Confined space entry training
By: Eng. Muntadher Haitham Saeed
HSSE Engineer – Rumaila project
Definition
A confined space is a fully or partially enclosed space where there is a risk of
serious injury from hazardous substances or conditions within the confined
space or similar conditions from nearby activities.
A confined space entry means not only complete body entry, but also
inserting a head into, for example, manway openings, hatches and pipe ends.
Examples of confined space include but are not limited to:-
Storage tanks and floating roof tanks
Process vessels and exchangers including skirts
Road and rail tankers
Sewer systems, sumps, pits, and ducts
Flues and pipelines
Gas Testing
The Authorized Gas Tester Level 1 is responsible for testing the atmosphere in
and around the confined space to ensure it is a safe place of work. The
Authorized
Gas testing must be done before and during entering of CSE.
Confined Space Entrant
Only personnel that have passed a recognized confined space entry course
and have their safety passport endorsed accordingly can be considered for
authorization as a potential Confined Space Entrant
A Confined Space Entrant must be medically fit to carry out normal and
emergency actions and where necessary to wear respiratory protection.
Confined Space Attendant
An individual stationed outside a confined space, who monitors the Confined
Space Entrant’s activities, and performs duties assigned and required under this
procedure shall:-
Remain outside the confined space in a safe atmosphere and safe physical position
Monitor all personnel, conditions and activities inside the confined space and keep
effective and continuous communications with them
Ensure that all safety equipment including rescue equipment, as detailed on the
Permit and in supporting documents is at hand and is used correctly
Monitor other work operations in the vicinity of the confined space to ensure that
they do not conflict with the entry operation
Raise the alarm in the event of an emergency; require entrants to evacuate the
confined space if conditions require
Maintain radio communication with the Area Authority
Record the names and times of those entering and exiting the confined space
Secure the point of entry to the confined space if or when no entrants are within
the confined space to prevent unauthorized people from entering
The Confined Space Attendant will be certified as medically fit and trained in the
use of self contained breathing apparatus.
The Confined Space Attendant can assist people entering and exiting the
confined space but must not enter the space itself.
Note: Under no circumstances may the Confined Space Attendant enter the
confined space or leave his post while there are confined space entrants
within the space.
Confined Space Rescue Team Member
Only personnel that have passed a recognized confined space entry rescue course and have their
safety passport endorsed accordingly can be considered for authorization as a potential Confined
Space Rescue Team Member.
A Confined Space Rescue Team Member must be medically fit to carry out emergency actions and
wear respiratory protection.
The Confined Space Rescue Team Member shall:-
Participate in the toolbox talk
Understand the work as detailed on the Permit and the Confined Space Entry certificate
Be standing by and be prepared to enter the confined space at any time there is anyone inside the
confined space
The hazards and risks that could be present at the various confined spaces at the facility where
rescue operations may be required
The proper use of Personal Protective Equipment and confined space rescue equipment and
techniques
The criteria for using respiratory equipment (including fitting and pulmonary function tests);
“Hands on” emergency response rescue drills on simulated confined space areas similar to those
found at the facility
Basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation techniques
Validity period of authorizations and procedure for refresher training and re-authorization
Confined space rescue
ALL of the equipment required by the confined space rescue plan must be
available at or near to the worksite such that it can be quickly deployed. This
does not mean that it can be held in stores and deployed when needed it
means it MUST be available wherever possible for IMMEDIATE deployment.
Every second counts when someone needs to be rescued.
Equipment and trained personnel are readily available for rescue purposes at
all times when a person is inside a confined space. The equipment available
includes additional breathing apparatus sets, spare cylinders, lifelines and
resuscitation apparatus.
Entry into a confined space
A copy of the Confined Space Entry certificate is posted in an easily visible
location at the confined space entry until the certificate is cancelled.
The Confined Space Entry Attendant must not leave the confined space with
someone inside without first ensuring another standby person is present and with
the permission of the Confined Space Entry Supervisor or Area Authority
Unauthorized personnel are not allowed entry
The Confined Space Entry Log is continuously updated whenever an entrant
enters or leaves the confined space
If a confined space is left unattended the entrance needs to be barricaded to
prohibit unauthorized entry
The atmosphere is continuously monitored during entry and readings
periodically recorded on the Permit
Immediate evacuation of a confined space
Any confined space shall be immediately evacuated in the event of:-
An injury to person(s) inside
Thunderstorm, lightning or flooding Extreme heat
Presence of gas or vapor is detected
On the sounding of any of the facility alarms
An individual experiencing any discomfort or displaying signs of claustrophobia
(for example cold, sweat, panic or sudden fear)
If directed to do so by the Confined Space Entry Attendant and/or Supervisor
When unattended, the entrance and exit points of any confined space shall be
closed or secured and relevant sign boards erected to prevent unauthorized
entry.
Detection of a hazardous atmosphere
inside a confined space
The Confined Space Entry Attendant and/or the Confined Space Entry
Supervisor shall take the following steps if a hazardous atmosphere is
detected after entry operations have begun:-
Initiate evacuation of the space
Account for all entrants and withdraw Permit and Confined Space Entry
certificate
Contact the Area Authority immediately
Prevent anyone from re-entering the space
Evaluate the space to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed
Barriers and signs
The Confined Space Entry Supervisor selects the barriers, shields, railings or
temporary covers that are appropriate for site-specific conditions. These
devices guard the opening of a confined space to prevent an accidental fall
through the opening and to protect the authorized entrants from foreign
objects entering the space.
Appropriate signs are posted to ensure adequate warning of the existence and
location of the confined space and the hazards contained therein.
