Confined Space Checklist

A permit-required confined space entry check covering testing, ventilation, attendant and rescue.

Published July 3, 2026

Permit and Authorization

Confirm the confined space is evaluated and classified before entry.
Verify a valid entry permit is completed, signed and posted.
Check the permit lists hazards, controls and authorized entrants.
The permit is valid only for the duration and conditions stated.
Confirm the entry supervisor has authorized the entry.
Verify the permit is canceled and conditions are reassessed if anything changes.
Confirm entry, work and exit times are recorded.

Isolation and Lockout

Confirm all hazardous energy is identified and controlled by lockout/tagout.
Verify lines carrying liquids, gases or steam are blanked or disconnected.
Check that mechanical equipment inside the space is de-energized and locked.
Confirm engulfment hazards from liquids or solids are eliminated or controlled.
Verify isolation is verified before any entrant goes in.

Atmospheric Testing

Test the atmosphere before entry in order: oxygen, flammables, then toxics.
Confirm readings are within acceptable entry limits.
Verify the gas detector is calibrated and bump-tested.
Use a calibrated, bump-tested instrument for every entry.
Continuously monitor the atmosphere throughout the entry where required.
Test all levels of the space, as gases can layer by density.

Ventilation and Controls

Provide mechanical ventilation to maintain a safe atmosphere.
Confirm ventilation draws from a clean air source, not contaminated air.
Verify required PPE and respiratory protection are available and worn.
Confirm lighting and tools are rated for the space and any flammables.
Never use ventilation as the sole control without monitoring.
Check that retrieval lines and harnesses are fitted where required.

Roles and Communication

Confirm an attendant is stationed outside the space at all times.
Verify continuous communication between entrant and attendant.
Confirm the attendant does not enter to attempt rescue.
Check that all entrants and attendants are trained for their roles.
Verify the attendant can order immediate evacuation if needed.

Rescue and Emergency

Confirm a rescue plan is in place before entry begins.
Verify non-entry rescue equipment is rigged and ready.
Confirm a trained rescue team or service is available and notified.
Check emergency contacts and procedures are posted at the entry point.
Verify rescue procedures have been practiced for similar spaces.
Important: this is general guidance only and does not replace OSHA regulations, the entry permit, formal training or your employer's confined space program; confirm requirements with a qualified person.

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A confined space checklist is a structured review for permit-required confined space entry, covering the entry permit, atmospheric testing, ventilation, the roles of the entrant, attendant and entry supervisor, and rescue arrangements. It helps confirm that a dangerous space is safe to enter and that controls stay in place throughout the work.

Confined spaces can hold atmospheres that kill in seconds and trap workers attempting an untrained rescue. Most fatalities involve would-be rescuers, which is why a verified permit and a standby attendant matter so much.

This checklist is written for entry supervisors, attendants, entrants and safety officers who need a concrete list to support a permit-required entry program. It does not replace that program, formal training or the entry permit itself.

Keep a printable copy at the entry point or the PDF on a tablet, complete it alongside the permit before entry, and revalidate whenever conditions change.

FAQ

What is a permit-required confined space?

It is a confined space that has a hazardous atmosphere, the potential to engulf an entrant, an inwardly converging shape that could trap someone, or any other serious recognized hazard. Entry requires a written permit and a full entry program.

Why is atmospheric testing done in a set order?

Test oxygen first, then flammable gases and vapors, then toxic gases. This order matters because oxygen levels affect the readings of other instruments, and a wrong sequence can hide a deadly hazard.

What does the attendant do during an entry?

The attendant stays outside the space, maintains constant contact with entrants, monitors conditions, controls who enters, and orders evacuation if anything changes. They never enter the space to attempt a rescue themselves.

Why must rescue be arranged before entry?

Most confined space deaths involve untrained rescuers. Non-entry rescue equipment and a trained rescue team or service must be available before entry so a real emergency does not lead to more casualties.

Does this checklist replace OSHA rules or training?

No. It is general guidance and does not replace OSHA regulations, the entry permit, formal training, your employer's confined space program, or a qualified person. Always confirm the standards that apply to your work.