CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURE

Contents

1. PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................... 4
2. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................ 4
3. DEFINITIONS / ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................ 4
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4. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................... 5
5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................... 5
5.1 Executive Director shall:............................................................................................................ 5
5.2 Head of HSE shall:..................................................................................................................... 5
5.3 Department Managers shall: ...................................................................................................... 6
5.4 Permit Holder ............................................................................................................................. 6
5.5 HSE ............................................................................................................................................ 7
5.6 Person Responsible for the Area (PRA) .................................................................................... 8
5.7 Authorized Gas Tester (AGT) ................................................................................................... 8
5.8 Standby man............................................................................................................................... 9
5.9 Fire watcher (where the confined space work includes hot work) ............................................ 9
5.10 Personnel working in Confined Space ................................................................................... 10
5.11 Contractors ............................................................................................................................. 10
6. CSE PROCESS ......................................................................................................................... 11
6.1 Definition of Confined Space: ................................................................................................. 11
6.2 Hazards and Risk Assessment: ................................................................................................ 12
6.3 Confined Space Entry Certificate .......................................................................................... 12
6.4 Procedure prior to entry ......................................................................................................... 13
6.5 Preparation for entry .............................................................................................................. 14
6.5.1 Cleaning ................................................................................................................................ 14
6.5.2 Isolation................................................................................................................................. 15
6.5.3 Ventilation............................................................................................................................. 16
6.5.4 Gas Testing, Monitoring and Re - entering .......................................................................... 17
6.6 General safety precautions ....................................................................................................... 18
6.6.1 Tools and Equipment ............................................................................................................ 18
6.6.2 Signs & Barriers .................................................................................................................... 19
6.6.3 Protective barriers ................................................................................................................. 19
6.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ..................................................................................... 19
6.7.1 Protective Clothing ............................................................................................................... 19
6.7.2 Respirators / SCBA ............................................................................................................... 20
6.8 Training .................................................................................................................................... 20
6.8.1 Specific Training ................................................................................................................... 20
6.9 Emergency Response and Rescue ............................................................................................ 20
Appendix №1 to Confined Space Entry Procedure ....................................................................... 22
Appendix №2 to Confined Space Entry Procedure ....................................................................... 22

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Appendix №3 to Confined Space Entry Procedure ....................................................................... 23

Appendix №4 to Confined Space Entry Procedure ....................................................................... 24

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1. PURPOSE

This procedure describes the methods and practices to be used to review precautions and
ensure the safety of all personnel entering and working in confined spaces.

2. SCOPE

This document applies to all confined space entry operations carried out at LME operated
facilities in West Qurna-2 field.

3. DEFINITIONS / ABBREVIATIONS

AGT A person who has been trained and assessed competent to measure and interpret the
(Authorized results of measuring of flammable, toxic and asphyxiate gases in work site
Gas Tester) atmosphere. Hereinafter refer as AGT.
Isolation Authorized Person – a person appointed as competent to perform
IAP
necessary isolations

CSEC Confined Space Entry Certificate

A confined space is defined as any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk
of serious injury or death from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (eg.
lack of oxygen).
Confined A confined space:
Space  Is large enough for an employee to enter fully and perform assigned work;
 Is not designed for continuous occupancy by the employee; and
 Has a limited or restricted means of entry or exit.

An individual can be described as being competent when he possesses the

Competency necessary knowledge and skill which enable him/her to possess the ability to
perform a task or job successfully and in accordance with the Company established
HSE Management System.
PH Permit Holder / Performing Authority / Job Supervisor, the same role
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
PTW Permit to Work
PRA Person Responsible for Area
MS Method Statement
UM Unit Manager / Facilities Managers the same role
RA Risk Assessment
SCBA Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
LEL Lower explosive limit
ppm Parts per million
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4. REFERENCES

The following procedures shall be referred to as part of the above procedure.

