KOC.SA.

007- Entry into Confined Spaces Procedure

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Entry into Confined Spaces

Document Number: KOC.SA.007

Document
Document Author: TL Safety TL Standards
Coordinator:

Approved by: KOC HSEMS Procedures Sub-committee

Authorized by: KOC HSSE Implementation Committee

Document Control
Original Issue Date: 7th November 2004 Tier 3
Tier:

Revision/Review
13th December 2015 Next Review Date: 12th December 2018
Date:

1.0 Purpose / Scope

The purpose of this document is to outline responsibilities and provide guidance on the
precautions required regarding entry into confined spaces. This procedure describes the
principal precautions that should be taken by all personnel during preparation and entry
into confined space. The procedure applies to all facilities & work locations in areas under
KOC jurisdiction.

2.0 Definitions
Confined Space
Any enclosure having a limited means of entry & exit, not designed for continuous
occupancy and where there is a risk of encountering hazardous substances such as
exposure to flammable, toxic, oxygen deficient, hot or humid atmosphere or any
combination of it. Examples include (but are not limited to) the following:
 Process vessels, tanks, bins, stacks, pedestal, large pipe, duct, pits & trench etc.
 Any enclosure where the presence of air contaminants may be harmful to worker
and prevent his ability to escape unaided.
 Any Excavation with depth more than 1.2 meter.
Confined Space Hazard
A confined space may have one or combination of the following hazards:
 Lack of oxygen to support life.
 Presence of flammable & / or toxic vapor.
 Limitation to convenient entry / exit and communication.
 Presence of corrosive, reactive or self-igniting material
 Extreme temperature and / or humid condition
 Hazard due to electricity or moving machinery
 Hazard due to pressurized fluid
 Hazard due to nature of work to be carried out inside confined space.

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Confined Space Entry

It is the act of physically entering a confined space. Entry into a confined space covers
not only complete body entry, but also when only the head is inserted.
Air Contaminant
It is any potentially harmful substance or chemical, which is present or may be present
in the atmosphere within a confined space.
Permit Issuer
KOC personnel belonging to Asset Operating Team, who are authorized to administer
& approve Work Permits for the entry of personnel into a confined space.
Confined Space Entry Permit:
A document that specifies precautions identifies hazards and controls all work involving
entry to a confined space.
Standby Person
Means an individual stationed outside a confined space that monitors the authorized
entrants to confined space & can also rescue occupants in case of emergency if trained
to do it.
Authorized Gas Tester
Refer Permit to Work Procedure (KOC.SA.004)
Competent Person for Entry Permit Gas Test
A person who has detailed knowledge of ‘Permit to Work’, successfully completed
training on Gas Test, passed the test for authorization and accordingly been nominated
by Corporate Asset / Directorate HSE Team. He / she can be an authorized gas tester
belonging to HSE Group or HSE Teams.

3.0 General Requirements

 KOC HSEMS Element HSE-03-3 & HSE – 05 - 7

4.0 Key Responsibilities

4.1 Permit Issuer
The respective Permit Issuer where the confined space entry is to be carried out, must
ensure the required preparation of the confined space for safe entry, before authorizing
the entry permit: Prior to authorizing the entry permit, the Permit Issuer must consider
the precautions as indicated hereunder but not limited to:
 Ensure that the enclosure for which entry permit is required, constitutes a confined
space as defined above. However in case of doubt on status of a potential confined
space; it will be assessed by “Competent Person for Entry Permit Gas Test” who
will advise the Permit Issuer accordingly.
 Prepare blind / isolation list and mark it on P&ID.
 The confined space is properly isolated and prepared before entry is permitted.
 The confined space has been tested for safe level of oxygen, toxic and flammable
atmosphere, by an authorized gas tester.
 Ensure that atmospheric conditions inside the confined space remain satisfactory
for oxygen level and free from unacceptable levels of toxic or flammable gases
through periodic re-testing by the Worksite Supervisor (during entry period).

