Confined Space Alternate Entry Procedure Review Checklist [FREE PDF]

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5) allows certain permit-required confined spaces to be reclassified and entered without a full permit when specific conditions are continuously met, including elimination of atmospheric hazards solely through forced air ventilation and the absence of any engulfment, configuration, or other serious safety hazard. Employers must document this alternate entry determination, continuously monitor the atmosphere, and re-evaluate if conditions change at any time during the work

Industry: General Industry
Frequency: Per Event
Estimated Time: 25-40 minutes
Role: Confined Space Entry Supervisor
Total Items: 36
Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(b), ANSI Z117.1-2017 Section 6, NFPA 350 Chapter 7, CSA Z1006-16 Section 6

Confined Space Classification Review

Confirm the space is a permit-required confined space and assess eligibility for alternate entry procedures.

Has the space been formally identified and documented as a permit-required confined space (PRCS)?
Is the only hazard associated with this space an atmospheric hazard that can be controlled by continuous forced-air ventilation?
Has a competent person verified that no engulfment hazard is present or possible during the entry?
Has a competent person verified that no internal configuration hazard (e.g., sloped floor, converging walls) exists?
Has a competent person verified that no other recognized serious safety or health hazard exists in this space?
Is the alternate entry determination documented in writing and available at the entry point?

Forced-Air Ventilation Setup & Verification

Confirm ventilation equipment is properly configured, operational, and adequate to eliminate atmospheric hazards.

Is forced-air mechanical ventilation (not recirculation) the ventilation method being used?
Is the ventilation air supply drawn from a clean source free from contaminants or recirculated exhaust?
Is the blower or ventilation unit positioned to provide directional airflow that purges the entire space including low points?
Has the ventilation system been running for sufficient time prior to entry to purge the space atmosphere?
Is the ventilation equipment rated and maintained for continuous operation throughout the duration of the entry?

Pre-Entry Atmospheric Testing

Document calibrated atmospheric test results before entry is authorized under the alternate entry procedure.

Has the atmosphere been tested with a calibrated, direct-reading instrument by a competent person before entry?
Is the oxygen concentration within the acceptable range of 19.5% to 23.5% O₂?
Is the flammable gas or vapor concentration below 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)?
Are airborne toxic concentrations below applicable OSHA PELs and ACGIH TLVs for all identified substances?
Have test readings been recorded for O₂, LEL, CO, and H₂S (or other space-specific toxics) at multiple depths?
What is the measured oxygen level at the lowest tested point in the space?

Continuous Atmospheric Monitoring Plan

Verify that ongoing atmospheric monitoring is planned and will be maintained throughout the entry.

Will continuous atmospheric monitoring be conducted throughout the entry using a multi-gas instrument?
Is the monitoring instrument calibrated within the manufacturer's recommended calibration interval?
Are audible and visual alarm setpoints on the monitoring instrument set at or below OSHA action levels?
Has the entrant been instructed to exit immediately if the monitor alarms or ventilation fails at any point?
Is a monitoring frequency or interval defined for manual readings if continuous monitoring is not used?

Entrant & Supervisor Briefing

Confirm all personnel involved in the alternate entry understand conditions, hazards, and exit triggers.

Has the entrant been briefed on the basis for the alternate entry determination and the conditions that must be maintained?
Does the entrant understand the specific conditions that would require immediate evacuation?
Has the entrant confirmed understanding that atmospheric conditions must be continuously maintained during the entire entry?
Has the entry supervisor verified that no additional hazards will be introduced by the work task itself (e.g., welding, painting)?
Are all personnel involved competent in recognizing atmospheric hazard signs (dizziness, odor, instrument alarm)?

Personal Protective Equipment Review

Verify appropriate PPE is selected, available, and donned based on the hazards identified in the alternate entry determination.

Is respiratory protection available as contingency equipment if atmospheric conditions unexpectedly change?
Has PPE been selected based on the specific atmospheric hazards identified during the pre-entry hazard assessment?
Are emergency escape respirators (EER) or escape-only respirators available and accessible to the entrant?
Is all PPE inspected, serviceable, and within its service life as confirmed before entry?

Reclassification & Abort Criteria

Confirm procedures exist to immediately reclassify the space and abort alternate entry if conditions change.

Is there a documented procedure for immediately converting to a full permit-required entry if conditions change?
Is a blank entry permit available on site so that a full permit can be issued immediately if reclassification is required?
Has the supervisor communicated abort triggers to all entrants including specific instrument readings that require exit?
Has the entry supervisor signed off confirming all conditions for alternate entry are met and entry is authorized?
Are any additional notes, observations, or deviations from standard alternate entry conditions documented below?

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Why Use This Confined Space Alternate Entry Procedure Review Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This confined space alternate entry procedure review checklist [free pdf] helps general industry teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for confined space entry supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(b), ANSI Z117.1-2017 Section 6, NFPA 350 Chapter 7, CSA Z1006-16 Section 6. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Confined Space Alternate Entry Procedure Review Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Confined Space Classification Review, Forced-Air Ventilation Setup & Verification, Pre-Entry Atmospheric Testing, Continuous Atmospheric Monitoring Plan, Entrant & Supervisor Briefing, Personal Protective Equipment Review, Reclassification & Abort Criteria. It is designed for general industry operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 25-40 minutes.

Who should use this Confined Space Alternate Entry Procedure Review Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Confined Space Entry Supervisor professionals in the general industry industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.