 Valid LME Permit to Work procedure;

 Valid LME HSE Risk Assessment Procedure;

 Valid LME Work At Height Procedure;

 Valid LME Classification of electrical and electronic equipment with regard to protection
against electric shock;

 Valid LME Electrical Code of Practice for WQ2 facilities;

 Valid LME HSE Training Program;

 Valid LME Emergency Response Plan;

 Valid LME Medical Emergency Response.

5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Within this procedure personnel in the following positions have the responsibilities:

5.1 Executive Director shall:

 Ensure adequate resources and funding (equipment, personnel, training, etc.) are allocated
for the implementation and operation of this procedure.

5.2 Head of HSE shall:

 Ensure that a periodic review of Iraq legislation, local operating needs and LMEL
Standards is conducted to determine if revisions applicable to this procedure are required.

 Assist WQ-2 Operations management at all levels with the implementation, training and
documentation related to this procedure.
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 Monitor the effectiveness of this procedure by audits and inspections.

5.3 Department Managers shall:

 Ensure the implementation and the enforcement of this procedure activities in their areas
of operation.

 Ensure that only suitably trained personnel are assigned to confined space activities in their
area of operation.

5.4 Permit Holder

Permit Holders are accountable for the safety of themselves, their work party, and anyone
impacted by their work. PH shall be the individual directly responsible for carrying out
and/or on-the-job supervision of the work. Permit Holder jointly with PRA is responsible
for determining whether the confined space entry can be avoided by performing the task
in a different way and thereby avoiding personnel entering the confined space.

Permit Holder shall:

 Assess the confined space entry certificate and any associated work plans, risk
assessments, points of isolation and plans prior to the commencement of entry to
determine the safety precautions required. (Note that a confined space entry certificate is
not a standalone document and must have an associated Cold/ Hot Work PTW).

 Jointly with Person Responsible for Area determine type of PPE, personnel to be involved
and working conditions (break duration, frequency of air sampling, etc.).

 If required, initiate mechanical, electrical or protective system isolation certificates.

 Prior to issue a CSEC have a pre job planning meeting with Person Responsible for Area
and any other relevant personnel to discuss at minimum the following:
1. What Isolation is required for the safe CSE?
2. Are the openings of sufficient size and safe for entering and exiting to and from
the CS?
3. What type of ventilation will be required?
4. Can the confined space atmosphere be tested from the outside?
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5. Can flammable or toxic vapors be released as a result of hot work, chemical

cleaning or disturbing the material in the space?
6. Will continuous gas test monitoring be required for appropriate toxic, flammable
gas and Oxygen levels?

 Ensure all personnel involved in CS entry have undertaken required training, are capable
of identifying existing hazards in the surroundings and working conditions that are
hazardous to employees, well familiar with the Company relevant procedures and
requirements, and deemed competent for working in confined space.

 Ensure that all site preparation and safety precautions, as identified in PTW and associated
risk assessment, are complete and communicated to the work force prior to work
commencing.

 Verify that all necessary gas checks have been carried out and the Confined Space Entry
Certificate and associated Work Permit are posted at the confined space entrance prior to
the entry.

 Ensure that accurate records are maintained in Confined Space Entry Log for all personnel
working in Confined Space (Appendix 3).

 Complete and sign the vessel entry checklist prior to entry the confined space (Appendix
1).

 Be present at the worksite and supervise the activity during the whole working period.

5.5 HSE

 Review operational requirements on the sites from time to time, as well as LMEL
standards, to determine whether corrections to this Procedure are needed;
 Provide assistance to LMEL management with enforcing the requirements of this
Procedure;
 Monitor compliance with the requirements of this Procedure through audits and
inspections by HSE personnel in the field.
 Consider any request for confined space entry work in accordance with the requirements
of the Company PTW and Risk Assessment procedures.

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5.6 Person Responsible for the Area (PRA)

PRA is responsible for ensuring that a Risk Assessment is undertaken in accordance with
approved HSE Risk Assessment procedure, all hazards identified and controls specified
and documented so that the work is performed safely.

 Ensure that all isolations are done as per approved work plans.

