The document provides guidelines for safe working in confined spaces according to the Industry Code of Practice for Safe Working in a Confined Space 2010 (ICOP 2010). It defines a confined space and outlines general requirements including hazard identification, permit systems, and duties of responsible persons like employers, permit issuers, entry supervisors, and standby persons. The document also describes requirements for confined space entry programs, risk assessments, control measures, atmospheric testing, rescue plans, training, and record keeping.

1. Industrial Hygiene & Ergonomics Division
DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
MALAYSIA

2. To revise and improve on the
requirements in the existing COP and
to add new requirements so that they
are relevant with the current needs
and practice by the industry
1998 2001 2003 2008 2010
Code of Code of Review on Industry
Guideline Practice for Practice for Code of Code of
for Safe Safe Safe Practice for Practice for
Working Working in a Working in a Safe Safe
in a Confined Confined Working in Working in
Confined Space Space a Confined a Confined
gazetted Space Space
Space
[P.U. (B) 224] [P.U.(B)
324]

3. What is a confined space?
• Enclosed or partially enclosed space
Does not apply to: that is at atmosphere pressure during
• Underground mining occupancy
• Other places not at • Not intended or designed primarily
as a place of work
atmospheric pressure • Could have restricted means for entry
and exit
INDUSTRY CODE OF PRACTICE
FOR SAFE WORKING IN A
CONFINED SPACE 2010
Confined space is liable at any time to: General requirements
• Have an atmosphere which contains • To post danger sign
potentially harmful levels of • To develop and implement a written
contaminants confined space program
• Have an oxygen deficiency or excess • To take effective measures to prevent
• Cause engulfment unauthorized persons from entering
the confined space

4. ICOP 2010
Confined Space Entry Programme
• Formulate a confined space entry programme
• At least have 15 elements
Requirements
• Permit System ,Permit to work, Isolation requirements,
Requirement to ensure safety of Atmosphere, Entry into
hazardous atmosphere, Rescue and Emergency services,
Health requirement , Additional precautions and record
keeping
Duties of Responsible Persons
• Employer as owner of industry
• Employer as contractor
• Permit issuer
• Entry supervisor
• AGT – Autorised Gas Taster
• SP - Stand- by Person
• AE – Autorised Entrant

5. Risk assessment
Risk control
Standby Person
Monitoring of multiple confined spaces
Permit system
Sign posting
Employee training

6. Equipment
Means of communication
External hazard protection
Identification of duties
Information to the contractor
Coordination of entry operations
Conclusion of entry

7. O2 deficiency
Explosion or
Excessive O2
fire
Slips, trips Hazard Presence of
contaminants
and falls
identification
(1)
Manual
Handling Noise
Radiation Temperature

8. Shall be carried out prior to work involving
entry into confined space
Shall be carried out by assessor if there is any
chemicals hazardous to health used in the
confined space
To be revised whenever there is evidence to
indicate the assessment is no longer valid /
every 5 years / when directed by DG, DDG or
Director of DOSH
Appendix A – example of risk assessment
Appendix B – sample of risk assessment form

9. Risk
assessment
Nature
Emergency
of Actual method
Hazards and rescue
confined Factors selected and plan procedure
identified
space proposed
number of AE/SP
duration Proposed operations and work
procedures
status of fitness and
training Steps needed to bring c/space to
atmospheric pressure
adequacy of instructions
Cleaning and purging
availability and adequacy of
PPE Hot work method
rescue equipment Soundness and security of overall
structure, and the need for illumination
and visibility
Need for additional protective
measures
Method of ventilation
Evaluation of gases / substances

10. Specifying
acceptable
entry
conditions
Verifying RISK
(Gas CONTROL Isolating
testing)
(3)
Purging,
inerting,
flushing or
ventilating

11. At least one SP outside the confined space
For monitoring of multiple confined spaces by a single
SP, programme shall include means and procedures to
enable SP to respond to an emergency affecting one or
more of the confined spaces monitored without
distraction from the SP’s responsibilities
Written system for preparation, issuance,
implementation and cancellation of PTW

