How to Enter into Confined Space? (Oil and Gas Company)

When using a ladder to decend into confined spaces I prefer to enter feet first. However when climbing up through a hatch head first is more convenient.

I hope that you have had some formal "CONFINED SPACE TRAINING" before you even attempt this, or there's a possibility that you end up dead-meat. You also need to have a meter (with a measuring probe) to measure residual gas inside the vault or hole PRIOR to you entering it. Also, your co-workers standing above the vault had better be trained as well....and they better not enter the vault in the event you collapse unless they want to die as well as you! I sure hope you have a safety harness and winch to drag you out of the hole in the ground in the event of an emergency!!!!

Always enter foot first so that you can be extracted easier in the event of your collapse!

Also, always alert the local fire department beforehand that you will be entering a confined space. This is being prudence at it's best!!!

Thanks. Agreed that Always enter foot first

See...I knew that people on the other side of world did everything backwards!!!

Before entering a void, it should be ventilated. I think the factor is 3 complete air changes. Check with your Fire department for their recommendations, or requirements. But yes, feet first, with a harness with attached line. If it was explosive, verify that all equipment is "intrinsically safe" In this case the ventilator fan should blow air into the void, as opposed to sucking possibly explosive air through the fan motor. Depending on the contents of the void, you may want a forced air respirator.

While this may seem excessive, it is based on experience.

The first things that should go into a confined space, Boss, is process isolation devices and a personal gas monitor. Once that says it's OK, get a Permit To Work and a Confined Space Entry Permit both signed by the area supervisor. Once that's done, have someone stand by the entrance, put the gas monitor in again and then it really doesn't matter which part of the body goes in first, because all of the body will come out again on its own accord.

Don't cut corners here, Uncle, because you want to live not to regret it.

sparks resulting from electricial equipment, including static charges would be an other consideration. research "OHSA regulations. deep mining et. al.