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OSHA
Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) - Table of Contents OSHA
Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) - Table of Contents
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Standard Number: 1910.146
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Standard Title: Permit-required confined spaces
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SubPart Number: J
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SubPart Title: General Environmental Controls
1(a)Scope
and application. This section contains requirements for
practices and procedures to protect employees in general
industry from the hazards of entry into permit-required
confined spaces. This section does not apply to agriculture,
to construction, or to shipyard employment (Parts 1928,
1926, and 1915 of this chapter, respectively).
1(b)Definitions.
"Acceptable
entry conditions" means the conditions that must
exist in a permit space to allow entry and to ensure that
employees involved with a permit-required confined space
entry can safely enter into and work within the space.
"Attendant"
means an individual stationed outside one or more
permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and
who performs all attendant's duties assigned in the employer's
permit space program.
"Authorized
entrant" means an employee who is authorized
by the employer to enter a permit space.
"Blanking
or blinding" means the absolute closure of a
pipe, line, or duct by the fastening of a solid plate
(such as a spectacle blind or a skillet blind) that completely
covers the bore and that is capable of withstanding the
maximum pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with no leakage
beyond the plate.
"Confined
space" means a space that:
(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee
can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit
(for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers,
vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means
of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
"Double
block and bleed" means the closure of a line,
duct, or pipe by closing and locking or tagging two in-line
valves and by opening and locking or tagging a drain or
vent valve in the line between the two closed valves.
"Emergency"
means any occurrence (including any failure of hazard
control or monitoring equipment) or event internal or
external to the permit space that could endanger entrants.
"Engulfment"
means the surrounding and effective capture of a person
by a liquid or finely divided (flowable) solid substance
that can be aspirated to cause death by filling or plugging
the respiratory system or that can exert enough force
on the body to cause death by strangulation, constriction,
or crushing.
"Entry"
means the action by which a person passes through an opening
into a permit-required confined space. Entry includes
ensuing work activities in that space and is considered
to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant's
body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.
"Entry
permit (permit)" means the written or printed
document that is provided by the employer to allow and
control entry into a permit space and that contains the
information specified in paragraph (f) of this section.
"Entry
supervisor" means the person (such as the employer,
foreman, or crew chief) responsible for determining if
acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit space
where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing
entry operations, and for terminating entry as required
by this section.
NOTE:
An entry supervisor also may serve as an attendant or
as an authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained
and equipped as required by this section for each role
he or she fills. Also, the duties of entry supervisor
may be passed from one individual to another during the
course of an entry operation.
"Hazardous
atmosphere" means an atmosphere that may expose
employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment
of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from
a permit space), injury, or acute illness from one or
more of the following causes:
(1) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent
of its lower flammable limit (LFL);
(2) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that
meets or exceeds its LFL;
NOTE: This concentration may be approximated as a condition
in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet
(1.52 m) or less.
(3) Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent
or above 23.5 percent;
(4) Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which
a dose or a permissible exposure limit is published in
Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental Control,
or in Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, of this
Part and which could result in employee exposure in excess
of its dose or permissible exposure limit;
NOTE: An atmospheric concentration of any substance that
is not capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment
of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness due
to its health effects is not covered by this provision.
(5) Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately
dangerous to life or health.
NOTE: For air contaminants for which OSHA has not determined
a dose or permissible exposure limit, other sources of
information, such as Material Safety Data Sheets that
comply with the Hazard Communication Standard, section
1910.1200 of this Part, published information, and internal
documents can provide guidance in establishing acceptable
atmospheric conditions.
"Hot
work permit" means the employer's written authorization
to perform operations (for example, riveting, welding,
cutting, burning, and heating) capable of providing a
source of ignition.
"Immediately
dangerous to life or health (IDLH)" means any
condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to
life or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects
or that would interfere with an individual's ability to
escape unaided from a permit space.
NOTE: Some materials -- hydrogen fluoride gas and cadmium
vapor, for example -- may produce immediate transient
effects that, even if severe, may pass without medical
attention, but are followed by sudden, possibly fatal
collapse 12-72 hours after exposure. The victim "feels
normal" from recovery from transient effects until
collapse. Such materials in hazardous quantities are considered
to be "immediately" dangerous to life or health.
"Inerting"
means the displacement of the atmosphere in a permit space
by a noncombustible gas (such as nitrogen) to such an
extent that the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible.
