Confined Space Entry Risk Assessment & Method Statement

Confined space work presents extreme risks including asphyxiation, toxic atmosphere, and difficulty of rescue.

A confined space is any space of an enclosed nature where there is risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions.

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Key Hazards

⚠️Oxygen deficiency or enrichment
⚠️Toxic gases or vapors
⚠️Flammable atmosphere
⚠️Drowning or engulfment
⚠️Access/egress difficulties
⚠️Extreme temperatures
⚠️Restricted working positions
⚠️Difficulty of rescue

Control Measures

✓Avoid entry if work can be done from outside
✓Confined space entry permit system
✓Gas testing before and during entry
✓Forced ventilation
✓Competent trained entrants
✓Continuous monitoring
✓Rescue equipment and trained rescuers on standby
✓Communication system with topside attendant

PPE Requirements

  • 🛡️Gas detector (continuous personal monitor)
  • 🛡️Safety harness and retrieval line
  • 🛡️Respiratory protective equipment (if required)
  • 🛡️Hard hat, boots, gloves
  • 🛡️Intrinsically safe lighting
  • 🛡️High-visibility clothing
  • 🛡️Emergency breathing apparatus (rescue)

Legal Requirements

  • 📋Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
  • 📋Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • 📋Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992

Step-by-Step Method

1. Identify confined space and assess risks
2. Determine if entry is necessary
3. Complete confined space entry permit
4. Ensure rescue team and equipment ready
5. Isolate services and energy sources
6. Ventilate space
7. Test atmosphere (O2, LEL, H2S, CO)
8. Brief entrants and topside attendant
9. Fit continuous gas monitors
10. Make entry with retrieval line attached
11. Continuous monitoring and communication
12. Exit and close permit when complete

Emergency Procedures

• NEVER enter confined space to rescue without proper equipment and training
• Topside attendant to raise alarm immediately
• Activate emergency rescue plan
• Use retrieval system if entrant incapacitated
• Trained rescue team with breathing apparatus to enter if retrieval not possible
• Call 999 emergency services
• Preserve scene for investigation