OUR
VISION
SAVE FAST FIRE & SAFETY TRAINING LLC strives to be
UAE’s leading one-stop shop for all your training
needs, providing comprehensive courses in Fire Safety,
Health & Safety, First Aid & Advanced Medical
Courses. SAVE FAST trainers bring more than forty
years of combined industry experience.
We pride ourselves on providing first class training.
10 years
In the industry
60 different
training courses across
4 industries
The only DCD
approved E-learning
Provider
Local Government
Approval
Operating in 2
Countries
Over 40,000 people
trained
5 International Awarding
Bodies including NEBOSH &
IOSH
Dubai Municipality
Approved
OUR TRAINERS
A fundamental mission for SAVE FAST trainers is to
assist the community to protect the lives and property
of UAE residents and visitors. This is done through
many training programs offered by Save Fast that
focuses on health and safety.
SAVE FAST TRAINING CENTER IS APPROVED BY
⮚Dubai Civil Defense (DCD)
⮚Highfield International
⮚Security Industry Regulatory Agency
(SIRA)
⮚Dubai Corporation for Ambulance
Services (DCAS)
⮚Dubai Municipality (DM)
⮚Knowledge and Human Development
Authority (KHDA)
⮚Trakhees
⮚Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
Course Objectives
By the end of this session you will understand:
•What is a confined space ?
•Types of confined spaces
•Hazards & Controls in confined spaces
•Roles and Responsibilities
•Confined space entry permit & entry procedure
•Emergency response and rescue procedure
Definition of Confined Spaces
Is any fully or partially enclosed space, either above or below
ground, which:
• Has a Limited or Restricted means of entry and exit;
• Not designed for Continuous human occupancy;
• May contain a Hazardous atmosphere.
What is a Confined Space?
Pipe line
Transport tankers
Storage vessels
Sewers
Examples of Confined Spaces
Storage
Tanks
Pits and
Sewers
Excavation deeper
than 1.2m
Shafts and
Ducting
TYPES OF CONFINED SPACES
Permit Required Confined Spaces (PRCS)
A confined space is classified as permit-required if it meets one or more of the following hazardous
conditions:
Criteria Description
Contains hazardous atmosphere
Potential for toxic gases, flammable
vapors, or oxygen deficiency/excess.
Material with engulfment risk
Presence of liquids, flowing solids, or
other materials that can entrap a
worker.
Internal configuration hazards
Spaces that could trap or asphyxiate
due to converging walls or sloping
floors.
Other serious health or safety hazards
Presence of exposed live wires, heat
stress, noise, or moving machinery.
TYPES OF CONFINED SPACES
Non Permit Required Confined Spaces (NPRCS)
A confined space is classified as non-permit required if it does not contain any
hazardous conditions that could cause harm under normal operations.
Criteria Description
No hazardous atmosphere
Oxygen levels are within normal range, and no
toxic/flammable gases present.
No risk of engulfment
No presence of materials that can trap or
suffocate a worker.
No internal configuration hazards
No sloping floors, entrapment risks, or restricted
movement.
No other serious hazards
No mechanical, electrical, or environmental
dangers.
Hazards of Confined Spaces
Before entering a Confined Space, all identifiable hazards shall be taken into
consideration and safeguarded against.
Some of these hazards are:
•Oxygen deficiency
•Oxygen enrichment
•Flammability, fire and explosion
•Toxic
•Physical
•Unsafe conditions
•Psychological
•Heat Stress
•Other hazards such as creepy crawlies ( snakes, scorpions etc)
Atmospheric Hazards
Oxygen Deficiency
Too little oxygen present to allow for normal breathing less than
19.5%.
resulting from:
•Displacement of air by heavier gases (Hydrocarbons, CO2,
Argon)
•Purging with inert gases e.g. Nitrogen
•Oxygen scavengers e.g. biological agents in sewer systems
and drains
•Fire, combustion and welding activities
•Poor ventilation
•Exhaust fumes from heavy equipment and vehicles
Atmospheric Hazards
Oxygen Enrichment
Too much oxygen present resulting from greater than 23.5%:
•Leaks from gas cylinders, valve hoses and welding torches
•Inadvertent use of oxygen instead of air for ventilation or
breathing air
•Deliberate addition of oxygen to increase the level of an
oxygen deficient atmosphere
Flammability, Fire and
Explosion
Fire is a Chemical reaction between Fuel, Oxygen & Heat
producing light, heat and smoke.