12. Warning signages shall be posted at
conspicuous places when work is carried out
after the issuance of PTW
All employees who are involved in confined
space operation shall undergo training on
confined space safety course approved by DG
and passed the examination

14. Means of
communication (10)
Walkie talkie
Hand signal
Light
Cord signal
Physical barriers shall be provided to control
potential hazards posed by pedestrians and
vehicles

15. Employer shall designate and identify the duties
of employees to be AE/SP/ES/AGT/PI or other
related personnel in entry operation
These personnel shall carry out their duties as in
specified
Employer shall provide and brief contractors
with information about the confined space
hazards, safety rules and emergency procedures

16. Procedures shall be developed and
implemented when employees are working at
the same time as AEs in a confined space, so
that employees of 1 contractor do not endanger
the employees of any other contractor
Procedures for concluding the entry shall be
developed and implemented
Debriefing shall be conducted after the closing of
PTW

17. Programme shall be reviewed when
employer has reasons to believe that
measures taken under it may not protect
employees and that there is a need to
revise the programme to correct
deficiencies found to exist before
subsequent entries are authorised

18. Shall contain the following information:
Confined space to be entered
Purpose of entry
Date and the authorised duration of the permit
AEs within the confined space, by name / by such other
means as will enable the SP to determine quickly and
accurately, for the duration of the PTW, which AEs are inside
the confined space
Permit issuer who signs the PTW
ES
Hazards of the confined space to be entered
Measures used to isolate the confined space
The acceptable entry conditions --> refer USECHH Reg, 2000

19. Shall contain the following information:
Results of initial and periodic tests performed and
accompanied by the names of AGTs and by an indication of
what tests were performed
Communication procedures used by AE and SP
Equipment, such as PPE, testing equipment, communication
equipment, emergency alarm system and rescue equipment
to be provided
Any information which is necessary to be included
SP and rescue arrangements
Any additional permit, such as for hot work that has been
issued to authorise work in the confined space
Appendix C – additional info on hot work
Appendix D – example of PTW

20. Prevent accidental introduction of hazardous
material / substances into the confined space
De-energise and lock out or de-energise and tag
out all machinery that has moving parts
Isolate any other external energy sources

21. Initial
cleaning
Ventilation Requirements Purging
to ensure
safety of
atmosphere
Retest Testing
and/or and
monitoring evaluation

22. Shall only be allowed under the following conditions…
Atmosphere inside the confined space could not be brought to safe
working conditions despite all reasonable effort made to purge,
clean and ventilate the space
Nature of work procedure within the confined space is likely to
degrade or contaminate the atmosphere in the confined space
Introduction of air into the confined space would pose additional
risk to health and safety aspect of AE and the activities carried out
therein / would detrimentally affect the product, equipment or
other substances contained in the confined space

23. AE entering shall use SCBA, compressed airline
breathing apparatus or special life supporting system,
depending on the nature of works and hazards
involved
Continuous gas monitoring for LEL shall be carried out
during entry
Proper type of explosimeter that can give true indication of
the flammable gas level shall be used
Hot work shall not be undertaken if explosimeter reading >
1% LEL
Confined space shall not be entered if explosimeter reading
> 10% LEL (If entry is still necessary, appropriate positive
pressure air-supplied breathing apparatus shall be used and
entry shall be made under inert atmosphere as in slide # 26)

24. Additional requirements for rescue plan:
AE shall wear a safety harness with lifeline attached to
facilitate rescue operation in an emergency situation
Appropriate number of air-supplied breathing apparatus
shall be put on standby outside the confined space for use
by the rescuer
Min. rescuer = 2
AE shall carry with him an escape set / additional supply of
breathing air cylinder for use in case of emergency
In certain circumstances, such as work inside spheres / tall
columns, it may be necessary to use a safety harness in
conjunction with a special winch / pulley / additional
manpower
Shall be set up before entry starts

