Confined Space Checklist
Confined Space Checklist
Quick Summary
A confined space checklist helps crews prepare for work in tanks, vaults, manholes, pits, crawlspaces, and other restricted work areas. It helps verify site conditions, communication procedures, access methods, and required equipment before entry begins. This checklist is useful for contractors, crew leaders, supervisors, and workers performing confined space activities.
When to Use This Checklist
- Before entering a manhole, vault, tank, or pit.
- Prior to maintenance or repair work in restricted spaces.
- Before inspection activities inside confined areas.
- During utility, plumbing, and underground work.
- When work requires an attendant outside the entry point.
- As part of daily planning for confined space operations.
- Before each confined space entry event.
Before You Start
- Identify the confined space and planned work activities.
- Review project-specific confined space requirements.
- Confirm entry authorization requirements have been addressed.
- Assign entry personnel, attendants, and supervisors.
- Review communication procedures for the work activity.
- Verify required tools and equipment are available.
- Inspect weather conditions if the space is outdoors.
Safety Checks
- Inspect entry and exit points for safe access.
- Verify atmospheric testing equipment is available and functioning.
- Confirm ventilation equipment is operational if required.
- Inspect retrieval and access equipment before use.
- Verify communication devices are working properly.
- Identify nearby hazards that could affect the space.
- Confirm emergency response procedures are understood.
Tools, Equipment, and Materials
- Atmospheric monitoring equipment.
- Ventilation equipment if required.
- Tripod, winch, retrieval line, or access equipment if needed.
- Communication devices.
- Required PPE for the task.
- Barricades, signs, and area control equipment.
- Entry documentation and inspection forms.
Confined Space Checklist
- Inspect the confined space entry location.
- Establish barriers around the entry area.
- Verify access and egress routes remain clear.
- Inspect atmospheric monitoring equipment before use.
- Verify ventilation equipment is operating if required.
- Inspect ladders, retrieval systems, and entry equipment.
- Verify attendants are present and understand responsibilities.
- Confirm communication methods are functioning.
- Inspect the work area inside the space before beginning work.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away from the entry area.
- Monitor conditions throughout the work activity.
- Maintain clear communication between entrants and attendants.
- Stop work if conditions change unexpectedly.
- Inspect the space again after work is completed.
- Document completion of confined space activities.
Documentation Needed
- Entry authorization or permit records if required.
- Atmospheric monitoring records.
- Equipment inspection records.
- Daily safety meeting records.
- Photos of work conditions if required.
- Incident or issue reports if applicable.
- Daily work records and field notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Beginning work without inspecting entry equipment.
- Failing to establish communication procedures.
- Allowing unauthorized personnel near the entry area.
- Ignoring changing conditions during the work activity.
- Failing to maintain clear access and exit routes.
- Not documenting inspections, observations, or issues.
End-of-Day / Final Review
- Confined space work has been completed.
- All personnel have exited the space.
- Equipment has been inspected and secured.
- Barricades and controls have been removed or maintained as needed.
- Outstanding issues have been reported.
- Required documentation has been completed and filed.
Checklist Completion
Project / Job Name
Jobsite / Location
Completed By
Role / Title
Completed Date
Completed Time
Signature
Reviewed / Approved By, if needed
Notes / Follow-Up Items
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