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 In consultation with ‘Competent Person for Gas Test’ decides the frequency of re-
testing the atmosphere inside the Confined Space. Retesting to be done in
accordance with the frequency stipulated on the entry permit
 The standby person understands his responsibilities for Confined Space.
4.2 Competent Person for Entry Permit Gas Test
 Verify blind / isolation at the site as per marked P&ID.
 Assess Atmospheric hazards inherent in the confined space, i.e. organic vapors,
toxic or oxygen deficient atmospheres etc.
 Assess work to be performed inside the confined space to evaluate atmospheric
hazards that may be introduced into the confined space as a result of work activity.
 Based on the above assessments identify PPE required for entry, ventilation
requirements.
 Perform gas test of confined space, record readings on permit and signs as
authorized gas tester in the entry permit.
4.3 Work Site Supervisor
 Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment considering all aspects and phases of
confined space works.
 Ensure completion of Job Safety Analysis and conduct Tool Box Talk.
 Inspect SCBA set / Air Line Unit / Rescue Kit before entry and ensure all safety
equipment is fully operational, correctly worn and operated.
 Ensure tasks are carried out in a safe manner and all permit conditions as well as
precautions adhered to.
 Carry out onsite gas monitoring during the entry permit validity in accordance with
the frequency stipulated on the entry permit.
 Ensure workers entering confined space are physically fit as per Occupational
Health requirement.
 Ensure presence of qualified / competent stand by person
 Ensure that safeguard for prevention of fire & explosion in to confined space is
identified and implemented before start the jobs/activity site is made safe upon
completion of task.
 Ensure that No spark generated equipment are in use while opening the manhole
or entering into confined space of Sewage System
4.4 Standby Person
 Ensures all personnel, who enter confined space, understand emergency
evacuation procedure.
 Ensures radio communication is maintained during entry period and radio
communication is tested at regular intervals.
 Informs control room when personnel enter the confined space (including number of
personnel) and does not leave work location while personnel are working inside the
confined space.
 Ensure a record is kept of all persons entering and leaving the confined space.
Should personnel be entering the confined space with the use of SCBA Set , a
record of the pressure contained within the SCBA Set / cylinder as well as the
entry and exit time of all personnel working inside the confined space is

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maintained and monitored as per attached Appendix–A. (The entry record shall be
preserved for the period as related to confined space entry permit).
 Ensure the alarm is raised in the event of emergency involving personnel inside
the confined space. He will hand over the entry record sheet to the rescue team on
their arrival in case of emergency in the confined space.
 Inform the main control room when inspection or work has been completed and all
personnel withdrawn from the confined space.
Note: The Standby Person shall not enter the confined space at any time unless he is
trained in search & rescue. .
4.5 Authorized Entrants
 Participate in Toolbox Talk and follows established safety practices & standards
 Read the conditions required for Confined Space Entry & associated permits.
 Aware of confined space hazards that may be faced during entry including signs
or symptoms as well as consequences of exposure to harmful atmosphere.
 Inspect, test and make proper use of equipment including protective devices
 Maintain communication with Standby Person to enable monitoring of status inside
the confined space.
 Alert the Standby Person if any unsafe condition exists or when symptoms of
exposure appear inside confined space.
 Evacuate from confined space as soon as possible when:
- Advised by the Standby Person
- Noticing unsafe condition or symptoms of exposure inside confined space
- An unsafe condition exists.
 Each authorized entrant must wear the required safety harness and lifeline to
facilitate rescue.

5.0 Procedure
5.1 General
5.1.1 Confined Space Entry Elements:
The types of confined space and its associated hazards varies widely according to the
configuration, nature of service, material stored and work to be executed inside the
confined space. The entry procedure can be conveniently interpreted to suit each case.
However a general procedure and guidelines comprising the various elements of
Confined Space Entry process is summarized as hereunder:
a) Pre-entry planning & potential hazard assessment.
b) Preparation of Confined Space for entry
c) Ensuring safe condition by testing the atmosphere.
d) Obtaining appropriate permits separately for entry & work.
e) Work monitoring and supervision.
f) Final inspection and returning the confined space to normal service.

