HSE Department Réf:

CONFINED SPACES PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 00
1 / 21

Revision history

Rev Date Description of Change

Approval Authority:

Owner Developer Reviewer Approver

Summary

The primary goal of a Confined Space Entry system is to establish a comprehensive

system that protects employees from a wide variety of potential hazards while
working in confined spaces. Confined spaces pose unique problems due to their
contents and/or configuration. Asphyxiating, toxic, flammable, or explosive
atmospheres are more likely to accumulate where air circulation is restricted.
The Confined Space Entry system is applicable to all Confined Space activities
associated with the Project scope of work and apply to all Project employees and
subcontractors.

Page 1 of 21
 HSE Department Réf:

CONFINED SPACES PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 00
2 / 21

1.0 PURPOSE

The primary goal of a Confined Space Entry system is to establish a

comprehensive system that protects employees from a wide variety of
potential hazards while working in confined spaces. Confined spaces pose
unique problems due to their contents and/or configuration. Asphyxiating,
toxic, flammable, or explosive atmospheres are more likely to accumulate
where air circulation is restricted.

The Confined Space Entry system identifies all hazards and safeguards to be
in place prior to work commencing in order to minimise both the frequency
and severity of incidents. Training on the Confined Space Entry system will
be provided to all personnel as part of their project Health & Safety induction.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The procedure presented within this document are applicable to all Confined
Space activities associated with the Project scope of work and apply to all
Project employees and subcontractors.

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS

A Project specific Confined Space Entry instruction shall be developed in

accordance with client requirements and site specific hazardous conditions.
The Confined Space Entry Procedure shall address as a minimum all the
requirements specified in the SOCOMENIN Golden Rules.

Appendix I includes an example Confined Space Entry instruction.

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APPENDIX I - CONFINED SPACE ENTRY INSTRUCTION

Appendix I - 1 Introduction
Confined Space Entry is included as an integral part of the SOCOMENIN
Safe Systems of Work.

Note: A Risk Assessment must be completed before any entry into

a Confined Space can be considered.

The Risk Assessment should identify the:

 Sequence of work to be performed in the Confined Space

 Specific hazards known or anticipated

 Control measures to be implemented to eliminate or reduce each of the

hazards to an acceptable level.

No entry shall be permitted until the Risk Assessment has been reviewed
and discussed by all persons engaged in the activity.

Personnel who enter a Confined Space must be informed of all

known or potential hazards associated with the Confined Space to
be entered prior to their entry.

Appendix I - 1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to:

 Identify and define Confined Spaces

 Describe the proper instructions and preparations to protect the health

and safety of all personnel who must work in Confined Spaces.

Appendix I - 1.2 Scope

This procedure applies to all Project activities.

Appendix I - 1.3 Definition of a Confined Space

Appendix I - 1.3.1 Properties of a Confined Space

A “Confined Space” is any enclosed or partially enclosed space which:

 Is large enough for any person to bodily enter it and perform assigned
work

 Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit

 Has unfavourable natural ventilation

 Is not designed for continuous occupancy.

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 Note: Confined Spaces often present, or have the potential to present,
hazards related to atmospheric conditions (e.g., toxic,
flammable, asphyxiating), engulfment, or entrapment.

Other instructions may apply to the specific work to be performed in the

Confined Space.

Appendix I - 1.3.2 Confined Space Examples

The general definition of a Confined Space shows that a few types of space
on a project may be considered confined and therefore hazardous,
including but not limited to:

 large diameter pipeline, vessels

 pits

The definition also includes any space in which dangerous levels of

contaminants can accumulate and ventilation is restricted, which can
include but not limited to:

 excavations (normally deeper than 1.2m)

 any other poorly ventilated area.

Appendix I - 1.4 Confined Space - Hazards

The hazards associated with entering and working in Confined Spaces are
capable of causing bodily injury, illness, and death to the worker. Hazards
commonly encountered in Confined Spaces include:

 Toxic substances in hazardous concentrations, e.g., hydrogen sulphide

(H2S), benzene and hydrocarbon gases

 Flammable gases, vapours and liquids with potential for fire or

explosion; above 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) or above 0%
LEL if hot work is required

 Gas, vapour or fumes produced by operations carried out in the

confined space, e.g., welding and cutting, brush and spray painting,
and the use of adhesives and solvents

 Lack of/insufficient oxygen supply, causing asphyxiation (oxygen

content below 19.5 % by volume is considered oxygen deficient
atmosphere)

 Oxygen enriched atmospheres (oxygen content above 23% by volume)

 Electric shock or ignition of flammable gases from portable lights, tools,

or associated electrical equipment

 Injury from mechanical equipment such as mixers, conveyors, etc.,

inadvertently activated

 Direct contact with corrosives or irritants

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 Contaminants entering from other areas through ducts, piping, etc

 Pyrophoric iron (iron sulphide) deposits

 Ignition from static electricity

 Sources of ionising radiation (e.g., level gauges, naturally occurring

radioactive materials)

 General safety hazards, including communication problems and

physical hazards. For example:

 Falling objects, inadequate visibility, excessive temperature /

noise / vibration, etc

 Possible collapse of excavations.

