Quarterly Confined Space Drills—Checklist & Best Practices

By basinadmin| Safety Training| 2025| Confined Space Safety

September 09, 2025•2 min read

Confined spaces are some of the most hazardous work environments, often with limited entry, poor ventilation, and serious risks like toxic gases. To protect workers and stay OSHA compliant, companies must do more than just provide training—they need consistent practice. Conducting quarterly confined space drills builds preparedness, ensures procedures stay fresh, and highlights areas for improvement.

This blog will walk you through a step-by-step checklist and best practices for making your confined space drills more effective.

Why Quarterly Drills Matter

Reinforce OSHA compliance requirements
Strengthen worker muscle memory for emergencies
Identify gaps in equipment, communication, or training
Build confidence in teams handling high-risk environments

Confined Space Drill Checklist

1. Pre-Drill Preparation

Review existing permit space program
Ensure rescue equipment is available and functional
Assign roles: entrant, attendant, supervisor, and rescue team

2. Communication Systems Check

Test radios or communication devices before entry
Establish clear emergency signals

3. Hazard Simulation

Introduce a simulated hazard (low oxygen, toxic gas alarm, or entrapment)
Train workers to respond quickly and correctly

4. Rescue Team Response

Ensure rescue teams practice both non-entry rescue (retrieval systems) and entry rescue when required
Time the response to measure efficiency

5. Debrief and Documentation

Review performance as a team
Document lessons learned and update procedures

Best Practices for Successful Drills

Keep drills unannounced to test real readiness
Rotate roles so everyone practices different responsibilities
Incorporate new technology like gas monitors and rescue retrieval systems
Track performance metrics (time to evacuate, communication success, hazards identified)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Running drills only on paper instead of hands-on practice
Failing to involve the rescue team
Using outdated or untested safety equipment
Not recording or reviewing drill outcomes

Conclusion

Quarterly confined space drills aren’t just a compliance requirement—they’re a life-saving habit. By following a structured checklist and refining your approach each quarter, your team will be better equipped to handle confined space emergencies with confidence.

Is your team ready for the next drill? Start planning today to strengthen both safety and compliance.

Basin Safety

Guidance, Compliance, Security. We possess the experience and personnel to serve our client's most advanced needs in a cost sensitive manner. Through advanced training, innovative solutions, and integrated approaches to service, we've created sustainable and transferrable safety services that will last the life of your organization. Basin Safety operates several expanding divisions with a unified purpose - to assist our client's in keeping their personnel and their assets safe. Basin Safety Consulting Basin Safety Training Basin Safety Services Basin Safety Supply Our personnel offer experience in upstream, midstream, and conventional fixed industrial applications. We offer custom built safety programs and management as well as operational guideline development and regulatory compliance. Critical staff selection is our specialty, and we understand the value of having the right people in the right positions. From major oil and gas producers to family run service companies, Basin Safety can serve you with the experience and availability you rely on when it comes to your people, your assets, and our company's reputation.

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