Confined Space Awareness Checklist for Underground / Surface

1. Does the mine operator ensure that bins, hoppers, silos, tanks, and surge piles are equipped with mechanical devices or other effective means of handling material to assure that miners are not required to enter or work in areas where they are subject to being entrapped by either caving or sliding materials during normal mine operations?

2. Does the mine operator ensure that protective equipment and clothing and proper respiratory protection is provided and in reliable condition whenever hazards or irritants exist?

3. Are measurements of airborne exposure limits and monitoring of dust, gas, and fumes conducted to determine the adequacy of control measures whenever miners are exposed to atmospheric hazards?

4. Does the mine have a written SOP that includes a permit to work and enter system, communication and emergency plan and train miners on the plan?

5. Does the mine have a list or inventory of all known confined spaces?

6. Have all confined spaces at the mine been characterized a Non-Permit or Permit-Required confined spaces?

7. Have all confined spaces at the mine been identified with appropriate warnings signs?

8. Have all confined spaces at the mine been locked or secured so that unauthorized personnel cannot inadvertently enter?

9. Are calibrated air monitors suitable to the anticipated atmospheric hazards available and functional for use when required?

10. Is the individual performing atmospheric testing trained, qualified and competent?

11. Have all members of the confined space entry team been briefed on potential hazards, scope of work and emergency actions prior to the start of a permit required confined space entry?

12. Have all members of the confined space entry team been briefed on signs and symptoms of exposure to oxygen deficient or toxic atmosphere prior to the start of a permit required confined space entry?

13. If employees are designated to provide permit space rescue are they provided needed personal protective equipment?

14. Are employee rescuers provided with SCBAs and equipment required to extract injured workers from a confined space properly?

15. Is the Confined Space Attendant observed to have no other duties than monitoring the access and communicating with Entrants inside the confined space?

16. Are employee rescuers trained properly?

17. Do Contractors that perform confined space operations follow established procedures for safely conducting the work in confined spaces?

18. Are completed Confined Space Entry Permits been reviewed by an authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and filed for at least one year?

19. Write Comments or Remarks here: