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 confined space entry, including hazard assessment, atmospheric testing, ventilation, and emergency rescue protocols.

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. [4]

Permit-Required Confined Space A permit-required confined space that contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; is configured so that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated; or contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard. Attendant An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all duties of Appendix E section 8.4.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Testing shall be performed by the SUPERVISOR who has successfully completed the gas detector training for the monitor he will use. [1]

3.2 Workers

• All personnel must be trained. [1]

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment [1]	Asphyxiation, impaired judgment, increased fire risk	Test the atmosphere before entry and continuously monitor. Provide ventilation to maintain safe oxygen levels and reduce hazardous contaminants. Use appropriate respiratory protection.
Flammable gases and vapors	Fire, explosion	Test for flammable gases and vapors before entry and continuously monitor. Ensure proper ventilation. Use intrinsically safe equipment. Eliminate ignition sources.
Uncontrolled energy release (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic)	Electrocution, crushing, entanglement	Isolate and lockout/tagout all energy sources. Verify isolation before entry.
Lack of communication and coordination	Delayed response in emergencies, inadequate monitoring	Implement a confined space entry permit system. Provide training on confined space hazards and entry procedures. Ensure an attendant is present outside the confined space.
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries ranging from minor to severe	Use appropriate PPE, including fall protection if required. Ensure proper housekeeping to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Exposure to toxic gases, vapors, dusts, or fumes	Respiratory illness, poisoning, irritation	Provide ventilation to remove airborne contaminants. Use appropriate respiratory protection. Implement a hot work permit system if hot work is required.
Engulfment in solid or liquid materials	Asphyxiation, crushing	Secure materials to prevent engulfment. Implement lockout/tagout procedures for equipment that could cause engulfment.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel entering a confined space must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Full-face respirator with appropriate cartridges: Provides respiratory protection in hazardous atmospheres.
• Hard hat: Protects the head from impact and falling objects.
• Safety glasses or goggles: Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes.
• Full body harness with lifeline: Provides full body protection and allows for retrieval from the confined space.
• Gloves (appropriate for the hazards): Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged or defective PPE immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools used in confined spaces must be inspected before use to ensure they are in good working condition.

• Multi-gas meter: Used to test the atmosphere for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.
• Ventilation fan or blower: Used to provide continuous ventilation to the confined space.
• Two-way radio or communication device: Used for communication between the entrant and the attendant.
• Tripod and winch system: Used to lower and raise workers and equipment into and out of the confined space.

Ensure all testing equipment is properly calibrated and maintained. [6]

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: Every worker that enters a confined space must be fully trained on the following:

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.

To work in a manner that will not endanger lives. [7]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Conduct a pre-job briefing with all personnel involved in the confined space entry. Discuss the hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures. Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Ensure the work area around the confined space is clear of obstructions and hazards. Set up warning signs and barriers to prevent unauthorized entry. Ensure adequate lighting is available.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Confined Space Entry Permit: A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. [1]
2. Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards: 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. [8]
3. Testing: The atmosphere within the space will be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. [8]
4. Entry Procedures: Continuous testing of the atmosphere in the immediate vicinity of the workers within the space shall be accomplished. [8]
5. Atmospheric Re-evaluation: Workers will not return to the area until a SUPERVISOR who has completed the gas detector training has used a direct reading gas detector to evaluate the situation and has determined that it is safe to enter. [8]
6. Worker Monitoring: If at any time there is any questionable action or non-movement by the worker inside, a verbal check will be made. If there is no response, the worker will be moved immediately. [2]
7. Emergency Entry: The standby worker may only enter the confined space in case of an emergency (wearing the self-contained breathing apparatus) and only after being relieved by another worker. [2]
8. Lifeline Use: 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. [2]
9. Electrical Safety: When dangerous air contamination is attributable to flammable and/or explosive substances, lighting and electrical equipment shall be Class 1, Division 1 rated per National Electrical Code and no ignition sources shall be introduced into the area. [2]

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• All spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. [1]
• The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers. [1]
• Mechanical ventilation systems, where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. [1]
• 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. [2]
• Use warning signs to prevent unauthorized entry to the confined space. [5]

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. [3]

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Rescue: 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. [2]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions immediately to the supervisor. Follow the company's incident reporting procedure to document the event.

All reported incidents will be investigated to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence. The investigation will involve relevant personnel and follow established investigation protocols.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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