 Ensure that any protective system, mechanical or electrical isolation certificates (if
required) have been issued & signed as per PTW procedure and verify that the equipment
has been isolated.

 Ensure all site preparation and safety precautions are complete and in place.

 Check the relevant worksite to ensure that the work can be safely carried out and authorize
the start of CSE work by signing the CSEC.

 Inspect and audit the worksite for compliance with the specified work permit conditions

 Check and sign the Confined Space checklist as per (Appendix 1) of this procedure.

 Sign the CSE Certificate when the confined space entry has been completed.

5.7 Authorized Gas Tester (AGT)

 Ensure that atmospheric conditions are safe for work to be conducted inside the confined
space.

The readings the AGT shall obtain are: Oxygen 19.5% (absolute minimum) to
21%, flammability (LEL) 0%, toxicity 0 (e.g. CO 0 ppm, H2S 0 ppm)

 Monitor CS atmosphere conditions after each break.

 AGT shall demonstrate to the performing authority the atmosphere test results after
each gas test

 AGT shall record readings in Gas Clearance Certificate attached to the Confined Space
Entry Certificate after each gas test

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5.8 Standby man

 Must be located outside the confined space near the entrance point.

 Maintain continuous communication with the person(s) inside so as to verify their

condition.

 Never enter the confined space as part of the work team and never be involved in any other
activity affecting his ability to continuously monitor the situation inside the confined space.

 In case of an emergency situation, the standby man must NEVER ENTER the confined
space until relieved at his duties. It shall be his job upon observing the developing
emergency situation to use the preliminary agreed communication protocols to summon
help immediately.

 Have knowledge of emergency procedures and knowledge of emergency contact numbers

at the work location.

 Log persons movement in and out of confined space in the Confined Space Entry Log
(Appendix 3)

 Ensure that atmosphere testing is carried out by Authorized gas tester at intervals as
specified on the PTW / Risk Assessment

 Ensure closure/securing/barricading of the entry/exit at work completion (or breaks)

 Recognize the effects on personnel of gassing, fatigue etc.

 In case of an emergency at the working place stop the operation immediately and signal
to the persons to escape from confined space and initiate the alarm.

5.9 Fire watcher (where the confined space work includes hot work)

 Check the work area prior to hot work activities commencing.

 Ensure the removal of all combustible/flammable materials from the work site and
surrounding area.

 Ensure that all necessary firefighting equipment is available at the entry point in a
serviceable condition.

 Remain on fire watch during all hot work activities

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 Raise the alarm and take prompt action in the event of a fire caused by hot work activities.

 Ensure the area is left in a safe condition after the hot work has finished.

 Remain on fire watch at the worksite for 30 minutes after hot work activity ceases.

 If hot work includes the use of bottled oxygen or flammable gases the fire watcher shall
ensure that:

 the cylinders are located outside of the confined space and adequately secured,

 hoses are withdrawn from the confined space when not in use and at all breaks and
that they are physically disconnected or purged.

5.10 Personnel working in Confined Space

 Shall perform work safely at all times complying with this procedure, requirements
defined in relevant PTW and RA, and any other Iraq legislation as well as LMEL
applicable safety rules, standards and procedures during the execution of the work and be
properly trained for all work they will undertake associated with confined space/vessel
entry.

 Specialized personal protective equipment shall be worn when entering any enclosed space
or vessel dependent on the identified hazards e.g. slicker suits, rubber boots, rubber gloves,
eye and respiratory protection.

 Workers wearing SCBA must be medically fit (certified by medical examination), with no
respiratory problems, and be properly trained for all work they will undertake associated
with confined space/vessel entry. Workers have to receive more information about rules
and recommendations during SCBA training course.

 Attend & acknowledge tool box safety meeting held and sign the Pre-Job Briefing
Personnel List (TBT) attached to PTW.

5.11 Contractors

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 All contractors and their sub-contractors are responsible for complying with the WQ - 2
Confined Space Entry Procedure while working at LME Operated facilities.

