Safety Flash
Working in a confined space without a Permit to Work
Working in a confined space without a Permit to Work
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 05/26
- Confined SpaceControl of WorkPermit to Work
- Confined space hazards
- Confined space entryInspection and maintenance
- Storage tanks
- Lockout and tagoutPermit to workSafety communicationStop-work authority
Summary
A safety walk-round identified crew removing pipes inside a sewage tank without a confined-space entry permit. Work was stopped and treated as a near miss. The flash examines assumptions arising from the tank’s clean appearance, missing entry safeguards and inadequate hazard identification, and stresses following procedures and confirming confined-space work with supervisors.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Lockout and tagout; LOTO; lockout/tagout.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Stop-work authority; stop work; stop-work intervention.
Summary
During a safety walk-round, personnel were found working inside a sewage tank, without a Permit to Work.
IMCA SF 05/26. Themes: confined space, control of work, permit to work.