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5.1.2 Pre-entry Planning & Hazards / Risk Assessment:

All activities involving the preparation of a confined space and the entry of personnel
shall be carried out in a planned & systematic manner. This includes:
 The planned work shall be discussed with all concerned teams, trades and principal
personnel who will be involved in the isolation, preparation, safeguarding of the
confined space and its return to normal operation.
 The arrangements / requirements for suitable spades, blinds, gaskets, PPEs,
ventilators, additional lights & Gas Testing equipment etc. shall be carried out in
advance to ensure sufficient material prior to commencement of work
 Preparation of vessel/ tank including isolation from all sources of energy, venting,
water flushing, nitrogen purging, steam purging (where required) and purging with
air.
 The identification, assessment & control of hazards associated such as heat, cold,
noise, vibration, fatigue, pyrophoric iron deposits, presence of toxic or flammable
vapors and oxygen deficiency inside the confined space.
 Conducting test for toxic gas, flammable gas and oxygen content on a pre-
determined schedule.
 Conducting risk assessment for entry and accomplishment of work.
 Provision for rescue of personnel from the interior of confined space. The need of
rescue equipment (such as full body harness, lifeline etc) will depend upon the
configuration & service of the Confined Space.
 Deployment of an Standby person at the entrance of the confined space, when the
personnel are within the confined space.
 Suitable and sufficient precautions must be put in place to ensure that the
atmosphere of any confined space does not put at risk the health and safety of any
persons entering it. This includes the issuance of Confined Space Entry Permit and
other Work Permits in accordance with Permit to Work Procedure. Specific
conditions for entry are detailed in subsequent sections of this document.
5.2 Preparation for Entry into a Confined Space
5.2.1 Vessel/ Tank Isolation
The vessel/ tank will be isolated from all sources of energy such as electrical, hydraulic
or pneumatic as a part of preparation for entry. Before any part of the manifold or lines
connected to a vessel/ tank is opened up, the vessel/ tank shall be isolated from any
pressure source by means of physical disconnection of pipe spool or installing the
suitably rated spades / spectacle blinds. Entry of personnel into a vessel/ tank l shall
not be authorized until the vessel/ tank is isolated as close as possible to the vessel/
tank by physical disconnection (e.g. removal of pipe spool) or by the installation of spades
/ spectacles blinds which have the same pressure rating as the flange and the vessel/
tank is ensured safe by fulfilling preparatory requirement.
5.2.2 Venting / Draining of Vessel/ Tank Content
Venting / draining directly to atmosphere is not permitted particularly where venting /
draining of a vessel/ tank contents can be carried out through a purpose designed
venting / disposal system.
Venting or blow down of a vessel/ tank containing hydrocarbons shall initially be done
through normal vent system to the flare up to the minimum attainable pressure. The
atmospheric vent or any other suitable valve can be opened at final stage to blow down
carefully at a controlled rate.
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Venting operations are potentially hazardous; all personnel shall be informed that
venting is planned. The area in the vicinity of the vessel/ tank is cordoned off and
warning notice (both in Arabic & English) posted at the location. Only essential personnel
will be allowed to the location and all Hot Work permits on the installation shall be
withdrawn.
 After the above-mentioned precautions have been taken, the vent can be opened.
Start at any of the top connection.
 Ensure that the vessel/ tank is depressurized by verification through an
independent point (such as an instrument tapping).
 During the removal of pipework or manhole covers, the personnel involved shall
wear breathing apparatus / airline unit; in case there is possibility of toxic vapor
presence.
 During atmospheric venting operations, ensure the controlled rate of venting. If H2S
concentrations exceed 10 ppm in the breathing zone of workers, stop venting and
either flush / purge or locate source of gas and eliminate prior to resuming
atmospheric venting.
5.2.3 Water Flushing
A water flush requirement must be considered in order to minimize the amount of
residual hydrocarbon liquids in the vessel/ tank, and to wet any pyrophoric Sulphide
residues. The flushing procedure will depend on the scope of work and the condition
of vessel/ tank being entered. The contaminated water shall be disposed-off in
environmental friendly manner as per procedure.
5.2.4 Nitrogen Purging
Vessel/ tank service and scope of work will determine extent of nitrogen purging
required. Gas & condensate processing facilities shall always be purged with nitrogen
prior to opening for inspection and proceeding with next step of this procedure.
5.2.5 Air Purging
Various methods of air purging can be considered such as natural draft air purge, or
purging by air driven extraction fan / blower. Electrically driven air movers shall not be
used for initial air purging operations.
 Liquids or gases in motion create static electricity; therefore always ensure that the
vessel/ tank & ventilators are properly bonded to earth. Pneumatically operated
ventilators are recommended in such circumstances.
 During the initial stages of the air purge, product gases may be within the explosive
range, the following precautions shall be taken:
a) All personnel shall be informed prior to commencing purging operation.
b) The area in the vicinity of vessel/ tank shall be cordoned off and warning
notice (both in English & Arabic) posted at the location.
c) Only essential personnel will be allowed at the site and all Hot Work permits
shall be withdrawn.
 Electrically driven air movers (intrinsically safe, explosion proof for Class I, Division - I &
suitable to hazardous area classification) may only be used at a later stage of vessel/
tank purging operations after gas testing has confirmed that the atmosphere in the
vessel/ tank does not fall within the flammability range of hydrocarbon gas being
purged.

