Confined space entry is one of the highest-risk activities in any workplace. Tanks, vessels, sewers, silos, pits, and even some chambers and ducts can present immediately life-threatening hazards including toxic atmospheres, oxygen depletion, engulfment, and entrapment. Every year, workers die in confined spaces, and tragically, many additional fatalities occur when rescuers enter without adequate preparation or equipment.
This confined space entry checklist and permit guide covers the essential safety requirements that must be addressed before any person enters a confined space, during the work, and upon completion.
Why Confined Space Safety Matters
Confined spaces are particularly dangerous because hazards are often invisible. A space that appears safe may contain an atmosphere that can render a person unconscious within seconds and cause death within minutes. The Confined Spaces Regulations require employers to avoid entry to confined spaces wherever reasonably practicable. Where entry is unavoidable, a safe system of work must be established, and adequate emergency arrangements must be in place before work begins.
The consequences of getting confined space entry wrong are severe. Unlike many workplace hazards where the outcome is an injury, confined space incidents frequently result in fatalities. A robust permit-to-work system and thorough checklist are essential safeguards that ensure every entry is planned, controlled, and supported by effective emergency procedures.
Confined Space Entry Checklist
Pre-Entry Planning
Before any entry takes place, the work must be thoroughly planned by a competent person. The first question should always be whether entry can be avoided entirely by using alternative methods such as remote cameras, long-reach tools, or external cleaning systems.
- The need for entry has been justified and alternatives to entry have been considered
- A confined space risk assessment has been completed identifying all foreseeable hazards
- A written safe system of work or method statement has been prepared
- A permit to enter has been issued by an authorised person
- All personnel involved have been briefed on the risk assessment, method statement, and permit conditions
Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring
Atmospheric hazards are the leading cause of death in confined spaces. Pre-entry testing and continuous monitoring during the work are non-negotiable requirements.
- The atmosphere has been tested for oxygen level, flammable gases, and toxic gases before entry
- Oxygen levels are between 19.5 percent and 23.5 percent
- Flammable gas concentration is below 10 percent of the lower explosive limit
- Toxic gas levels are below the relevant workplace exposure limits
- Continuous atmospheric monitoring is in place for the duration of the entry with audible alarms set
Isolation and Lock-Out
The confined space must be isolated from all energy sources, pipework, and process flows that could introduce hazardous substances or conditions during the work.
- All mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic energy sources have been isolated and locked out
- Pipework connections have been blanked, disconnected, or double-block-and-bleed isolated
- Isolation points are tagged and the isolation register is up to date
- Agitators, mixers, and other internal equipment are secured against accidental start-up
Ventilation
Forced ventilation can help maintain a safe atmosphere inside the confined space. Natural ventilation alone is rarely sufficient to manage atmospheric hazards effectively.
- Mechanical ventilation is provided to maintain adequate air quality
- Ventilation equipment is positioned to supply fresh air to the breathing zone
- Air intake is located away from exhaust fumes, dust, and other contaminants
- Ventilation is running before entry commences and continues throughout the work
Access and Communication
Safe access into and out of the confined space must be provided. A trained attendant must remain at the entry point at all times to monitor conditions and raise the alarm if needed.
- A safe means of entry and exit is provided, such as a ladder, steps, or powered hoist
- A trained standby person or top attendant is stationed at the entry point for the entire duration
- Reliable communication is established between the entrant and the standby person
- The entry point is large enough for emergency extraction with rescue equipment
Emergency and Rescue Arrangements
Rescue arrangements must be in place before the entry begins. Under no circumstances should anyone attempt a rescue without proper equipment, training, and procedures.
- A specific rescue plan has been prepared and communicated to all involved parties
- Rescue equipment, including retrieval lines, harnesses, and breathing apparatus, is available at the entry point
- Rescue team members are trained and have practised the rescue procedure
- Emergency services have been notified where appropriate and access routes identified
- First aid equipment, including oxygen administration, is available at the entry point
Best Practices for Confined Space Entry
- Always ask whether entry can be avoided before planning a confined space entry
- Never rely on your senses to assess atmospheric conditions as many toxic gases are odourless and colourless
- Ensure the permit to enter is signed by all parties and displayed at the entry point
- Cancel the permit immediately if conditions change or any person feels unwell
- Debrief after every entry to capture lessons learned and improve future safe systems of work
- Never attempt a confined space rescue without proper equipment and training as would-be rescuers frequently become additional casualties
How Checksheets Helps
Checksheets provides digital confined space entry permits and checklists that enforce a systematic approach to every entry. Atmospheric test results, isolation confirmations, and rescue plan verifications are captured in a structured format that ensures no critical step is skipped. The digital permit includes time-bound validity, automatic expiry, and electronic sign-off by authorised persons, creating a tamper-proof audit trail for every confined space entry on your site.
With Checksheets, you can manage confined space operations with confidence, knowing that every entry is planned, permitted, monitored, and documented to the highest standard of safety.