NOTE: This procedure produces an IDLH oxygen-deficient
atmosphere.
"Isolation"
means the process by which a permit space is removed from
service and completely protected against the release of
energy and material into the space by such means as: blanking
or blinding; misaligning or removing sections of lines,
pipes, or ducts; a double block and bleed system; lockout
or tagout of all sources of energy; or blocking or disconnecting
all mechanical linkages.
"Line
breaking" means the intentional opening of a
pipe, line, or duct that is or has been carrying flammable,
corrosive, or toxic material, an inert gas, or any fluid
at a volume, pressure, or temperature capable of causing
injury.
"Non-permit
confined space" means a confined space that does
not contain or, with respect to atmospheric hazards, have
the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing
death or serious physical harm.
"Oxygen
deficient atmosphere" means an atmosphere containing
less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume.
"Oxygen
enriched atmosphere" means an atmosphere containing
more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume.
"Permit-required
confined space (permit space)" means a confined
space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
(1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous
atmosphere;
(2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing
an entrant;
(3) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant
could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging
walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to
a smaller cross-section; or
(4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health
hazard.
"Permit-required
confined space program (permit space program)"
means the employer's overall program for controlling,
and, where appropriate, for protecting employees from,
permit space hazards and for regulating employee entry
into permit spaces.
"Permit
system" means the employer's written procedure
for preparing and issuing permits for entry and for returning
the permit space to service following termination of entry.
"Prohibited
condition" means any condition in a permit space
that is not allowed by the permit during the period when
entry is authorized.
"Rescue
service" means the personnel designated to rescue
employees from permit spaces.
"Retrieval
system" means the equipment (including a retrieval
line, chest or full-body harness, wristlets, if appropriate,
and a lifting device or anchor) used for non-entry rescue
of persons from permit spaces.
"Testing"
means the process by which the hazards that may confront
entrants of a permit space are identified and evaluated.
Testing includes specifying the tests that are to be performed
in the permit space.
NOTE: Testing enables employers both to devise and implement
adequate control measures for the protection of authorized
entrants and to determine if acceptable entry conditions
are present immediately prior to, and during, entry.
1(c)General
requirements.
1(c)(1)The
employer shall evaluate the workplace to determine if
any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.
NOTE: Proper application of the decision flow chart in
Appendix A to section 1910.146 would facilitate compliance
with this requirement.
1(c)(2)If
the workplace contains permit spaces, the employer shall
inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by
any other equally effective means, of the existence and
location of and the danger posed by the permit spaces.
NOTE: A sign reading DANGER -- PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED
SPACE, DO NOT ENTER or using other similar language would
satisfy the requirement for a sign.
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..1910.146(c)(3)
1(c)(3)If
the employer decides that its employees will not enter
permit spaces, the employer shall take effective measures
to prevent its employees from entering the permit spaces
and shall comply with paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(6),
and (c)(8) of this section.
1(c)(4)If
the employer decides that its employees will enter permit
spaces, the employer shall develop and implement a written
permit space program that complies with this section.
The written program shall be available for inspection
by employees and their authorized representatives.
1(c)(5)An
employer may use the alternate procedures specified in
paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section for entering a permit
space under the conditions set forth in paragraph (c)(5)(i)
of this section.
1(c)(5)(i)An
employer whose employees enter a permit space need not
comply with paragraphs (d) through (f) and (h) through
(k) of this section, provided that:
1(c)(5)(i)(A)The
employer can demonstrate that the only hazard posed by
the permit space is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere;
1(c)(5)(i)(B)The
employer can demonstrate that continuous forced air ventilation
alone is sufficient to maintain that permit space safe
for entry;
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..1910.146(c)(5)(i)(C)
1(c)(5)(i)(C)The
employer develops monitoring and inspection data that
supports the demonstrations required by paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A)
and (c)(5)(i)(B) of this section;
1(c)(5)(i)(D)If
an initial entry of the permit space is necessary to obtain
the data required by paragraph (c)(5)(i)(C) of this section,
the entry is performed in compliance with paragraphs (d)
through (k) of this section;
1(c)(5)(i)(E)The
determinations and supporting data required by paragraphs
(c)(5)(i)(A), (c)(5)(i)(B), and (c)(5)(i)(C) of this section
are documented by the employer and are made available
to each employee who enters the permit space under the
terms of paragraph (c)(5) of this section or to that employee's
authorized representative; and
1(c)(5)(i)(F)Entry
into the permit space under the terms of paragraph (c)(5)(i)
of this section is performed in accordance with the requirements
of paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section.
NOTE: See paragraph (c)(7) of this section for reclassification
of a permit space after all hazards within the space have
been eliminated.
1(c)(5)(ii)The
following requirements apply to entry into permit spaces
that meet the conditions set forth in paragraph (c)(5)(i)
of this section.
1(c)(5)(ii)(A)Any
conditions making it unsafe to remove an entrance cover
shall be eliminated before the cover is removed.
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..1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(B)
1(c)(5)(ii)(B)When
entrance covers are removed, the opening shall be promptly
guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other temporary
barrier that will prevent an accidental fall through the
opening and that will protect each employee working in
the space from foreign objects entering the space.
1(c)(5)(ii)(C)Before
an employee enters the space, the internal atmosphere
shall be tested, with a calibrated direct-reading instrument,
for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors, and
for potential toxic air contaminants, in that order. Any
employee who enters the space, or that employee's authorized
representative, shall be provided an opportunity to observe
the pre-entry testing required by this paragraph.
1(c)(5)(ii)(C)(1)Oxygen
content,
1(c)(5)(ii)(C)(2)Flammable
gases and vapors, and
1(c)(5)(ii)(C)(3)Potential
toxic air contaminants.
1(c)(5)(ii)(D)There
may be no hazardous atmosphere within the space whenever
any employee is inside the space.
1(c)(5)(ii)(E)Continuous
forced air ventilation shall be used, as follows:
1(c)(5)(ii)(E)(1)An
employee may not enter the space until the forced air
ventilation has eliminated any hazardous atmosphere;
1(c)(5)(ii)(E)(2)The
forced air ventilation shall be so directed as to ventilate
the immediate areas where an employee is or will be present
within the space and shall continue until all employees
have left the space;
1(c)(5)(ii)(E)(3)The
air supply for the forced air ventilation shall be from
a clean source and may not increase the hazards in the
space.
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..1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(F)
1(c)(5)(ii)(F)The
atmosphere within the space shall be periodically tested
as necessary to ensure that the continuous forced air
ventilation is preventing the accumulation of a hazardous
atmosphere. Any employee who enters the space, or that
employee's authorized representative, shall be provided
with an opportunity to observe the periodic testing required
by this paragraph.
1(c)(5)(ii)(G)If
a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry:
1(c)(5)(ii)(G)(1)Each
employee shall leave the space immediately;
1(c)(5)(ii)(G)(2)The
space shall be evaluated to determine how the hazardous
atmosphere developed; and
1(c)(5)(ii)(G)(3)Measures
shall be implemented to protect employees from the hazardous
atmosphere before any subsequent entry takes place.
1(c)(5)(ii)(H)The
employer shall verify that the space is safe for entry
and that the pre-entry measures required by paragraph
(c)(5)(ii) of this section have been taken, through a
written certification that contains the date, the location
of the space, and the signature of the person providing
the certification. The certification shall be made before
entry and shall be made available to each employee entering
the space or to that employee's authorized representative
.
1(c)(6)When
there are changes in the use or configuration of a non-permit
confined space that might increase the hazards to entrants,
the employer shall reevaluate that space and, if necessary,
reclassify it as a permit-required confined space.
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..1910.146(c)(7)
1(c)(7)A
space classified by the employer as a permit-required
confined space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined
space under the following procedures:
1(c)(7)(i)If
the permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric
hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated
without entry into the space, the permit space may be
reclassified as a non-permit confined space for as long
as the non-atmospheric hazards remain eliminated.
1(c)(7)(ii)If
it is necessary to enter the permit space to eliminate
hazards, such entry shall be performed under paragraphs
(d) through (k) of this section. If testing and inspection
during that entry demonstrate that the hazards within
the permit space have been eliminated, the permit space
may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space for
as long as the hazards remain eliminated.
NOTE:
Control of atmospheric hazards through forced air ventilation
does not constitute elimination of the hazards. Paragraph
(c)(5) covers permit space entry where the employer can
demonstrate that forced air ventilation alone will control
all hazards in the space.
