Ventia - Confined Space Risk Assessment & Permit Checklist

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.

Is entry necessary?

Can the task be done without entering the space?

Can the task be done using any other method?

Hazard assessment

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

Competent person

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

Additional PPE

PPE Required

Face Shield
Respiratory Protection
Face Shield
Hearing Protection
Chin Strap

Permit issue/acceptance

Before issuing this permit, a rescue plan must be completed on the next page.

Persons working under permit

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.

Sign on

Entry / Exit record

I’VE BEEN ADVISED OF AND UNDERSTAND THE CONTROL MEASURES AND PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED WITH THE ENTRY AND WORK IN THE CONFINED SPACE

Time in

Time out

Sign out

Permit close out - Completion of works

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:

Works completed

Permit issuer: I confirm that the works have been completed and that the area has been left in a safe condition.

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.

Emergency Response Equipment required