Free job hazard analysis · 29 CFR 1910.146
Confined Space Entry JHA Template for Entry Planning
A confined space entry JHA examines the hazards at each stage of entering a tank, vessel, or vault. Its seven steps cover space evaluation, isolation, atmospheric testing, ventilation, entry, work inside, and permit closeout. Entry supervisors can use the analysis to coordinate entrants and attendants, but it does not replace a space-specific permit or rescue arrangements.
The full confined space entry JHA template
Confined Space Entry. Blanks in [brackets] are for your own details.
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Job hazard analysis for entering permit-required confined spaces including tanks, vessels, and vaults.
- Step 1
Identify and evaluate the confined space
High riskHazards
Unknown atmospheric hazards, engulfment risk
Controls
Review entry permit. Identify all energy sources. Assess previous contents. Review SDS for residual chemicals.
- Step 2
Isolate and lock out energy sources
High riskHazards
Unexpected energy release, mechanical activation
Controls
Apply LOTO to all energy sources. Blank/blind all piping. Verify zero energy state. Double-block and bleed.
- Step 3
Test atmosphere
High riskHazards
Oxygen deficiency/enrichment, toxic gases, combustible atmosphere
Controls
Calibrated 4-gas monitor. Test O2 (19.5-23.5%), LEL (<10%), CO (<25ppm), H2S (<10ppm). Test top/mid/bottom.
- Step 4
Ventilate space
Medium riskHazards
Insufficient air exchange, displacing hazardous atmosphere
Controls
Forced air ventilation. Position blower to supply fresh air to lowest point. Run minimum 10 minutes before entry.
- Step 5
Enter confined space
High riskHazards
Fall from entry, loss of communication, entrapment
Controls
Attendant at opening at ALL times. Continuous air monitoring. Communication check every 2 min. Retrieval system ready.
- Step 6
Perform work inside space
High riskHazards
Hot work ignition, chemical exposure, heat stress
Controls
Hot work permit if needed. Appropriate PPE. Time limit for entry. Buddy system inside space.
- Step 7
Exit and close out permit
Low riskHazards
Equipment left behind, permit not cancelled
Controls
Account for all tools/personnel. Cancel entry permit. Restore safety systems. Debrief all issues found.
The printable copy lays the steps out as a table with Prepared by, Reviewed by and Date lines.
A starting point, not legal advice. Have a qualified person check it against your site, your state's rules and the standard before you rely on it.
Confined space entry JHA: when it’s needed
Develop this JHA before a planned entry, particularly where the contents, connected equipment, or work inside can create changing hazards. OSHA recommends job hazard analysis; the written JHA itself is not generally mandated. General industry permit-space duties come from 29 CFR 1910.146, while construction entry falls under 1926 Subpart AA. Determine which standard governs the work. The permit, entry roles, isolation methods, atmospheric acceptance criteria, and rescue provisions must come from that assessment, not from generic entries in the table.
How to use this confined space entry JHA template
- Name the space and identify its previous contents, connected lines, moving parts, and hazards introduced by the planned task.
- Develop verified isolation steps with the people responsible for electrical, mechanical, and process energy before authorizing entry.
- Specify the monitor, sampling locations, test sequence, acceptable conditions, and response to alarms for this particular atmosphere.
- Confirm entrant and attendant assignments, communication methods, rescue capability, and permit cancellation conditions during the entry briefing.
Before you use this confined space entry JHA template: what to fill in and check
- Space identification, entry points, process connections, and available isolation devices.
- Actual contaminants, monitor sensor coverage, calibration status, and approved entry limits.
- Rescue service availability, response capability, retrieval equipment, and access constraints.
- Ventilation arrangement and monitoring frequency based on the assessed atmospheric hazards.
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Confined space entry JHA questions
In what order should a confined space atmosphere be tested?
For general industry permit spaces, 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(iii) specifies oxygen first, combustible gases and vapors second, and toxic gases and vapors third. Select sensors for the hazards actually expected. A standard four-gas monitor may not detect every chemical in the space, and acceptable readings at one location do not establish safe conditions throughout it.
Can a confined space JHA serve as the entry permit?
Not by itself. The JHA organizes work steps, hazards, and controls. A permit documents entry authorization and the specific information required by the applicable permit-space rule, including conditions, personnel, testing, and rescue arrangements. Use the analysis to inform that permit, and make sure the two documents do not give conflicting instructions.
Is ventilating a tank for ten minutes enough before entry?
No fixed ventilation time establishes that a tank is safe to enter. The template’s time prompt must be replaced with a plan based on the space, contaminants, airflow, and testing results. Ventilation cannot substitute for required isolation. Evaluate conditions before entry and monitor during occupancy as required by the applicable entry procedure.