Confined space entry procedure: preparation and permit

What’s inside

1. 1

   Confirm the space and issue the entry permit

   Follow your site’s confined space procedure. Confirm a valid entry permit is issued for this task, listing the hazards, controls, entrants, attendant and supervisor, and that every entrant is trained.

   Verification15 min

   Tools: Confined space procedure, entry permit

2. 2

   Isolate the space

   Lock out agitators, pumps and drives, and isolate every product, steam or chemical line by blanking, disconnecting or double block and bleed; one closed valve is not enough. Empty, drain and clean the space as the permit requires.

   Action30 min

   Tools: Lockout devices, blanks and blinds

   Risks: Product, steam or gas entering through a line that was only valved off; engulfment by loose materials.

3. 3

   Ventilate the space

   Open all access points and run forced fresh-air ventilation, with the blower intake away from exhausts and contaminated air. Keep ventilation running for the whole entry.

   Action30 min

   Tools: Blower, ducting

   Risks: Never ventilate with pure oxygen: it creates a severe fire hazard.

4. 4

   Bump-test the gas detector

   Use a multi-gas detector that is within its calibration date and passes a bump test with test gas before use.

   Verification5 min

   Tools: Multi-gas detector, bump-test gas

5. 5

   Test the atmosphere before entry

   From outside, with a sampling probe, test in this order: oxygen, flammables, then toxics, at the top, middle and bottom of the space. Typical guidance: oxygen 19.5–23.5 %, flammables below 10 % of the LEL, toxic gases below their exposure limits. Record the readings on the permit.

   Measurement15 min

   Tools: Multi-gas detector, sampling probe and pump

   Risks: Gases stratify: heavy gases settle at the bottom, light ones collect at the top. Do not lean into the opening to test.

6. 6

   Station the attendant

   A trained attendant stays at the entrance, outside the space, for the whole entry, keeps count of entrants and has no other task. The attendant never enters to attempt a rescue.

   Action5 min
7. 7

   Check the rescue plan and equipment

   Confirm the rescue plan for this space and that the rescue team can be reached. Rig the retrieval system and check harnesses, lifelines and breathing apparatus if the plan requires them.

   Verification15 min

   Tools: Tripod and winch, full-body harnesses, lifelines, breathing apparatus

   Risks: Many confined space fatalities are untrained would-be rescuers.

8. 8

   Set up and test communication

   Agree how entrants and the attendant communicate (voice, radio or signals), test it, and confirm how the attendant raises the alarm.

   Verification5 min

   Tools: Radios

9. 9

   Check PPE, lighting and tools

   Entrants wear the PPE listed on the permit and a personal gas detector. Use explosion-protected lighting and tools where a flammable atmosphere is possible, and low-voltage lighting in conductive spaces.

   Inspection10 min

   Tools: Personal gas detectors, explosion-protected or low-voltage lighting

   Risks: Ignition sources in a flammable atmosphere; electric shock in wet metal spaces.

10. 10

    Log every entry and exit

    The attendant records each entrant’s name and time in and out on the entry log kept at the entrance.

    Action5 min

    Tools: Entry log

11. 11

    Monitor the atmosphere continuously

    Keep gas detection and ventilation running throughout the work. Evacuate at once on any alarm, change in conditions or order from the attendant, and retest before re-entry.

    Measurement60 min

    Risks: Hot work, coatings, sludge disturbance or a leaking line can change the atmosphere during the job.

12. 12

    Exit, account for everyone and close the permit

    Confirm every entrant and all tools are out, close the access points, remove isolations following the lockout procedure, and close the permit.

    Verification10 min

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