Permit-Required Confined Spaces

OSHA regulations require permits to be issued before work in a confined space can proceed.

All welding and cutting operations carried on in confined spaces must be adequately ventilated to prevent the accumulation of toxic materials or possible oxygen deficiency. This applies not only to the welder but also to outside helpers and other personnel in the immediate area. All air replacing that is withdrawn must be clean and respirable. Pure oxygen must never be used for ventilation.

In circumstances for which it is impossible to provide such ventilation, airline respirators or hose masks approved for this purpose by the NIOSH must be used. In areas immediately hazardous to life, a full-facepiece, pressure-demand, self-contained breathing apparatus or a combination full-facepiece, pressure-demand supplied-air respirator with a NIOSH-approved auxiliary, self-contained air supply must be used.

Outside Helper

A worker must be stationed on the outside of such confined spaces to ensure the safety of those working within where welding operations are carried on in confined spaces and where welders and helpers are provided with hose masks, hose masks with blowers, or self-contained breathing equipment approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and NIOSH.

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