Working in confined spaces presents unique challenges and risks that require careful planning and safety measures. A confined space checklist is a vital tool to ensure the safety of employees who enter these hazardous environments. From atmospheric testing to lockout/tag out procedures, proper ventilation, and emergency rescue plans, every detail must be accounted for to protect workers.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 30 essential points you must know to create a comprehensive confined space checklist and maintain compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
What’s a Confined Space Checklist?
A confined space checklist is a critical tool for ensuring the safety of workers who enter, work in, or exit confined spaces. Confined spaces are typically enclosed or partially enclosed areas that are not designed for continuous human occupancy and may present hazards due to restricted entry or egress, hazardous atmospheres, or internal configuration. To manage the risks associated with confined spaces, it’s essential to have a structured, methodical approach, including a checklist to cover vital safety points.
30 Points Confined Space Checklist You Must Know
Ensuring safety in confined spaces is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations. Below is a comprehensive 30-point Confined Space Checklist to help guide your safety procedures:
1. Is Entry Necessary?
Before entering a confined space, assess whether the entry is necessary. Alternative solutions like remote methods should always be considered to reduce risk.
2. Instruments for Atmospheric Testing
Ensure that the instruments used to test the atmosphere are properly calibrated to guarantee accurate results before and during entry.
3. Atmospheric Testing
Confirm that the atmosphere within the confined space has been tested for oxygen levels (19.5% to 23.5%), toxic gases, and flammable vapors before entry.
4. Oxygen Levels
Verify that oxygen levels are between 19.5% and 23.5%. Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched atmospheres can be hazardous.
5. Toxic Gases and Vapors
Test for the presence of harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, methane, or carbon dioxide. These gases can displace oxygen and present life-threatening hazards.
6. Continuous Atmospheric Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of the atmosphere while work is ongoing is essential. Atmospheric conditions can change rapidly due to work activities or the space’s contents.
7. Ventilation
Ensure that the confined space is properly ventilated before and during entry to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gases. If necessary, retest the space after ventilation.
8. Lockout/Tag Out Program
Implement a lockout/tag out program to isolate hazardous energy sources such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic systems, preventing accidental operation of equipment.
9. Isolation of Systems
All lines, pipes, or ducts connected to the confined space must be isolated or blanked off to prevent the entry of hazardous materials.
10. Mechanical Equipment Lockout
Lock out any mechanical equipment that may pose a danger, ensuring that it is de-energized and immobilized.
11. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Conduct a hazard assessment to determine the necessary PPE, such as helmets, boots, chemical suits, or gloves. Ensure that workers are trained in the proper use of their equipment.
12. Respiratory Protection
If respiratory hazards are present, ensure that OSHA/NIOSH-approved respirators are available and that employees are trained in their proper use.
13. Rescue Equipment
Special equipment, including rescue gear, safety lines, and harnesses, should be readily available. The rescue plan must be established before entry.
14. Entry Attendant
Designate an entry attendant who remains outside the space, maintaining constant communication with the workers inside. The attendant must be trained to recognize hazards and initiate rescue if needed.
15. Emergency Rescue Plan
Have a detailed emergency rescue plan in place, including trained personnel, rescue equipment, and communication protocols. Ensure employees know how to notify the rescue team.
16. Confined Space Permit
A permit must be issued before entering a permit-required confined space. The permit authorizes entry, lists all hazards, and ensures necessary precautions are taken.
17. Permit Sign Off
The entry supervisor must sign off on the permit after confirming that the space is safe for entry and all conditions meet safety standards.
18. Lockout of Electrical Systems
Ensure that electrical systems are locked out, especially if there’s a risk of electrocution or sparks igniting flammable atmospheres.
19. Tools and Equipment
Use specialized tools such as spark-proof or intrinsically safe equipment when working in potentially hazardous environments.
20. Lighting
Provide adequate lighting for workers to perform tasks safely. All lighting equipment must be rated for use in confined spaces, especially in potentially explosive environments.
21. Ventilation Equipment Placement
Ensure that the ventilation system’s air intake is free from contaminants like combustible dust, vapors, or toxic substances to avoid introducing hazards into the confined space.
22. Testing After Ventilation
After ventilating the space, conduct another atmospheric test to ensure the conditions remain safe for entry.
23. Training and Certification
Employees entering confined spaces must be trained and certified in confined space entry, hazard identification, PPE use, and emergency procedures.
24. First Aid and CPR
Ensure that employees involved in confined space entry are trained in first aid and CPR to provide immediate assistance if needed.
25. Standby Person’s Role
The standby person should be in constant visual or auditory contact with the workers inside the space. This person should never enter the space unless properly equipped and trained for rescue.
26. Periodic Space Review
Review the confined space periodically to ensure that conditions have not changed. Spaces that once were non-permit required may become permit-required if hazards develop over time.
27. Hazard Identification and Documentation
Document the hazards present in each confined space and ensure all workers are aware of the potential risks before entry.
28. Signage
Post clear danger signs near confined spaces to warn workers of the hazards and inform them of entry restrictions.
29. Confined Space Equipment Maintenance
All confined space safety equipment, such as gas detectors and ventilation systems, must be regularly maintained and tested to ensure proper functionality.
30. Checklist Completion and Record-Keeping
The confined space checklist should be fully completed and filed with safety records. Keep completed permits and checklists on file for at least one year to review in case of incidents.
A confined space checklist is vital in ensuring that all precautions are taken before, during, and after working in confined spaces. It helps identify potential hazards and establishes the protocols required to mitigate risks, ensuring that workers are adequately protected. Always follow your workplace’s specific safety guidelines and refer to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.146 for additional safety requirements related to confined spaces.