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5.3 Flammable Vapor, Toxic Gas & Oxygen Testing:

Prior to opening the vessel/ tank man way, the vessel/ tank will be barricaded from the
surrounding area and a warning notice stating “NO ENTRY” (red back ground with white
font) shall be posted at the man way entrance in Arabic & English.
 Immediately after opening of the vessel/ tank man way, the atmosphere within the
vessel/ tank shall be tested for explosive vapors, toxic gases and for oxygen level
by Competent Person for entry permit gas test. A probe extension shall be used
with the gas monitor to ensure that the atmosphere within the vessel/ tank is
sampled and not the region close to entry.
 Where toxic atmospheric contaminants may be present, initial gas test shall be
taken from the man way entrance while wearing breathing apparatus / airline unit.
Upon confirmation of atmospheric hazard, the vessel/ tank may be entered wearing
required protective equipment, as identified in Table – 1 below. The vessel/ tank
shall be checked for sludge deposit at this time.
 Entry into confined space is to take place within one hour period from the time of
initial gas testing carried out by Competent Person for entry permit gas test;
otherwise a follow-up gas test shall be carried out by Worksite Supervisor
confirming onsite safety prior to entry. This will be in addition to onsite gas
monitoring as specified under Worksite Supervisor responsibility
 Table 1 below indicates the permissible levels with respect to entry & work
restrictions.
ENTRY  Oxygen concentration between 19.5 % & 23.5%
WITHOUT  Flammable gases < 10% LEL
RESPIRATORY
 H2S Concentration < 10 ppm
PROTECTION
 All other toxic vapors, gases & particulate concentrations less than the
PERMITTED
(Refer Note 1&2 as relevant exposure limits ( 8 Hours’ Time Weighted Average)
applicable)  Adequate flow of fresh air must be maintained at all times.

 Oxygen concentration is outside the range 19.5 % - 23.5%

 Flammable gases between 10 % and 49% LEL
RESPIRATORY  H2S Concentration >10 ppm but less than IDLH (100 ppm)
PROTECTION
 All other toxic vapors, gases & particulate concentrations above the relevant
REQUIRED exposure limits (8 Hours’ Time Weighted Average) but less than IDLH value.
FOR ENTRY
 Forced air ventilation must be provided
(Refer Note 1 &2
 Atmosphere must be continuously monitored for O2, toxic gas & hydrocarbons
as applicable)
Note: a) Respiratory Protection & PPE to be determined by Risk Assessment.
b) Air fed Breathing Apparatus must be used where reasonably practicable.

 Oxygen content less than 16%

NO ENTRY  The toxicity of atmosphere is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) for
(except in emergency example:
or for rescue purpose o H2S concentration >100 ppm
only)
o Flammable gases LEL of 50% or above
Note: a) No entry allowed unless it is required to make emergency safety repairs.
b) Air fed SCBA must be used to make emergency entry.