6. CSE PROCESS

6.1 Definition of Confined Space:

A confined space is defined as any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of serious
injury or death from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (e.g. lack of oxygen).
A confined space:
 Is large enough for an employee to enter fully and perform assigned work;
 Is not designed for continuous occupancy by the employee; and
 Has a limited or restricted means of entry or exit.

Examples are storage tanks, vessels, drains or sewers, chambers, ductwork or some less
obvious examples such as poorly ventilated spaces or open- ended pipes. Partially enclosed
areas such as pits, excavations and tank roofs are considered to be confined spaces when they
are deep enough for the breathing zone to be inside the excavation (more than 1.2 meters) and
the ventilation is insufficient to prevent possible buildup of hazardous vapors.
It is not possible to provide a comprehensive list of confined spaces. Some places may become
confined spaces when work is carried out or during their construction, fabrication or modification.
A Confined Space Entry means not only complete body entry, but also inserting a head into, for
example, manway openings, hatches and pipe ends.

NOTE: Any section of the pipe, open at one or both ends, where person can physically or
partial enter shall be classified as confined space and controlled as such. The maximum
distance from an open end shall be specified on the CSE Certificate. This distance will
depend on the pipe geometry, change in grade, location and diameter. Entry into pipe less
than 60 cm diameter shall not be allowed.

Conditions immediately dangerous to life or health.

In atmospheres where concentrations of toxic vapors present an immediately dangerous threat to

life and health, it takes very little of these gases to create a deadly environment inside a confined
space. Entry into a confined space containing toxic vapors in concentrations which are
immediately dangerous to life and health to people for purpose of working is prohibited, even
with supplied breathing equipment. The area must be ventilated sufficiently to reduce the level of
toxic gases to an acceptable level before entry is allowed.

Immediately dangerous to life or health is any condition:

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 That poses an immediate or delayed threat to life

 That causes irreversible adverse health effects
 That interferes with an individual’s ability to escape unaided from dangerous atmosphere
within a reasonable period of time.

6.2 Hazards and Risk Assessment:

Before carrying out work which involves entry into a confined space, a risk assessment
should be carried out to formulate a safe system of work. The risk assessment should
determine

Among others, CSE specific hazards to be considered in carrying out a risk assessment,
and adequate control measures implemented, including but not limited to:

 possible oxygen deficiency/enrichment due to the various reasons;

 ingress of liquids, toxic or explosive gases, steam, inert gas, water, raw materials,
etc.;
 presence of pyrophoric substances;
 inadvertent confinement i.e. closing or blocking of exit routes;
 moving machinery;
 electricity.

6.3 Confined Space Entry Certificate

The issue of this Certificate does not replace Hot or Cold permit for the actual work which
will be performed inside the vessel. The CSE Certificate cannot be issued as a separate
document, and always used as an attachment to one of the main types of PTW, i.e. Cold or
Hot PTW.

 Protective System, Electrical and Mechanical Isolation Certificates, Gas Clearance

Certificate, Confined Space Entry Data Sheet (Appendix #4), Tool box talk form and
personal log in/out from that confirms atmospheric conditions are safe for work may be
required in conjunction with the Confined Space Entry Certificate.

 The Confined Space Entry Certificate is valid for 24 hours only and implementation of the
task must be going only in day light time, with the exception of an urgent work or work
conducted during the day and their duration cannot be postponed to the next day because
of their complexity.

NOTE: In case the work started and after 24 hours needs to be continued, new Confined
Space Entry Certificate shall be reissued.

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6.4 Procedure prior to entry

 The PRA and PH shall survey the confined space in order to evaluate any potential
hazards. All concerned shall agree to the detailed isolation and work standards
established. All precautions, controls and work instructions must be clear and
unambiguous and shall be fully communicated to all those involved in the activity. Close
liaison between all concerned parties is essential.

 The Person Responsible for the Area (PRA) shall be notified of intended tank, vessel or
confined space entry within his area of responsibility.

 The Isolation Authorized Person will perform isolations of the confined space / vessel and
sign any mechanical, electrical or protective system isolation certificates when the
isolation has been completed.