25. Where compressed airline breathing apparatus is used, the
airline coupling shall operate on breathing air system using
dedicated coupling with double locking mechanism.
Coupling shall not be compatible with N2, O2 or other gas systems
Conditions of compressed airline system such as the hoses and
fitting, air purifying element (filter), pressure relief valve,
pressure regulator, pressure gauge and the compressed air
cylinder or compressor shall be monitored at all times by trained
personnel to ensure continuous air supply whenever the airline
system is in use during entry
Number of AE permitted to enter a confined space shall be
limited according to the available space, the number of escape
routes and the rescue facilities

26. Purpose for introduction of inert atmosphere inside
confined space:
Prevention of flammable and explosive conditions through
elimination of fuel, air or O2 and energy in the form of heat,
spark or flame
Prevention of chemical reaction or oxidation of substances
contained in the confined space
Prevention of other hazardous conditions through
elimination of corrosive, toxic, infectious / harmful gases
Selection and application of inert gas requires careful
matching of processes and products so as not to
introduce other hazards resulting from chemical
reactions

27. Special safety considerations:
When working near open manhole where inert gas / other
asphyxiant gas is used or contained in confined space, area shall
be barricaded and warning signage shall be conspicuously posted,
and appropriate respiratory protection must be used
When working with inert atmosphere containing toxic
substances, concentration shall also be measured at locations in
close proximity of open manholes outside the confined space
If inert gas is constantly introduced and vented, a system shall be
established to effectively maintain atmospheric pressure, and to
monitor and reduce potential pressure built-up
Inert atmosphere is IDLH hence, SP and two other who are
dedicated emergency response personnel who is trained in
rescue techniques shall be present and equipped with equivalent
/ superior protective equipment
Independent back up supply of inert gas must be provided to
allow the confined space to be evacuated and made safe in the
event of a loss of primary supply

28. Employer has to establish a rescue and first aid
procedure and provide rescue equipment
Rescue procedures should consider:
The shape and size of confined space
The nature of task to be performed
Obstacles within confined space
Size and position of the means of ingress and
egress
Number of persons in the confined space
The number of standby persons required

29. Employer shall ensure that each member of the rescue
service….
is provided with, and is trained to use properly, the PPE and
rescue equipment necessary. The emergency and rescue services
team shall attend the course on rescue and emergency services
conducted and certified by BOMBA
shall be trained to perform the assigned rescue duties. Each
member shall also receive the training required of AE
shall practice confined space rescues at least once every 12
months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they
remove dummies / actual persons from the actual /
representative confined spaces
shall be trained in basic first aid and CPR. At least one member is
holding current certification in first aid and CPR
shall be certified physically and mentally fit to enter confined
space

30. To facilitate non entry rescue, retrieval systems /
methods shall be used whenever an AE enters a
confined space, unless the retrieval equipment would
increase the overall risk of entry / would not contribute
to the rescue of entrant
Retrieval system shall meet the following
requirements:
Each AE shall use a chest / full body harness, with a retrieval
line attached
The other end of retrieval line shall be attached to a
mechanical device / fixed point outside the confined space.
A mechanical device shall be available to retrieve personnel
from vertical type of confined spaces > 1.5 metres deep

31. Employees should be certified physically and mentally fit, without health
problems such as:
History of fits, blackouts or fainting attacks
Heart disease or heart disorder
Asthma, bronchitis or shortness of breath
Deafness
Meniere’s Disease or disease involving giddiness and loss of balance
Claustrophobia or other mental disorder
Neurological and MSD such as back pain or joint trouble that limits
mobility
Condition that limit movement such as gross obesity, pregnancy and
physical handicap
Metabolic diseases
Serious defect in eyesight
Any other disease or condition that may affect or endanger the person’s
safety and health

32. • Health fitness certificate valid
for 2 years
• Health surveillance record to
Health Surveillance / Examination be kept for 30 years
by OHD • Appendix G – example of
health examination checklist
• Appendix H – example of
health fitness certificate
Authorised entrant shall declare • Appendix I – example of health
(in writing) that he is fit to enter status declaration
confined space – prior to each entry