Note:
1. It is to be taken care that level of gas concentrations may change due to variation in
ambient temperature. Always test the air at various levels to be sure that the entire
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space is safe. Good air near the opening of any confined space does NOT mean there
is good air at the other end as well.
2. The entry in a vessel/ tank having sludge or residue inside shall be permitted only by
wearing SCBA sets / airline unit all the time.
a) Sludge once disturbed by entry into a vessel/ tank may cause an increase in
flammable vapor concentrations. Force ventilation shall continue throughout the
operation in order to prevent exceeding the allowable limits. The ventilation
equipment must not block manhole escape ways.
b) During the entry period, onsite gas monitoring by worksite supervisor is to be
carried out as per frequency stipulated in the entry permit, depending upon the
prevailing work conditions such as existence of sludge in the vessel/ tank.
c) When the vessel/ tank is vacated, a new gas test shall be taken before the
vessel/ tank is re-entered.
3. The entry in a sewer shall be permitted after proper risk assessment and entrant must
wear SCBA sets / airline unit all the time as sewer entry differs in following vital aspects
from other confined space entries;
a) Rarely exists any way to completely isolate the space to be entered.
b) Since isolation is not complete, the atmosphere may pose unpredictable hazard
(toxic, flammable or explosive) from reasons beyond the control of workers at site.
5.4 Entry Permit
Vessel/ tank entry shall only be permitted after the required confined space entry permit
has been authorized by Permit Issuer in compliance to Permit to Work Procedure. The
precautions for confined space entry will apply even when a person’s head is inserted
for a quick inspection.
A safety sign titled “ENTRY ALLOWED WITH PERMIT IN THE PRESENCE OF
ATTENDANT” (green background with white font in Arabic and English) shall be displayed at
approved entry point(s) while attendant is present. Similarly “NO ENTRY” sign in red
color font shall be displayed or barrier tape fixed at man-ways not approved for entry and
also at authorized entry point during break times or when the attendant is not available.
5.5 General Ventilation
When welding or other work is to be carried out inside a confined space, precautions
shall be taken to ensure that an adequate flow of fresh air is available and that welding
fumes are removed. Great care shall be taken to ensure that the airflow is always away
from the breathing zone of the welder and that contaminated air does not 'short circuit'
back to the welder.
Where exhaust ventilation is used in a confined space, the extracted air shall be diverted
well away from the confined space so that replacement air shall be fresh. When
adequate ventilation cannot be provided, approved breathing apparatus or a suitable
facemask supplied with fresh air shall be worn. Compressed oxygen or instrument air
shall never be used to ventilate a confined space.
5.6 Temporary Lighting:
The following precautions shall be taken when using temporary lighting inside a
Confined Space:
 Where the confined space has not been declared gas free, pneumatically driven
flameproof lights or certified battery powered torches shall be used. Lights must be
certified for a Zone 1 (Division-1) area.

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 Confined spaces, which have been certified gas free but where flammable residues
could remain, may be illuminated as above; or by extra low voltage (25V AC)
portable lighting equipment, approved for use in a Zone 1 (Division-1) area.
 Where the confined space has been cleaned of all flammable residues and certified
gas free, or is a confined space by virtue of restricted access alone and there has
never been the possibility of it containing a flammable atmosphere, standard low
voltage industrial lighting may be used.
 The supply cables (approved for use in a Zone 1; Division 1 Area) to transformers, for
extra low voltage portable lights, must always be supported above ground and the
transformers never taken inside the Confined Space.

5.7 Use of Tools

The use of tools inside the vessel/ tank shall be carefully controlled with only specific,
non-sparking tools allowed for work involving explosive vapors or flammable products. It
is recommended to use a wooden shovel for removing sludge from a vessel/ tank .
 If the atmosphere inside the confined space requires SCBA to be worn due to
presence of hydrocarbon, no electrical tools must be used by the entrants. In that
situation pneumatically driven tools may only be used. Any tools with potential to
generate sparks, e.g., grinders or needle guns, shall not be used.
 All liquids or gases in motion are capable of generating electrostatic charges.
Therefore all equipment used in gas freeing, cleaning and repair work must be
effectively bonded and earthed. This also applies to the lines & hoses used for
removing residues, mechanical ventilators / exhaust fans, jetting equipment, grit
blast tool and paint spray system.
 Moreover detail process of ‘Cleaning, Inspection & Repair Work’ for a hydrocarbon
service tank need to be covered in a functional procedure developed by Controlling
Team taking into account potential risk & precautionary requirement as per scope
of work
 Equipment shall be grounded where static electricity is a potential hazard or could
be created by activities in or around the confined space (e.g. water flushing).