 The Permit Holder shall be responsible for the administration of the work permit. On
receipt of a request for starting the Confined Space Entry, the PRA shall conduct an
inspection of the area and arrange for the Authorized Gas Tester to carry out a gas test.
The time and results of the test shall be recorded in Gas Clearance Certificate attached
to the PTW.

 A Confined Space Entry Data Sheet (Appendix 4) shall be developed and documented for
each Confined Space and shall be attached to CSE Certificate. The details of the data sheet
shall be discussed as a part of a toolbox talk. The CSE Data Sheet must be prepared at early
stages of preparation. The purpose of the CSE Data Sheet is to give an overview of the
confined space details, shape, size, and to specify methods of communication with both
work parties and the emergency services.

 The PH shall conduct a pre-job TBT with all persons concerned in order to explain the
job and the safety precautions to be taken.

 A trained Authorized Gas Tester shall conduct a gas test of the area/space or vessel and
record the time and results on Gas Clearance Certificate for all subsequent tests if required
by PTW/Risk Assessment.

 The PH must conduct and document routine inspections of the confined space entry work
preparation in accordance with the confined space checklist (Appendix 1).

 The PH and PRA shall ensure that all necessary fire, rescue and safety equipment is
available at the entry point.

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 Regular or continuous O2, flammability (LEL), toxicity (e.g. CO & H2S) readings shall
be taken by the Authorized Gas Tester to ensure a safe working atmosphere. Should the
atmosphere reach predetermined warning or alarm levels, work shall stop until the problem
has been investigated and rectified. When work is suspended the associated PTW’s shall
be signed in the work suspended section by the person suspending the work. CSEC must
be closed by PH and PRA. Work may only resume when the original problem is rectified
and all necessary re-tests have been carried out and the work resuming section of all PTW’s
has been signed. The new CSEC to be issued in this case.

 If SCBA is required all users shall be trained and medically fit to use the same.

 Standby man must be at the entrance to the confined space or vessel whenever personnel
is inside.

 Despite the number of personnel working in a CS shall be kept to an absolute minimum

especially when burning or welding work is being carried out inside, at least two persons
must enter into CS at any moment. One person entry is strictly prohibited.

 A clearly understood signal system shall be established between the workers entering the
confined space and the standby man prior to entry and the start of operations.

 When the area conditions are satisfactory to all parties, the Confined Space Entry
Certificate and associated Permit to Work together with attachments shall be signed and
issued to the requester (as per Permit to Work Procedure).

 Associated PTW together with CSEC and Entry Check List shall be posted at the entry
point.

 When the work in confined space has been completed the PRA and PH shall be
responsible for closing out the CSE Certificate. (As per LMEL PTW Procedure
requirements)

6.5 Preparation for entry

6.5.1 Cleaning

 According to the nature of the contents, the vessel shall be emptied, made clean and void
of residue by hot or cold water flushing, steam, air purging or chemical neutralization.

NOTE: Precautions shall be in place to avoid vacuum formation if steam is used to

purge the confined space
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 Protective clothing and respiratory equipment shall not be used as an alternative to purging,
cleaning and ventilating.

 If pyrophoric deposits are suspected inside a confined space, deposits shall be kept wet
from the moment they could come into a contact with air until they are safely removed
from site.

6.5.2 Isolation

 The confined space shall be adequately isolated from all mechanical, electrical and
associated process systems pipe work, sources of energy and equipment as defined in
respective RA.

 Positive and adequate measures shall be taken in order to prevent harmful materials,
either solid, liquid or vapor from entering the vessel while persons are inside.

 Mechanical Isolation shall be physical separation or misalignment of associated pipe work,

or a fully bolted blind that is of sufficient strength to withstand the normal working
pressure of the system. In exceptional cases, for non-hydrocarbon systems, as a minimum
double block and bleed (DBB) isolation could be accepted for a short term, with a
continuous monitoring of the isolation bleed point for integrity and tightness. In case of
any indication of the DBB isolation failure, personnel must be immediately evacuated from
the Confined Space and the CSE Certificate suspended until isolation tightness restored or
isolation method reviewed.