•No flammable materials
and combustibles
allowed into Confined
Spaces
•Adequate fire
protection to be
in place
Flammable and Explosive
vapours
- Found inside empty flammable liquid storage tanks.
- Test any confined space you suspect of containing flammable gases and vapours at the
stipulated intervals.
- Purge the confined space to a safe working level. Purging mediums: air, steam or inert
gases, Nitrogen. Note: Breathing Apparatus required for all inert entries.
-Never introduce a naked flame or spark into a confined space, until the gas concentration
has been reduced to a safe working level.
X
Toxic Hazards
Toxic Residue can be left behind in the form of liquids, solids or
gases. Viruses and bacteria can be found in confined spaces.
Toxic and corrosive residues such as
hydrochloric acid, caustic soda and cyanide can be found in
process vessels, pipes and storage tanks.
Liquids and sludge can also be a slip hazard.
All contaminants should be cleaned out and removed, if
possible, before entering the confined space.
Can cause injury, long term illness or death
Physical Hazards
•Small Openings
•Sharp edges
•Temporary ladders
•Vent gear
•Vertical entry
•Too many electrical cables
•Other hoses, piping, etc.
Physical hazards- Lay out
The use and shape of a space can create
dangerous conditions;
•Use of Ladders & Scaffolding
•Wet or slippery surfaces
•Uneven bottoms
•Bends in tunnels
•Narrow areas that can entrap workers
•Poor lighting
Use retrieval & fall protection, for any potential fall hazards.
Physical Hazard
Flooding of confined space Flooding of confined space
•Damage in Pipelines / Damage in Pipelines /
waterlines etc.waterlines etc.
•RainRain
•Water or sewage flowWater or sewage flow
Poor access and egressPoor access and egress
Noise from tools, equipment Noise from tools, equipment
& machinery& machinery
Hot surfacesHot surfaces
UNSAFE CONDITIONS
Structural failureStructural failure
Falling tools and equipment Falling tools and equipment
Restricted working space and obstructionsRestricted working space and obstructions
Interaction and incompatibility of different types of work Interaction and incompatibility of different types of work
(e.g. grinding sparks)(e.g. grinding sparks)
Small access and emergency escapes pointsSmall access and emergency escapes points
Improper shoring of excavationsImproper shoring of excavations
Poor Visibility :Poor Visibility :
•Inadequate Lighting Inadequate Lighting
•Mist, Fog and DustMist, Fog and Dust
Some confined spaces have unguarded
mechanical rotating equipment such as:
Blades (FANS)
Shafts
Mixing Paddles
Chain or belt drives
These equipment can cause a lot of
Noise and Vibration.
All equipment must be Locked and Tagged
before entry.
Mechanical Hazards
Mechanical LOTO
Confined spaces are often connected to
other vessels, containers and equipment
via pipes and ducts
Before you enter a confined space you
must check to ensure:
- All moving parts are Locked and
Tagged to prevent movement; and
- All pipes and ducts leading into and
out of the confined space are closed,
Isolated and tagged to prevent any inflow or are
open to atmosphere.
Electrical Hazards Electrical Hazards
Hazard Sources include:
•Broken lighting – exposure of fitting
•Shocks from poorly wired tools
•Excessive noise from powered hand tools
•Lights not suitable for environment
All ELECTRICAL SOURCES THAT POTENTIALLY
CAUSE A HAZARD MUST BE IDENTIFIED AND
CONTROLS (LOTO) PUT IN PLACE BEFORE
STARTING THE JOB OR ENTERING THE SPACE.
Temperature Hazards
Example : Heat Stress
Acclimatization- fit to work for confined
space entry
Ensure adequate work / rest ratio
Adequate ventilation
Sufficient quantity of drinking water
Ventilation
Natural or Mechanical means
If presence of gases, then minimum 24 hours ventilation
forced ventilation (Mechanical) required (or until results
are acceptable)
ensure no “re-circulation” of air supply
remove toxic gases.
Break
Hazard Control Measures
Each Confined Space has different hazards. Hazards can also
change with time and usage.
•Post signs
•Use barriers
•Entry program
•Procedure, Training, Rescue / Emergency Plan, Audit
•Authorized Gas Tester (AGT)
•Define acceptable entry conditions.