5.8 Welding
Before carrying out any welding, cutting or grinding operation inside a confined space;
the space shall be proved free from hydrocarbon including free from flammable
residuals. Compressed gas cylinders shall not be allowed in a confined space for
welding or cutting activities
5.9 Protective Clothing
For initial vessel/ tank entry and during cleaning operations, it is recommended to use
suitable protective clothing required for the work and its associated hazard (such as
neoprene suits, protective clothes, footwear & coveralls specially allocated for vessel/
tank entry). The cleaning personnel MUST NOT SMOKE, EAT or DRINK while wearing
clothing contaminated by hydrocarbon.
If a toxic substance is suspected being present, then either the specific test for the
substance must be made (e.g. using a Dräger tube or other direct-reading instrument) as
well as appropriate PPE including respiratory protection must be worn

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5.10 Pyrophoric Deposits:

Any hazard associated with pyrophoric Iron Sulphide may arise in process vessel/ tank.
If pyrophoric scale from these vessel/ tank is permitted to dry out, oxygen in the air
may cause it ignite spontaneously. During cleaning activities, any sludge of pyrophoric
nature shall be kept wet & taken out of vessel/ tank as soon as possible and disposed
off in a safe manner.
To prevent a temperature rise, the interior surface of the vessel/ tank shall be wetted
with water until the atmosphere in the vessel/ tank reaches below flammable range. The
wetting also tends to isolate these pyrophoric deposits from oxygen present during
ventilation.
The necessary intimation must be provided to waste management contractor if
pyrophoric deposit is to be removed or handled from equipment / system for disposal.

5.11 Rescue & Relief

A standby man wearing a highly visible vest shall be stationed at the confined space
entry point. He shall be equipped with a portable radio and must keep visual contact
with personnel working inside the confined space.
 The standby man must have required training to understand his responsibilities
associated with confined space entry.
 The standby man will inform Control Room (by portable radio) each time the vessel/
tank is entered or vacated & all entries / exits will be recorded in Control Room log
book.
 In case of emergency inside the facility, the personnel inside the confined space
must leave immediately. The standby man shall advise the Control Room by radio,
when the personnel inside the confined space have vacated, the site shall be made
safe and the personnel shall proceed to muster at the designated assembly point.
 If an emergency inside the confined space, the standby person must not enter the
vessel/ tank until a relief arrives. It is the responsibility of standby man to summon
aid immediately by contacting the Control Room through radio or other available
means of communication. The emergency shall be dealt as per Corporate
Emergency Response Plan & Site Specific Emergency Response Procedure.
 Personnel working inside the vessel/ tank will be given a rest period at each 30
minutes intervals, or more frequent depending upon prevailing conditions such as
heat stress, humid atmosphere etc.
5.12 Final Inspection
Upon completion of the work (inspection or repair of the vessel/ tank) the vessel/ tank is to
be closed permanently. The permit issuer shall inspect the vessel/ tank internally and
ensure that there are no tools, equipment, rags or other foreign objects left in the vessel/
tank. He will then witness the closing up operations and sign off the work permit &
confined space entry permit.
5.13 Continuous Monitoring & Repeat Testing
Continuous gas monitoring shall be carried out in case any activity inside the confined
space can alter atmospheric conditions or there is a known activity taking place outside
the confined space during the entry that has direct potential to alter the atmospheric
conditions inside the confined space. The continuous monitoring of gas provides the
most reliable means of detecting the changing conditions in the confined space. In such
situation the following precautions shall be ensured:

