Confined Space Entry Requirements

Your employer must first determine whether or not a space is a permit-required confined space by following the Permit-required Confined Space Decision Flow Chart in Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910.146. If it is determined to be a PRCS, the employer must prepare a written safety program that includes the requirements that must be met before entering a PRCS. According to 1910.146(b) a written program is an employer's overall program to control and protect employees from hazards and to regulate employee entry into permit spaces. The written program includes the permitting process, the responsibilities for personnel, emergency response procedures, ventilation requirements, communications, and hazard controls. The permit program must be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives. Before entering a confined space, the internal atmosphere must be tested for oxygen levels, combustible environments, and toxin levels, in that order.

To learn more visit our Confined Space Online Training web page.