Confined Space Entry PDF

Guidance on the requirements for safe working 9AKK104941D0113
within confined spaces

Revision No.
Confined Code of Practice for Safe Working
Space Working Approved 2.0
WP-03 Hazard Control Sheet 2014-08
WP-03 Confined Spaces
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This hazard control sheet (HCS) sets out general guidance on the requirements for safe operation when
working in confined spaces and represents good practice. It defines the minimum standards to be achieved
across all ABB operations and represents guidance on compliance with the applicable GF-SA standard.
2.0 SCOPE
The guidance contained in this hazard control sheet may be adopted in whole or in part and incorporated into
Country/BU/PGU working instructions. If the local regulatory or customer requirement imposes a higher
standard, then that higher standard shall be followed. Where such decisions have been made then there shall
be documented evidence that these standards have been compared.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
3.1 Confined space:
Any space that is large enough to be humanly entered, not designed for human occupancy, and also has
limited or restricted means of entry or exit.
3.2 Confined Space Requiring a Permit to Work:
Any confined space, meeting the definition above, in which there is a foreseeable risk to persons working
inside. This may include:
a) Risk from fire or explosion;
b) Loss of consciousness of any person at work arising from an increase in body temperature;
c) Loss of consciousness or asphyxiation of any person at work arising from gas, fume, vapor or the
lack of oxygen;
d) Drowning of any person from an increase in the level of a liquid;
e) The asphyxiation of any person at work arising from a free flowing solid.
f) Configured as such that a person could become entrapped, e.g. inward converging walls
Examples of confined spaces might include:
Open topped chambers
Compartments in ships
Process vessels, vats and storage tanks
Combustion chambers in furnaces
Ductwork, silos etc.
Rooms or areas where there is no ventilation or
Poor ventilation e.g. cable ducts.
Basements, vaults and cellars
Transformer tanks
Trenches and Excavations
Fig 1
Examples of Confined Spaces
4.0 HAZARDS & RISKS
4.1 There are a number of hazards that might be present when working in a confined space. They include:
a) Not enough oxygen: air that has less than 19.5 percent oxygen is dangerous. Without enough
oxygen, workers will die because they will not be able to breathe. See table 1.
b) Too much oxygen or oxygen enriched atmosphere is air that has more than 23.5 percent oxygen
and increases significantly the hazards for fire or explosion.
c) Flammable gases (gases that will ignite): Methane is the most common flammable gas in sewers.
Methane is formed when materials decompose.
This is an internal ABB document, and is provided to ABB suppliers as reference only. This document may contain proprietary and/or confidential information. This
document is a controlled document. The controlled copy is maintained electronically by ABB.
WP-03 Approved 2014-08 Page 147

Revision No.
d) Toxic gases and vapors can kill when levels are high. Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs
and sinks to the bottom of the space. Carbon monoxide is also a deadly gas that you cannot
smell.
e) Most gases are in fact heavier than air so they tend to collect in low lying areas or spaces and
hence there is a high degree of danger by entering such spaces where they may have collected
and as a result, displaced any air or oxygen that may be present.
f) Plant or process have not been properly isolated leading to possible ingress of materials (gas,
vapor, liquids or free flowing solids) from the process leading to asphyxiation and possible
engulfment in the case of free flowing solids
g) Machinery being set in motion e.g. agitators.
h) Hazards arising from the work activity itself e.g. hot work inside the confined space which will use
up oxygen, emit toxic fumes, or leak flammable gases.
i) General temperature related hazards including heat stress.
Level of Health Effect

Oxygen/air
>23.5% Oxygen enriched atmosphere & fire
20.8 Normal-safe for entry (+/- 0.2%)
19.5 Oxygen deficient atmosphere
16% Impaired judgment and breathing
14% Rapid fatigue and faulty judgment
11% Difficulty in breathing and death
Table 1
Health Effects with Reduced Oxygen Levels
5.0 OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

5.1 Risk avoidance
As with health and safety risks the hierarchy of control should be properly applied and risk avoidance is
the best and most preferred option. Therefore if it can be avoided then work should not be carried out in a
confined space.
5.2 Risk Reduction & control
The following actions are required to ensure protection of workers from the hazards that can be present in
confined spaces when:
a) Entry is to be made without self-contained breathing apparatus, or
b) Entry is to be made with self-contained breathing apparatus.
5.2.1 Entry without respiratory breathing equipment
a. Carry out a risk assessment: As with all work activities a risk assessment shall be
carried out to determine the hazards associated with the proposed work in the
confined space. The control measures shall be determined and will consist of the
following steps which will culminate in the issue of a permit to enter once the control
measures are in place.
b. Isolation of confined space: Isolation of a confined space is a process where the
space is removed from service by one or all of the following:

