Confined spaces: avoid entry where possible

Before organising entry, consider whether the task can be completed from outside. A location’s name cannot replace assessment of its hazards and actual conditions.

What evidence do you seek before authorising the task?

Consider a tank inspection: could a camera or a different cleaning method achieve the result without putting someone inside? Ask this while planning the task, involving people who know the equipment, substances and previous operations. Changing the tool does not automatically remove every hazard: the external method also needs assessment in its own context.

If entry is still necessary, the decision calls for a specific assessment, suitable competence and coordinated arrangements for isolation, condition monitoring, communication and rescue. A signed permit alone is not evidence that these arrangements are effective.

At the briefing, I would ask everyone which change would require the work to stop and the plan to be reviewed. Making those signals explicit helps the team share the same decision before access, and gives observations from the field a clear route back into planning.