33. • Employees who are involved in confined space
Training operation to undergo training on confined space
safety course approved by DG and passed the
examination
• Every 2 years
Retraining • Module approved by DG
• Name of employees attended the training
Training • Result of examination
• Signatures / initials of trainers
record • Date of training

34. Use of portable electrical equipment
Connected to an earth-free extra low voltage supply
Fitted with a flexible supply cable of heavy duty type
Explosion proof and intrinsically safe
Suitability and safety of non electrical equipment
Eliminate sources of ignition
Use of pneumatic tools are preferred
Maintenance of equipment used for entry
Equipments to be inspected prior to use
Maintained and thoroughly examined by a qualified person
at least once a month
Report on such examination to be kept

35. Employer shall retain each cancelled entry
permit for at least 1 year, or until the next PTW
(whichever is longer) to facilitate the review of
confined space program
To maintain all other relevant documents such
as but not limited to reports of inspection, risk
assessment, training record, medical record,
rescue plan, confined space entry program and
checklist for the purpose of inspection by the
DG

36. To inform employees / contractor…
Confined space entry is allowed only through
compliance with the confined space entry programme
stipulated under ICOP
Previously identified hazards and his experience with
the confined space
Precautionary measures or procedures implemented
Coordinate entry operation with contractors
Conduct debriefing at the end of entry
Ensure all persons involved in entry operation carry out
their duties

37. Obtain all available information regarding
confined space hazards and entry information
from the owner of industry
Cooperate with owner of industry
Brief the owner of industry of any hazards
confronted or created (through debriefing)
If the contractor possess the site --> to comply
duties of the owner of industry
Ensure all persons involved in entry operation
carry out their duties

38. Identify all hazards and recommends control
measures to ensure safe entry
Ensure there is no incompatible activity in the
vicinity of confined space
Authorize the PTW
Endorse the cancellation and closure of PTW

39. Test and interpret the reading from gas detector
Supervise all the activities before, during and
after entry operation
Terminate the entry and cancel the permit
Verify that rescue services are available before
any entry

40. To communicate with SP regularly
To alert the SP whenever any warning sign or
symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation
is recognised
To evacuate from confined space as quickly as
possible if required

41. Continuously maintain an accurate count of AE in
confined space
Remain within his assigned work area outside the
confined space during entry operation
Communicate with AE and/or fire watch regularly to
monitor entrants, and to alert the need to evacuate
To summon rescue and emergency services as soon as
he determines that AE may need assistance to escape
from the confined space
To perform non entry rescue as specified by the rescue
procedure

42. No Date Industry State No. of
fatalities
1 18 April 2006 Manufacturing Melaka 2
2 29 May2006 Utilities (Sewerage) Pulau Pinang 3
3 8 March 2007 Utilities (Sewerage) Selangor 3
4 7 May 2007 Manufacturing Johor 3
5 20 Nov 2007 Utilities (Sewerage) Johor 1
6 10 March 2008 Shipping Johor 1
7 2 Feb 2009 Manufacturing Selangor 1
8 23 April 2009 Utilities (Sewerage) Selangor 1
9 11 Aug 2009 Fishing Selangor 6
10 26 Sept 2009 Manufacturing (Palm oil) Sabah 3
11 16 Feb 2010 Utilities (Sewerage) Kuala Lumpur 2
12 21 March 2010 Construction Sabah 6

43. No Safe Work Procedure developed for work in
confined spaces
Employer fail to identify gases that exist in
confined space
Workers’ health surveillance are not carried out

44. To ensure all confined space workers…
obtain the necessary trainings prior to confined
space entry
undergo health surveillance / examination
high turnover – cost and time spent are wasted
To ensure all confined space works are
completed according to schedule
Lack of proper coordination for confined space
works
Insufficient trained personnels
Safety measures abandoned

45. husdin@mohr.gov.my