1(c)(7)(iii)The
employer shall document the basis for determining that
all hazards in a permit space have been eliminated, through
a certification that contains the date, the location of
the space, and the signature of the person making the
determination. The certification shall be made available
to each employee entering the space or to that employee's
authorized representative.
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..1910.146(c)(7)(iv)
1(c)(7)(iv)If
hazards arise within a permit space that has been declassified
to a non-permit space under paragraph (c)(7) of this section,
each employee in the space shall exit the space. The employer
shall then reevaluate the space and determine whether
it must be reclassified as a permit space, in accordance
with other applicable provisions of this section.
1(c)(8)When
an employer (host employer) arranges to have employees
of another employer (contractor) perform work that involves
permit space entry, the host employer shall:
1(c)(8)(i)Inform
the contractor that the workplace contains permit spaces
and that permit space entry is allowed only through compliance
with a permit space program meeting the requirements of
this section;
1(c)(8)(ii)Apprise
the contractor of the elements, including the hazards
identified and the host employer's experience with the
space, that make the space in question a permit space;
1(c)(8)(iii)Apprise
the contractor of any precautions or procedures that the
host employer has implemented for the protection of employees
in or near permit spaces where contractor personnel will
be working;
1(c)(8)(iv)Coordinate
entry operations with the contractor, when both host employer
personnel and contractor personnel will be working in
or near permit spaces, as required by paragraph (d)(11)
of this section; and
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..1910.146(c)(8)(v)
1(c)(8)(v)Debrief
the contractor at the conclusion of the entry operations
regarding the permit space program followed and regarding
any hazards confronted or created in permit spaces during
entry operations.
1(c)(9)In
addition to complying with the permit space requirements
that apply to all employers, each contractor who is retained
to perform permit space entry operations shall:
1(c)(9)(i)Obtain
any available information regarding permit space hazards
and entry operations from the host employer;
1(c)(9)(ii)Coordinate
entry operations with the host employer, when both host
employer personnel and contractor personnel will be working
in or near permit spaces, as required by paragraph (d)(11)
of this section; and
1(c)(9)(iii)Inform
the host employer of the permit space program that the
contractor will follow and of any hazards confronted or
created in permit spaces, either through a debriefing
or during the entry operation.
1(d)Permit-required
confined space program (permit space program). Under the
permit space program required by paragraph (c)(4) of this
section, the employer shall:
1(d)(1)Implement
the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry;
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..1910.146(d)(2)
1(d)(2)Identify
and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees
enter them;
1(d)(3)Develop
and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary
for safe permit space entry operations, including, but
not limited to, the following:
1(d)(3)(i)Specifying
acceptable entry conditions;
1(d)(3)(ii)Providing
each authorized entrant or that employee's authorized
representative with the opportunity to observe any monitoring
or testing of permit spaces;
1(d)(3)(iii)Isolating
the permit space;
1(d)(3)(iv)Purging,
inerting, flushing, or ventilating the permit space as
necessary to eliminate or control atmospheric hazards;
1(d)(3)(v)Providing
pedestrian, vehicle, or other barriers as necessary to
protect entrants from external hazards; and
1(d)(3)(vi)Verifying
that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for
entry throughout the duration of an authorized entry.
1(d)(4)Provide
the following equipment (specified in paragraphs (d)(4)(i)
through (d)(4)(ix) of this section) at no cost to employees,
maintain that equipment properly, and ensure that employees
use that equipment properly:
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..1910.146(d)(4)(i)
1(d)(4)(i)Testing
and monitoring equipment needed to comply with paragraph
(d)(5) of this section;
1(d)(4)(ii)Ventilating
equipment needed to obtain acceptable entry conditions;
1(d)(4)(iii)Communications
equipment necessary for compliance with paragraphs (h)(3)
and (i)(5) of this section;
1(d)(4)(iv)Personal
protective equipment insofar as feasible engineering and
work practice controls do not adequately protect employees;
1(d)(4)(v)Lighting
equipment needed to enable employees to see well enough
to work safely and to exit the space quickly in an emergency;
1(d)(4)(vi)Barriers
and shields as required by paragraph (d)(3)(iv) of this
section;
1(d)(4)(vii)Equipment,
such as ladders, needed for safe ingress and egress by
authorized entrants;
1(d)(4)(viii)Rescue
and emergency equipment needed to comply with paragraph
(d)(9) of this section, except to the extent that the
equipment is provided by rescue services; and
1(d)(4)(ix)Any
other equipment necessary for safe entry into and rescue
from permit spaces.
