Confined Space Entry
Policy Key Points
- A confined space is large enough to enter and work, has limited/restricted means of entry/exit, and is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
- Examples include vessels, tanks, storage bins, silos, hoppers, vaults, and pits. Standard doorways and portals (e.g., storage closets) are not limited means of exit.
- A Permit Required Confined Space contains atmospheric hazards, engulfment risks, trapping/asphyxiating geometry, or other serious safety hazards.
Policy
Confined Space Entry
Purpose and Scope of Policy
This Confined Space Entry Policy outlines the minimum requirements for preparation and entry into confined spaces in order to protect personnel from hazards associated with these environments.
For Yaskawa associates performing field service, our customer’s Confined Space Entry Procedure may be used in lieu of this procedure if it meets or exceeds the requirements herein.
Under no circumstances, shall a Yaskawa associate enter a “Permit Required Confined Space.” This includes field service.
NOTE: "Entry" is defined as any part of the associate's body breaking the plane of an opening into the space.
(e.g., putting your head or arm inside a confined space to take a photo or reach a cable requires a permit)
Confined Space Hazards
Permit required confined spaces have hazards that can lead to death without warning. Yaskawa associates are not permitted to enter a Permit Required Confined Space. This includes associates attempting to rescue a person who is inside of a permit required confined space.
- Mechanical equipment which may be defective or which may be inadvertently activated,
- Electric shock from energized equipment, portable lights, or portable tools,
- Toxic vapors from residue or produced by the work being performed,
- Acids, corrosives, other harmful chemicals, or steam which was in the confined space, or released into the space while work is in progress,
- Flammable gas vapors which may be ignited by tools or static electricity,
- Oxygen deficiency or oxygen enrichment,
- Physical hazards created by space restrictions, smooth wet walking surfaces, and limited maneuverability,
- Material which has the potential for engulfing an entrant
Rescue
- Entering a permit required confined space is extremely dangerous. Many people have been killed attempting to rescue someone from a permit required confined space.
- In the event that a Yaskawa associate comes across a person in need, while that person is in a permit required confined space, immediately notify the site-specific emergency response team or call 911. DO NOT ENTER THE SPACE FOR ANY REASON.
Under no circumstance shall the Yaskawa associate attempt a confined space rescue.
Field Service
Field service that requires permit required confined space entry shall be contracted out to companies trained and experienced in permit-required confined space entry.
Additional Resources
Hazards of Confined Spaces Video
OSHA Confined Space Guide (PDF)
Records Related to this Policy
| Record | Retained by | Retention Time |
|---|---|---|
| None | N/A | N/A |
Revision History
| Rev # | Description | Release Date | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Conversion of old safety documents, rewrite, and issue | 5/14/2016 | Thurwanger |
| 1 | Removed Cypress as a location | 1/21/2022 | Thurwanger |
| 2 | Added "breaking the plane" note in Purpose and Scope section. | 2/9/2026 | Thurwanger |
Program Review
| Review Date | Reviewed by | Changes Required (Yes/No) | Revision # if updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/15/2017 | Thurwanger | No | — |
| 1/10/2018 | Thurwanger | No | — |
| 1/17/2019 | Thurwanger | No | — |
| 1/9/2020 | Thurwanger | No | — |
| 1/19/2021 | Thurwanger | No | — |
| 1/13/2022 | Thurwanger | Yes | 1 |
| 1/26/2023 | Thurwanger | No | — |
| 1/11/2024 | Thurwanger | No | — |
| 1/16/2025 | Thurwanger | No | — |
| 2/9/2026 | Thurwanger | Yes | 2 |
