- Complete a written risk assessment before any confined space entry
- Identify all potential atmospheric, physical, and biological hazards present
- Assess whether entry can be avoided by alternative working methods
- Consult gas monitoring data and historical records for the space
- Define the safe system of work including permits and rescue plan
- Ensure the assessor is competent and experienced in confined spaces
- Review the assessment whenever site conditions or scope of work change
- Communicate the assessment findings to all personnel involved in the entry
- Record the assessment and retain it on site for reference
- Include emergency rescue arrangements as part of every assessment
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- DON'T enter any confined space without a completed risk assessment
- DON'T assume a space is safe because it was safe on a previous visit
- DON'T rely on smell to detect hazardous gases — many are odourless
- DON'T allow entry if atmospheric monitoring equipment is unavailable
- DON'T permit untrained or inexperienced personnel to carry out assessments
- DON'T ignore changes in weather, tide, or process that affect the space
- DON'T skip the rescue plan — it is a mandatory part of the assessment
- DON'T use generic assessments — each space and task needs specific review
- DON'T proceed if the assessment identifies uncontrolled residual risks
- DON'T forget to brief the standby person on the assessment findings
See also: Confined Space Entry Procedures | Atmospheric Monitoring and Gas Testing
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