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..1910.146(d)(5)
1(d)(5)Evaluate
permit space conditions as follows when entry operations
are conducted:
1(d)(5)(i)Test
conditions in the permit space to determine if acceptable
entry conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin,
except that, if isolation of the space is infeasible because
the space is large or is part of a continuous system (such
as a sewer), pre-entry testing shall be performed to the
extent feasible before entry is authorized and, if entry
is authorized, entry conditions shall be continuously
monitored in the areas where authorized entrants are working;
1(d)(5)(ii)Test
or monitor the permit space as necessary to determine
if acceptable entry conditions are being maintained during
the course of entry operations; and
1(d)(5)(iii)When
testing for atmospheric hazards, test first for oxygen,
then for combustible gases and vapors, and then for toxic
gases and vapors.
1(d)(5)(iv)Provide
each authorized entrant or that employee's authorized
representative an opportunity to observe the pre-entry
and any subsequent testing or monitoring of permit spaces;
1(d)(5)(v)Reevaluate
the permit space in the presence of any authorized entrant
or that employee's authorized representative who requests
that the employer conduct such reevaluation because the
entrant or representative has reason to believe that the
evaluation of that space may not have been adequate;
1(d)(5)(vi)Immediately
provide each authorized entrant or that employee's authorized
representative with the results of any testing conducted
in accord with paragraph (d) of this section.
NOTE: Atmospheric testing conducted in accordance with
Appendix B to section 1910.146 would be considered as
satisfying the requirements of this paragraph. For permit
space operations in sewers, atmospheric testing conducted
in accordance with Appendix B, as supplemented by Appendix
E to section 1910.146, would be considered as satisfying
the requirements of this paragraph.
1(d)(6)
Provide at least one attendant outside the permit
space into which entry is authorized for the duration
of entry operations;
NOTE: Attendants may be assigned to monitor more than
one permit space provided the duties described in paragraph
(i) of this section can be effectively performed for each
permit space that is monitored. Likewise, attendants may
be stationed at any location outside the permit space
to be monitored as long as the duties described in paragraph
(i) of this section can be effectively performed for each
permit space that is monitored.
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..1910.146(d)(7)
1(d)(7)If
multiple spaces are to be monitored by a single attendant,
include in the permit program the means and procedures
to enable the attendant to respond to an emergency affecting
one or more of the permit spaces being monitored without
distraction from the attendant's responsibilities under
paragraph (i) of this section;
1(d)(8)Designate
the persons who are to have active roles (as, for example,
authorized entrants, attendants, entry supervisors, or
persons who test or monitor the atmosphere in a permit
space) in entry operations, identify the duties of each
such employee, and provide each such employee with the
training required by paragraph (g) of this section;
1(d)(9)Develop
and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency
services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces, for
providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees,
and for preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting
a rescue;
1(d)(10)Develop
and implement a system for the preparation, issuance,
use, and cancellation of entry permits as required by
this section;
1(d)(11)Develop
and implement procedures to coordinate entry operations
when employees of more than one employer are working simultaneously
as authorized entrants in a permit space, so that employees
of one employer do not endanger the employees of any other
employer;
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..1910.146(d)(12)
1(d)(12)Develop
and implement procedures (such as closing off a permit
space and canceling the permit) necessary for concluding
the entry after entry operations have been completed;
1(d)(13)Review
entry operations when the employer has reason to believe
that the measures taken under the permit space program
may not protect employees and revise the program to correct
deficiencies found to exist before subsequent entries
are authorized; and
NOTE: Examples of circumstances requiring the review of
the permit space program are: any unauthorized entry of
a permit space, the detection of a permit space hazard
not covered by the permit, the detection of a condition
prohibited by the permit, the occurrence of an injury
or near-miss during entry, a change in the use or configuration
of a permit space, and employee complaints about the effectiveness
of the program.
1(d)(14)Review
the permit space program, using the canceled permits retained
under paragraph (e)(6) of this section within 1 year after
each entry and revise the program as necessary, to ensure
that employees participating in entry operations are protected
from permit space hazards.
NOTE: Employers may perform a single annual review covering
all entries performed during a 12-month period. If no
entry is performed during a 12-month period, no review
is necessary.