•Monitor Eliminate or control Lockout
X
Permit Requirements In a
Confined Space
Confined Space Entry Permit
•Application at least 24 hours prior commencement of
work activity.
Note: validity period – Shift by Shift
•Always read the permit before entering the confined
space.
The work supervisor accepts the PTW prior to entry,
verifying that pre-entry preparations have been
completed and the space is safe to enter.
Confined Space Entry Permit
1.Gas test must be conducted prior entry, by Authorized Gas Testers. The
Gas test Certificate must be used to Record all Daily and Continuous Gas
tests.
2.O
2 level required to sustain life is 19.5% - 23.5%
3.Flammable <10% of the LEL (For personnel entry)
4.Flammable 0% of the LEL (For Hot work)
Toxic Gases
•H
2S 10 PPM – Maximum 8 hrs. (long term exposure)
•H
2S 15 PPM – Maximum 15 minutes (short term exposure)
•CO 10 PPM – Maximum 8hrs.
Excavations 1.2m or deeper requires a Confined Space Entry PTSW and a Gas
Test Certificate.
Confined Space Entry Permit
Operation Phase
Other Documents
•Safe Isolation Of Plant & Equipment (SIOPE)
•Work Preparation Sheet (WPS)
•Planning and Resource Sheet (PRS)
•Standard Control Sheet (SCS)
•Method Statement
•Rescue Plan
•Fire / Safety Certificate
•Permit To Start Work (PTSW)
Testing the Atmosphere
Testing the atmosphere:
Verify presence of safe work atmosphere by an Authorized
Gas tester
Test all areas of a confined space from outside
•Top, Middle, Bottom
•Check for Explosive & Toxic Gases
•Check Oxygen level
Record all readings in Gas test certificate and
supplementary register
Use Breathing Apparatus if atmosphere is unsafe.
Natural
Gas : 0.7-
0.9
C0 : 1.165
Air:1.20
5 kg/m3
H2S : 1.434
C02 : 1.842
kg/m3
Basic Confined Space Entry
Procedure
All entrants, supervisors and entry attendants
must be fully qualified.
1.Conduct Pre-Entry Briefing
2.Execute & Complete Entry Permit
3.Execute Work Permit if applicable (with Method Statement, JHA &
Emergency plan)
4.Establish Acceptable Entry Conditions
5.Assemble and check equipment
6.Station Entry Attendant (Hole Watcher)
Entry Procedure (contd.)
7.Establish Communication
8.Gas test done by a AGT (as per permit conditions)
9.Do a 3 What at the job site
10.Post Permits
11.Entry and exit log sheet
12.Enter Space
13.Entry debrief if problems were encountered
Confine Space Safety
•Keep access ways and ventilation points free of obstructions
•Keep engine exhausts away from vent intakes
•Don’t enter without permission
•Never store flammable or explosive gases or liquids in front
of access ways
•Hole watch must always be present out side, when people
are working inside
PPE REQUIREMENTS
SITE MINIMUM PPE : Coveralls, Hard Hat, Glasses (Clear Type), Safety
Boots, Gloves Goggle
Other PPE may include:
•Personal monitors - when required (e.g. H2S, O2 etc.)
•Safety Harness, rescue retrieval systems and lifeline
•Hearing Protection
•SCBA (where necessary)
Note:- We do not work in IDLH condition with out Senior Operational
Management Approval
•Other respiratory protective equipment as required.
Key Personnel of Confined
Space Team
Authorized Entrant
Authorized Attendant (hole watch)
PTW holder – work supervisor
Rescue Team
Authorized Entrant
Responsibilities
Authorized Entrant
-The employee who will physically enter the confined space.
Responsibilities:
•Be competent
•Know all hazards
•Familiar with job & Use the correct and proper PPE
•Maintain communication with attendant
•Exit PTW area a.s.a.p & Alert all people in case of emergency
Attendant (Hole Watcher)
Responsibilities
Identifying hazards & Ordering evacuations
Perform non entry rescues
Maintaining communication throughout the work
Notifying rescue and other services in case of emergency
Keeping unauthorized people out of PTW area
Keep a register to monitor entrants during the job and
during entry & exit.
