U.S. Department of Labor
OSHA Confined Spaces Advisor
The space in question is a permit-required confined space.
In general, the Permit-Required Confined Spaces standard requires that you, the employer, evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces (You have already determined that at least one such space is present). Permit spaces must be identified by signs, and entry must be controlled and limited to authorized persons.
If your workers are ever authorized to enter such spaces, you must develop and implement a comprehensive permit spaces program, which is a an overall plan/policy for protecting employees from permit space hazards and for regulating employee entry into permit spaces.
The OSHA standard includes detailed specification of the elements of an acceptable permit spaces program (29 CFR 1910.146(d)). An important element of the requirements is that entry be regulated by a written entry permit system, and that entry permits be recorded and issued for each entry in to a permit space.
The standard specifies strict procedures for evaluation and atmospheric testing of a space before and during an entry by workers. The standard requires that entry be monitored by an attendant outside the space and that provisions be made for rescue in the event of an emergency. The standard specifies training requirements and specific duties for authorized entrants, attendants, and supervisors.
Rescue service provisions are required, and where feasible rescue must be facilitated by a non-entry retrieval system, such as a harness and cable attached to a mechanical hoist. The standard includes specification of equipment that must be provided during entry operations.
The OSHA Permit-Required Spaces Standard provides for alternative (less stringent than full permit procedures) entry procedures in cases where the only hazard in a space is atmospheric and the hazard can be controlled by forced air. The alternative procedure is allowed only in cases where specified requirements for substantiation and notification are met.
If you want detailed guidance, answer YES to the next question and the Advisor will ask additional questions to determine your status and circumstances so that specific guidance can be provided.
Do you want to review detailed guidance information now?