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Appendix I - 2 Training and Responsibilities
Appendix I - 2.1 Training

Project team and Sub-contractors will provide training to all employees

who are likely to be involved in Confined Space Entry to ensure that they
possess the understanding, knowledge and skills necessary to safely
perform their assigned duties.

Employees who will be involved in the Confined Space Entry must be fully
conversant with the Emergency Response Plan and be trained in:

 Hazard recognition

 Safe Systems of Work - Permit To Work, work instruction, Lock Out Tag
Out work instruction, purging and/or ventilation work instruction

 The use of gas detectors

 The use of safety equipment such as breathing apparatus (BA set),

respirator, retrieval harness and lines

 The use of communication equipment

 Self rescue through practice drills

Appendix I - 2.2 Responsibilities

Note: For all Confined Space Work, the responsibility for safety, during
the entire operation, rests with the project team and Sub-Contractor,
Rescue Team personnel and Authorised Entrants. These personnel
must ensure that adequate steps have been taken to eliminate or
control the hazards present.

Appendix I - 2.2.1 project team construction

Project team is responsible for:

 Identifying all Confined Spaces existing within its areas of responsibility

 Identifying and labelling Entry Permit Controlled Confined Spaces

 Providing training in Confined Space Entry

 Reviewing entry operations to ensure personnel are protected from

Confined Space hazards

 Cancelling or suspending the Confined Space Entry Permit when the job
is complete or when unacceptable conditions arise.

Appendix I - 2.2.2 Sub-Contractor

The Sub-Contractor shall:

 Know and recognise hazards that may be faced during entry

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  Authorise entry and allow entry to begin (provided that the
requirements of this work instruction have been met)

 Ensure that responsibilities are safely and effectively transferred

 Ensure that personnel entering a Confined Space have all necessary

personal protective equipment

 Ensure that rescue services are available and that the means for
summoning those services are operable

 Ensure acceptable entry conditions are maintained and that they

remain consistent with the terms of the Confined Space Entry Permit.

Appendix I - 2.2.3 Authorised Entrants

The authorised entrants shall:

 Be drilled in escape practices

 Follow established safety standards and practices

 Know and recognise the hazards that may be faced during entry
including signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure

 Make proper use of personal protective equipment and protective

devices

 Maintain communication with the attendant to enable the attendant to

monitor the entrant's status as well as to alert the entrant to exit the
Confined Space if there is a hazard noted

 Alert the attendant if a prohibited condition exists or when symptoms of

exposure appear

 Exit from the Confined Space as soon as possible when:

 Ordered by the attendant

 The entrant recognises the warning signs or symptoms of

exposure

 A prohibited condition exists.

Appendix I - 2.2.4 Confined Space Attendant

The Confined Space Entry Attendant must be properly trained to carry out
his duties. He must remain outside the Confined Space, in a safe
atmosphere, at all times during a Confined Space Entry operation and
perform the assigned duties under this work instruction. He must also:

 Maintain an accurate count of all persons in the space by:

 Using a tally board on which the name, entry and exit times for
all personnel entering or leaving the Confined Space shall be
recorded

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  Airlines and / or safety lines are marked so that each individual
inside the tank is clearly identified in the event of a problem

 Be aware of the hazards that may be faced during entry, including the
mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of any exposure

 Monitor conditions and activities inside and outside the Confined Space
to determine if it is safe for entrants

 Remain outside the Confined Space during entry operations until

relieved by another attendant

 Maintain effective and continuous communication with authorised

entrants during entry

 Order authorised entrants to evacuate the Confined Space immediately

if:

 A condition is observed that is not allowed

 Behavioural effects of hazard exposure are detected

 A situation occurs outside the Confined Space that could

endanger the entrants

 An uncontrolled hazard is detected inside the Confined Space

 The attendant must leave the work station

 Summon rescue and other emergency services in emergencies.

 Take necessary actions when unauthorised persons approach or enter a

Confined Space while entry is underway.

