Confined space entry checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Planning and permit

Risk assessment done for this space and this task, and the crew briefed on it. WSH (Risk Management) Regs
Entry permit issued by the authorised manager and in date. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs
Copy of the permit posted at the entrance. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs
All entrants, the attendant and the assessor hold the required confined space training. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs

02Isolation and preparation

Pipelines into the space blanked, disconnected or valved off and locked.
Mixers, agitators and other powered equipment locked out and tagged, and isolation tested.
Residues removed and the space purged or cleaned.
Opening guarded by a barrier or railing, and traffic diverted if needed.
Warning sign displayed at the entrance. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs

03Atmosphere

Gas detector calibrated and bump-tested today.
Tested from outside in order: oxygen, flammables, then toxics, at top, middle and bottom.
Oxygen between 19.5% and 23.5% by volume. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs
Flammable gas below 10% of the LEL, and toxics below their PEL. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs
Results written on the permit.
Forced ventilation running and reaching the work area.

04Entry controls

Attendant appointed, in position outside and with no other duties. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs
Each entrant's name or ID badge displayed at the entrance. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs
Communication method agreed and tested between entrants and attendant.
Hand lamps 55 V AC or 110 V DC maximum, guarded and on an earth leakage breaker. WSHC Technical Advisory
At least one entrant carries a personal multi-gas detector.

05Rescue readiness

Written rescue plan for this space, with named rescuers who are available now. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs
Tripod, winch, harness and lifeline set up at the entrance where non-entry rescue is possible.
Breathing apparatus and resuscitation equipment at the entrance and checked.
Emergency numbers and the site address known to the attendant.

06During work and close-out

Atmosphere retested after breaks of 30 minutes or more and when work exceeds six hours. WSHC Technical Advisory
Permit reviewed and endorsed for each day the work continues. WSH (Confined Spaces) Regs
Headcount confirms everyone is out before the permit is closed and the opening covered.

Legal requirement

In Singapore, the Workplace Safety and Health (Confined Spaces) Regulations 2009 ban entry or work in a confined space without an evaluation and a confined space entry permit. They define a hazardous atmosphere as oxygen outside 19.5% to 23.5%, flammables at 10% or more of the LEL, or toxics above their PEL. They also require a posted permit, a warning sign, names displayed at the entrance, a confined space attendant, trained workers and supervisors, and a planned rescue operation.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Confined space entry checklist

01Planning and permit

02Isolation and preparation

03Atmosphere

04Entry controls

05Rescue readiness

06During work and close-out

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Confined space safety: what supervisors need to know

Toolbox talk: confined spaces

How to report a workplace accident in Bangladesh