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 The alarms on gas monitors shall be function tested to confirm its working.
 Normal breathing by entrants should affect the air quality monitoring marginally in
small confined spaces.
 A continuous monitor shall be kept close to the work in progress and shall be
positioned so that the attendant can see and/or hear any alarm.
 The monitor should be positioned so that an entrant in the confined space can see
and/or hear any alarm.
 If periodic monitoring is used, the frequency that adequately protects the entrants
from potential contaminants shall be established.
 The periodic monitoring of gas shall not exceed a two-hour period.
 The confined space shall be evaluated prior to re-entry after any break in
continuous entry confirming satisfactory results which are recorded.
5.14 Training & Awareness Session
 Personnel having roles associated with confined space entry must be trained to
perform activities specified under clause 4.0 Key Responsibilities. The training
must be provided before personnel perform such roles.
 Training for personnel involved in confined space entry must be provided by
experienced instructors and must cover the content outlined in the procedure.
 Training must be documented.

6.0 Key Documents / Tools / References

 Permit to Work Procedure; (KOC.SA.004)
 Gas Testing Procedure (KOC.HE.003)
 HSE Training, Awareness & Continued HSE Learning Process (KOC.GE.028)
 KOC Corporate Emergency Response Plan (KOC.GE.026)
 Job Safety Analysis Procedure (KOC.SA.024)
 Site Specific Emergency Response Plan

7.0 Abbreviations
 KOC – Kuwait Oil Company
 HSE – Health, Safety & Environment
 HSEMS – Health, Safety & Environment Management System
 P&ID – Piping & Instrumentation Diagram
 PPE - Personal Protective Equipment
 SCBA – Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
 LEL – Lower Explosive Limit
 ppm – Parts per Million

8.0 HSE Records (Retention Time)

 Confined Space Entry Permits (Indefinite, Refer KOC.SA.004 – PTW Procedure)
 Confined Space Entry Attendance/Record Sheet (Indefinite)

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Review & Revision Log

Review/ Revision
Review / Revision Details
Date

15th March 2004 Draft for internal review

7th Nov 2004 Issued after review by HSEMS IC

30th Nov 2005 1st update & review by HSEMS IC

7th May 2006 2nd update & review by HSEMS IC

Added: Clause No. 2 Definition of ‘Confined Space Hazard’, Clause 4.5 Roles &
Responsibilities of Entrant,
Clause 5.3 Note 3 added, Clause 5.5, 5.6, 5.8, 7.0 & 8.0 Appendix A Entry & Exit Record Form
Rephrased: Standby Person definition, Clause No. 4.2 one point added, Clause 4.3
1st March 2011 requirement of JSA & Tool Box Talk added, Clause 4.4 point added on Entry & Exit Record,
Clause 5.1.2 one point added, Clause 5.3 Clause 5.4 new Para added, Clause No 5.7
Deleted: Clause 2 Definition of ‘Competent Person for Entry Permit Gas Test’ Word Service
Contractor / Consultant deleted, Clause 5.3 Testing of Benzene concentration deleted.
Re-number: clause 5.0 sub-clauses renumbered.

Control Tier changed from 4 to 3

Clause 1.0 Purpose last sentence rephrased,
Clause 2.0 Excavation example added,
Clause 4.1 Competent Person for Gas Test replaced.
24th March 2013
Clause 4.1 Ensure presence of qualified / competent stand by person added
Clause 5.10 Pyrophoric deposit last Para added
Clause 6.0 JSA Procedure added, Gas Testing Procedure amended.
KPC Alignment- 5.7 & 5.9 one bullet point added, 5.13& 5.14 sub clauses added

Clause 2.0 Definition of Confined Space: The word ‘Vessel’ replaced with Confined Space.
Clause 2.0 Definition: ‘Authorized Gas Tester’ definition added.
Clause 2.0 Definition of Competent Person for Entry Permit Gas Test: Asset word added.
Clause 4.1 Permit Issuer Responsibilities: 1st bullet, Entry Permit Gas Test added
Clause 4.3 Worksite Supervisor: Two new points added at the end.
General: The word ‘BA’ replaced with SCBA across the procedure.

