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Confined space entry permit template (PDF) for tanks, silos and shafts

Our own permit (Erlaubnisschein) for entering tanks, silos, shafts and pits – with hazards, measures from emptying to energy isolation, a test record for oxygen, explosive and toxic gases, rescue, approval and close-out.

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Tanks, silos, shafts and pits are among the most dangerous work locations in a company: oxygen deficiency, gases, engulfment and difficult rescue. Under DGUV Rule 113-004 (DGUV Regel 113-004), the responsible person issues a permit (Erlaubnisschein) before work starts that sets out the required protective measures. The supervisor, the standby person (Sicherungsposten) and, where applicable, the contractor's responsible person confirm with their signature that they know the measures.

This template takes you through the approval in the order used in practice: work location and persons involved, hazards, measures from emptying and isolating to energy isolation, ventilation, gas testing with a test record, protective equipment and rescue – and finally extension and close-out. The structure is AMS Go's own template that you adapt to your tanks and hazards.

What the template contains

  • Three-page PDF permit with work location, order, validity, supervisor, standby person and a list of persons entering with entry and exit times
  • Eleven typical hazards and 14 measures before entry – from emptying and isolating to energy isolation and ventilation
  • Test record for oxygen, lower explosive limit and toxic gases with time, measuring point and device
  • Checkpoints on protective equipment and rescue, approval signatures, extension and close-out

How to use the template

  1. 1

    Identify hazards on site

    Go to the tank with the supervisor and the workers. Clarify what it contained, which pipes and drives are connected and how an injured person would be brought out – and first check whether the work can be done without entry.

  2. 2

    Implement measures, test, approve

    Only sign once the tank has been emptied and isolated, energy isolated, ventilated and gas-tested and everyone involved has been instructed. Record every measurement with time and measuring point; during the work, a gas detector monitors the atmosphere.

  3. 3

    Extend and close out

    After longer interruptions or when the persons involved change, the supervisor checks the measures again and records the extension. Protective measures are only lifted once everyone has left; then the opening is secured against unauthorised entry.

Risk assessments in AMS GoAssess work in tanks and confined spaces as a separate task, attach photos of the work location and track measures with an owner and deadline in the action plan.

Legal basis

  • DGUV Rule 113-004, sections 3 and 4.2: risk assessment, supervisor, standby person and permit for work in tanks, silos and confined spaces
  • Sections 8 and 25(3) of DGUV Regulation 1: supervision of dangerous work, personal protection for lone working, providing rescue equipment
  • Annex I no. 1.4 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV): permit-to-work system with written instructions and supervision where hazardous substances create fire or explosion hazards
  • Sections 10(3) no. 12 and 11(2) of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV): permit systems for maintenance work, rescue and anchorages for rescue equipment
  • Sections 5 and 10 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG): risk assessment, first aid and emergency measures

Frequently asked questions

Is a permit mandatory for confined space work in Germany?

DGUV Rule 113-004 provides that a permit setting out the required protective measures is issued before work in tanks, silos and confined spaces begins. Where working conditions and effective protective measures are always the same, written operating instructions (Betriebsanweisung) can replace the permit. In areas where hazardous substances create fire or explosion hazards, the Hazardous Substances Ordinance also requires a permit-to-work system with written instructions (Annex I no. 1.4).

Which limits apply to gas testing?

DGUV Rule 113-004 gives reference values: natural air contains 20.9 vol% oxygen, below 17 vol% work may only be done with self-contained breathing apparatus, and an explosive atmosphere is considered prevented if the concentration stays permanently below 50% of the lower explosive limit. For toxic substances, the occupational exposure limits apply. You set specific release and alarm thresholds in the risk assessment – the template deliberately leaves these fields blank.

How long is the permit valid?

Only for the tank, the work described and the period entered. After longer interruptions, for example when work continues the next day, or when the persons involved change – shift change, a different contractor – it must be reissued or extended under DGUV Rule 113-004. The template has a separate table for this.

You may use and adapt the template freely in your own company and for your own clients. It reflects the regulations named as they stand.

Never search a spreadsheet for a deadline again

In AMS Go, what this template covers lives in one system with reminders, history and records at the push of a button – mobile and with AI support.

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