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confined space hazard assessment

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Confined Space Entry Risk Assessment ====================================

Assessment Date: \[DATE]

Assessor: \[ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: \[DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: \[REVIEW DATE]

1\. Assessment Scope


This risk assessment covers all activities related to confined space entry, including but not limited to: pre-entry checks, atmospheric testing, entry and exit procedures, work performed inside the confined space, and emergency rescue operations. It applies to all personnel who may be required to enter, work in, or supervise work in confined spaces. Excluded from this assessment are spaces not meeting the definition of a confined space as per regulatory guidelines.

2\. Risk Assessment Methodology


This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings based on likelihood and severity. The hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, and PPE) is followed to identify and implement control measures.

3\. Risk Matrix Reference


The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

Likelihood

| Rare | Unlikely | Possible | Likely | Almost Certain | | Severity | Catastrophic | Low | Low | Medium | High | High | | Major | Low | Medium | Medium | High | Extreme | | Moderate | Medium | Medium | High | Extreme | Extreme | | Minor | Medium | High | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | | Negligible | High | High | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme |

4\. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation


1\. Oxygen deficiency or enrichment within the confined space.

Potential Consequences: Asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, death.

Affected Persons: Workers, Rescue Personnel

Initial Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
PossibleMajorHigh
Control Measures
  • Eliminate the need for entry by performing tasks from outside the confined space whenever possible.
  • Use remote tools or robotic devices to minimize human entry.
  • Implement a lockout/tagout procedure to isolate energy sources.
  • Provide continuous ventilation to maintain a safe atmosphere.
  • Use appropriate PPE, including respirators and protective clothing.
Residual Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
UnlikelyModerateMedium

2\. Presence of flammable or explosive gases or vapors.

Potential Consequences: Fire, explosion, burns, death.

Affected Persons: Workers, Rescue Personnel

Initial Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
PossibleMajorHigh
Control Measures
  • Test the atmosphere for flammable gases before entry and continuously monitor during work.
  • Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases.
  • Use intrinsically safe equipment to eliminate ignition sources.
  • Implement hot work permits for any activities that may generate sparks or heat.
  • Provide fire suppression equipment and training.
Residual Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
UnlikelyModerateMedium

3\. Exposure to toxic gases, vapors, or fumes.

Potential Consequences: Poisoning, respiratory illness, organ damage, death.

Affected Persons: Workers, Rescue Personnel

Initial Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
PossibleMajorHigh
Control Measures
  • Test the atmosphere for toxic substances before entry and continuously monitor during work.
  • Provide adequate ventilation to remove or dilute toxic contaminants.
  • Use appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., respirators) when ventilation is insufficient.
  • Implement strict hygiene practices to prevent exposure.
  • Provide training on the hazards of specific toxic substances.
Residual Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
UnlikelyModerateMedium

4\. Accidental activation of equipment or machinery.

Potential Consequences: Crushing injuries, amputation, electrocution, death.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
PossibleMajorHigh
Control Measures
  • Lockout and tagout all energy sources before entry.
  • Verify isolation by testing equipment and machinery.
  • Use barriers or guards to prevent accidental contact with moving parts.
  • Implement a permit-required confined space program.
  • Provide training on lockout/tagout procedures.
Residual Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
UnlikelyModerateMedium

5\. Slips, trips, and falls.

Potential Consequences: Sprains, fractures, contusions, head injuries.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
PossibleModerateMedium
Control Measures
  • Ensure proper lighting inside the confined space.
  • Provide slip-resistant surfaces and maintain good housekeeping.
  • Use fall protection equipment when working at heights.
  • Implement a buddy system to monitor worker safety.
  • Provide training on safe work practices in confined spaces.
Residual Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
UnlikelyMinorLow

6\. Heat stress due to high temperatures and humidity.

Potential Consequences: Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
PossibleModerateMedium
Control Measures
  • Ensure proper ventilation to prevent heat buildup.
  • Provide cooling devices such as fans or cooling vests.
  • Implement work/rest schedules to limit exposure time.
  • Provide adequate hydration.
  • Train workers to recognize the symptoms of heat stress.
Residual Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
UnlikelyMinorLow

7\. Engulfment by liquids or solids.

Potential Consequences: Suffocation, crushing injuries, death.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
RareCatastrophicMedium
Control Measures
  • Implement procedures to prevent the entry of materials into the confined space.
  • Monitor the space for potential engulfment hazards.
  • Provide rescue equipment and training for engulfment scenarios.
  • Ensure workers are aware of the potential for engulfment.
  • Use barriers or other means to prevent materials from entering the space.
Residual Risk Assessment
LikelihoodSeverityRisk Rating
RareMajorLow

5\. General Control Measures


  • Implement a Confined Space Entry Permit system to document hazard and risk assessments for each confined space entry.

The permit should include the scope of work, potential hazards, atmospheric testing results, control measures, communication methods, and emergency plans. [3] [1]

  • Conduct atmospheric testing before and during entry to monitor oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.

Use calibrated instruments and record all testing results on the entry permit. [4]

  • Provide mechanical ventilation to maintain air quality inside the confined space.

