Safety evo
Life saving tips
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT is an essential tool to save you when working inside a confined space.
Some of us think that it is just a document that has nothing to do in the activity.
Others, think that this is nothing more than a work obstacle.
In a previous post, we spook about confined space generally
In this post, we will discuss some of the confined space entry permit contents.
and the reason behind each attached document.
To reach a specific portion, check the following elements.
what is a confined space entry permit
The confined space permit is one of the most important administrative controls
companies are using this tool to ensure the safety of the confined space before entry
Through this procedure, we can gather enough data about the surrounding hazards and put the proper controls for them.
This document is considered a legal document to ensure that the management is
aware about and fully responsible for what is going on.
And a set of certificates and documents that ensure the property of the confined space environment.
reasons to issue confined space entry permit
Confined space entry is one of the most common causes of work related fatalities.
This was the cause of 166 fatality incident on 2017 and approximately 148 case on 2018
So, it is mandatory for each organization to control the confined space activities.
Also, thinking about this issue financially, the organizations can avoid a lot of fines and compensations
by controlling the confined space activities in a proper way.
Another reason is that it is better to check the activity from more than one point of view.
So, sharing the responsibility between all the concerned departments is better in identifying hazards.
The permit to work system ensures that by informing many parties about the activity.
essential documents inside confined space entry permit
So, what documents need to be attached to a confined space entry permit ?
Many documents are essential in this permit,
- An entry log is needed to register the time of every worker’s entry,
and to calculate the time he spent inside the confined space
Sometimes we need to set a specific time limit for every worker
to avoid certain effects like working in an oxygen deficiency environment
or when we have some hazards inside like hydrogen sulfide gas
- A confined space risk assessment shall be attached where we can
identify all surrounding hazards, the consequences of these hazards,
how to control these hazards and how to monitor the efficiency of our controls.
- Isolation certificates are needed to ensure that
any electrical or mechanical hazards are controlled properly.
- Gas monitoring register to record the Oxygen and hazardous gases concentrations continuously.
- Other documents may be attached if we use some specific tools
like if we are using any lifting equipment inside, so we need to attach the certificates to prove the safety of these equipment.
These are just examples and many other documents can be attached in the confined space entry permit.
who can approve the confined space permit
The confined space permit has to be signed and approved by many parties.
For example, the performing authority who is responsible for carrying out the job itself
he is the one issuing the permit as he is aware about every thing related to the activity.
But, his permit need to be revised by someone who concern mainly about safety
To decide if the safety controls considered are adequate or need some enhancements.
Finally, the permit need to have the final authority to start by the top manager of the area.
As this manager is the only accountable party in the organization.
Also, we may find in some situations other parties to sign and approve the permit
For example, the gas testers, the lifting supervisors or the emergency team supervisor.
Confined space activities are not routine activities.
We need to give special care for these activities to avoid unwanted consequences.
Pingback: Essential confined space rescue equipment - Safety Evo