This section provides an overview of the specific types of safety equipment required to work in confined spaces within the workplace.

Safe Entry

These items are used for safe entry into confined space for fall protection and rescue assistance. Examples include the following:

• Work platforms and ladders.
• Full-body harness and life line.
• Man rated tripods and retrieval winch.
• Respiratory escape pack.
• Fire extinguishers.
• Communication systems.
• Stretchers.
• Air horn.

If the exit from the space is hard to use, there must be a way of getting workers out quickly in an emergency. A body harness and a retrieval line are often used as rescue equipment. For spaces with exits through a top opening, a winch and tripod should be in place. Inspect all rescue equipment before anyone enters the space.

Hot Work Systems for Confined Space Entry

Many safety steps that are not needed for general confined space entry are necessary for hot work. Here are some of the steps often listed, either on the entry permit or on a separate hot work permit (see Appendix D: Hot Work Permit):

Inspection

Inspect hot work equipment before each use, to make sure the equipment is in good condition.

Combustibles

• Remove or protect combustibles within 35 feet of the hot work.
• If possible, take all flammable liquids and combustibles such as paper and scrap wood out of the confined space. 
• If these materials cannot be removed, shield them with flame-proof covers.
• Sweep the floor free of combustibles.
• Lagging cloth or tarps may be needed to protect machinery and other workers from sparks and spatter.
• Protect combustible floors and walls.
• Combustible floors can be protected with fire-resistant covers or damp sand, or by wetting them down with water.
• For arc welding, wetting down floors protects workers from shocks.
• Shield combustible walls and ceilings with fire-resistant covers.
• Do not weld on metal walls that have combustible coverings, or on pipes that are touching combustible walls close enough to catch fire.
• Protect nearby areas.
• Inspect areas bordering the confined space. Clean or ventilate them if needed.
• Before performing hot work on a metal wall, remove combustibles from the other side of the wall, or post a fire watch in that area.
• Place flame-proof covers over any ducts or other openings in the floor or walls within 35 feet of the hotwork.

Fire Hazards

• If sprinklers are needed to protect the confined space, make sure they are in working order.
• Fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for instant use. Pails of water, buckets of sand, hoses or portable fire extinguishers can be used.
• A fire watch is needed in case a fire starts, or if combustible materials are exposed to fire.
• The fire watch must be properly trained and equipped.
• If hot work creates a fire hazard in nearby areas, a watch is needed there, too.
• In case of the fire, the watch notifies the person doing the hot work.
• The fire watch should not try to fight the fire unless the watch has the ability and equipment to put the fire out.
• If the fire watch is unable to handle the fire, the alarm should be sounded.
• The watch must stay at the post at least one-half hour after hot work is finished.