Non-permit Required Confined Spaces

A confined space may be classified as a non-permit required confined space as long as testing of the space reveals there are no hazards or potential for hazards within the confined space. Absence of hazards includes all hazards such as atmospheric, electrical, mechanical, engulfment, and configuration hazards. If you must enter a space to remove a hazard the space must be treated as a PRCS until hazards have been eliminated.

Documentation certifying that the space is a non-permit required confined space is essential. You must document how it was determined that a confined space contained no permit-required confined space hazards. Certification must be maintained as long as the non-permit required space is in use and must be updated when there are significant changes to the space. It must include the following:

• Date
• Location of the permit space
• Signature of the person making the determination

Certification must be available for inspection for all employees.

Instead of completing a permit for a non-PRCS entry, you must fill out a Non-permit Required Confined Space Entry Form. These tend to be shorter than PRCS entry permits and include the following components:

• Date of determination
• Identity of the permit space
• Monitoring methodology and results
• Safe entry procedures
• Emergency procedures
• Authorized signature

Non-PRCS to a PRCS

If hazards develop in a non-permit required confined space, it may be reclassified as a permit-required confined space. As a competent entry supervisor, you must be aware of these changes, and ensure that compliance with the appropriate requirements is followed.

To learn more about Confined Spaces Competent Person/Supervisor visit our Confined Spaces Competent Person/Supervisor Online Training web page.