Confined Space Training Certificate Entry and Exit Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A confined space entry permit should be closed out (cancelled) when:
- The supervisor goes on a tea break
- The work is completed, the time limit expires, conditions change, or an emergency occurs (Correct answer)
- The workers decide they have done enough for the day
- The gas detector battery runs low but readings were previously normal
Correct answer: The work is completed, the time limit expires, conditions change, or an emergency occurs
A permit must be formally closed when: the specified work is completed, the time limit on the permit expires, conditions change making the permit invalid, an emergency occurs, or the scope of work changes. Closing the permit ensures that no one re-enters under an expired or invalid authorisation.
Question 2: When multiple trades need to work in the same confined space at different times, the safe system of work should include:
- Allowing all trades to work simultaneously to save time
- A coordination procedure ensuring only one permit is active at a time and each trade's hazards are assessed (Correct answer)
- No special procedures as long as each trade has its own supervisor
- A general permit that covers all possible activities indefinitely
Correct answer: A coordination procedure ensuring only one permit is active at a time and each trade's hazards are assessed
When multiple trades are involved, coordination is essential. Each activity may introduce different hazards (e.g., welding after painting could ignite vapours). Only one valid permit should be active, each trade's specific hazards must be assessed, and there must be clear handover procedures between activities.
Question 3: The attendant stationed at the confined space entry point must NOT:
- Maintain communication with those inside the space
- Enter the confined space to attempt a rescue (Correct answer)
- Monitor atmospheric conditions at the entry point
- Raise the alarm if an emergency occurs
Correct answer: Enter the confined space to attempt a rescue
The attendant must never enter the confined space — even to rescue a colleague. Entering to rescue without proper equipment and procedures is the most common cause of multiple fatalities in confined space incidents. The attendant's role is to raise the alarm, activate the emergency plan, and assist trained rescue personnel from outside.
Question 4: Lighting inside a confined space where flammable atmospheres may be present must be:
- Standard 240V mains-powered floodlights
- Intrinsically safe or flameproof (ATEX-rated) to prevent ignition of flammable gases or vapours (Correct answer)
- Candles or oil lamps as they do not require electricity
- Any lighting is acceptable as long as it is bright enough
Correct answer: Intrinsically safe or flameproof (ATEX-rated) to prevent ignition of flammable gases or vapours
In spaces where flammable atmospheres may be present, all electrical equipment including lighting must be intrinsically safe or flameproof, certified to ATEX (Explosive Atmospheres) standards. Standard electrical equipment can produce sparks that could ignite flammable gases or vapours.
Question 5: A safety harness worn during confined space entry should be connected to a lifeline that:
- Is tied to the nearest available anchor point such as a pipe or railing
- Is attached to a suitable anchor point rated to support the load, with the line managed to prevent entanglement (Correct answer)
- Trails loosely behind the worker for comfort
- Is only needed if the space is more than 10 metres deep
Correct answer: Is attached to a suitable anchor point rated to support the load, with the line managed to prevent entanglement
The lifeline must be connected to a suitable anchor point of adequate strength (typically rated to at least 10 kN or the equivalent of the anticipated load). The line must be managed to prevent tangling or snagging, and in vertical spaces should be connected to a retrieval device. Improvised anchor points are not acceptable.
Question 6: After completing confined space work and before the permit is closed, the exit procedure should include:
- Leaving tools and equipment inside for the next shift
- Accounting for all personnel, removing all equipment and materials, and confirming the space is left in a safe condition (Correct answer)
- Simply closing the access hatch and walking away
- Only a verbal confirmation that everyone is out
Correct answer: Accounting for all personnel, removing all equipment and materials, and confirming the space is left in a safe condition
The exit procedure must confirm: all personnel are accounted for (using the tally system), all tools, equipment, and materials are removed from the space, the space is left in a safe condition, and the permit is formally closed out with sign-off. Leaving equipment behind could create hazards for future entrants.
Confined Space Training Certificate Entry and Exit Procedures 2
A confined space entry permit should be closed out (cancelled) when: