Confined Space Entry: Permit, Process, and What You Need First

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Before anyone enters a confined space, a tank, pit, sewer, silo, or any enclosed space not designed to be occupied, you need a risk assessment, a confined space entry permit, atmospheric testing, continuous ventilation, a trained standby person outside, and a rescue plan that never sends an unprotected rescuer in. A SWMS covering the work is required on top, because confined space work is high risk construction work. Most confined space deaths are would-be rescuers, which is why the permit and standby controls exist.

1. 1

   Assess the space and the work

   Identify the space, the hazards (atmosphere, engulfment, moving parts, heat), and whether entry can be avoided altogether by doing the work from outside.

2. 2

   Isolate everything that could enter

   Lock out and isolate energy, and blank or isolate any pipe that could bring liquid, gas, or vapour into the space.

3. 3

   Test the atmosphere

   Test for oxygen, flammable gas, and toxic gas before entry, and continuously monitor during entry. Never rely on smell or a quick look.

4. 4

   Ventilate

   Mechanically ventilate to keep the atmosphere safe, and re-test after ventilation and periodically during the work.

5. 5

   Issue the entry permit

   Complete a confined space entry permit recording the tests, controls, standby person, permitted entrants, and time limit. No permit, no entry.

6. 6

   Post a standby person and rescue plan

   A trained standby person stays outside in constant contact, with retrieval equipment. The rescue plan must not require a rescuer to enter without their own air and retrieval.