 Perform no other duties that would interfere with the primary duty of
monitoring and protecting the authorized entrants.

 Be drilled in escape practices.

Page 8 of 21
Appendix I - 3 Rescue Team
Appendix I - 3.1 The Rescue Team

The Rescue Team should respond immediately to rescue calls from the
Attendant or any other person recognizing a need for rescue from the
Confined Space.

The Rescue Team must be trained to perform the assigned rescue

functions. In particular, members must be trained in the proper use of
personal protective and rescue equipment, including breathing apparatus.
In addition, at least one Rescue Team member shall be certified in first aid
and in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Note: New personnel shall not be assigned to the Confined Space

Entry tasks, unless under training and accompanied by a competent
person who is familiar with the hazards of Confined Space Entry.

Appendix I - 3.2 The Rescue Plan

The rescue plan should be formulated to include as a minimum:

 An assessment of the hazards associated with the Confined Space

 The required gas testing/monitoring equipment

 The personnel required to perform the rescue

 All precautions to be taken while in the Confined Space

 The required personnel protective equipment

 The required rescue equipment

 The required tools and any other special equipment.

A means of communication shall be provided and a system of signals

agreed and understood by all personnel involved. These communication
arrangements shall be maintained throughout the duration of the entry.

In all cases of Confined Space Entry, a trained attendant shall be posted

outside the entry/exit in order to handle emergencies. Circumstances may
require an assistant to the attendant or more than one attendant posted at
different access/entry points. The attendant(s) must be aware of their
responsibilities and be trained as rescue team members.

Page 9 of 21
Appendix I - 4 Personal Protective Equipment
Appendix I - 4.1 Personal Protection

Appropriate personal protection, e.g., head, foot, hand, eye, ear, face,
body and respiratory protection, must be worn when entering an Entry
Permit Controlled Confined Space.

A lifeline attached to a full body harness must be used by all entrants

during entry into a Confined Space.

Appendix I - 4.2 Respiratory Protection

Dependent upon the type and concentration of contaminants, respiratory

protection may range from a simple cartridge respirator to air-supplied
respiratory equipment.

When the level of airborne contaminants is beyond the filtration capability

of a respirator or where there is an oxygen deficiency, then breathing
apparatus must be used.

Appendix I - 4.2.1 Breathing Air Standards

The need to ensure a continued provision of good quality breathing air

relies on regular changing of air filters and maintenance of dryers,
supported by periodical analysis of the breathing air supply.

Note: Breathing air shall conform to BS 4275, 1974, "Recommendations

for the Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective
Equipment".

Appendix I - 4.2.2 Air Line Mask

Air line breathing apparatus shall be approved and conform to EN 139. The
full face mask enables the wearer to work for a long periods in harmful
atmospheres, whilst breathing air is supplied by either portable air
compressors fitted with reservoir air tanks, or a battery of compressed air
bottles.

Connections to the air line mask hose are made via instantaneous bayonet
spring couplings. These couplings must be kept in good condition and
must not be used for any purpose other than supplying air to breathing
apparatus.

Appendix I - 4.2.3 Using Portable Air Compressors

Where no compressed air bottle supply is available, portable air

compressors having a reservoir air tank may be used. In such cases:

 The compressor air intake(s) of the compressor must be upwind of any

known source of contamination to ensure clear air being fed to the user
(a wind sock indicating wind direction should be flown in the vicinity of
the intake to the compressor)

 The system of air supply employed should incorporate a receiver of

sufficient capacity to enable persons to escape from an irrespirable

Page 10 of 21
 atmosphere in the event of a failure of the prime mover supplying the
air

 The air must be passed through suitable filters to remove excess

moisture and oil mist.

Note: To ensure that an adequate supply of air is available and being

received by the wearers, a suitably competent person must be
appointed who is responsible for checking the pressure in the air
receiver, and for ensuring the filters are functioning properly.

Appendix I - 4.2.4 Self Contained Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus

(SCCABA)

SCCABA shall conform to EN 137 "Self Contained Compressed Breathing

Apparatus". These sets are provided where a portable supply of air is
required for a short period of time.

The air for this apparatus is supplied under pressure either from
compressed air cylinders carried by the wearer or from trolley sets.

Appendix I - 4.3 Escape Breathing Apparatus

Any person entering a Confined Space using an airline Breathing Apparatus

set shall be provided with an Escape Breathing Apparatus set with a bottle
capable of supplying an emergency air supply for approximately 10
minutes. This set shall also conform to EN 137 "Self Contained Compressed
Breathing Apparatus".

