Confined Space Alternate Entry Procedure Review Checklist [FREE PDF]

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5) permits employers to use an alternate procedure for entry into permit-required confined spaces when the only hazard is atmospheric and can be controlled by continuous forced air ventilation, eliminating the need for a full permit if specific conditions are documented and verified. This alternate entry procedure is frequently misapplied in the field, leading to OSHA citations and fatalities when hazards are underestimated or ventilation systems fail. This checklist ensu

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(d), ANSI Z117.1-2017 Section 5, NFPA 350 Chapter 7, CSA Z1006-16 Section 6

Alternate Entry Eligibility Determination

Confirm that the space and work conditions meet all criteria for use of the alternate entry procedure under OSHA 1910.146(c)(5).

Has a qualified person determined that the space's only hazard is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere?
Has the employer verified that continuous forced air ventilation alone can control all atmospheric hazards in this space?
Is the work to be performed free from activities that could introduce new atmospheric hazards during entry (e.g., welding, painting, solvent use)?
Are physical hazards such as engulfment, entrapment, mechanical energy, or electrical hazards absent from this space?
Has the entry supervisor signed and dated the employer certification confirming alternate procedure eligibility?

Initial Atmospheric Testing and Evaluation

Conduct and document pre-entry atmospheric testing to establish baseline conditions before ventilation is initiated.

Has pre-entry atmospheric testing been performed by a qualified person before any ventilation is started?
Was oxygen content measured and found within acceptable limits (19.5%–23.5% O₂)?
Was the flammable gas/vapor level measured below 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)?
Were toxic contaminant levels tested and confirmed below applicable OSHA PELs or ACGIH TLVs?
Were atmospheric test results documented with instrument type, serial number, calibration date, and readings?
Was testing performed at multiple elevations within the space (top, middle, bottom) to detect stratified hazards?

Forced Air Ventilation System Setup and Verification

Confirm that the ventilation system is properly configured, operational, and capable of maintaining safe atmospheric conditions.

Is the ventilation supply air drawn from a clean, uncontaminated source located away from exhaust points?
Is the ventilation duct positioned to create air circulation throughout all areas of the space the entrant will occupy?
Has the ventilation system been operating for sufficient time to achieve acceptable atmospheric conditions before entry?
Is the ventilation system continuously operating and will it remain in operation throughout the entire entry?
Has post-ventilation atmospheric testing confirmed that all parameters are within acceptable limits before entry?

Continuous Atmospheric Monitoring During Entry

Establish monitoring protocols to detect any atmospheric changes that would require immediate evacuation.

Is a calibrated, alarm-equipped atmospheric monitor deployed inside the space during the entry?
Are the monitor's alarms set at appropriate action levels (e.g., 10% LEL for combustibles, PEL for toxics)?
Is there a documented procedure for immediate evacuation if any atmospheric alarm activates?
Has the atmospheric monitor been calibrated within the manufacturer's required calibration interval and bump-tested today?
Is monitoring data being recorded at regular intervals throughout the entry duration?

Non-Atmospheric Hazard Control Verification

Verify that all non-atmospheric hazards have been evaluated and that none exist that would invalidate the alternate procedure.

Has a lockout/tagout (LOTO) assessment been performed and all applicable energy sources isolated?
Has a formal hazard assessment confirmed that engulfment hazards (liquids, granular materials) are not present or have been isolated?
Has the space been inspected for internal configuration hazards (inwardly converging walls, sloping floors) that could trap an entrant?
Are electrical hazards within the space de-energized, locked out, and verified safe?
Has a competent person confirmed in writing that no new hazards will be introduced by the planned work activities?

Personnel Qualifications, Training, and Authorization

Confirm that all personnel involved in the alternate entry are trained, authorized, and understand the procedure's limitations.

Have all entrants received training specific to the alternate entry procedure and its differences from full permit entry?
Is the entry supervisor authorized in writing by the employer to approve alternate entry procedures?
Have all entrants been briefed on the specific hazards identified, control measures in place, and evacuation signals?
Is an attendant stationed outside the space and maintaining continuous communication with the entrant?
Are all personnel records of confined space training current and on file?

Employer Certification and Record Retention

Ensure all required certification documents are completed, signed, and retained in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Has the employer certification document been completed with the date, location, and signature of the authorized certifier?
Is the employer certification document posted at the confined space entry point during the operation?
Is a procedure in place to immediately convert to full permit-required entry if any conditions change during the operation?
Will the certification document and atmospheric test records be retained for at least one year after the entry?
Has the entry supervisor conducted a final review of all sections of this checklist and confirmed all items are satisfactory before authorizing entry?

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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(d), ANSI Z117.1-2017 Section 5, 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: Alternate Entry Eligibility Determination, Initial Atmospheric Testing and Evaluation, Forced Air Ventilation System Setup and Verification, Continuous Atmospheric Monitoring During Entry, Non-Atmospheric Hazard Control Verification, Personnel Qualifications, Training, and Authorization, Employer Certification and Record Retention. 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.