Appendix
C to section 1910.146 presents examples of permit space
programs that are considered to comply with the requirements
of paragraph (d) of this section.
1(e)Permit
system.
1(e)(1)Before
entry is authorized, the employer shall document the completion
of measures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section
by preparing an entry permit.
NOTE: Appendix D to section 1910.146 presents examples
of permits whose elements are considered to comply with
the requirements of this section.
1(e)(2)Before
entry begins, the entry supervisor identified on the permit
shall sign the entry permit to authorize entry.
1(e)(3)The
completed permit shall be made available at the time of
entry to all authorized entrants or their authorized representatives,
by posting it at the entry portal or by any other equally
effective means, so that the entrants can confirm that
pre-entry preparations have been completed.
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..1910.146(e)(4)
1(e)(4)The
duration of the permit may not exceed the time required
to complete the assigned task or job identified on the
permit in accordance with paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
1(e)(5)The
entry supervisor shall terminate entry and cancel the
entry permit when:
1(e)(5)(i)The
entry operations covered by the entry permit have been
completed; or
1(e)(5)(ii)A
condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises
in or near the permit space.
1(e)(6)The
employer shall retain each canceled entry permit for at
least 1 year to facilitate the review of the permit-required
confined space program required by paragraph (d)(14) of
this section. Any problems encountered during an entry
operation shall be noted on the pertinent permit so that
appropriate revisions to the permit space program can
be made.
1(f)Entry
permit. The entry permit that documents compliance with
this section and authorizes entry to a permit space shall
identify:
1(f)(1)The
permit space to be entered;
1(f)(2)The
purpose of the entry;
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..1910.146(f)(3)
1(f)(3)The
date and the authorized duration of the entry permit;
1(f)(4)The
authorized entrants within the permit space, by name or
by such other means (for example, through the use of rosters
or tracking systems) as will enable the attendant to determine
quickly and accurately, for the duration of the permit,
which authorized entrants are inside the permit space;
NOTE:: This requirement may be met by inserting a reference
on the entry permit as to the means used, such as a roster
or tracking system, to keep track of the authorized entrants
within the permit space.
1(f)(5)The
personnel, by name, currently serving as attendants;
1(f)(6)The
individual, by name, currently serving as entry supervisor,
with a space for the signature or initials of the entry
supervisor who originally authorized entry;
1(f)(7)The
hazards of the permit space to be entered;
1(f)(8)The
measures used to isolate the permit space and to eliminate
or control permit space hazards before entry;
NOTE: Those measures can include the lockout or tagging
of equipment and procedures for purging, inerting, ventilating,
and flushing permit spaces.
1(f)(9)The
acceptable entry conditions;
1(f)(10)The
results of initial and periodic tests performed under
paragraph (d)(5) of this section, accompanied by the names
or initials of the testers and by an indication of when
the tests were performed;
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..1910.146(f)(11)
1(f)(11)The
rescue and emergency services that can be summoned and
the means (such as the equipment to use and the numbers
to call) for summoning those services;
1(f)(12)The
communication procedures used by authorized entrants and
attendants to maintain contact during the entry;
1(f)(13)Equipment,
such as personal protective equipment, testing equipment,
communications equipment, alarm systems, and rescue equipment,
to be provided for compliance with this section;
1(f)(14)Any
other information whose inclusion is necessary, given
the circumstances of the particular confined space, in
order to ensure employee safety; and (15) Any additional
permits, such as for hot work, that have been issued to
authorize work in the permit space.
1(g)Training.
1(g)(1)The
employer shall provide training so that all employees
whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding,
knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance
of the duties assigned under this section.
1(g)(2)Training
shall be provided to each affected employee:
1(g)(2)(i)Before
the employee is first assigned duties under this section;
11
..1910.146(g)(2)(ii)
1(g)(2)(ii)Before
there is a change in assigned duties;
1(g)(2)(iii)Whenever
there is a change in permit space operations that presents
a hazard about which an employee has not previously been
trained;
1(g)(2)(iv)Whenever
the employer has reason to believe either that there are
deviations from the permit space entry procedures required
by paragraph (d)(3) of this section or that there are
inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of these
procedures.
1(g)(3)The
training shall establish employee proficiency in the duties
required by this section and shall introduce new or revised
procedures, as necessary, for compliance with this section.