13th Dec 2015 Clause 5.1.2 / 5.2.1 / 5.2.2 / 5.2.3 / 5.2.4 / 5.2.5 / 5.3 /5.4 /5.7 / 5.9 /5.10 / 5.11 & 5.12: The
word “Vessel” replaced with “Vessel / Tank”
Clause 5.3 Table: ‘Refer Note 1 & 2’ as applicable added into entry without respiratory
protection
Clause 5.3 Notes: Notes 1 & 2 amended.
Clause 6.0 Key Documents: Site Specific Emergency Plan added.
Clause Appendix Flowchart: Two arrows added water & nitrogen flushing.
Appendix A: Vessel / Tank added. The word ‘Attendant’ replaced with Standby Person.

Control Tier 3 Revision Date: 13th December 2015

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 KOC.SA.007- Entry into Confined Spaces Procedure
Page 13 of 14

Confined Space Entry Process Flow Diagram

Need for Confined

Space Entry

Permit Applicant applies Entry Permit

Permit Issuer ensures Confined space

isolation & preparation for safe entry

Preparation of Confined Space for Entry

Venting & Draining of Vessel content

Water Flushing Air Purging Nitrogen Purging

Testing of Confined Space for flammable, toxic vapor & Oxygen content
by authorized gas tester & entered in the permit.

ENTRY WITH RESPIRATORY

ENTRY WITHOUT RESPIRATORY PROTECTION (RPE & PPE Determined
PROTECTION by Risk Assessment) NO ENTRY

 Oxygen concentration outside 19.5% -23.5% range

 Oxygen concentration between 19.5 % & 23.5%
 Flammable gases < 10% LEL
 H2S Concentration < 10 ppm, (Benzene 0.5 ppm)
 All other toxic vapors, gases & particulate concentrations less
than the relevant exposure limits ( 8 Hours’ TWA )
 Adequate flow of fresh air must be maintained all times
o Oxygen content less than 16%
 Flammable gases between 10 % & 49% LEL
o The toxicity of atmosphere is immediately dangerous
 H2S Concentration >10 ppm but < IDLH (100 ppm)
to life or health For example:
 All other toxic vapors, gases & particulate above the o - H2S concentration >100 ppm
relevant exposure limits ( 8 Hours TWA) but < IDLH
o - Flammable gases LEL of 50% or above
 Forced air ventilation must be provided
Note: No entry allowed unless it is required to make emergency
 Atmosphere must be continuously monitored for O2, safety repairs. In that situation Air fed BA must be used
toxic vapors & Hydrocarbon

Permit Issuer issues Entry Permit

Worksite Supervisor ensures required PPE are operational & correctly worn

Standby person informs entry of person to Control Room

Worksite Supervisor carries out onsite gas monitoring during entry permit validity

Stand by person informs Control Room when personnel exits Confined Space

Worksite Supervisor ensures worksite is made safe upon completion of task

Permit Issuer closed Entry Permit ensuring Confined Space safety

Control Tier 3 Revision Date: 13th December 2015

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 KOC.SA.007- Entry into Confined Spaces Procedure
Page 14 of 14

APPENDIX - A

Confined Space Entry Attendance / Record Sheet

Date: ____________________ Confined Space Entry Permit No:__________________

Location: ________________ Vessel/ Tank / Equipment No. : ________________________

Max. No. of persons allowed at a time: ______ Condition:  Atmospheric  With SCBA

Medical
SCBA Set
Sr. Name of person entering Employee Fitness & Time Time Standby Person
Company Press (if using
No Confined Space No Fit Test for in out Signature
SCBA set)
SCBA Set

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
SPACE TYPE: HOW TO CONTACT RESCUE: Any rescue Item available at site:
Elevated  Yes  No  Phone  Intercom  Yes  No
Congested  Yes  No  Audible Signal  Pager
 Radio  Other _______
Any Important Information:

Name of Standby Person: _____________________________ Designation: _________________

Company: __________________________________________ Employee No. : _______________

Signature: __________________________________________ Date & Time: _________________

Control Tier 3 Revision Date: 13th December 2015

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