Confined Space Training Certificate Entry and Exit Procedures — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before entering a confined space, a thorough pre-entry check should confirm that:
- The weather forecast is favourable for outdoor work
- Atmospheric testing is complete, isolation is verified, the permit is signed, and rescue arrangements are in place (Correct answer)
- The confined space has been painted white for better visibility
- At least five workers are available for the entry team
Correct answer: Atmospheric testing is complete, isolation is verified, the permit is signed, and rescue arrangements are in place
A pre-entry check is the final verification before anyone enters. It must confirm: atmospheric testing shows safe conditions, all isolations are secure and verified, the permit to work is signed and current, rescue arrangements are in place and tested, all personnel are briefed, and communication systems are working.
Question 2: An entry log or tally board system is used during confined space work to:
- Record the qualifications of each worker
- Provide an accurate record of who is inside the space at any time, to account for all personnel in an emergency (Correct answer)
- Track the amount of work completed inside the space
- Calculate overtime payments for confined space workers
Correct answer: Provide an accurate record of who is inside the space at any time, to account for all personnel in an emergency
An entry log or tally system provides real-time accountability of everyone inside the confined space. Each person's identity is recorded on entry and removal. In an emergency, this ensures rescue teams know exactly how many people need to be recovered and who they are.
Question 3: Adequate means of access and egress for a confined space should include:
- A single narrow opening that can be sealed quickly
- Safe, unobstructed entry and exit routes that allow both normal movement and emergency extraction of a casualty (Correct answer)
- A rope ladder as the only means of entry
- Access through the smallest available opening to minimise atmospheric exchange
Correct answer: Safe, unobstructed entry and exit routes that allow both normal movement and emergency extraction of a casualty
Access and egress routes must be safe and suitable for both normal working and emergency situations. This means they should be large enough to allow an unconscious casualty wearing rescue equipment to be extracted, be free from obstructions, and where possible provide alternative exit routes.
Question 4: Communication between workers inside a confined space and the attendant outside should be:
- By shouting, as this is the simplest method
- Continuous and reliable, using agreed methods such as radios, hard-wired systems, or visual signals (Correct answer)
- Only necessary at the beginning and end of the work
- Limited to text messages sent via mobile phone
Correct answer: Continuous and reliable, using agreed methods such as radios, hard-wired systems, or visual signals
Communication must be continuous and reliable throughout the entry. Methods include two-way radios, hard-wired communication systems, tug-on-rope signals, or visual contact. The method chosen must suit the environment — for example, radios may not work in metal vessels, and noise may prevent voice communication.
Question 5: If atmospheric monitoring during confined space work triggers an alarm, the immediate action should be to:
- Investigate the source of the gas before taking any action
- Evacuate all personnel from the confined space immediately using pre-planned exit procedures (Correct answer)
- Silence the alarm and continue working while wearing RPE
- Wait for the supervisor to arrive and decide what to do
Correct answer: Evacuate all personnel from the confined space immediately using pre-planned exit procedures
When a gas alarm triggers, immediate evacuation is the correct response. Workers must leave via the pre-planned exit route without delay. No one should re-enter until the cause is identified, conditions have been restored to safe levels, and the atmosphere has been re-tested and confirmed safe.
Question 6: Vertical entry into a deep confined space such as a shaft or silo typically requires:
- Workers to jump down and climb back up without equipment
- Fall protection such as a harness and lifeline, plus a mechanical means of retrieval for emergency rescue (Correct answer)
- Only a fixed ladder with no additional safety equipment
- Entry to be made headfirst for better visibility
Correct answer: Fall protection such as a harness and lifeline, plus a mechanical means of retrieval for emergency rescue
Vertical entry into deep confined spaces requires fall protection (full body harness and lifeline) and a mechanical retrieval system such as a rescue winch or tripod with davit arm. The retrieval system allows an unconscious casualty to be lifted out without rescue personnel entering the space — which is the preferred rescue method.
Confined Space Training Certificate Entry and Exit Procedures
Before entering a confined space, a thorough pre-entry check should confirm that: