Confined Space Entry Permit

 Confined Space Entry Permit

What is confined space?

He is anywhere:

*Big enough to get in the worker and do the work in it.

*Has limited or restricted entry and exit means (such as small openings, narrow stairs, or long pathways).

*Not designed for continuous work by humans.

Examples of closed places: closets, silos, large pipes, tunnels, sewers, wells, compressed vessels, inspection rooms, and ship closets.

Meaning of closed down work permit

It is an official written document issued before entering any closed place to do something. This statement identifies potential risks within the confined venue, lays out the preventive measures to control these risks, and identifies responsibilities for each individual involved in the entry and exit process.

The importance of it

The importance of this statement lies in protecting lives and preventing serious injuries or deaths, for the following reasons:

*Hidden risks: Confined spaces often contain unseen or unexpected risks such as:

* Oxygen deficiency: due to chemical reactions, rust, or oxygen consumption by microorganisms.

* Toxic or flammable gases: such as hydrogen sulfate (H2S), methane, carbon dioxide, or solvent fumes.

*Maximum temperatures: Either very high or very low.

* Trapped substances: such as liquids or solids that can submerge a worker.

* Mechanical hazards: such as moving parts or equipment that can operate unexpectedly.

* Rescue Difficulty: Due to the nature of the enclosed venue, rescue can be difficult and complicated, increasing the risk of any accident.

*Law Compliance: Most occupational health and safety laws impose strict requirements for entering confined places.

Basic preventive measures (included in the declaration)

The closed-space work permit includes a set of preventive measures and strict measures to ensure workers safety:

* Risk assessment :

* Identifying all potential hazards present inside the closed place (chemical, physical, mechanical, biological).

*Determining the nature of the work to be performed.

* Gas Testing & Ventilation

*Gas Measurement: Before entering, oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic gases should be measured using calibrated gas detectors. The results should be within safe borders.

* Continuous Ventilation: Providing mechanical ventilation (fans) to ensure fresh airflow and remove any harmful gases or accumulated fumes. Ventilation must go on while working.

* Isolation :

* Isolate all sources of energy (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, aerospace) that could pose a hazard to workers inside the closed premises.

*Use Lockout/Tagout procedures to prevent equipment from operating.

*Insulate pipelines that may carry hazardous substances into a closed place (such as closing valves and placing stoppers).

* Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

* Identifying and providing appropriate personal protective equipment for workers, such as:

*SCBAs or Supplied Air Respirators if the air quality is unsafe.

*Protective clothing, gloves, safety shoes, helmets.

*seat belts and life ropes.

* External Observer (Attendant):

*Hire a qualified and trained person to remain out of the closed place and monitor workers inside.

*Responsibilities: Maintain constant contact with workers, monitor conditions inside and outside the site, request assistance in emergencies, prevent entry of unauthorized persons.

* Rescue and Contingency Plan:

* Develop a detailed plan on how to rescue the workers in case of an accident inside the closed place.

* Training on the use of rescue equipment (e.g. tristol mounts, cranes).

* Ensure emergency squads or first aid are available nearby the site.

* the training :

*Training all involved workers (insiders, observers, rescue teams) on confined place risks, safe entry procedures, and equipment use.

*the statement itself:

*The statement must be clearly written, signed by all responsible parties (supervisor, supervisor, workers).

*Should contain information such as: expiration date, names of insiders, type of work, gas test results, required equipment list, and emergency procedures.

*Should be hung in a visible place near the entrance of the closed venue.

مثال عملي

Imagine there's a huge tank of fuel in an oil refinery that needs a cleaning and interior maintenance. Before any worker can enter, a work permit must be issued in closed places.

* Procedures :

*Isolation: The entire tank is emptied of fuel and then isolated from any connected pipes to ensure no hazardous substances enter.

* Ventilation: Strong ventilation fans are installed to pump fresh air into the tank and remove any remaining fuel fumes.

*Gas Measuring: Gas meters are inserted to detect oxygen levels, fuel fumes, and any other toxic gases. Readings should be within safe borders.

* Equipment: Workers wear protective clothing, safety shoes, helmets, and carry personal gas meters.

* Observer: A trained observer stands at the entry slot, maintains continuous wireless contact with workers inside, and monitors their conditions.

*Rescue Plan: Be a trained and equipped Rescue Squad in standby near the site.

Without this permission and action, entering such a place will be extremely dangerous and may lead to dire consequences.