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 outlines the requirements for safe entry into confined spaces, including hazard assessment, permit procedures, and emergency rescue plans.

2. Definitions

Confined Space An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended for human occupancy except for the purpose of performing work; has restricted means of access and egress; and may become hazardous to a person entering it as a result of its design, construction, location or atmosphere, the materials or substances in it, or any other conditions relating to it. [5]

Entry Permit An administrative tool used to document the completion of a hazard and risk assessment for each confined space entry. [1]

Attendant A worker posted outside the confined space who continuously monitors the workers inside. [6]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

The supervisor must follow the pre-entry isolation procedures described in the entry permit in preparing for entry, and ensure that the protective clothing, ventilating equipment and any other equipment required by the permit are at the entry site. [11]
Certify in writing, based upon the results of the pre-entry testing, that all hazards have been eliminated. [8]

3.2 Workers

Workers must be constantly alert for any changing conditions within the confined space. In the event of an alarm from monitoring equipment or any other indication of danger, workers should immediately leave the confined space. [6]
Comply with all requirements and procedures outlined in the code of practice. [13]
Work in a manner that will not endanger lives. [12]

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Engulfment [8]	Workers could be engulfed by liquids or solids.	All pumps and lines which may reasonably cause contaminants to flow into the space shall be disconnected, blinded and locked out, or effectively isolated by other means to prevent development of dangerous air contamination or engulfment.
Presence of toxic gases [3]	Exposure to harmful concentrations of toxic gases.	The confined space atmosphere shall be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be used. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL and hydrogen sulfide concentration.
Oxygen Deficiency [3]	Asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen.	Mechanical ventilation systems, where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. Where possible, open additional manholes to increase air circulation. Use portable blowers to augment natural circulation if needed.
Fire and fume hazards [11]	Burns or overcome by fire or products of combustion; or overcome by fumes generated by welding or cutting done on grease covered surfaces.	Careful site preparation, such as cleaning the area within 4 inches of all welding or torch cutting operations, and proper ventilation are the preferred controls. All welding and cutting operations shall be done in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Q, OSHA's welding standard. Proper ventilation may be achieved by local exhaust ventilation, or the use of portable ventilation fans, or a combination of the two practices.
Mechanical hazards [11]	Struck or caught by rotating equipment.	Lock out main power switch to agitator motor at main power panel. Affix tag to the lock to inform others that a permit entry confined space entry is in progress.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment shall be used insofar as feasible engineering and work-practice controls do not adequately protect employees.

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA): A self-contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by any person entering the space and be available for the standby worker. [3] [7]
Safety belt or harness with attached lifeline: Safety belt or harness with attached lifeline shall be used by all workers entering the space with the free end of the line secured outside the entry opening. The standby worker shall attempt to remove a disabled worker via his lifeline before entering the space. [4]
Appropriate PPE: Personal protective equipment insofar as feasible engineering and work-practice controls do not adequately protect employees. [10]

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment used in the confined space must be in serviceable condition.

Direct reading gas monitor: A direct reading gas monitor shall be used to test the atmosphere. [3]
Portable blowers: Use portable blowers to augment natural circulation if needed. [3]
Communications equipment: Communications equipment necessary for compliance with §§ 1926.1208(c) and 1926.1209(e), including any necessary electronic communication equipment for attendants assessing entrants' status in multiple spaces [9]

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training: Every worker that enters a confined space must be fully trained on the recognition and identification of potential hazards associated with the confined spaces that will be entered; evaluation and control procedures for the identified or potential hazards; set-up, use, and limitations of all equipment such as emergency equipment, ventilation equipment (blowers), hazardous energy control, isolation and lockout equipment, air quality monitors (e.g., oxygen/combustible meters) and other control equipment that will be used while in the confined space; set-up, use, and limitations of all personal protective equipment (e.g., full-body harness, respirators) that the worker will be using while in the confined space; communication systems and retrieval systems (set-up and operation); all safe work procedures for entering the confined space as outlined in the employer's confined space hazard assessment program; procedures to follow in the event of a situation developing that could present additional risk to the worker or an emergency; first aid and CPR; the specific work to be done while in the confined space. [12]

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Perform a hazard assessment: An employer shall perform an assessment of the work area to determine whether it contains a confined space. [5]
Complete an entry permit: Before entering a confined space, an entry permit should be completed. It should contain at least the following information: The length of time the permit is valid for; The name(s) of the worker(s) that are authorized to enter the confined space; The name(s) of the attendant(s) (safety watch); The name of the supervisor responsible for the work; The location and description of the confined space; The scope of the work that is to be done in the confined space; Possible hazards that may be encountered inside and outside the space; Possible hazards that may develop during the work activity; The date and time of entry into the confined space and the anticipated time of exit; The details of any atmospheric testing done of the confined space - when, where, results, and date monitoring equipment was last calibrated; Hazard control measures, including the use of mechanical ventilation, work procedures, personal protective equipment needed and any other precautions that must be followed by every worker who is going to enter the confined space; Means of communication between the persons working in the confined space and the attendant; Emergency plan, and the protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by any person who takes part in a rescue or responds to other emergency situations in the confined space; A signature of a worker who did the confined space air testing; Authorization signature by the supervisor certifying that the space has been properly evaluated, prepared, and it is safe for entry and work. [1] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6]
Test the atmosphere: The confined space atmosphere shall be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be used. Testing shall be performed by the SUPERVISOR who has successfully completed the gas detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL and hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written record of the pre- entry test results shall be made and kept at the work site for the duration of the job. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. [3]
Ventilate the space: Mechanical ventilation systems, where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. Where possible, open additional manholes to increase air circulation. Use portable blowers to augment natural circulation if needed. After a suitable ventilating period, repeat the testing. Entry may not begin until testing has demonstrated that the hazardous atmosphere has been eliminated. [3]
Entry procedures: All personnel must be trained. A self-contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by any person entering the space. At least one worker shall stand by the outside of the space ready to give assistance in case of emergency. The standby worker shall have a self-contained breathing apparatus available for immediate use. There shall be at least one additional worker within sight or call of the standby worker. Continuous powered communications shall be maintained between the worker within the confined space and standby personnel. [3] [7]
Record exit time: After exiting the confined space, the time of exit should be noted on the entry permit. [2]

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Use warning signs to prevent unauthorized entry to the confined space. [6]
The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers. [3]
Continuous gas monitoring shall be performed during all confined space operations. If alarm conditions change adversely, entry personnel shall exit the confined space and a new confined space permit issued. [4]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

If a situation arises where there is a hazardous condition and the worker does not leave or is unable to leave the confined space, rescue procedures should begin immediately. [2]

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

In the event of a worker injury or other emergency within the confined space.: Call the fire department services for rescue. Where immediate hazards to injured personnel are present, workers at the site shall implement emergency procedures to fit the situation. [4]
If a potential hazard, not already controlled for, is detected.: Order the immediate evacuation if a potential hazard, not already controlled for, is detected. [2]