29 CFR 1910.146 (Permit-Required Confined Spaces)

eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations
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Title 29: Labor
PART 1910—OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS
Subpart J—General Environmental Controls

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§1910.146 Permit-required confined spaces.

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(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).
(b) Definitions.

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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.

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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, §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.

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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.

(c) General requirements. (1) The employer shall evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permitrequired confined spaces.
NOTE: Proper application of the decision flow chart in appendix A to §1910.146 would facilitate compliance with this
requirement.

(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.

(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.
(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.
(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.
(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:
(A) The employer can demonstrate that the only hazard posed by the permit space is an actual or potential
hazardous atmosphere;
(B) The employer can demonstrate that continuous forced air ventilation alone is sufficient to maintain that permit
space safe for entry;
(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;
(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;
(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
(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.

(ii) The following requirements apply to entry into permit spaces that meet the conditions set forth in paragraph
(c)(5)(i) of this section.
(A) Any conditions making it unsafe to remove an entrance cover shall be eliminated before the cover is removed.
(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.
(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.
(D) There may be no hazardous atmosphere within the space whenever any employee is inside the space.
(E) Continuous forced air ventilation shall be used, as follows:
(1) An employee may not enter the space until the forced air ventilation has eliminated any hazardous atmosphere;

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(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;
(3) The air supply for the forced air ventilation shall be from a clean source and may not increase the hazards in
the space.
(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.
(G) If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry:
(1) Each employee shall leave the space immediately;
(2) The space shall be evaluated to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed; and
(3) Measures shall be implemented to protect employees from the hazardous atmosphere before any subsequent
entry takes place.
(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 .
(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.
(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:
(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.
(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.

(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.
(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.
(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:
(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;
(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;
(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;
(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
(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.
(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:
(i) Obtain any available information regarding permit space hazards and entry operations from the host employer;
(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

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(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.
(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) Implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry;
(2) Identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them;
(3) Develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations,
including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Specifying acceptable entry conditions;
(ii) Providing each authorized entrant or that employee's authorized representative with the opportunity to observe
any monitoring or testing of permit spaces;
(iii) Isolating the permit space;
(iv) Purging, inerting, flushing, or ventilating the permit space as necessary to eliminate or control atmospheric
hazards;
(v) Providing pedestrian, vehicle, or other barriers as necessary to protect entrants from external hazards; and
(vi) Verifying that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout the duration of an authorized
entry.
(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:
(i) Testing and monitoring equipment needed to comply with paragraph (d)(5) of this section;
(ii) Ventilating equipment needed to obtain acceptable entry conditions;
(iii) Communications equipment necessary for compliance with paragraphs (h)(3) and (i)(5) of this section;
(iv) Personal protective equipment insofar as feasible engineering and work practice controls do not adequately
protect employees;
(v) Lighting equipment needed to enable employees to see well enough to work safely and to exit the space quickly
in an emergency;
(vi) Barriers and shields as required by paragraph (d)(3)(v) of this section.
(vii) Equipment, such as ladders, needed for safe ingress and egress by authorized entrants;
(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
(ix) Any other equipment necessary for safe entry into and rescue from permit spaces.
(5) Evaluate permit space conditions as follows when entry operations are conducted:
(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;
(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
(iii) When testing for atmospheric hazards, test first for oxygen, then for combustible gases and vapors, and then
for toxic gases and vapors.
(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;
(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;
(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 §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 §1910.146, would be considered as satisfying the requirements of this paragraph.

(6) Provide at least one attendant outside the permit space into which entry is authorized for the duration of entry
operations;

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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.

(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;
(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;
(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;
(10) Develop and implement a system for the preparation, issuance, use, and cancellation of entry permits as
required by this section;
(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;
(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;
(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.

(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 §1910.146 presents examples of permit space programs that are considered to comply with the
requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.
(e) Permit system. (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 §1910.146 presents examples of permits whose elements are considered to comply with the requirements
of this section.

