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 for safely entering and working in confined spaces. It applies to all personnel who are required to enter, work in, or supervise work in confined spaces at [LOCATION_CONTEXT]. This procedure aims to minimize the risks associated with confined space entry by providing a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation.

This SWP applies to any space that meets the definition of a confined space, including but not limited to tanks, vessels, silos, pits, manholes, and underground vaults. It is to be used in conjunction with any relevant site-specific procedures, manufacturer's instructions, and applicable regulations.

2. Definitions

Confined Space: A space that: (a) is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and (b) has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, pits, manholes, and underground vaults); and (c) is not designed for continuous employee occupancy during normal operations.

Entry Permit: A written document that authorizes entry into a confined space, specifies the hazards, and outlines the control measures to be implemented.

Attendant: An individual stationed outside the confined space who monitors the entrants, communicates with them, and initiates emergency procedures if necessary.

Entrant: A worker who is authorized to enter a confined space to perform work.

Hazardous Atmosphere: An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes: (a) flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL); (b) airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL; (c) atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent; (d) any atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that a confined space entry permit is completed and approved before any entry occurs.
Ensure that all workers involved in the confined space entry are properly trained and competent.
Provide all necessary equipment and resources for safe confined space entry.
Monitor the work to ensure compliance with this SWP and the entry permit.

3.2 Workers

Participate in required training and competency assessments.
Follow the instructions outlined in this SWP and the entry permit.
Use all required PPE and safety equipment properly.
Immediately report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
Evacuate the confined space if any alarm is activated or if instructed to do so by the attendant or supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on confined space entry procedures.
Conduct periodic audits of confined space entry activities to ensure compliance with this SWP and applicable regulations.
Investigate incidents and near-misses related to confined space entry and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Oxygen deficiency	Asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, death	Test atmosphere before entry; provide ventilation; use air-supplied respirator.
Toxic gases/vapors	Poisoning, illness, death	Test atmosphere before entry; provide ventilation; use appropriate respirator.
Flammable gases/vapors	Fire, explosion	Test atmosphere before entry; eliminate ignition sources; use intrinsically safe equipment.
Engulfment (e.g., by liquids or solids)	Suffocation, crushing	Lockout/tagout equipment; isolate the space; use appropriate barriers.
Mechanical hazards (e.g., moving parts)	Injury, amputation	Lockout/tagout equipment; isolate the space.
Electrical hazards	Electrocution, burns	Lockout/tagout electrical sources; use GFCI protection.
Noise	Hearing damage	Use hearing protection; limit exposure time.
Slips, trips, and falls	Injury	Maintain good housekeeping; use fall protection.
Hazardous materials	Skin irritation, chemical burns, respiratory issues	Avoid contact with skin and eyes, inhalation of vapours and mists 7, 8, 9, 17; Wear appropriate impermeable gloves and protective clothing as necessary to prevent skin contact [1].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always ensure proper PPE is used 6, 13.

Hard hat - Protects the head from impact and falling objects.
Safety glasses/goggles - Protect eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes. Use close fitting safety goggles, don't use eye lens 7, 8, 9, 17.
Gloves - Protect hands from chemical exposure, cuts, and abrasions. Wear suitable waterproof gloves 6, 11, 15.
Safety boots - Provide foot protection against impact, punctures, and chemical exposure.
Respirator - Protects against harmful airborne contaminants. Respiratory protection must be used where exposure levels exceed workplace exposure limits 5, 9, 17.
Coveralls - Protects clothing and skin from contamination.

Inspect all PPE before use for damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always ensure proper equipment and tools are used.

Gas monitor - Used to test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.
Ventilation fan - Used to ventilate the confined space and maintain a safe atmosphere.
Air-supplied respirator - Provides a supply of breathable air in hazardous atmospheres.
Harness and lifeline - Used for fall protection and retrieval in case of emergency.
Communication equipment - Used to maintain communication between the entrant and the attendant.
Lighting - Provides adequate illumination inside the confined space. Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting equipment [2].

Inspect all equipment and tools before use for damage or defects. Ensure that all equipment is intrinsically safe if flammable gases or vapors may be present. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All personnel involved in confined space entry must be trained and competent in the following areas:

Confined space entry procedures
Hazard identification and risk assessment
Use of gas monitoring equipment
Use of PPE and safety equipment
Emergency procedures and rescue techniques
First aid and CPR

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before each confined space entry. The briefing should cover the following topics:

Scope of work
Hazards and risks
Control measures
Entry permit requirements
Communication procedures
Emergency procedures
Roles and responsibilities

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Isolate the confined space from all potential hazards (e.g., lockout/tagout of energy sources, blanking or disconnecting pipelines).
Ensure that the confined space is clean and free of obstructions.
Provide adequate lighting and ventilation.
Set up barriers and warning signs to prevent unauthorized access to the confined space.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment and Permit Acquisition

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the confined space to identify potential hazards such as atmospheric conditions, structural issues, or stored energy. Obtain a confined space entry permit from the [DESIGNATED AUTHORITY] before commencing any entry activities.

Review the history of the confined space and the materials that were previously stored in it.
Inspect the confined space for any physical hazards, such as sharp edges, slippery surfaces, or unstable structures.
Identify all potential energy sources that could pose a hazard, such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic systems.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure all hazards are identified and properly documented on the entry permit.

Step 2: Atmospheric Testing and Ventilation

Test the atmosphere inside the confined space using a calibrated gas monitor to ensure that oxygen levels are within safe limits (19.5% - 23.5%), flammable gases are below 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL), and toxic substances are below permissible exposure limits (PELs). If the atmosphere is not safe, ventilate the space using a ventilation fan until a safe atmosphere is achieved and maintained.

Position the ventilation fan to draw fresh air into the confined space and exhaust contaminated air away from the work area.
Continuously monitor the atmosphere inside the confined space during ventilation to ensure that a safe atmosphere is maintained.
If a safe atmosphere cannot be achieved through ventilation, use air-supplied respirators.

Safety considerations for this step: Continuous monitoring of the atmosphere is crucial to ensure worker safety.

Step 3: Entry and Work Execution

Once a safe atmosphere is confirmed, workers may enter the confined space to perform the assigned work. The attendant must remain outside the confined space to monitor the entrants and maintain communication with them. If any hazards are detected or an alarm is activated, the entrants must immediately evacuate the confined space.

Ensure that all entrants are wearing the required PPE and safety equipment.
Maintain continuous communication between the entrant and the attendant using two-way radios or other means.
Monitor the entrants for signs of fatigue, stress, or exposure to hazardous substances.

Safety considerations for this step: Constant vigilance and communication are essential to prevent accidents.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor the atmosphere inside the confined space for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.
Ventilation: Maintain continuous ventilation to ensure a safe atmosphere.
Communication: Maintain continuous communication between the entrant and the attendant.
Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that rescue equipment is readily available and that rescue personnel are trained and available.
Permit Compliance: Adhere strictly to the conditions and requirements outlined in the confined space entry permit.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, the attendant must immediately activate the alarm and initiate rescue procedures. All personnel must evacuate the confined space immediately. First aid and medical assistance should be provided as needed.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Atmospheric Alarm: If the gas monitor alarm is activated, evacuate the confined space immediately and re-evaluate the atmosphere.
Entrant Incapacitation: If an entrant becomes incapacitated, the attendant must initiate rescue procedures immediately. Do not enter the confined space without proper rescue equipment and training.
Fire or Explosion: If a fire or explosion occurs, evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[COMPANY MEDICAL]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[SAFETY DEPARTMENT]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[SUPERVISOR NAME]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to confined space entry must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]