Confined Space Entry Procedure

Purpose. Describes how entry into silos, blenders, hoppers, pits and other confined spaces is planned, permitted, monitored and completed so that nobody is exposed to an unsafe atmosphere, engulfment or entrapment.

1.Scope

This procedure applies to entry into any space listed on the confined space register and to any space that meets the definition of a confined space in the Work Health and Safety Regulation. Silos, ribbon blenders, cement hoppers, batch plant aggregate bins, stormwater pits and culvert elements during finishing are all confined spaces at Apex.

2.Avoiding entry

Entry must be avoided where the task can be done from outside the space, for example by using air lances, remote cameras or vibrators for silo cleaning. The permit issuer must record on the permit the reasons why entry is necessary before approving it.

3.Permit

No person will enter a confined space without a confined space entry permit issued by an authorised permit issuer and a permit to work for the task. The permit must identify the space, the task, the hazards, the isolations, the atmospheric testing results, the ventilation, the standby person, the communication method, the rescue plan and the time of expiry. The permit must be displayed at the entry point.

4.Isolation and engulfment

All feeds into the space must be isolated and locked under the isolation and lockout procedure. Material above the entry level in a silo or hopper must be removed or confirmed stable before entry. Where bridged or hung-up material is present, entry must not proceed until the material has been brought down from outside the space.

5.Atmospheric testing

The atmosphere must be tested by a person trained in gas testing using a calibrated multi-gas detector before entry and continuously during entry. Oxygen must be between 19.5 and 23.5 percent, flammable gas must be below five percent of the lower explosive limit and dust must be controlled by ventilation. Results must be recorded on the permit at the intervals stated.

• Oxygen between 19.5 and 23.5 percent
• Flammable gas below five percent of the lower explosive limit
• Carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide below the exposure standard
• Detector calibration date checked and recorded

6.Standby person and rescue

A standby person must remain at the entry point for the whole entry, must maintain communication with the entrants and must never enter the space. The rescue plan must be practical for the space and the rescue equipment must be at the entry point before entry. If an entrant is in distress the standby person must raise the alarm and start the rescue plan without entering.

7.Completing the entry

When the work is complete the permit issuer must confirm that all entrants and equipment are out of the space, the space is secured and the permit is closed and filed in the permit register. Any incident, near miss or gas alarm during the entry must be recorded in the incident and hazard register.