(2) Before entry begins, the entry supervisor identified on the permit shall sign the entry permit to authorize entry.
(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.
(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.
(5) The entry supervisor shall terminate entry and cancel the entry permit when:
(i) The entry operations covered by the entry permit have been completed; or
(ii) A condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises in or near the permit space.
(6) The employer shall retain each canceled entry permit for at least 1 year to facilitate the review of the permitrequired 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.
(f) Entry permit. The entry permit that documents compliance with this section and authorizes entry to a permit
space shall identify:
(1) The permit space to be entered;
(2) The purpose of the entry;
(3) The date and the authorized duration of the entry permit;

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(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.

(5) The personnel, by name, currently serving as attendants;
(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;
(7) The hazards of the permit space to be entered;
(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.

(9) The acceptable entry conditions;
(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;
(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;
(12) The communication procedures used by authorized entrants and attendants to maintain contact during the
entry;
(13) Equipment, such as personal protective equipment, testing equipment, communications equipment, alarm
systems, and rescue equipment, to be provided for compliance with this section;
(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.
(g) Training. (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.
(2) Training shall be provided to each affected employee:
(i) Before the employee is first assigned duties under this section;
(ii) Before there is a change in assigned duties;
(iii) Whenever there is a change in permit space operations that presents a hazard about which an employee has
not previously been trained;
(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.
(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.
(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.
(h) Duties of authorized entrants. The employer shall ensure that all authorized entrants:
(1) Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and
consequences of the exposure;
(2) Properly use equipment as required by paragraph (d)(4) of this section;
(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;
(4) Alert the attendant whenever:
(i) The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, or
(ii) The entrant detects a prohibited condition; and
(5) Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:
(i) An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry supervisor,

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(ii) The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation,
(iii) The entrant detects a prohibited condition, or
(iv) An evacuation alarm is activated.
(i) Duties of attendants. The employer shall ensure that each attendant:
(1) Knows the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and
consequences of the exposure;
(2) Is aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in authorized entrants;
(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;
(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.

(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;
(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;
(i) If the attendant detects a prohibited condition;
(ii) If the attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in an authorized entrant;
(iii) If the attendant detects a situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants; or
(iv) If the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties required under paragraph (i) of this section;
(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;
(8) Takes the following actions when unauthorized persons approach or enter a permit space while entry is
underway:
(i) Warn the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space;
(ii) Advise the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they have entered the permit space; and
(iii) Inform the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the permit space;
(9) Performs non-entry rescues as specified by the employer's rescue procedure; and
(10) Performs no duties that might interfere with the attendant's primary duty to monitor and protect the authorized
entrants.
(j) Duties of entry supervisors. The employer shall ensure that each entry supervisor:
(1) Knows the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and
consequences of the exposure;
(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;
(3) Terminates the entry and cancels the permit as required by paragraph (e)(5) of this section;
(4) Verifies that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operable;
(5) Removes unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter the permit space during entry operations;
and
(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.
(k) Rescue and emergency services. (1) An employer who designates rescue and emergency services, pursuant to
paragraph (d)(9) of this section, shall:
(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)(1)(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

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action to rescue employee(s) wearing respiratory protection while in work areas defined as IDLH atmospheres.

(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;
(iii) Select a rescue team or service from those evaluated that:
(A) Has the capability to reach the victim(s) within a time frame that is appropriate for the permit space hazard(s)
identified;
(B) Is equipped for and proficient in performing the needed rescue services;
(iv) Inform each rescue team or service of the hazards they may confront when called on to perform rescue at the
site; and
(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)(1) of this section.

(2) An employer whose employees have been designated to provide permit space rescue and emergency services
shall take the following measures:
(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;
(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;
(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
(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.
(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.
(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.
(ii) The other end of the retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical 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.
(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.
(l) Employee participation. (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.
(2) Employers shall make available to affected employees and their authorized representatives all information
required to be developed by this section.
APPENDIXES

TO

§1910.146—PERMIT - REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES

NOTE: Appendixes A through F serve to provide information and non-mandatory guidelines to assist employers and employees
in complying with the appropriate requirements of this section.

