Confined space operation procedures

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When an enterprise assigns personnel to work in confined spaces, it must follow the procedures outlined below and implement all necessary safety measures: (1) Testing. First, before starting work, it is necessary to strictly follow the principle of \"testing first, then working\", and assess the potential hazards present in the confined space based on the conditions of the work site and the surrounding environment. The monitoring parameters include oxygen concentration, concentrations of flammable and explosive substances (flammable gases, explosive dusts), and concentrations of toxic gases. Without testing, it is strictly prohibited for workers to enter confined spaces. Second, when the working environment conditions may change, it is necessary to conduct continuous or periodic monitoring of the hazardous factors in the workplace. When the working conditions at the operator’s site change, it is considered as entering a new confined space, and re-testing is required before entry. Third, when conducting tests, the testers should be in a safe environment, and test records must be kept, including the time and location of the test, as well as the type of gas and the concentration measured. (II) Hazard assessment. First, before starting the work, it is necessary to assess the level of hazards in the working environment based on the test results, and to establish measures to eliminate or control those hazards, ensuring that the environment remains safe and under control throughout the entire operation. Secondly, the hazard assessment should be carried out in accordance with standards such as GB8958 \"Safety Regulations for Operations with Hypoxia Risks\" and GBZ2.1-2007 \"Occupational Exposure Limits for Hazardous Factors in the Workplace – Part 1: Chemical Hazardous Factors\". (III) Ventilation. Before and during the operation, mandatory continuous ventilation measures should be taken to reduce risks and maintain air circulation. The use of pure oxygen for ventilation is strictly prohibited. (IV) Provide protective equipment. First, equip the workers with ventilation equipment, testing equipment, lighting equipment, communication equipment, emergency rescue equipment, and personal protective equipment that meet **standard requirements. When a confined space contains flammable gases and explosive dusts, detection, lighting, and communication equipment must meet explosion-proof requirements; workers should use explosion-proof tools and be equipped with flammable gas detectors, among other devices. Secondly, protective equipment as well as emergency rescue devices and facilities should be properly stored, and inspected and maintained regularly in accordance with regulations to ensure their proper operation. (5) Provide respiratory protection equipment. The selection of respiratory protection equipment shall comply with the requirements of GB/T18664 \"Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protection Equipment\". Under hypoxic conditions, it shall meet the requirements of GB8958 \"Safety Regulations for Hypoxic Hazardous Operations\". (VI) Equipped with emergency rescue equipment. It should be equipped with isolated breathing apparatus such as full-face positive-pressure air respirators or long-tube masks, emergency communication and alarm devices, on-site rapid testing equipment, high-power forced ventilation equipment, emergency lighting equipment, safety ropes, life ropes, safety ladders, etc.