Permit System

Before entry, a permit system has to be developed to ensure that the space is safe to enter and entrants, attendants, and the supervisor are prepared. A designated and trained entry supervisor must authorize the entry, prepare and sign written permits, order corrective measures if necessary, and cancel permits when work is completed. Permits must be available to all permit space entrants at the time of entry and should extend only for the duration of the task. Cancelled permits have to be retained for a year to use in a review of the confined space program.

Entry permit

An entry permit documents the essential elements of an entry and must include:

1.     Identification of the space;

2.     Purpose of the entry;

3.     Date and duration of the permit;

4.     Names of authorized entrants;

5.     Names of attendants and the entry supervisor;

6.     List of hazards in the space;

7.     List of measures to isolate the space and eliminate or control the hazards;

8.     Acceptable entry conditions;

9.     Results of tests initialed by the person(s) performing the tests;

10.  Rescue and emergency services available and the means to summon them;

11.  Communication procedures for attendants and entrants;

12.  Equipment used for the entry (respirators, communication, alarms, etc.);

13.  Any other necessary information; and

14.  Additional permits (such as for hot work).