APPENDIX A

TO

§1910.146—PERMIT -REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE DECISION FLOW CHART

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View or download PDF

APPENDIX B

TO

§1910.146—PROCEDURES

FOR

ATMOSPHERIC TESTING

Atmospheric testing is required for two distinct purposes: evaluation of the hazards of the permit space and verification that
acceptable entry conditions for entry into that space exist.
(1) Evaluation testing. The atmosphere of a confined space should be analyzed using equipment of sufficient sensitivity and
specificity to identify and evaluate any hazardous atmospheres that may exist or arise, so that appropriate permit entry procedures
can be developed and acceptable entry conditions stipulated for that space. Evaluation and interpretation of these data, and
development of the entry procedure, should be done by, or reviewed by, a technically qualified professional (e.g., OSHA
consultation service, or certified industrial hygienist, registered safety engineer, certified safety professional, certified marine
chemist, etc.) based on evaluation of all serious hazards.
(2) Verification testing. The atmosphere of a permit space which may contain a hazardous atmosphere should be tested for
residues of all contaminants identified by evaluation testing using permit specified equipment to determine that residual
concentrations at the time of testing and entry are within the range of acceptable entry conditions. Results of testing (i.e., actual
concentration, etc.) should be recorded on the permit in the space provided adjacent to the stipulated acceptable entry condition.
(3) Duration of testing. Measurement of values for each atmospheric parameter should be made for at least the minimum
response time of the test instrument specified by the manufacturer.
(4) Testing stratified atmospheres. When monitoring for entries involving a descent into atmospheres that may be stratified, the
atmospheric envelope should be tested a distance of approximately 4 feet (1.22 m) in the direction of travel and to each side. If a
sampling probe is used, the entrant's rate of progress should be slowed to accommodate the sampling speed and detector
response.
(5) Order of testing. A test for oxygen is performed first because most combustible gas meters are oxygen dependent and will
not provide reliable readings in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Combustible gasses are tested for next because the threat of fire
or explosion is both more immediate and more life threatening, in most cases, than exposure to toxic gasses and vapors. If tests for
toxic gasses and vapors are necessary, they are performed last.

APPENDIX C

TO

§1910.146—EXAMPLES

OF

PERMIT- REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE PROGRAMS

Example 1.
Workplace. Sewer entry.
Potential hazards. The employees could be exposed to the following:
Engulfment.
Presence of toxic gases. Equal to or more than 10 ppm hydrogen sulfide measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average. If the
presence of other toxic contaminants is suspected, specific monitoring programs will be developed.
Presence of explosive/flammable gases. Equal to or greater than 10% of the lower flammable limit (LFL).
Oxygen Deficiency. A concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere equal to or less than 19.5% by volume.
A. Entry Without Permit/Attendant

