Confined space risk assessment
Is it a Confined Space?
To establish if a space is a potential Confined Space the following questions need to be answered. The first step is to examine the physical characteristics and the inherent hazards of the space itself, not the task or any tasks to be performed within that space.
Is the space an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily as a place for human occupancy?
Is the space liable at any time to have?
a) An oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range
b) A concentration of airborne contaminant that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation
c) A concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that may cause injury from fire or explosion
d) Engulfment in a stored free-flowing solid or rising liquid that may cause suffocation or drowning.
Test the atmosphere for 5 minutes around the entry and at different locations in the space (e.g. working area, top, middle, bottom) and record the readings below
Gas monitor serial number
Do you know the bump test procedure?
Has the gas monitor been successfully bump tested this shift?
Oxygen Oxygen Deficiency if < 19.5% Oxygen Enrichment if > 23.5%
Hydrogen Sulphide <10ppm
Carbon monoxide <30ppm
Lower Exposure Limit (LEL) % <10%
Are all readings within safe levels?
Continuous monitoring is to be carried out through the duration of the works in the workers breathing space.
Can the task be done without entering the space?
Can the task be done using any other method?
Are there any unusual features and / or adjacent processes that may impact on the need, or safety, of entry.
Oxygen deficiency or surplus
Combustible atmosphere
Toxic atmosphere
Fluids
Contaminants
Oxidisation, decomposition
Moving equipment (in/outside)
Engulfment
Pressurised lines (air/fluid/gas)
Machinery that may auto start
Natural hazards, insects etc.
Electrocution
Ergonomics (poor posture)
Difficult access/egress
Fire/explosion
Hazardous chemicals
Excessive noise
Poor lighting
Dust
Remote location
Poor communication
Confined Space Permit
Did the Risk Assessment deem the work area as a confined space?
Work Controls
Confined space physically isolated from hazardous energy
Emergency response plan in place and understood
Confined space been cleaned and/or purged of contaminants
Appropriate type / suitable number of fire extinguishers
If hot works are undertaken, dedicated Fire Watch during and 30 minutes after works required and organised
Weather conditions considered e.g. risk of heavy rain/potential flooding
Adequate earthing to electrical equipment
All electrical equipment is intrinsically safe
Confined Space Entry Log
Breathing apparatus required and organised
Standby and entry personnel fit and competent
Gas testing / monitoring required and organised including Atmospheric Monitoring Log
Associated pipelines, tanks, valves certified gas /liquid/vapour free and isolated
Exclusion zone set up and adjacent works considered
Area barricaded and warning signage in place
Extraction / forced ventilation required and organised
Flammable/Combustible materials removed from area
First Aider with CPR competency required and organised
Communication equipment required, organised and tested
Safe & adequate access and egress
- Face Shield
- Respiratory Protection
- Face Shield
- Hearing Protection
- Chin Strap
Before issuing this permit, a rescue plan must be completed on the next page.
A person required to work under this Permit to Work (PTW) must comply with \ the following instructions:
1. Ensure you understand the scope of the work activity and your role / tasks.
2. Ensure you have read, and/or have had explained and understand the requirements of the SHEWMS and any associated Permits. Ask questions if you are unsure and report any concerns / issues immediately.
3. At the start of each working shift ensure the Permit Acceptor has had the Permit revalidated and obtained permission to commence work.
Notify the Permit Acceptor immediately if you become aware of a new hazard or change in conditions while performing the works.
I’VE BEEN ADVISED OF AND UNDERSTAND THE CONTROL MEASURES AND PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED WITH THE ENTRY AND WORK IN THE CONFINED SPACE
All works associated with this permit have been:
All persons and equipment accounted for:
Equipment checked and restocked correctly:
Work area & adjacent areas have been inspected after completion of the works and all hazards made safe:
Rescue Plan
IMPORTANT NOTE
Emergency procedures are to be rehearsed prior to works commencing. Should a change occur to the crew a new plan, with roles identified shall be made.
- Gas monitor
- Tripod/Davit arm
- Safety harness
- Winch system
- Lighting
- Fall arrest
- Fall restraint
- Life line/Rescue rope
- Stretcher
- BA kit
- Arachnipod
Site Location Details (including muster / meeting points):
Types of rescue arrangements.
Have all participants been briefed on and agree with the emergency rescue plan?