Confined Spaces
safety audit checklist

Permits, atmosphere monitoring, rescue plans.

Every check below says what good looks like, when it passes, the regulation or HSE guidance it rests on and the defects that usually fail it. Critical checks are marked: a fail on one of those stops the activity.

1. 1.

   Confined space risk assessment completed

   Critical: a fail stops the work
   What to look forWritten assessment identifying space as confined per Confined Spaces Regs 1997 (substantially enclosed + specified risks). Assessment of: oxygen deficiency/enrichment, flammable atmosphere, toxic gas, free-flowing solids, mechanical/electrical hazards, heat. Hierarchy applied, eliminate need for entry first. Specific to this space and this task, not generic.
   Acceptable whenConfined Spaces Regs 1997 Reg 3, duty to assess risks. Reg 4, must avoid entry where reasonably practicable. Site-specific assessment by competent person. Reviewed before each entry if conditions change.
   StandardConfined Spaces Regs 1997. L101, Safe work in confined spaces ACOP. INDG258, Safe work in confined spaces.
   Common defectsGeneric assessment, not specific to this spaceEntry justified without proving "reasonably practicable" alternative triedSpecified risks (per CSR Reg 1 schedule) not all consideredAssessment not reviewed when works changeNo competent assessor, site supervisor without training
2. 2.

   Permit to enter issued and signed

   Critical: a fail stops the work
   What to look forPermit signed by issuer (trained authoriser), accepted by entry team. Specifies: location, task, atmospheric test results, controls in place, isolation evidence, rescue arrangements, time limit. Time-bound, typically 4 hours max, never overnight. Closed out at end. Displayed at entry point.
   Acceptable whenConfined Spaces Regs 1997 Reg 4, safe system of work, including permit-to-work where appropriate (almost always for medium-high risk). L101 ACOP. Issuer and entrants trained.
   StandardConfined Spaces Regs 1997. L101. HSG250, Guidance on permit-to-work systems.
   Common defectsNo permit, just verbal authorisationPermit issuer untrainedPermit shared between unrelated entriesNo close-out, left openPermit time expired but entrants still inside
3. 3.

   Atmosphere monitoring before and during entry
   What to look forCalibrated 4-gas monitor (O2, LEL, CO, H2S minimum) tested at entry, then continuously by entrant or top-man as appropriate. O2: 19.5-23.5%. LEL: <10%. CO: <30 ppm. H2S: <10 ppm. Pre-entry test from outside (lowering probe), then at multiple depths. Calibration current, bump test daily.
   Acceptable whenConfined Spaces Regs 1997 + L101, atmosphere tested before entry and during occupation. Acceptance: O2 19.5-23.5%, LEL <10% (some standards 5%), CO <30 ppm STEL or per WEL, H2S <10 ppm. Bump test daily, full calibration per manufacturer.
   StandardConfined Spaces Regs 1997. L101. EH40/2005 (WELs). BS EN 60079 series for monitor certification.
   Common defectsSingle-gas monitor (O2 only), misses flammable/toxicBump test missed, sensors silently failedTested at top of vessel only, heavier gases missed belowContinuous monitoring switched off after entryCalibration certificate expired
4. 4.

   Rescue plan and equipment in place
   What to look forWritten rescue plan specific to this entry. Tripod and winch with dedicated rescue line and full-body harness rated for rescue (EN 1496 Class A or B). SCBA or escape sets for rescuers. Resuscitation equipment available. Rescue does NOT rely on emergency services as primary plan.
   Acceptable whenConfined Spaces Regs 1997 Reg 5, suitable and sufficient emergency arrangements. L101, rescue does not rely solely on external emergency services. Rescue equipment ready for immediate use, tested at start of shift.
   StandardConfined Spaces Regs 1997 Reg 5. L101. BS EN 1496 (rescue lifting devices), EN 1497 (rescue harnesses). HSG250.
   Common defectsNo tripod/winch, rescue would require entry by another person"Plan" is just "call 999"Rescue line attached to working harness, not rescue D-ringNo SCBA, rescuers would also be overcomeRescue plan generic, not tailored to this access geometry
5. 5.

   Trained rescue team on standby
   What to look forRescue team on standby outside the space throughout entry. Trained in confined space rescue and SCBA use (typically minimum CITB Confined Space Top Man + SCBA training, or equivalent). Equipment donned and tested. Communications with entrant. Aware of nearest hospital and ambulance access.
   Acceptable whenConfined Spaces Regs 1997 Reg 5. L101, competent rescuers, trained and resourced. SCBA rescuers may need IRATA or specialist certification depending on space configuration.
   StandardConfined Spaces Regs 1997 Reg 5. L101. CITB/CSCS training schemes. NEBOSH/IOSH equivalent.
   Common defectsSite labourer acting as top-man / rescuerRescuer doing other tasks, not dedicated standbyNo SCBA training recordsRescue team not briefed on this space's hazardsNo nearest hospital known
6. 6.

   Communication system between entrant and top man
   What to look forVoice communication via radio or hardline for any entry beyond direct sight/hearing. Tested at start. Rope/line tugs as backup signalling system briefed. Continuous comms in larger or noisy spaces. Top-man not distracted, sole task is monitoring entrant.
   Acceptable whenConfined Spaces Regs 1997 + L101, effective communication required at all times. Two-way verbal preferred; line signals as backup. Recovery system attached to entrant where size/access allows.
   StandardConfined Spaces Regs 1997. L101. ATEX where flammable atmosphere, intrinsically safe radios required.
   Common defectsPhone-only comms, no signal in below-ground spaceTop-man also entry permit issuer doing other tasksNo signalling backup, single failure leaves entrant isolatedRadios not intrinsically safe in flammable atmosphereTop-man can't see entrant and no comms, failure
7. 7.

   Ventilation provided
   What to look forMechanical forced ventilation (extract or supply) where natural ventilation insufficient, typical confined space requires mechanical. Suction/blower properly placed (extract heavier gas from low point; supply fresh air to entrant breathing zone). Ducting reaches base of space. Ventilation running before, during and 5 mins after entry.
   Acceptable whenConfined Spaces Regs 1997 + L101, atmosphere maintained safe; ventilation a primary control where contaminants present. Forced ventilation typically 6-12 air changes per hour. Continuous monitoring confirms effectiveness.
   StandardConfined Spaces Regs 1997. L101. HSG258, Controlling airborne contaminants.
   Common defectsNo mechanical ventilation, relying on door openDucting not reaching working levelExtracting only, pulling contaminated air past entrant faceVentilation switched off at break, atmosphere not retestedContaminated air discharge near other entries, cross-contamination

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