"Confined Spaces" Procedure

I would like to talk about the "confined space work" procedure we use at our enterprise. It differs slightly from what our legislation requires.

To organize effective work under the "Confined Space Work" procedure, it is necessary to conduct an inventory of confined spaces (hereinafter referred to as CS) at the enterprise, regardless of whether any work is currently being performed in these CSs or not. Each confined space is assigned an individual number, all information is entered into a general table, and later this table can be used when issuing a permit-to-work for operations in a CS.

As part of implementing the CS work procedure, the following steps are also taken and tools are used to increase its effectiveness:

1. CS risk assessment: conducted using a checklist. This checklist is useful for further work in the CS, as it can be used when issuing a permit-to-work: the risks are already identified, and the measures that need to be taken during preparation for the work are clear. Sometimes, high risks may be identified during the RA, in which case these risks can be eliminated preventively. (The RA form is attached to the article)
2. Signs on all CSs: at our enterprise, access to CSs is restricted, and an appropriate sign hangs at the entrance to each CS: "DANGER! A PERMIT-TO-WORK is required before entering the CONFINED SPACE" along with the confined space number.
3. List of equipment for CS work: based on this list, a mobile safety kit is assembled. The equipment list is compiled, among other things, based on the RA conducted in the CS to reduce preparation time when carrying out the work. (An example list is attached to the article).
4. Training materials: before implementing the procedure, it is, of course, necessary to communicate its steps to the employees and explain what qualifies as a CS at our enterprise. For this purpose, we have developed a presentation and tests to check knowledge after the training. The training is conducted in person with periodic refreshers.
5. Evacuation drills: to ensure that employees know what to do in emergency situations if an employee feels unwell in a CS, we practice CS evacuation skills on an annual basis. By the way, all employees gladly participate in this event.

For the procedure to work effectively, it is recommended to appoint an employee to oversee it. At our enterprise, the HSE specialist is responsible for it. Periodically, it is necessary to conduct audits of confined spaces for relevance, the presence of signs, and the completeness of the mobile equipment for CS work according to the list.