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Certification. Confined spaces may be entered without the need for a written permit or attendant provided that the space can be
maintained in a safe condition for entry by mechanical ventilation alone, as provided in §1910.146(c)(5). All spaces shall be
considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. Any employee required or
permitted to pre-check or enter an enclosed/confined space shall have successfully completed, -as a minimum, the training as
required by the following sections of these procedures. A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these
procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The Confined Space Pre-Entry Check List must be completed by the
LEAD WORKER before entry into a confined space. This list verifies completion of items listed below. This check list shall be kept
at the job site for duration of the job. If circumstances dictate an interruption in the work, the permit space must be re-evaluated and
a new check list must be completed.
Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards.
Pumps and Lines. All pumps and lines which may reasonably cause contaminants to flow into the space shall be disconnected,
blinded and locked out, or effectively isolated by other means to prevent development of dangerous air contamination or
engulfment. Not all laterals to sewers or storm drains require blocking. However, where experience or knowledge of industrial use
indicates there is a reasonable potential for contamination of air or engulfment into an occupied sewer, then all affected laterals
shall be blocked. If blocking and/or isolation requires entry into the space the provisions for entry into a permit- required confined
space must be implemented.
Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from the tanks, piping, or sewers.
Testing. The atmosphere within the space will be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen
deficiency exists. Detector tubes, alarm only gas monitors and explosion meters are examples of monitoring equipment that may be
used to test permit space atmospheres. Testing shall be performed by the LEAD WORKER who has successfully completed the
Gas Detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL, and
hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written record of the pre-entry test results shall be made and kept at the work site for the duration
of the job. The supervisor will certify in writing, based upon the results of the pre-entry testing, that all hazards have been
eliminated. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. The most hazardous conditions shall govern when work
is being performed in two adjoining, connecting spaces.
Entry Procedures. If there are no non-atmospheric hazards present and if the pre-entry tests show there is no dangerous air
contamination and/or oxygen deficiency within the space and there is no reason to believe that any is likely to develop, entry into
and work within may proceed. Continuous testing of the atmosphere in the immediate vicinity of the workers within the space shall
be accomplished. The workers will immediately leave the permit space when any of the gas monitor alarm set points are reached
as defined. Workers will not return to the area until a SUPERVISOR who has completed the gas detector training has used a direct
reading gas detector to evaluate the situation and has determined that it is safe to enter.
Rescue. Arrangements for rescue services are not required where there is no attendant. See the rescue portion of section B.,
below, for instructions regarding rescue planning where an entry permit is required.
B. Entry Permit Required
Permits. Confined Space Entry Permit. All spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry
procedures demonstrate otherwise. Any employee required or permitted to pre-check or enter a permit-required confined space
shall have successfully completed, as a minimum, the training as required by the following sections of these procedures. A written
copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The
Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed before approval can be given to enter a permit-required confined space. This
permit verifies completion of items listed below. This permit shall be kept at the job site for the duration of the job. If circumstances
cause an interruption in the work or a change in the alarm conditions for which entry was approved, a new Confined Space Entry
Permit must be completed.
Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards.
Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers.
Testing. The confined space atmosphere shall be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen
deficiency exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be used. Testing shall be performed by the SUPERVISOR who has
successfully completed the gas detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen
deficiency, LFL and hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written record of the pre- entry test results shall be made and kept at the
work site for the duration of the job. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. The most hazardous conditions
shall govern when work is being performed in two adjoining, connected spaces.
Space Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation systems, where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. Where possible, open
additional manholes to increase air circulation. Use portable blowers to augment natural circulation if needed. After a suitable
ventilating period, repeat the testing. Entry may not begin until testing has demonstrated that the hazardous atmosphere has been
eliminated.
Entry Procedures. The following procedure shall be observed under any of the following conditions: 1.) Testing demonstrates the
existence of dangerous or deficient conditions and additional ventilation cannot reduce concentrations to safe levels; 2.) The
atmosphere tests as safe but unsafe conditions can reasonably be expected to develop; 3.) It is not feasible to provide for ready
exit from spaces equipped with automatic fire suppression systems and it is not practical or safe to deactivate such systems; or 4.)
An emergency exists and it is not feasible to wait for pre-entry procedures to take effect.
All personnel must be trained. A self contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by any person entering the space. At least
one worker shall stand by the outside of the space ready to give assistance in case of emergency. The standby worker shall have a
self contained breathing apparatus available for immediate use. There shall be at least one additional worker within sight or call of
the standby worker. Continuous powered communications shall be maintained between the worker within the confined space and
standby personnel.

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If at any time there is any questionable action or non- movement by the worker inside, a verbal check will be made. If there is
no response, the worker will be moved immediately. Exception: If the worker is disabled due to falling or impact, he/she shall not be
removed from the confined space unless there is immediate danger to his/her life. Local fire department rescue personnel shall be
notified immediately. The standby worker may only enter the confined space in case of an emergency (wearing the self contained
breathing apparatus) and only after being relieved by another worker. Safety belt or harness with attached lifeline shall be used by
all workers entering the space with the free end of the line secured outside the entry opening. The standby worker shall attempt to
remove a disabled worker via his lifeline before entering the space.
When practical, these spaces shall be entered through side openings—those within 31 ⁄ 2 feet (1.07 m) of the bottom. When
entry must be through a top opening, the safety belt shall be of the harness type that suspends a person upright and a hoisting
device or similar apparatus shall be available for lifting workers out of the space.
In any situation where their use may endanger the worker, use of a hoisting device or safety belt and attached lifeline may be
discontinued.
When dangerous air contamination is attributable to flammable and/or explosive substances, lighting and electrical equipment
shall be Class 1, Division 1 rated per National Electrical Code and no ignition sources shall be introduced into the area.
Continuous gas monitoring shall be performed during all confined space operations. If alarm conditions change adversely, entry
personnel shall exit the confined space and a new confined space permit issued.
Rescue. Call the fire department services for rescue. Where immediate hazards to injured personnel are present, workers at the
site shall implement emergency procedures to fit the situation.

