A series of questions in confined space pre-entry checklist shall be completely answered prior to entering any confined space. The confined space checklist will ensure entrants, attendants, supervisors and rescue team members in safe condition. Do not enter the confined space until it is surely safe.
Answer the questions below by “YES” or “NO”. Then, follow up immediately question with answer “NO”.
1. Safety Meeting
- The works that are planned to be performed inside confined space are clearly described, including the work schedule.
- Contents of the confined space are clearly identified.
- Preparation works have been completed, including removal and clean up of chemicals from the confined space.
- Hazard identification and risk assessment have been finished.
- All aspects of safety measures have been discussed and identified.
- Name of entrants, attendants, supervisors and rescue team have been determined.
2. Permit
- Confined space entry permit has been issued.
- The confined space permit is up to date.
- If hot work will be carried out, get hot work permit too.
3. Verification
- All instruments used in atmospheric testing are calibrated.
- The person in charge for atmospheric testing is qualified and competent
- The atmospheric in confined space has been tested.
4. Testing
- Oxygen content is at least 20.8%, but not more than 21%.
- Are the following toxic, flammable or vapor gases present? Hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, methane, carbon dioxide, others (please mention)
- Checking and evaluation of the gas measurement results have been done.
5. Monitoring
- Make sure the atmospheric in confined space will be monitored while work is going on.
- Prepare a monitoring time table and items for the atmospheric in confined space.
6. Ventilation
- The confined space has been ventilated before entry.
- Ventilation will be continued during entry.
- Make sure that the air intake (supply) for the ventilation system is free of combustible dust/vapor and toxic gas/vapor.
- If the atmospheric is unacceptable, it shall be ventilated and re-tested.
7. Isolation
- The confined space has been isolated from other systems.
- Electrical equipment has been locked out.
- Block valves have been closed and blind plates have been inserted.
- Mechanical equipment has been blocked, chocked and disengaged.
- The confined space has been separated from pressurized pipe lines and equipments, by disconnecting or closing the valves.
- Tags have been put at the related block valves and blind plates to the confined space.
8. Equipment, Clothing, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
- Special equipment has been provided.
- Special clothing required for the work inside confined space have provided (chemical suit, boots, safety shoes, goggles)
- Special tools required have been provided.
- Required personal protective equipments have been provided and ready to be used.
- Lighting requirement has been fulfilled.
9. Training
- The entrants, attendants, supervisors and rescue teams have followed confined space entry training.
10. Standby/Rescue Team
- There is a standby person or rescue member on the outside of confined space in constant visual and auditory communication with the entrants inside the confined space.
- Make sure that the standby person is able to see or hear the person inside confined space at all times.
Double check the above confined space checklist to ensure there are no left items. Afterward, we can proceed to the next step prior to entry the confined space.
Source: IACS Rec.2000/Rev.2 2007
Tags:
Safety Meeting,
Toxic gas,
Atmospheric reentry,
atmospheric testing,
combustible dust,
space entry training
What was happened at Tianyuan Manganese Corp in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui (23/12) has reminded me the H2S hazard and the importance of H2S monitor. In that accident at work, according to initial accident investigation three people were died which was caused by H2S gas poisoning. H2S was released when employees was mixing manganese carbonate and sulphuric acid at the plant site.