 Small bore pipe work (e.g. to a common drains system) can provide an unforeseen
hydrocarbon ingress route (sometimes referred to as a “sneak path”) must also be
considered and included as part of the isolation for vessel entry.

 An isolation plan (P&ID) with highlighted points of isolation shall accompany the PTW

 Any isolations shall be undertaken by persons authorized to do so who will also sign the
associated isolation certificate along with the person responsible for the area (PRA). (NB
Temporary de-isolations will not be permitted whilst a CSE Certificate remains live).

 All sources of static electricity shall be considered and controlled by grounding.

Examples such as hoses, air movers or fans can all generate static electricity. Additionally
all work shall be stopped during a lightning storm.

NOTE: Isolation by a single valve closure to provide vessel entry protection is

prohibited.
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6.5.3 Ventilation

 Ventilation shall be sufficient to ensure adequate oxygen level to support life.

 This air flow shall be maintained when work is being executed inside the confined space
and suitable monitoring established

 The method and quantity of air of the ventilation shall be determined depending on
the characteristic of the confined space and the activities to be performed inside it (welding,
maintenance, cleaning etc.)

 The ventilation air shall be suitable for breathing and shall not be contaminated with
hydrocarbons or other contaminants. In gas hazardous areas the air intake point of the air
ventilation system must be monitored for air quality by portable multi-gas monitor.

 Sufficient operational control in the area adjacent to the confined space air intake shall be
exercised to avoid any inadvertent release of harmful substances or blockage of the intake

 Air movers shall be positioned to ensure there are no stagnant areas in the confined space

 Exhaust air from the confined space shall be arranged /directed in such way as to
minimize hazards for both personnel and equipment

 The confined space shall be thoroughly ventilated, preferably by some positive method
of mechanical exhaust air ventilator in order to avoid re-circulating contaminated air.

 The confined space heated during preparation must be cooled to a temperature not greater
than 30 degrees prior to entry of personnel. In the case the need of work in higher
temperatures, additional safety measures have to be undertaken (continuous purge with
fresh air, heat-insulating shoes, frequent breaks, etc.).

NOTЕ: Use of compressed air or oxygen for the ventilation of confined space is
prohibited.

 All ventilation or air-moving equipment shall be bonded and grounded.

 After the vessel has been cleaned and ventilated the mechanical exhaust system shall
be kept operating.

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 Should the work within the confined space or vessel use or create flammable liquids,
vapor, gases or dust, all sources of ignition shall be excluded from the actual work location
and immediate surrounding area.

6.5.4 Gas Testing, Monitoring and Re - entering

Entry into a confined space shall not be authorized unless the atmosphere has been tested by
Authorized Gas Tester.
Initial Gas test and all subsequent gas tests must be logged in the Gas Clearance certificate
stating the date, time and location where the reading was taken.

NOTE: Initial Gas tests must be performed in a presence of PH and PRA prior starting
of activities.

The readings that AGT shall obtain are:

O2 19.5 % (absolute minimum) to 21%, flammability 0%, toxicity 0 ppm (e.g. CO 0

ppm & H2S 0 ppm). According to the OSHA regulation 1910.146.
For entry into a confined space without wearing SCBA the readings taken by the
Authorized gas tester for flammability, toxicity and oxygen levels shall be the same
as measured outside in fresh air. If the readings as shown above are not obtainable,
SCBA shall be worn.

If oxygen level exceeding the ambient natural level has been detected then entry shall
not be undertaken until the source of oxygen enrichment found and eliminated.

As a general rule, test shall be carried out in the following sequence:

- oxygen content

- flammable gases

- toxic gases

Where practicable Gas testing samplings of the interior shall be conducted from outside
using extension probes and hoses (where sludge is not present). If this is not possible the
Authorized Gas tester must wear SCBA for initial gas test and follow all the precautions
as per the PTW Risk Assessment.