Example 2.
Workplace. Meat and poultry rendering plants.
Cookers and dryers are either batch or continuous in their operation. Multiple batch cookers are operated in parallel. When one
unit of a multiple set is shut down for repairs, means are available to isolate that unit from the others which remain in operation.
Cookers and dryers are horizontal, cylindrical vessels equipped with a center, rotating shaft and agitator paddles or discs. If the
inner shell is jacketed, it is usually heated with steam at pressures up to 150 psig (1034.25 kPa). The rotating shaft assembly of the
continuous cooker or dryer is also steam heated.
Potential Hazards. The recognized hazards associated with cookers and dryers are the risk that employees could be:
1. Struck or caught by rotating agitator;
2. Engulfed in raw material or hot, recycled fat;
3. Burned by steam from leaks into the cooker/dryer steam jacket or the condenser duct system if steam valves are not properly
closed and locked out;
4. Burned by contact with hot metal surfaces, such as the agitator shaft assembly, or inner shell of the cooker/dryer;
5. Heat stress caused by warm atmosphere inside cooker/dryer;
6. Slipping and falling on grease in the cooker/dryer;
7. Electrically shocked by faulty equipment taken into the cooker/dryer;
8. Burned or overcome by fire or products of combustion; or
9. Overcome by fumes generated by welding or cutting done on grease covered surfaces.
Permits. The supervisor in this case is always present at the cooker/dryer or other permit entry confined space when entry is made.
The supervisor must follow the pre-entry isolation procedures described in the entry permit in preparing for entry, and ensure that
the protective clothing, ventilating equipment and any other equipment required by the permit are at the entry site.
Control of hazards. Mechanical. Lock out main power switch to agitator motor at main power panel. Affix tag to the lock to inform
others that a permit entry confined space entry is in progress.
Engulfment. Close all valves in the raw material blow line. Secure each valve in its closed position using chain and lock. Attach a
tag to the valve and chain warning that a permit entry confined space entry is in progress. The same procedure shall be used for
securing the fat recycle valve.
Burns and heat stress. Close steam supply valves to jacket and secure with chains and tags. Insert solid blank at flange in cooker
vent line to condenser manifold duct system. Vent cooker/dryer by opening access door at discharge end and top center door to
allow natural ventilation throughout the entry. If faster cooling is needed, use a portable ventilation fan to increase ventilation.
Cooling water may be circulated through the jacket to reduce both outer and inner surface temperatures of cooker/dryers faster.
Check air and inner surface temperatures in cooker/dryer to assure they are within acceptable limits before entering, or use proper
protective clothing.
Fire and fume hazards. Careful site preparation, such as cleaning the area within 4 inches (10.16 cm) of all welding or torch cutting
operations, and proper ventilation are the preferred controls. All welding and cutting operations shall be done in accordance with the
requirements of 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Q, OSHA's welding standard. Proper ventilation may be achieved by local exhaust
ventilation, or the use of portable ventilation fans, or a combination of the two practices.
Electrical shock. Electrical equipment used in cooker/dryers shall be in serviceable condition.

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Slips and falls. Remove residual grease before entering cooker/dryer.
Attendant. The supervisor shall be the attendant for employees entering cooker/dryers.
Permit. The permit shall specify how isolation shall be done and any other preparations needed before making entry. This is
especially important in parallel arrangements of cooker/dryers so that the entire operation need not be shut down to allow safe entry
into one unit.
Rescue. When necessary, the attendant shall call the fire department as previously arranged.

