Space Entry Permit

EXAMPLE OF AN ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT*

This permit relates to entry into any enclosed space and should be completed by the master or responsible person.

GENERAL
Location/name of enclosed space
Reason for entry ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

from:_________hrs Date:___________
to:___________hrs Date:___________

(See note 1)

Section 1 – PRE-ENTRY PREPARATION
(to be checked by the master or nominated responsible person)
Yes -No-
Has the space been thoroughly ventilated by mechanical means?
Has the space been segregated by blanking off or
isolating all connecting pipelines or valves and electrical
power/equipment?
Has the space been cleaned where necessary?
Has the space been tested and found safe for entry? (See note 2)
Pre-entry atmosphere test readings:
– oxygen ………………. % vol (21%)**
– hydrocarbon ……….. % LFL (less than 1%)
– toxic gases …………. ppm (less than 50% OEL of the specific gas)
(See note 3)
By:

Time:

Have arrangements been made for frequent atmosphere checks to
be made while the space is occupied and after work breaks?
Have arrangements been made for the space to be continuously
ventilated throughout the period of occupation and during work breaks?
Are access and illumination adequate?
Is rescue and resuscitation equipment available for immediate use
by the entrance to the space?
Has an attendant been designated to be in constant attendance
at the entrance to the space?
Has the officer of the watch (bridge, engine-room, cargo control
room) been advised of the planned entry?
Has a system of communication between all parties been tested
and emergency signals agreed?
Are emergency and evacuation procedures established and
understood by all personnel involved with the enclosed space entry?
Is all equipment used in good working condition and inspected prior
to entry?
Are personnel properly clothed and equipped?

* It should be noted that this is a generic entry permit that may be used for all enclosed spaces on board all ships.
** Note that National requirements may determine the safe atmosphere range.

SECTION 2 – PRE-ENTRY CHECKS
(To be checked by each person entering the space)
-Yes- -No-
I have received instructions or permission from the master or
nominated responsible person to enter the enclosed space
Section 1 of this permit has been satisfactorily completed by the
master or nominated responsible person
I have agreed and understand the communication procedures
I have agreed upon a reporting interval of …………. minutes
Emergency and evacuation procedures have been agreed and are
understood
I am aware that the space must be vacated immediately in the event of
ventilation failure or if atmosphere tests show a change from agreed safe
criteria
SECTION 3
BREATHING APPARATUS & OTHER EQUIPMENT
(To be checked jointly by the master or nominated responsible
person and the person who is to enter the space)
Those entering the space are familiar with any breathing
apparatus to be used
The breathing apparatus has been tested as follows:
– gauge and capacity of air supply
– low pressure audible alarm if fitted
– face mask – under positive pressure and not leaking
The means of communication has been tested and emergency
signals agreed
All personnel entering the space have been provided with
rescue harnesses and, where practicable, lifelines
SECTION 4 – PERSONNEL ENTRY
(To be completed by the responsible person supervising entry)
Names Time in Time out
SECTION 5 – COMPLETION OF JOB
Job completed Date________ Time________
Space secured against entry
The officer of the watch has been duly informed

Signed upon completion of sections 4 and 5 by:
Responsible person supervising entry: ……………………………………… Date ………………. Time ……………

THIS PERMIT IS RENDERED INVALID SHOULD VENTILATION OF THE SPACE STOP
OR IF ANY OF THE CONDITIONS NOTED IN THE CHECKLIST CHANGE

Notes
1 The permit should contain a clear indication as to its maximum period of
validity.
2 In order to obtain a representative cross-section of the space’s atmosphere,
samples should be taken from several levels and through as many
openings as possible. Ventilation should be stopped for about 10 minutes
before the pre-entry atmosphere tests are taken.
3 Tests for specific toxic contaminants, such as benzene or hydrogen
sulphide, should be undertaken depending on the nature of the previous
contents of the space.