Ensure ventilation equipment is functioning properly and set to 100% outside air. [3]

6\. Emergency Preparedness


  • Ensure rescue personnel are qualified in confined space rescue procedures and are immediately available near the confined space to provide emergency assistance. Rescue personnel should be familiar with the structural design of the confined space. [6]

7\. Training Requirements


  • Confined Space Hazard Awareness: Workers must be trained to recognize the hazards associated with confined spaces, including atmospheric hazards, engulfment hazards, and mechanical hazards. [2]
  • Atmospheric Testing Procedures: Training must cover the proper use of atmospheric testing equipment, including calibration and bump testing.
    • Calibration
    • Bump testing
  • Respiratory Protection: Workers must be trained in the correct selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protection equipment.
  • Emergency Response Training: Training on emergency procedures, including rescue techniques and communication protocols, is essential for all workers involved in confined space entry. [1]

[5]

8\. Monitoring and Review


Review Frequency: Annually, and after any incident or near-miss related to confined space entry

Monitoring TypeFrequencyResponsible PartyDescription
Regular InspectionContinuousAttendantContinuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions (oxygen, LFL, toxic gases) during confined space entry.
Regular InspectionDaily before useSupervisorRegular inspection of ventilation equipment to ensure proper functioning.
AuditAfter each entrySafety OfficerReview of entry permits to ensure completeness and accuracy.

9\. Special Circumstances


  • Night work may reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
  • Lone work increases response time in case of emergencies. Implement a buddy system or use remote monitoring.
  • Adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow) can create slippery surfaces and increase the risk of falls.

Approval and Sign-off


This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, and after any incident or near-miss related to confined space entry or when significant changes occur.

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6 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Confined Space - Program

Page 1

Open source document

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Confined Space # Confined Space - Program ## On this page What is a Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program? What is an Entry Permit System? What should happen when work is being done in a confined space? What are some emergency response precautions? How many people must be present while work is being done in a confined space? Is worker training important? ## What is a Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program? To manage the risks associated with working in confined spaces, employers must develop and implement a confined space hazard assessment and control program. A confined space hazard assessment and control program, specific to the work being conducted, should be written for work in each and every confined space. A confined space hazard assessment and control program should include the following: - Description of roles and responsibilities of each person or party (e.g., employer, supervisor, workers, attendants, and emergency response team). - Advice on how to identify confined spaces. - The identification and assessment of all potential hazards that may exist at the beginning of the work as well as those that may develop because of the work activities. - A procedure to conduct atmospheric testing and monitoring, as required. - A plan to eliminate or control all identified hazards. - Written work procedures. - Training program for all the workers that will enter into the confined spaces. - The establishment of an entry permit system for each entry into a confined space. Confined Space - Program CCOHS

[2] Confined Space - Introduction

Page 6

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Why is working in a confined space more hazardous than working in other workspaces? (cont.) ## What should be done when preparing to enter the confined space? (cont.) The results of the tests for these hazards are to be recorded on the Entry Permit along with the equipment or method(s) that were used in performing the tests. Air testing is often ongoing, depending on the nature of the potential hazards and the nature of the work. Conditions can change while workers are inside the confined space and sometimes a hazardous atmosphere is created by the work activities in the confined space. For more information see our OSH Answers document on Confined Space - Atmospheric Testing. ## How are hazards controlled in confined spaces? Hazards and risks associated with a confined space must first be identified through a risk assessment. After this is done, a hazard control program can be put in place. The traditional hazard control methods found in regular worksites, which are implemented based on the hierarchy of controls, can be effective in a confined space. The most effective controls are elimination and substitution, if these are not possible or if there is remaining risk, then engineering controls should be considered. Administrative controls should also be put in place to complement other controls. The last measure to consider is personal protective equipment. However, often because of the nature of the confined space and depending on the hazard, special precautions not normally required in a regular worksite may also need to be taken. Elimination removes the hazard (e.g., finding another way to complete a job without entering a confined space) and substitution replaces a hazard with a safer one (e.g., using cold work methods instead of hot work). An engineering control commonly used in confined spaces is mechanical ventilation. The entry permit system is an example of an administrative control used in confined spaces. Personal protective equipment (such as res

[3] OHS Act General Regulations (PEI Reg. EC180/87)