1(g)(4)The
employer shall certify that the training required by paragraphs
(g)(1) through (g)(3) of this section has been accomplished.
The certification shall contain each employee's name,
the signatures or initials of the trainers, and the dates
of training. The certification shall be available for
inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.
1(h)Duties
of authorized entrants. The employer shall ensure that
all authorized entrants:
11
..1910.146(h)(1)
1(h)(1)Know
the hazards that may be faced during entry, including
information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences
of the exposure;
1(h)(2)Properly
use equipment as required by paragraph (d)(4) of this
section;
1(h)(3)Communicate
with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant
to monitor entrant status and to enable the attendant
to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space as
required by paragraph (i)(6) of this section;
1(h)(4)Alert
the attendant whenever:
1(h)(4)(i)The
entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure
to a dangerous situation, or
1(h)(4)(ii)The
entrant detects a prohibited condition; and
1(h)(5)Exit
from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:
1(h)(5)(i)An
order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry
supervisor,
1(h)(5)(ii)The
entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure
to a dangerous situation,
11
..1910.146(h)(5)(iii)
1(h)(5)(iii)The
entrant detects a prohibited condition, or
1(h)(5)(iv)An
evacuation alarm is activated.
1(i)Duties
of attendants. The employer shall ensure that each attendant:
1(i)(1)Knows
the hazards that may be faced during entry, including
information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences
of the exposure;
1(i)(2)Is
aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure
in authorized entrants;
1(i)(3)Continuously
maintains an accurate count of authorized entrants in
the permit space and ensures that the means used to identify
authorized entrants under paragraph (f)(4) of this section
accurately identifies who is in the permit space;
1(i)(4)Remains
outside the permit space during entry operations until
relieved by another attendant;
NOTE: When the employer's permit entry program allows
attendant entry for rescue, attendants may enter a permit
space to attempt a rescue if they have been trained and
equipped for rescue operations as required by paragraph
(k)(1) of this section and if they have been relieved
as required by paragraph (i)(4) of this section.
1(i)(5)Communicates
with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant
status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the
space under paragraph (i)(6) of this section;
11
..1910.146(i)(6)
1(i)(6)Monitors
activities inside and outside the space to determine if
it is safe for entrants to remain in the space and orders
the authorized entrants to evacuate the permit space immediately
under any of the following conditions;
1(i)(6)(i)If
the attendant detects a prohibited condition;
1(i)(6)(ii)If
the attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard
exposure in an authorized entrant;
1(i)(6)(iii)If
the attendant detects a situation outside the space that
could endanger the authorized entrants; or
1(i)(6)(iv)If
the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all
the duties required under paragraph (i) of this section;
1(i)(7)Summon
rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant
determines that authorized entrants may need assistance
to escape from permit space hazards;
1(i)(8)Takes
the following actions when unauthorized persons approach
or enter a permit space while entry is underway:
1(i)(8)(i)Warn
the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from
the permit space;
11
..1910.146(i)(8)(ii)
1(i)(8)(ii)Advise
the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately
if they have entered the permit space; and
1(i)(8)(iii)Inform
the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized
persons have entered the permit space;
1(i)(9)Performs
non-entry rescues as specified by the employer's rescue
procedure; and
1(i)(10)Performs
no duties that might interfere with the attendant's primary
duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrants.
1(j)Duties
of entry supervisors. The employer shall ensure that each
entry supervisor:
1(j)(1)Knows
the hazards that may be faced during entry, including
information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences
of the exposure;
1(j)(2)Verifies,
by checking that the appropriate entries have been made
on the permit, that all tests specified by the permit
have been conducted and that all procedures and equipment
specified by the permit are in place before endorsing
the permit and allowing entry to begin;
11
..1910.146(j)(3)
1(j)(3)Terminates
the entry and cancels the permit as required by paragraph
(e)(5) of this section;
1(j)(4)Verifies
that rescue services are available and that the means
for summoning them are operable;
1(j)(5)Removes
unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter
the permit space during entry operations; and
1(j)(6)Determines,
whenever responsibility for a permit space entry operation
is transferred and at intervals dictated by the hazards
and operations performed within the space, that entry
operations remain consistent with terms of the entry permit
and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.
1(k)Rescue
and emergency services.
