, and eye protection. Implement strict hygiene practices, including handwashing and decontamination procedures.
Manual handling and lifting [2]	Musculoskeletal injuries	Provide training on proper lifting techniques. Use mechanical aids when possible. Take frequent breaks and rotate tasks to reduce strain.
Moving parts or equipment	Crushing or amputation	Implement lockout/tagout procedures to isolate energy sources. Verify isolation before entry. Use confined space entry permits to ensure all safety requirements are met.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All PPE must be inspected before each use for defects or damage. Damaged or defective PPE must be replaced immediately.

Hard Hat: Provides head protection from impact, penetration, and electrical hazards. Must meet ANSI Z89.1 standards.
Safety Glasses/Goggles: Protects eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes. Select appropriate lens type for the specific hazards.
Respirator: Provides respiratory protection against hazardous atmospheres. Select appropriate respirator type based on atmospheric testing results (e.g., air-purifying respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus).
Gloves: Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. Select appropriate glove material based on the specific hazards.
Coveralls: Provides body protection from chemical splashes, dirt, and other contaminants. Select appropriate material based on the specific hazards.
Safety Boots: Provides foot protection from impact, penetration, and chemical exposure. Must meet ASTM F2413 standards.

Inspect all PPE before each use for defects or damage. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace PPE when it is worn or damaged.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used for confined space entry must be inspected before use to ensure they are in good working order.

Atmospheric Monitoring Equipment: Used to test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic gases. Must be calibrated and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions.
Ventilation Fan: Used to provide continuous ventilation to the confined space. Select appropriate fan size and type based on the size and configuration of the confined space.
Ladder or Retrieval System: Used to provide a safe means of entry and exit from the confined space. Must be in good condition and properly secured.
Two-Way Radio: Used to provide communication between the entrant and the standby person. Must be reliable and effective in the confined space environment.
Intrinsically Safe Lighting: Used to provide illumination within the confined space. Must be intrinsically safe or explosion-proof.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for defects or damage. Maintain equipment and tools according to manufacturer's instructions. Remove any defective equipment or tools from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All personnel who enter confined spaces must be trained and competent in confined space entry procedures. Training should include hazard awareness, atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, PPE, entry permits, standby personnel, and emergency rescue procedures.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted before each confined space entry. The briefing should include a review of the hazards present, control measures in place, required PPE, and emergency procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: The work area around the confined space must be prepared before entry. This includes clearing any obstructions, providing adequate lighting, and ensuring proper ventilation.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Conduct a Hazard Assessment: A qualified person must conduct a hazard assessment to identify potential hazards and evaluate the risks associated with the confined space. This assessment should include a review of the confined space's history, contents, configuration, and potential atmospheric hazards.
Perform Atmospheric Monitoring: The atmosphere within the confined space must be tested before entry to determine oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic gases. Testing should be conducted from outside the confined space whenever possible. Continuous monitoring should be performed during entry to detect any changes in atmospheric conditions.
Provide Ventilation: If the atmosphere within the confined space is hazardous, ventilation must be provided to create a safe environment. Ventilation should be continuous and sufficient to maintain safe oxygen levels and prevent the accumulation of hazardous gases.
Complete an Entry Permit: An entry permit must be completed and signed by a qualified person before entry into the confined space. The permit should include information on the hazards present, control measures in place, required PPE, and emergency procedures.
Assign a Standby Person: A standby person must be stationed outside the confined space to monitor the entrant and initiate rescue procedures if necessary. The standby person must be trained in rescue procedures and equipped with appropriate rescue equipment.
Use Appropriate PPE: The entrant must wear appropriate PPE, including a hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, respirator, gloves, coveralls, and safety boots. The PPE must be in good condition and properly fitted.
Enter the Confined Space: Enter the confined space carefully and monitor atmospheric conditions continuously. Communicate regularly with the standby person and report any changes or concerns.
Perform the Work: Perform the work safely and efficiently, following all safety procedures and using appropriate tools and equipment. Avoid creating any additional hazards within the confined space.
Exit the Confined Space: Exit the confined space carefully and remove all tools and equipment. Report any problems or concerns to the supervisor.
Close Out the Entry Permit: The entry permit must be closed out after the work is completed and the confined space is safe for normal use. Any deficiencies or problems identified during the entry should be documented and corrected.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Ensure all workers are trained and competent in confined space entry procedures. - Provide regular training and refresher courses. Verify competency through testing and observation.
Isolate and lockout/tagout all energy sources before entry. - Follow established lockout/tagout procedures. Verify isolation before entry.
Use non-sparking tools and equipment in potentially flammable atmospheres. - Inspect tools and equipment before use. Replace or repair any damaged items.
Provide adequate lighting within the confined space. - Use intrinsically safe or explosion-proof lighting.
Ensure proper communication between the entrant and the standby person. - Use two-way radios or other reliable communication devices.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency during confined space entry, the following general procedures should be followed: Remain calm. Assess the situation. Activate the emergency alarm. Contact emergency services. Provide first aid, if necessary. Evacuate the area, if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Entrant becomes incapacitated: Immediately activate the emergency rescue plan. The standby person should initiate rescue procedures, using appropriate rescue equipment. Do not enter the confined space without proper training and equipment.
Atmospheric conditions become hazardous: Evacuate the confined space immediately. The standby person should initiate the evacuation and ensure all personnel are accounted for.
Entrant is injured: Contact emergency services and provide first aid. The standby person should provide first aid until emergency services arrive.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Provide the location of the confined space and the nature of the emergency.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near misses, and injuries related to confined space entry must be reported immediately to the supervisor. The supervisor is responsible for initiating an investigation and completing an incident report.

A thorough investigation should be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation should involve all relevant personnel and be documented in an incident report.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]