Published in September 2009 by the Workplace Safety and Health Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower.

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Safety Plan Checklist for

Conned Space

SAFETY PLAN CHECKLIST FOR CONFINED SPACE

Name of Workplace: No. of Workplace: Date:

v)

Are the identification badges of entrants displayed at the entrance to the confined space?

vi) Are the entry permits kept for a minimum of 2 years from the date of approval? 6. Atmospheric Testing and monitoring i)

Elements of a Confined Space Safety Plan

1. Confined Space Management Policy i) Do you have a policy on managing confined space hazards?

Reference Document Name & No.

Yes

No

Has the space been tested by a competent person for oxygen levels, flammable and/or toxic gases, vapours or fumes before the entry permit is issued? Are the test results within the acceptable criteria?

ii)

iii) Are the results recorded in the entry permit? iv) Is the atmosphere in the space been tested at periodic intervals, subsequently? v) Are the test results recorded and attached with the entry permit?

2. Responsibilities of Personnel i) Have the following key personnel who are involved in confined space entry or work been appointed? a) Authorised Manager b) Confined Space Safety Assessor c) Confined Space Attendant d) Rescue Personnel Are the duties and responsibilities of all employees (including key personnel) clearly stipulated?

7. Ventilation Provisions i) ii) Is adequate ventilation provided and maintained at all times in the confined space during the validity of the confined space entry permit? Is the air supply for the ventilation system from a source or area which is free of contaminants?

ii)

8. General Safety Provisions i) ii) Are safe means of access and egress provided for movement of entrants to and within the confined space? Are all pressurised confined spaces depressurised and rendered safe prior to opening?

3. Confined Space Identification i) ii) Have you identified all the confined spaces at your workplace? Do you keep a record of all identified confined spaces?

iii) Are all confined space openings barricaded or guarded properly after opening? iv) Are all confined space openings effectively covered to prevent objects from falling through? v) Is there sufficient and suitable lighting provided for entry into and work in confined space?

iii) Have all employees been informed of the existence of these confined spaces and warned of the possible hazards? 4. Risk Assessment i) ii) Have all confined space entry or work been assessed on the necessity of conducting such work at the workplace? Has a risk assessment been conducted to identify, evaluate and control all risks arising from entry or work in confined spaces?

vi) Are all electrical installation and equipment used of good construction, sound material and properly maintained? vii) Are all moving parts and equipment inside the confined space locked out and tagged? viii) Are warning signs posted at the entrances of confined space? 9. Emergency Preparedness and Rescue i) ii) Has a written rescue plan been established? Have sufficient supplies of rescue equipment been provided/made readily available?

iii) Are the risk control measures selected based on the following hierarchy for management of confined space hazards? iv) Are confined space hazards re-evaluated when new operations or work procedures are introduced or when current operations or work procedures are altered? 5. Safe Work Procedures & Confined Space Entry Permit i) ii) Are safe work procedures established for all confined space work, both routine and nonroutine? Do the safe work procedures for confined space cover the following key areas? a) Evaluation of the need to enter or carry out work in the confined spaces identified? b) A confined space entry permit; c) The types of atmospheric testing required and the interpretation of test results; d) The safety and health precautions to be taken during entry into the confined space and during an emergency situation; e) The provision and safe use of safety equipment and personal protective equipment; and f) The means to prevent unauthorised entry into the confined space including the display of warning signs. iii) Are the following information provided in the confined space entry permit? a) The location and identity of the confined space; b) The purpose of entry into the confined space; c) The results of the gas testing of the atmosphere of the confined space; d) The validity of the confined space entry permit iv) Is a copy of the confined space entry permit displayed prominently at the entrance to the confined space?

iii) Are the rescue equipment properly maintained? iv) Are records of every test and examination of the rescue equipment by a competent person available for inspection? v) Are regular drills conducted?

10. Training i) ii) Have the persons entering the confined space received adequate safety and health training pertaining to the hazards associated with entry/work in the confined space? Have all appointed rescue personnel received adequate training in rescue operation, including first aid and proper usage of personal protective equipment and other rescue equipment?

iii) Are training records maintained and made available for inspection?