Safety: Unsafe Assumptions, Part 6

So that you can always walk out of a confined entry space, here are five assumptions you should never make.

May 19, 2014

False assumptions about confined entry can put you into a “Hotel California” situation. You may check out, but you’ll never leave (alive anyhow). So that you can always walk out of a confined entry space, here are five assumptions you should never make.

“If the permit was good yesterday, it’s good today.” Your confined entry permit is good only for the time stated on the permit. If the permit has expired, don’t enter without a new permit. And remember, this is your permit.
“The permit applies to everything beyond this door.” Read carefully what area the permit describes. It might not even cover the area where you need to work.
“As long as I check the important items, I’ll be fine.” If it’s on the permit, it’s important. Personally make sure every condition of the permit is satisfied.
“Whoever wrote the permit thought of all hazards.” A confined entry permit addresses only specific types of hazards. It doesn’t, for example, address electrical hazards.
“I’ll be quick.” Famous last words.