Free Confined Space Entry Checklist
Free confined space entry permit checklist. Atmospheric testing, rescue equipment, ventilation, LOTO. OSHA 1910.146 compliant. Download PDF.
Free instant download. No credit card required.
We'll send a few helpful tips, then you won't hear from us unless you sign up.
Confined Space Entry Checklist
PDF Checklist
What's Included in This Checklist
Why Confined Space Entry Checklists Matter in Oil & Gas
Confined space incidents are among the deadliest in the oil and gas industry, with fatality rates exceeding 60% for rescue attempts by untrained personnel. Tanks, vessels, pits, and pipeline sections present invisible hazards including oxygen-deficient atmospheres, toxic gas accumulation, and engulfment risks. OSHA reports that more than 60% of confined space fatalities are would-be rescuers who enter without proper preparation. A rigorous entry permit system is the only proven method to prevent these tragedies and ensure that every person who enters a confined space returns safely.
Key Inspection Areas Covered
Space Identification and Classification
Verify the space meets OSHA confined space criteria (limited openings, not designed for continuous occupancy, large enough for bodily entry). Confirm permit-required status based on potential hazards. Post warning signs and control access to prevent unauthorized entry.
Atmospheric Testing Protocol
Test atmosphere with calibrated four-gas monitor before entry and continuously during work. Verify oxygen levels (19.5-23.5%), LEL below 10%, H2S below 10 ppm, and CO below 25 ppm. Document all readings with timestamps and test at multiple levels within the space.
Ventilation and Isolation
Establish continuous mechanical ventilation before and during entry. Implement lockout/tagout on all energy sources, drain and purge lines, and blank or disconnect piping. Verify isolation effectiveness before authorizing entry.
Rescue Equipment and Personnel
Position rescue equipment including retrieval system, lifelines, and SCBA at entry point. Confirm trained rescue team availability within response time requirements. Verify communication equipment functionality between entrant, attendant, and rescue team.
Entry Permit Authorization
Complete all permit sections including space identification, authorized entrants, atmospheric readings, emergency contacts, and time limits. Obtain entry supervisor signature before any entry. Cancel permit immediately when conditions change or work is complete.
Regulatory Requirements & Compliance
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 establishes comprehensive permit-required confined space requirements, including written programs, atmospheric testing protocols, rescue provisions, and entry permits. The regulation requires employers to identify and evaluate all confined spaces, implement entry procedures, and train authorized entrants, attendants, and supervisors. Violations can result in penalties exceeding $15,000 per instance, with willful violations reaching $156,000 or more. Additionally, API RP 2016 and API RP 2217A provide industry-specific guidance for oil and gas confined space operations.
Why Safety Teams Trust This Template
OSHA 1910.146 Compliant
Meets all OSHA permit-required confined space entry requirements including atmospheric testing protocols.
Entry Permit Format
Structured as a complete entry permit with space for atmospheric readings, entrant logs, and rescue contacts.
Tank & Vessel Ready
Developed for oil and gas confined spaces: storage tanks, separators, vessels, and pipeline sections.
Common Questions About Confined Space Entry Checklists
What qualifies as a permit-required confined space?
A permit-required confined space has all characteristics of a confined space (limited entry/exit, not designed for continuous occupancy, large enough for bodily entry) PLUS one or more serious hazards: hazardous atmosphere, engulfment potential, inwardly converging walls, or any other recognized serious safety hazard. In oil and gas operations, this typically includes storage tanks, separators, vessels, pipeline sections, and pits.
How often must the atmosphere be tested during confined space entry?
Initial testing must occur before entry, then continuously during the entire period of occupancy. If continuous monitoring is not used, periodic testing must be conducted frequently enough to ensure acceptable conditions are maintained. Any break in entry or change in conditions requires re-testing before work resumes. All readings must be documented on the entry permit.
What is the role of the attendant during confined space entry?
The attendant must remain outside the confined space at all times, maintain continuous communication with entrants, monitor conditions, control access, summon rescue services when needed, and never enter the space for rescue purposes unless properly trained and equipped as part of the rescue team. The attendant is the lifeline between entrants and emergency response.
About This Free Download
Is this confined space entry permit free?
Yes, completely free. Provide your email and we'll send the PDF right away. No credit card or payment required.
Can I customize this permit for different confined spaces?
The PDF works as a template you can adapt. For digital entry permits with automatic atmospheric logging and entrant tracking, check out BasinCheck.
How thorough is this confined space checklist?
This permit covers 10 critical areas: space classification, atmospheric testing, ventilation, isolation, and rescue equipment verification. Entry preparation typically takes 15-25 minutes.
Ready to Go Paperless with Confined Space Entry Checklists?
Transform confined space entry with digital permits. BasinCheck records atmospheric tests, tracks entrant time, and ensures rescue equipment verification—all in one mobile app.
More Free Safety Checklists
Want All 6 Templates Including This Confined Space Entry Checklist?
Bundle confined space permits with rig inspection, hot work, JSA, equipment checks, and toolbox talks—six essential checklists plus implementation roadmap.
Get Complete KitGet Your Free Confined Space Entry Checklist
Free instant download. No credit card required.
We'll send a few helpful tips, then you won't hear from us unless you sign up.