Revision No.
Isolate and Lock out and tag Electrical, mechanical or pneumatic power
out sources, preferably at disconnect switches
remote from equipment.
Blanking and bleeding: Securing valves to prevent any ingress of
material from the content of the process
plant.
Disconnecting: Remove mechanical linkages on shaft-
driven equipment where possible
Table 2
Isolation of Confined Space
Fig 2 Fig 3
Control of Lock out tag out Equipment Minimum Lock out Tag Out equipment
c. Ventilate the confined space: Fully ventilate the confined space with mechanical
ventilation equipment. If the confined space forms a part of a process plant then it will
have to be cleaned thoroughly to ensure that all residues or sludge have been
removed. If the work involves processes that are likely to generate toxic fume e.g.
welding then mechanical exhaust ventilation will also be required in addition to the
input ventilation.
d. Test the confined space PRIOR TO ENTRY: Test the confined space to ensure that
there is an adequate supply of oxygen present and that it is free from any potential
toxic gases. The device used to measure the air, the monitor, must be operated from
outside the confined space. The area must first be tested for oxygen. Oxygen content
must be between 19.5 and 23.5 percent. The monitor shall be able to reach the
lowest point in the space. Most gases, like hydrogen sulfide, are heavier than air and
sink to the bottom. Other gases, like methane, are lighter than air and rise to the top.
Samples need to be taken from the bottom, middle and top levels. If the results
indicate that it is safe for entry then proceed to the next step. If it is not safe then
additional ventilation will be required and a further test.

Revision No.
Fig 4 Fig 5
Test the atmosphere Use Local Mechanical Ventilation
e. Use the correct personal protective equipment: The type of protective equipment
needed depends on the hazards that are present. Equipment that is commonly used
for confined space work includes:
A full body or chest harness and a lifeline to make a rescue in accordance
with ISO 10333;
Hard hats, safety goggles or face shields, gloves, disposable suits and ear
protection.
A non-sparking flashlight may also be needed or other non-sparking tools if
the environment is a potentially flammable one.
Automatic gas alarm
f. Complete and issue entry permit: Permits should be completed by the supervisor
who shall have witnessed the precautions being applied before a worker enters a
confined space. The permit shall contain the following information:
The location of the space, when it will be entered and for what purpose;
The name of the supervisor in charge;
The person outside of the space (attendant) who is to let the workers know if
they must evacuate the space or who can call for help in an emergency;
Test results of atmosphere; (Initial and Periodic)
Hazards in the confined space and the control measures to be applied; and
Numbers for emergency and rescue services.
The permit shall only be valid for a maximum of 24 hours from the time the test was
taken. If it is envisaged that the work will last longer than the 24 hours then the
atmosphere shall be retested before the permit can be reissued.
g. Ensure an effective emergency procedure is in place: Workers who are required
to enter a confined space shall wear a suitable safety harness in accordance with ISO
10333-class E. They shall also be fitted with a lanyard to enable the second person to
render assistance in the event of an emergency. The rescue should be capable of
being executed from outside the confined space but in the unlikely event that it is not
feasible then a self-contained breathing apparatus shall be available and a competent
person to use it. The attendant may not enter the space to make a rescue until
another attendant has arrived on the scene

Revision No.
Fig 6
General Arrangement for Working in a Confined space
5.2.2 Entry with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

In some cases it may not be practicable to ventilate and make the confined space safe for entry.
In this situation then a SCBA shall be used. The key controls are that:
a. The SCBA has been inspected in the previous month;
b. The person who intends to use it has been instructed in its use and is competent.
They must also be clean shaven.
Whilst SCBA can be used for working within a confined space the requirements for a second
person to be in attendance and the rescue arrangements in place are still necessary as is the
permit to enter.
5.3 Confined space working by contractors
If the confined space working is to be undertaken by contractors then the same steps as set out in
paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2 shall be completed. In addition the following requirements shall apply;
a) Contractors must be made aware of the hazards within the confined space via a copy of the
written hazard/risk assessment
b) The Local Safety Advisor must approve the following:
i. Entry and rescue equipment must be inspected and deemed appropriate
ii. Communication with outside rescue service
iii. Confined Space Permits
c) The location Safety Advisor reserves the right to deny or terminate entry for any reason he deems
necessary
d) Annual instruction/permit & inventory of spaces review procedures
e) If ABB personnel are utilized as a confined space rescue team, rescue procedures shall exist and
practice rescues shall be conducted annually and critiques written OR an annual review of the
outside rescue agency’s capabilities must be completed and documented.

Revision No.
f) An inventory and written hazard assessment of all identified confined spaces shall exist at all ABB
manufacturing plants and service workshops; these shall include but not be limited to confined
spaces as defined in para 3.0.
g) Each ABB manufacturing plant and service workshop shall label all identified confined spaces
with “DANGER” signs that state either “Confined Space” or “Permit Required Confined Space”
Figure 7: Confined Danger Sign
6.0 TRAINING & COMPETENCE

6.1 All persons (employees and contractors) shall be suitably instructed and trained so that they are
competent to undertake the work activities for which they have been assigned including the application of any
specific HSE measures identified by the risk assessment to prevent or mitigate any possible personal injury or
incidence of ill health.
6.2 All persons who are required to carry out confined space working shall be instructed and trained in the
following:
a) The requirements of this hazard control sheet, and any LBU/LPG working instruction on confined
space working including the duties of entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors;
b) The hazards and risks that are likely to be present during the work that they will undertake within
the confined space;
c) The details of the required control measures to ensure safe working throughout;
d) The use of atmospheric testing devices or gas detectors and correct interpretation of the results;
e) The application of the rescue procedures and the use of any rescue equipment;
f) The correct inspection and use of a respiratory protection equipment and other PPE required;
g) The use of communication systems or equipment between the inside and outside a confined
space and outside rescue services when applicable;
6.3 Training shall be conducted initially and annually thereafter. The supervisor shall be trained in respect
of the application of this hazard control sheet.
7.0 MONITORING &CHECKING

7.1 The LBU/LPG/LPG shall ensure that, where confined space working is required, that SOT’s and any
scheduled safety inspections include checking to ensure compliance with the procedure for confined
space working. This shall include:
a) Checking that employees have been trained and instructed in the requirements and
b) That they follow the requirements when working in confined spaces;

Revision No.
c) The permits are properly completed and issued by the supervisor

7.2 All relevant equipment is visually inspected before entry is permitted and that it is subject to an
inspection program. This shall include all ventilation equipment, breathing apparatus, rescue equipment
etc.
7.3 The confined space program shall be evaluated on an annual basis to ensure that the program is
functioning as required to protect confined space workers.
8.0 EXAMINATION & CHECKING OF EQUIPMENT

8.1 Equipment used to test confined spaces for toxic or flammable materials shall be calibrated prior to
use and shall have a comprehensive calibration by the manufacturer or supplier on an annual basis. Any
equipment found to be malfunctioning shall be taken out of service and sent to the manufacturer for
repair.
8.2 Safety harness, lanyard and associated rescue equipment shall be inspected prior to each use and
every 6 months and labeled accordingly
8.3 SCBA shall be inspected and record kept containing the following details:
a) Name and address of the factory or location;
b) Details of type of SCBA and any specific ID;
c) Who carried out the examination;
d) Condition of the SCBA and details of any defect found;
e) In the case of oxygen or any reviving apparatus, the pressure of oxygen in the supply cylinder.
9.0 DOCUMENTATION & RECORDS

9.1 The following records shall be kept:
d) All permits and training records shall be maintained for a minimum of five years.
e) Records pertaining to an incident shall be maintained for the duration of the involved individuals’
employment.
f) Records of examination of SCBA shall be retained for 12 months;
g) Records of inspection of safety harnesses and lanyards to be retained for 12 months.
10.0 AUDIT & REVIEW

Where confined space working features it shall be subject to regular audit and review. This shall be at
least annually.

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Guidance on the requirements for safe working 9AKK104941D0113

within confined spaces

WP-03 Approved 2014-08 Page 147

Level of Health Effect

5.0 OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

WP-03 Approved 2014-08 Page 148

WP-03 Approved 2014-08 Page 149

WP-03 Approved 2014-08 Page 150

5.2.2 Entry with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

WP-03 Approved 2014-08 Page 151

Figure 7: Confined Danger Sign

6.0 TRAINING & COMPETENCE

7.0 MONITORING &CHECKING

WP-03 Approved 2014-08 Page 152

c) The permits are properly completed and issued by the supervisor

8.0 EXAMINATION & CHECKING OF EQUIPMENT

b) Details of type of SCBA and any specific ID;

c) Who carried out the examination;

d) Condition of the SCBA and details of any defect found;

9.0 DOCUMENTATION & RECORDS

10.0 AUDIT & REVIEW

WP-03 Approved 2014-08 Page 153

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