All persons required to use breathing apparatus must receive initial

training and refresher training at intervals not exceeding six months. The
training shall be documented.

Page 11 of 21
Appendix I - 5 Confined Space Entry Precautions
These precautions shall be applied on each occasion of Confined Space
Entry.

Appendix I - 5.1 Confined Space Entry Permit

A Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed before an approval can

be given to enter an Entry Permit Controlled Confined Space.

A copy of the certificate should be kept at the job site for the duration of
the job. If the circumstances cause an interruption in the work or a change
in the rescue arrangements for which the Confined Space Entry Permit was
approved, a new Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed.

Appendix I - 5.2 Pre-entry Briefing

Before the entry, the Sub-Contractor must brief entrants, attendants and
supervisors on their responsibilities and the hazards and controls for safe
entry.

Appendix I - 5.3 Isolation

The Confined Space must be positively isolated in accordance with Lock-

Out/Tag-Out instructions

Appendix I - 5.4 Cleaning

Before entering the interior of any pipe, depending on the nature of its
content, it must be emptied of residual material by being drained, pumped
out, washed, and made clean by hot or cold water flushing, steaming,
chemical neutralisation, inert gas or air purge.

Appendix I - 5.4.1 Use of Chemical Cleaners

If chemical cleaners are to be used then the MSDS for the chemical should
be consulted and a COSHH assessment conducted prior to use.

When introducing a chemical into a confined space, the compatibility of

that chemical with the contents of the confined space must be checked. If
any doubts exist regarding the compatibility of a chemical, the HSE
Department shall be consulted.

Sludge and spent cleaning fluids must be contained and disposed of in a

safe and environmentally acceptable manner.

Appendix I - 5.5 Bonding and Grounding

To reduce the possibility of static electricity build up, proper bonding and
grounding procedures must be followed.

Appendix I - 5.6 Welding

Before any welding, cutting and grinding may be carried out in a confined
space; the space shall be proved completely gas free, and free of all
flammable residuals.

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Appendix I - 5.7 Ventilation

Appendix I - 5.7.1 Use of Ventilation Equipment

Ventilation shall preferably be accomplished using a positive method of

mechanical ventilation that is arranged to:

 Introduce sufficient fresh air and remove contaminants from all pockets
or corners of the confined space

 Avoid re-circulating contaminated air.

Even after the confined space is cleaned and ventilated, the mechanical
ventilation equipment must be kept operating to provide secondary
protection:

 In case of accidental introduction of harmful substances

 To remove contamination or heat that may be produced by the work

(e.g., welding and cutting, painting, coating).

The atmosphere must continue to be gas tested and monitored for

hazardous atmospheres while personnel are inside the confined space.

Appendix I - 5.7.2 Ventilation Air Source

The ventilation air used will be from either:

 An electrical blower approved for a Zone 1 hazardous area

 An air driven blower.

The air intakes for these devices shall be located where no contaminants
may enter the stream.

Appendix I - 5.7.3 Disposal of Confined Space Atmosphere

Outlets for power driven blowers, pneumatic air eductors, or air/steam

eductors used to draw vapours out of a Confined Space must be directed
to a safe place far from possible sources of ignition.

Appendix I - 5.8 Atmospheric Testing

Confined Space atmospheres must be tested by qualified personnel (i.e.,

an Authorised Gas Tester) before entry is allowed. Tests shall be
conducted for:

 Oxygen deficiency or excess

 Flammable gases and vapours

 Toxic vapours and gases.

Appendix I - 5.8.1 Test Requirements

Testing must be carried out in accordance with the following requirements:

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  Ventilation equipment must be shut off before the tests commence.

 The atmosphere must be tested at the bottom, top, and the middle of
all confined spaces.

 The atmosphere inside must be continuously monitored while work is

being conducted in the confined space.

 If the confined space is left for any reason, the atmosphere shall be re-
tested before re-entry may be permitted.

Appendix I - 5.8.2 Testing from Within a Confined Space

Where practicable, the gas test shall be carried out from outside the
confined space, e.g., using extension probes. If it is not possible to perform
sufficient testing from the outside of the confined space then upon initial
entry to a confined space to conduct any testing, self-contained or air-
supplied breathing apparatus must be worn.

Note: If breathing apparatus has to be worn, the Authorised Gas Tester

shall, if practical, also wear a harness and a lifeline.

Appendix I - 5.8.3 Test Equipment

Testing instruments must be calibrated and operationally checked before

and after use in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Appendix I - 5.8.4 Test Record

The atmospheric tests and operational checks shall be recorded on the

entry certificate.

