Use of Permits
Before someone enters a confined space, you must give them an entry permit (written by a competent person) that includes:
- a description of the space
- the names of those allowed to enter the space
- the time the permit is valid
- the things to do before work commences (eg cleansing and entry) and during work (eg continuous communication with, and monitoring of, workers)
- a section for the competent person to acknowledge that everyone has left the space.
Erect signs and barricades:
Prominently display signs near the confined space entries, banning entry to anyone not listed on the entry permit. Also, install locks and fixed barriers.
Communicate with and monitor:
A stand-by person must continuously monitor the conditions inside a confined space from outside the space, and where they can, observe the work being carried out. You must be able to order the workers to get out, communicate with them at all times, and start emergency procedures when necessary. The stand-by person must never enter the space to attempt a rescue.
Isolate Services:
Minimise or, if you can, eliminate risks resulting from any plant or services connected to the confined space. Also, prevent contaminants entering the space through pipes, ducts, vents, drains, conveyors and the like.
Atmosphere:
Clean the air in the space regularly, keep it well ventilated, safely purge any contaminants, and carry out atmospheric testing before anyone enters. Use an appropriate respirator if you are unable to keep safe oxygen levels.
ignition sources:
Get rid of all ignition sources that could cause a fire or explosion. Ensure the amount of flammable gas, vapour or mist in the space is less than five per cent of its lower explosive limit (LEL). If the LEL is greater than five but less than 10 per cent, you must use a flammable gas detector and if the LEL is greater than 10 per cent, no-one should be in the space.
Emergency procedures
Your workplace must have good first aid and rescue procedures, and you need to practise them.
Make sure openings in the space are large enough to allow emergency access and are not obstructed. Also, make sure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), like air-supplied respiratory equipment, is made available to workers carrying out emergency tasks.