Permit-required confined spaces are regulated strictly by OSHA because the hazards are so great. Here’s a quick review of OSHA’s requirements for permit spaces.
As we said in yesterday’s Advisor, which reviewed confined space hazards, OSHA defines confined spaces as tanks, silos, sewers, and similar spaces large enough to work in, but difficult to get in and out of and not designed for continuous occupancy.
A confined space becomes a permit-required confined space if, in addition, it presents or has the potential for any recognized serious hazard.
The Permit Program
If you have permit-required confined spaces on your premises that employees or contractors are required to enter, you must:
- Develop and use a written permit program.
- Create a written permit detailing conditions for working in the space.
- Train workers to work safely in and around the space.
- Use warning appropriate signs and barriers to keep unauthorized workers away from the space.
OSHA’s permit required-confined space standard (29 CFR 1910.146) also requires you to test permit-required confined spaces for hazards before employees are allowed to enter. You must test for levels of:
- Oxygen
- Flammable gases and vapors
- Toxic air contaminants
Any breathing or fire hazards must be removed or controlled with ventilation, fresh air, flushing, or other methods before any employee sets foot into the space.
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The Permit
Before work begins in a permit space, the entry supervisor must determine if conditions allow for safe entry. If so, the supervisor issues a permit and posts it near the space entrance. Authorized entrants and attendants have to read entry permit, which covers:
- Reason for entering the space (e.g., repair work)
- Hazards of the space (e.g., design or shape of space, flammable atmosphere)
- Results of tests performed in the space
- Actions taken to remove or control hazards (e.g., ventilation)
- Acceptable conditions for entering the space
- Permit date and length of time the permit is applicable
- Names of authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors
- Equipment employees must use in or around the space (e.g., communications, rescue, and personal protective equipment)
- Communication methods to be used by workers in and outside the space
- Available rescue procedures and equipment
- Any specific safety precautions and instructions
- Additional permits related to the job (e.g., hot work)
Once employees enter the space, testing and other precautions must continue the entire time the space is occupied. If tests reveal any atmospheric hazards, entrants must leave the space immediately.
In addition, rescue and emergency services must be available whenever employees enter permit spaces. Rescue team members must:
- Be trained in permit-space hazards, rescue techniques, basic first aid, and CPR
- Have necessary PPE and rescue-retrieval systems
- Practice confined space rescues at least yearly
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