Present all times, immediately outside the Confined
Space, with no other duties that interfere with his duties
To maintain records of confined space work, such as air
test results
REMEMBER:
An Attendant should
not enter the space
at anytime
PTW holder -
Supervisor’s duties
Know all hazards of the confine space & install control
measures
Verifying all emergency plans and specific entry conditions
before allowing any one into Confined space.
Ensuring no unauthorized entry
Ensuring conditions on the PTW are maintained
throughout the work
To verify that all personnel have exited prior to closing the
confined space.
Terminate entry and cancelling PTSW when work is
completed
Emergency Response & Rescue Procedure
Why Rescue Training is Critical?
Confined space rescues are high-risk due to limited entry/exit points, poor ventilation, and
potential hazards like toxic gases.
Over
60% of confined space fatalities involve untrained rescuers
who enter without proper
equipment or planning.
OSHA requires employers to have permit-required confined space rescue plans
(1910.146).
Key Principle:
Rescue operations must be
swift but never reckless—safety protocols cannot
be ignored.
Rescue Categories
1: Self-Rescue: Worker recognizes danger (e.g., gas alarm, dizziness) and exits
immediately. Requires proper training on hazard awareness.
2: Non-Entry Rescue: Uses mechanical systems (tripods, winches, retrieval lines) to pull
the victim out without additional entrants.
Entry-Based Rescue: A last resort—only trained rescuers with
SCBA (Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus)
and full PPE enter.
Best Practice: Always
attempt
non-entry rescue first to
avoid compounding the emergency.
Emergency Response & Rescue Procedure
A Qualified Rescue Team and rescue equipment must be available for entry into all Permit
Required Confined Spaces
Rescue plan to be developed and available at the Confined Space
Qualified Attendant must be in constant communication with workers in the space
Attendant must have source of communication with the Rescue Team
Rescue Team Roles
Team Leader: Oversees the operation, communicates with emergency services, and
ensures protocols are followed.
Entrant Rescuer: Must be physically fit, trained in confined space hazards, and equipped
with proper PPE.
Attendant (Standby Person): Monitors conditions, tracks entrants, and calls for backup if
needed.
Backup Team: On standby with additional equipment; ready to assist if initial efforts fail.
Rescue Equipment
Tripods & Winches: Must be rated for the weight load and positioned on
stable ground.
Full-Body Harness: Should have a
dorsal D-ring for vertical retrieval.
Atmospheric Monitors: Continuously check for
O2 levels, LEL
(flammability), CO, H2S.
Ventilation Blowers: Used to displace toxic gases before entry.
Communication Devices: Explosion-proof radios or rope signals for
coordination.
Rescue Pre-Planning
Developing a Rescue Plan:
Hazard Assessment:
Identify potential risks (engulfment,
electrical, chemical).
Equipment Check:
Ensure all gear is inspected and
functional before entry.
Emergency Contacts:
List local emergency responders
and hospitals.
Emergency Response Procedure
Alert & Isolate:
Sound the alarm, clear unauthorized personnel,
and lock out hazards.
Assess Atmosphere:
Use gas detectors before any entry—never
assume conditions are safe.
Deploy Equipment:
Set up tripods, harnesses, and ventilation.
Execute Rescue:
Follow the plan—non-entry first, entry only if
unavoidable.
Required Warning Signage
-Placed at all entrances
-Remain in place until completion of work activities
-Clearly legible in English and any other appropriate
language
INDIVIDUAL COMPETENCE
Before an individual can enter into a confined space:
They should have received adequate training;They should have received adequate training;
Be in possession of a relevant training certificate;Be in possession of a relevant training certificate;
Be physically fit;Be physically fit;
Not suffer from any psychological problems such as vertigo or claustrophobia Not suffer from any psychological problems such as vertigo or claustrophobia
etc.etc.
BE AUTHORISED!!!BE AUTHORISED!!!
NOTENOTE: Refresher training is required annually for Confined Space Entry!: Refresher training is required annually for Confined Space Entry!
Anchor points must support
at least
Anchor points must support
at least
5,000 lbs
(OSHA requirement).
5,000 lbs
(OSHA requirement).
Harness Attachment:Harness Attachment:
Ensure the victim’s harness is
Ensure the victim’s harness is
properly secured to the retrieval line.properly secured to the retrieval line.
Mechanical Advantage:Mechanical Advantage:
Use pulley systems for
Use pulley systems for
easier lifting if the victim is unconscious.easier lifting if the victim is unconscious.