1(k)(1)An
employer who designates rescue and emergency services,
pursuant to paragraph (d)(9) of this section, shall:
1(k)(1)(i)Evaluate
a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue
summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s)
identified;
Note to paragraph (k)(l)(i): What will be considered timely
will vary according to the specific hazards involved in
each entry. For example, §1910.134, Respiratory Protection,
requires that employers provide a standby person or persons
capable of immediate action to rescue employee(s) wearing
respiratory protection while in work areas defined as
IDLH atmospheres.
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..1910.146(k)(1)(ii)
1(k)(1)(ii)Evaluate
a prospective rescue service's ability, in terms of proficiency
with rescue-related tasks and equipment, to function appropriately
while rescuing entrants from the particular permit space
or types of permit spaces identified;
1(k)(1)(iii)Select
a rescue team or service from those evaluated that:
1(k)(1)(iii)(A)Has
the capability to reach the victim(s) within a time frame
that is appropriate for the permit space hazard(s) identified;
1(k)(1)(iii)(B)Is
equipped for and proficient in performing the needed rescue
services;
1(k)(1)(iv)Inform
each rescue team or service of the hazards they may confront
when called on to perform rescue at the site; and
1(k)(1)(v)Provide
the rescue team or service selected with access to all
permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary so that
the rescue service can develop appropriate rescue plans
and practice rescue operations.
Note
to paragraph (k)(1): Non-mandatory Appendix F contains
examples of criteria which employers can use in evaluating
prospective rescuers as required by paragraph (k)(l) of
this section.
1(k)(2)An
employer whose employees have been designated to provide
permit space rescue and emergency services shall take
the following measures:
1(k)(2)(i)Provide
affected employees with the personal protective equipment
(PPE) needed to conduct permit space rescues safely and
train affected employees so they are proficient in the
use of that PPE, at no cost to those employees;
1(k)(2)(ii)Train
affected employees to perform assigned rescue duties.
The employer must ensure that such employees successfully
complete the training required to establish proficiency
as an authorized entrant, as provided by paragraphs (g)
and (h) of this section;
1(k)(2)(iii)Train
affected employees in basic first-aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR). The employer shall ensure that at
least one member of the rescue team or service holding
a current certification in first aid and CPR is available;
and
1(k)(2)(iv)Ensure
that affected employees practice making permit space rescues
at least once every 12 months, by means of simulated rescue
operations in which they remove dummies, manikins, or
actual persons from the actual permit spaces or from representative
permit spaces. Representative permit spaces shall, with
respect to opening size, configuration, and accessibility,
simulate the types of permit spaces from which rescue
is to be performed.
11
..1910.146(k)(3)
1(k)(3)To
facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods
shall be used whenever an authorized entrant enters a
permit space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase
the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the
rescue of the entrant. Retrieval systems shall meet the
following requirements.
1(k)(3)(i)Each
authorized entrant shall use a chest or full body harness,
with a retrieval line attached at the center of the entrant's
back near shoulder level, above the entrant's head, or
at another point which the employer can establish presents
a profile small enough for the successful removal of the
entrant. Wristlets may be used in lieu of the chest or
full body harness if the employer can demonstrate that
the use of a chest or full body harness is infeasible
or creates a greater hazard and that the use of wristlets
is the safest and most effective alternative.
1(k)(3)(ii)The
other end of the retrieval line shall be attached to a
mecanical device or fixed point outside the permit space
in such a manner that rescue can begin as soon as the
rescuer becomes aware that rescue is necessary. A mechanical
device shall be available to retrieve personnel from vertical
type permit spaces more than 5 feet (1.52 m) deep
1(k)(4)If
an injured entrant is exposed to a substance for which
a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or other similar written
information is required to be kept at the worksite, that
MSDS or written information shall be made available to
the medical facility treating the exposed entrant.
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..1910.146(l)
1(l)Employee
participation.
1(l)(1)Employers
shall consult with affected employees and their authorized
representatives on the development and implementation
of all aspects of the permit space program required by
paragraph (c) of this section.
1(l)(2)Employers
shall make available to affected employees and their authorized
representatives all information required to be developed
by this section.
[58
FR 4549, Jan. 14, 1993; 58 FR 34845, June 29, 1993; 59
FR 26115, May 19, 1994; 63 FR 66038, Dec. 1, 1998]
OSHA
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Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) - Table of Contents
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