Confined Space - 10 common questions




1. How to define a confined space?
    Confined space is a space with limited means of entry and exit. It is not design for continuous
    human occupancy.


2. Is open tank considered as Confined Space?   
    Yes, when there is limited means of entry and exit.



3. Can Authorised Gas Tester (AGT) act as Entry Supervisor at the same time?
    In ICOP 2010, there is no clause which state that Authorised Gas Tester can act as Entry
    Supervisor at the same time. However, it depends on the company's safety procedure. Certain
    companies have a strict safety procedure. AGT is not allowed to be ES because of biasness and
    non transparency in work.



4. Can a Company appoint external Entry Supervisor (ES)?
    It is advisable that ES is appointed from the internal because only the knowledgeable and
    experience employee is well versed of the workplace. However there is no restriction in
    appointing external ES in ICOP 2010.




5. Who is permit issuer?
    Permit issuer is a person/employee who is appointed by the employer to issue the permit to
    work (PTW). He must be undergone training of Authorised Gas Tester Entry Supervisor.
    Permit Issuer cannot be the same person who supervise the work.


6. Do Agt have to standby at site?
     It depends on the nature of work carry out in the Confined Space and the company's Standard
     Operating Procedure (SOP).


7. Can we use only one Permit To Work when confined space works carry out?
    In normal conduct for most of companies, there are two permits use when want to carry out
    work. The first one is the General Permit To Work and the second one is the Confined Space
    Permit. Confined Space Permit is more detailed on the special requirement of PPE, confined
    space rescue plan, etc


8. Can Authorised Entrant (AE) be Standby Person (SP)?
    Yes. when AE is not made to enter confined space.



9. What is the validity of Medical Certification by OHD
    In ICOP 2010, it is mentioned that the validity of Medical Certification is 2 years. However
    company can shortened the period of validity according to their Standard Operating Procedure
    (SOP)
 
10. If have Medical Cert, do we have to declare health status.
    Yes. Must declare health status every day when conducting job


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