Entry-Based Rescue Risks
Dangers of Entering a Confined Space:
Same Hazards:Same Hazards:
Rescuers face toxic gases, engulfment,
Rescuers face toxic gases, engulfment,
and entrapment
just like the victim.
and entrapment
just like the victim.
PPE Requirements:PPE Requirements:
SCBA, fire-resistant suits, and
SCBA, fire-resistant suits, and
explosion-proof lighting may be needed.explosion-proof lighting may be needed.
Buddy System:Buddy System:
Never enter alone—always have two
Never enter alone—always have two
rescuers minimum
for backup.
rescuers minimum
for backup.
Time Limit:Time Limit:
SCBA air supply lasts 30-60 mins—
SCBA air supply lasts 30-60 mins—
rescuers must work quickly.rescuers must work quickly.
Rescue Hazards
Common Rescue Risks:
Poor Visibility:Poor Visibility:
Dust, smoke, or darkness—
Dust, smoke, or darkness—
use
explosion-proof headlamps.
use
explosion-proof headlamps.
Entanglement:
Entanglement:
Loose ropes, hoses, or debris can trap Loose ropes, hoses, or debris can trap
rescuers.rescuers.
Secondary Collapse:Secondary Collapse:
Common in trench rescues—shore
Common in trench rescues—shore
walls before entry.walls before entry.
Panic:Panic:
Training reduces hesitation—muscle memory
Training reduces hesitation—muscle memory
saves lives.saves lives.
Post-Rescue Procedures
After the Rescue:
Medical Evaluation:
Medical Evaluation:
Check rescuers/victims for
CO poisoning, crush injuries,
Check rescuers/victims for
CO poisoning, crush injuries,
or psychological trauma.or psychological trauma.
Scene Preservation:Scene Preservation:
Document conditions for OSHA investigations.
Document conditions for OSHA investigations.
Plan Review:Plan Review:
Update rescue protocols based on lessons learned.
Update rescue protocols based on lessons learned.
Team Counseling:Team Counseling:
Address stress or PTSD from high-risk operations.
Address stress or PTSD from high-risk operations.
Legal and Compliance Requirements
OSHA Standards for Rescue:
1910.146(k):1910.146(k):
Requires employers to provide rescue services (in-house or
Requires employers to provide rescue services (in-house or
contracted).contracted).
Permit Documentation:Permit Documentation:
Must include rescue methods and equipment.
Must include rescue methods and equipment.
Training Records:Training Records:
Keep logs of drills, certifications, and equipment inspections.
Keep logs of drills, certifications, and equipment inspections.
Fines:Fines:
Up to $15,625 per violation for non-compliance.
Up to $15,625 per violation for non-compliance.
SUMMARY
We have looked at the different types of hazards that can
exist within a confined space.
Confined spaces must be pre-checked, tested and LOTO- safe
for people to enter and work inside.
The Confined Space Entry Permit is used to ensure that the
necessary checks, tests and precautions have been taken
before people enter.
SUMMARY contd.
Make sure that you read the permit before you enter the confined space
and sign the entry / exit log sheet.
All persons involved in Permit Required Confined Space Entry must be
qualified:
Supervisor
Attendants
Entrants
Rescue Team
Confined Spaces are Dangerous Places – Know how
to control or eliminate hazards !
SUMMARY contd.
Air Quality
PPE
Signage
Standby/Watch man
Key Rescue Principles
Never Enter Unprepared:Never Enter Unprepared:
No heroics—follow the plan.
No heroics—follow the plan.
Non-Entry First:Non-Entry First:
Minimize risk by using retrieval systems.
Minimize risk by using retrieval systems.
Teamwork Saves Lives:Teamwork Saves Lives:
Clear roles and communication prevent
Clear roles and communication prevent
chaos.chaos.
Continuous Improvement:Continuous Improvement:
Learn from every drill and real incident.
Learn from every drill and real incident.
PLEASE NOTE !!!
Any emergencies,Any emergencies,
•Adverse weather,Adverse weather,
•Toxic atmosphere build up,Toxic atmosphere build up,
•Heat stress,Heat stress,
during the work in a during the work in a confined space work must stop confined space work must stop
immediately immediately and entry requirements revisited. and entry requirements revisited.
Permit to be revalidated.Permit to be revalidated.
Any Questions?
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