In case that gas test must be performed in large vertical columns and Confined space
where the atmosphere stratified, gas testing shall be done on different levels to ensure that

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entire atmosphere is fit for entry. If so, separate readings must be recorded in GCC
specifying the level where the measurement was taken.

Monitoring shall be repeated and results recorded at regular intervals whilst personnel are
in the Confined space, and in any event the maximum interval between tests shall not
exceed 4 hours or intervals specified on PTW / RA / MS.

In addition to that, Gas test shall be carried out after each break during activities or change
of shift and when requested by PH or PRA.

Continuous Gas testing MUST be carried out always when:

 Where the potential exists for an oxygen deficient atmosphere, or unexpected release of
flammable or toxic gases;

 Where oxygen enrichment is possible, e.g. leaking hoses from oxy / propane burning
equipment in confined space.

NOTE: Confined space shall be evacuated if the values of any test fall outside the
criteria for atmospheric quality.

When returning to Confined space where work has been temporarily suspended all checks
and procedures shall be carried out as for initial entry.

If oxygen deficiency or enrichment occurs while work is in progress, the confined space
shall be evacuated, the source of air contamination shall be investigated, CS ventilated with
air and re-entry permitted only after further test produce satisfactory results.

6.6 General safety precautions

6.6.1 Tools and Equipment

 Where possible electrical powered tools and equipment shall be avoided, air powered
tools shall be used in preference

 Where electrical equipment has to be used then this shall be installed with all necessary
precautions taken to prevent electric shock hazard to personnel. Such protection shall
include the use of Residual Current Devices or Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers and the
Class of portable electrical equipment and tools must comply with the requirements of
Chapter 6 of Electrical Code of Practice for WQ2 facilities approved by Order#107/ME
dated 05.07.2015.
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NOTE: Air powered lamps shall be used as a safer alternative where possible but these
shall be used with anti-static rated air hoses

 Welding and cutting torches shall not be taken into the vessel until safe to operate
within and must be removed from the vessel immediately after use. Air extraction to be
provided during all welding / cutting operations. All these activities shall only be
performed under a Hot Work Permit.

 Any hoses and leads taken into a confined space or vessel shall be kept in good
condition and periodically inspected by competent person for leaks or broken insulation.

 Cylinders of oxygen or any other gases shall never be taken into the vessel.

6.6.2 Signs & Barriers

 Suitable warning signs and barriers shall be erected to ensure all personnel working in
the immediate vicinity are aware of a confined space activity and to prevent access of
personnel who are not part of the on-going confined space entry work.
 All confined spaces where no works are carried out shall be properly marked and entrances
barriered off to prevent an authorized access.

6.6.3 Protective barriers

 Where there is the possibility of objects being dropped or knocked into a vessel or
confined space adequate protective barriers of a suitably robust material e.g. scaffolding
boards or metallic sheeting must be erected to protect the workforce.

6.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

6.7.1 Protective Clothing

 Clothing shall range from specially designed complete coverage suits for protection against
highly toxic chemicals harmful through absorption of the skin, to chemical goggles, hard
hats, gloves and safety boots, normally worn to protect against routine hazards. Persons
working in a vessel shall never unduly expose the skin when working in vessels, and shall
wear a full coverage of clothing at all times when inside the vessel.

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6.7.2 Respirators / SCBA

 Only certified Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) fed from an approved &
certified airline supply shall be used if the integrity of the atmosphere cannot be guaranteed,
and if there is any possibility of air contamination of a harmful nature, or of oxygen
deficiency while a person is inside the vessel.
 SCBA pressure must be controlled and recorded at the entrance to the Confined Space by
the Standby Man. Upon activation of SCBA low pressure alarm, personnel must leave the
Confined Space immediately without delays.

NOTE: Filtering protective masks/respirators do not afford adequate protection and

therefore, shall not be used.

