What should be done if a confined space entry permit expires during work?

When a confined space entry permit expires during work, it is essential to stop all work immediately. The primary purpose of the permit system is to ensure that all safety precautions and procedures are in place before any work begins in a confined space. These permits are typically time-limited to account for the changing conditions and potential hazards that can arise over time.

Continuing work after the permit has expired would be unsafe because it may no longer reflect the current environmental conditions or the safety measures needed for the tasks being performed. Once the permit expires, it is crucial to reassess the conditions of the confined space and ensure that all necessary safety standards are met again before resuming work. This helps maintain the health and safety of personnel entering the confined space.

Re-evaluating new entrants or notifying a supervisor to extend the permit are actions that could take place, but they should only occur after work has stopped. Ensuring that safety protocols are followed is paramount, and an expired permit indicates that those protocols can no longer be guaranteed.