Appendix I - 5.9 Lighting and Portable Tools

Appendix I - 5.9.1 Temporary Lighting

The following precautions shall be observed when using temporary

lighting:

 Where the confined space has not been declared gas free, air driven
flameproof lights or certified battery powered torches must be used.
Lights must be certified for a Zone 1 (Division 1) area.

 Confined spaces, which have been certified gas free but where
flammable residues could remain, may be illuminated as above; or by
extra low voltage (25V ac) portable lighting equipment, approved for
use in a Zone 1 (Division 1) area.

 Where the confined space has been cleaned of all flammable residues
and certified gas free, or is a confined space by virtue of restricted
access alone and there has never been the possibility of it containing a
flammable atmosphere, standard low voltage industrial lighting may be
used.

 The supply cables to the (approved for use in a Zone 1 (Division 1)

Area) transformers, for extra low voltage portable lights, must always

Page 14 of 21
 be supported above ground and the transformers never taken inside
the Confined Space.

Appendix I - 5.9.2 Tools

 If the atmosphere inside the confined space is classified as

flammable/combustible, electrical tools may not be used by the
entrants.

 Only air-driven tools may be used.

 No tools with the potential to produce sparks are allowed, e.g., grinders
or needle guns.

Page 15 of 21
Appendix I - 6 Job Completion
The Confined Space Entry Permit must be cancelled upon completion of
the entry, and after all entrants have exited.

At the end of a job, a thorough check must be made by performing

authority to ensure that no personnel, tools or equipment have been left
behind.

Page 16 of 21
Appendix I - 7 Definitions
Acceptable
Conditions that must exist in a Confined Space to ensure
Entry
that employees can enter and perform work safely.
Conditions

An individual stationed outside the confined space who

Attendant monitors the authorised entrant(s) and performs
attendant’s duties defined in this procedure.

Authorised An employee who is authorised by Contractor or Sub-

Entrant Contractor and trained to enter a confined space.

An individual who has been trained in the use of gas

Authorised
testing equipment, designated to undertake gas test in
Gas Tester
Confined Spaces.

Breathing A device which ensures that the wearer has a

Apparatus (BA continuously available supply of uncontaminated air
set) through a face mask, helmet or mouthpiece.

The action by which any bodily part of a person passes

Entry
through the plane of the opening into a Confined Space.

The surrounding and effective capture of a person by a

liquid or finely divided (flowable) solid substance that
can be aspirated to cause death by filling or plugging the
Engulfment
respiratory system or that can exert enough force on the
body to cause death by strangulation, constriction or
crushing.

A document that is provided by Project to allow and

Entry Permit control entry into an Entry Permit Controlled Confined
Space.

Page 17 of 21
 A confined space that has one or more of the following
characteristics:

1. Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous

atmosphere.

2. Contains a material that has the potential to engulf

an entrant.

3. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant

Entry Permit
could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly
Controlled
converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward
Confined
and tapers to a smaller cross-section.
Space
4. Contains any other recognised serious safety or
health hazard.

Spaces where dangerous contaminants can accumulate

and ventilation is restricted, e.g. excavations (normally
deeper than 1.2 m or 4 feet) the space above floating
roof tanks, open-topped tanks and other poorly
ventilated areas are also considered as Entry Permit
Controlled Confined Spaces.

Confined
Project will evaluate the work place to determine if any
Space Permit
spaces workers have to enter are Permit required
Requirement
Confined Spaces or Non Permit spaces.
Evaluation

An atmosphere that may expose authorised entrant(s) to

Hazardous
the risk of death, impairment of ability to self-rescue,
Atmosphere
injury or acute illness.

Gamma rays, X-rays or corpuscular radiation, such as

Ionising
alpha and beta, which are capable of producing ions
Radiation
either directly or indirectly.

A designated supervisor appointed by Sub-Contractor to

accept the Confined Space Entry Permit and
Sub- subsequently be in charge of the confined space entry
Contractor work. This person will have had specific training and
(Entry knowledge requirements for this position and is
Supervisor) responsible for ensuring that all precautionary measures
stipulated on the Confined Space Entry Permit and
accompanying documentation are followed.

The personnel designated to rescue entrants from

Rescue Team
confined space.

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Appendix I - Appendix I - Log of Confined Area Entry Permits

Page 19 of 21
Appendix I - Appendix II - Confined Space Entry Permit

Page 20 of 21
Appendix I - Appendix III - Standby Holewatch Instruction

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