6.8 Training

All LMEL employees and contractors who will enter confined spaces shall pass the
Confined Space Entry training course provided by the recognized licensed training provider.
Personnel responsible for supervising, entering or participating in confined space entry
and rescue shall be adequately trained in their functional duties prior to any confined space
entry.

6.8.1 Specific Training

Training for Standby Man:

Person assigned to be a Standby Man must be trained for Confined Space Entry similar to other
members of CSE team.

6.9 Emergency Response and Rescue

 As a general principle, rescue from Confined Space could be divided into external rescue
(retrieval) and internal rescue. External rescue (retrieval) can be carried out by the CSE
trained personnel without entering the CS by using the retrieval lines, winches, lifelines
etc. Internal rescue, requiring entry into CS, should be carried out by competent persons,
trained for CS rescue. Depending on the matter of emergency situation, it could be ERS
members or other personnel possessing the CSE Rescue training certificate issued by the
recognized licensed training provider. Anyhow, the final decision on the level of
intervention in case of emergency to be based on the results of the task-based Risk
Assessment.

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 Where potential exposure to hazardous substances in the vessel is acute, or requires

personnel to wear respiratory protection or where rescue may be difficult, the
person/persons shall be provided with a body harness and lifeline attached, filtered air-
line fitted with a positive pressure face mask or a positive pressure breathing apparatus.
(SCBA). All personnel required to wear SCBA shall be verified as trained in its use.

 Each working team involved in confined space activities shall have at least one person
trained in basic first aid.

 Rescuers entering the vessel shall be protected with the safety equipment required by
the situation.

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Appendix №1 to Confined Space Entry Procedure

Appendix №2 to Confined Space Entry Procedure

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY CERTIFICATE

1.Details
Permit Reference
Facility/area/location Facility Area Location
Equipment No.

Purpose for entrance:

2.Authorization (valid for 24 hours)

The Authorized Gas Tester, declare that this confined space is safe for The PRA, confirm that the isolations and preparations have been
entry under the conditions stated on this Certificate. completed. Work inside this confined space can now start.

Name Signature Date/Time Name Signature Date/Time

Comments

3.Closure

The PH, declare that this confined space entry activity is completed. The PRA, declare that this confined space entry activity is completed.

Name Signature Date/Time Name Signature Date/Time

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Appendix №3 to Confined Space Entry Procedure

C O N F I N E D S P A C E E N T R Y L O G
Date ____________________ Permit № ____________________
Enter each “Authorized Entrant’s” name below.
Enter applicable time of day for “Authorized Entrants” going “IN” and coming “OUT” of the confined space.
AUTHORIZED ENTRANTS

ID BADGE IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN SIGNATURE

ENTRANT’S NAME NUMBER

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Appendix №4 to Confined Space Entry Procedure

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY DATA SHEET

FACILITY: AREA: № of VESSEL / TANK / PIT PTW №

1. 3.
STANDBY PERSON NAME
2. 4.

TYPE OF CONFINED SPACE

(ENTRY POINTS TO BE INDICATED)

VERTICAL VESSEL HORIZONTAL VESSEL TANK

TRENCH
PIT DRAINAGE CHANNEL OTHER

COMMON PARAMETERS OF CONFINED SPACE

DIAMETER, М WIDTH, М MANWAYS OTHER
CONFINED SPACE /
Quantity SIZE, М EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION

HEIGHT, М DEPTH, M

LENGTH, М

METHOD OF COMMUNICATION WITH PEOPLE INSIDE CONFINED SPACE

RADIO SIGNALS by HAND SIGNALS with ROPE AUDIBLE / VOICE CALL OTHER

EMERGENCY - RESCUE EQUIPMENT

RADIO SAFETY HARNESS LIFE LINE EXTRA S.C.B.A. PULLEY BLOCK PORTABLE LIGHTING

STRETCHER TRIPOD WITH WINCH FIRE EXTINGUISHER LADDERS OTHER

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
UNIT SERVICES
CONTROL ROOM / MCB AMBULANCE ERS

PHONE TETRA PHONE TETRA PHONE TETRA PHONE TETRA

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