Page 29

Open source document

Source excerpt

# PART 12 - EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES AND CONSTRUCTION (cont.) ## PART 13 - CONFINED SPACE (cont.) Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations PART 13 - CONFINED SPACE Section 13.3 (d) the confined space is tested and evaluated by a competent person, properly equipped with personal protective equipment, who (i) used an approved calibrated instrument that has been functionally tested, (ii) records the results of each test in a permanent record which is available to an officer, (iii) certifies in writing in a permanent record that the confined space is free from hazard, and (iv) specifies the procedures to be followed to ensure that the space remains free of hazard; (e) ground fault circuit interrupters are used for electrical equipment taken into wet or solidly grounded confined spaces unless battery operated or safety low voltage equipment is used; and (f) training in emergency procedures is provided for workers assigned to a confined space entry job including the worker stationed outside the confined space. (EC180/87; 126/21) ## 13.3 Hazardous confined space, conditions for entry The employer shall ensure that a confined space in which there exists or is likely to exist (a) a hazardous accumulation of gas, vapour, dust, mist, smoke or fumes; or (b) an oxygen content of less than 19.5% or more than 23% at atmospheric pressure is entered only when (c) the requirements of section 13.2 and clause 13.5(a) are complied with; (d) the space is purged and ventilated to provide a safe atmosphere; and (e) provisions for continuous or periodic monitoring have been established to ensure that the hazardous condition does not recur; (f) another worker is stationed outside the confined space; (g) the worker entering the space is using such other equipment as is necessary to ensure his safety; (h) suitable arrangements have been made to remove the worker from the confined space should it be required; (i) a person adequately trained in cardiopulmonary

[4] Confined Space - Program

Page 4

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Confined Space - Program (cont.) ## What should happen when work is being done in a confined space? (cont.) - Understands the nature of the hazards that may be found inside that particular confined space and can recognize signs, symptoms and behavioural effects that workers in the confined space could experience. - Monitors the confined space and surrounding area and is on the look out for dangerous conditions. - Remains outside the confined space and does no other work which may interfere with their primary duty of monitoring the workers inside the confined space. - Maintains constant two-way communication with the workers in the confined space. - Orders the immediate evacuation if a potential hazard, not already controlled for, is detected. - Calls for emergency assistance immediately if an emergency develops. - Is immediately available to provide non-entry emergency assistance when needed. - Can provide entry rescue only after the most stringent precautions are taken and another attendant is immediately available to assume the attendant duties Should a worker leave a confined space for a short time (for example, coffee break, getting additional material for their work), the confined space should be re-tested before the worker re-enters. If the confined space has been continuously monitored by equipment that can show the details of the atmosphere during the time absent from the confined space and this information can be seen from outside the confined space, it can be re-entered without retesting. If there is no continuous air monitoring then the hazard assessment needs to be repeated. No confined space should be closed off until it has been verified that no person is inside it. After exiting the confined space, the time of exit should be noted on the entry permit. ## What are some emergency response precautions? The detailed plan for emergency response to an injury or other emergency within the confined space should be described in detail in the

[5] Confined Space - Program

Page 2

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Confined Space - Program (cont.) ## What is a Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program? (cont.) - Development of an emergency plan complete with training and equipment in case an unforeseen situation occurs. - An emergency response system. - Reporting and investigating incidents related to work in confined spaces. - Record and documentation control. - Program review whenever there is a change in circumstances or at least annually, to identify program weaknesses and make any necessary changes to the program. More information about confined spaces is located in the OSH Answers documents Confined Spaces - Introduction and Confined Space - Atmospheric Testing. ## What is an Entry Permit System? An entry permit is an administrative tool used to document the completion of a hazard and risk assessment for each confined space entry. Someone fully trained and experienced in confined space work should complete the entry permit. Some jurisdictions require a permit for all confined space entries. An entry permit is required for confined spaces where the hazard and risk assessment determined that the measures to control the risk involve the following: - atmospheric monitoring, - isolation, - lockout, - ventilation, - safeguarding devices, - respiratory protection, or - any other control that needs to be verified and documented in the permit as required by the assessment. Before entering a confined space, an entry permit should be completed. It should contain at least the following information: - The length of time the permit is valid for. - The name(s) of the worker(s) that are authorized to enter the confined space. - The name(s) of the attendant(s) (safety watch). - The name of the supervisor responsible for the work. - The location and description of the confined space. Confined Space - Program CCOHS

[6] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

Page 201

Open source document

Source excerpt

# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Control of hazards (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 9 - Confined Spaces ## Confined space entry program - 9.5 Before a worker is required or permitted to enter a confined space, the employer must prepare and implement a written confined space entry program which includes (a) an assignment of responsibilities, (b) a list of each confined space or group of similar spaces and a hazard assessment of those spaces, and (c) written safe work procedures for entry into and work in the confined space, that address, where applicable (i) identification and entry permits, (ii) lockout and isolation, (iii) verification and testing, (iv) cleaning, purging, venting or inerting, (v) ventilation, (vi) standby persons, (vii) rescue, (viii) lifelines, harnesses and lifting equipment, (ix) personal protective equipment and other precautions, and (x) coordination of work activities. ## Responsibilities ## Administration 9.6 The employer must assign overall responsibility for administration of the confined space entry program to a person or persons adequately trained to do so. ## Supervision - 9.7 (1) The employer must assign responsibility for supervision to a person who is adequately trained to supervise the job before any worker enters a confined space. (2) The responsible supervisor must ensure that (a) pre-entry testing and inspection is conducted based on the written procedures, (b) the precautions identified in the written procedures and the precautions required by this Regulation or which are otherwise necessary for the health and safety of workers are followed, and (c) only authorized workers enter a confined space. ## Instruction 9.8 Each person who is assigned duties or responsibilities related to entry into a confined space must be adequately instructed and trained in (a) the hazards of th

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