Example 3.
Workplace. Workplaces where tank cars, trucks, and trailers, dry bulk tanks and trailers, railroad tank cars, and similar portable
tanks are fabricated or serviced.
A. During fabrication. These tanks and dry-bulk carriers are entered repeatedly throughout the fabrication process. These products
are not configured identically, but the manufacturing processes by which they are made are very similar.
Sources of hazards. In addition to the mechanical hazards arising from the risks that an entrant would be injured due to contact
with components of the tank or the tools being used, there is also the risk that a worker could be injured by breathing fumes from
welding materials or mists or vapors from materials used to coat the tank interior. In addition, many of these vapors and mists are
flammable, so the failure to properly ventilate a tank could lead to a fire or explosion.
Control of hazards.
Welding. Local exhaust ventilation shall be used to remove welding fumes once the tank or carrier is completed to the point that
workers may enter and exit only through a manhole. (Follow the requirements of 29 CFR 1910, subpart Q, OSHA's welding
standard, at all times.) Welding gas tanks may never be brought into a tank or carrier that is a permit entry confined space.
Application of interior coatings/linings. Atmospheric hazards shall be controlled by forced air ventilation sufficient to keep the
atmospheric concentration of flammable materials below 10% of the lower flammable limit (LFL) (or lower explosive limit (LEL),
whichever term is used locally). The appropriate respirators are provided and shall be used in addition to providing forced
ventilation if the forced ventilation does not maintain acceptable respiratory conditions.
Permits. Because of the repetitive nature of the entries in these operations, an “Area Entry Permit” will be issued for a 1 month
period to cover those production areas where tanks are fabricated to the point that entry and exit are made using manholes.
Authorization. Only the area supervisor may authorize an employee to enter a tank within the permit area. The area supervisor must
determine that conditions in the tank trailer, dry bulk trailer or truck, etc. meet permit requirements before authorizing entry.
Attendant. The area supervisor shall designate an employee to maintain communication by employer specified means with
employees working in tanks to ensure their safety. The attendant may not enter any permit entry confined space to rescue an
entrant or for any other reason, unless authorized by the rescue procedure and, and even then, only after calling the rescue team
and being relieved by as attendant by another worker.
Communications and observation. Communications between attendant and entrant(s) shall be maintained throughout entry.
Methods of communication that may be specified by the permit include voice, voice powered radio, tapping or rapping codes on
tank walls, signalling tugs on a rope, and the attendant's observation that work activities such as chipping, grinding, welding,
spraying, etc., which require deliberate operator control continue normally. These activities often generate so much noise that the
necessary hearing protection makes communication by voice difficult.
Rescue procedures. Acceptable rescue procedures include entry by a team of employee-rescuers, use of public emergency
services, and procedures for breaching the tank. The area permit specifies which procedures are available, but the area supervisor
makes the final decision based on circumstances. (Certain injuries may make it necessary to breach the tank to remove a person
rather than risk additional injury by removal through an existing manhole. However, the supervisor must ensure that no breaching
procedure used for rescue would violate terms of the entry permit. For instance, if the tank must be breached by cutting with a
torch, the tank surfaces to be cut must be free of volatile or combustible coatings within 4 inches (10.16 cm) of the cutting line and
the atmosphere within the tank must be below the LFL.
Retrieval line and harnesses. The retrieval lines and harnesses generally required under this standard are usually impractical for
use in tanks because the internal configuration of the tanks and their interior baffles and other structures would prevent rescuers
from hauling out injured entrants. However, unless the rescue procedure calls for breaching the tank for rescue, the rescue team
shall be trained in the use of retrieval lines and harnesses for removing injured employees through manholes.
B. Repair or service of “used” tanks and bulk trailers.
Sources of hazards. In addition to facing the potential hazards encountered in fabrication or manufacturing, tanks or trailers which
have been in service may contain residues of dangerous materials, whether left over from the transportation of hazardous cargoes
or generated by chemical or bacterial action on residues of non-hazardous cargoes.
Control of atmospheric hazards. A “used” tank shall be brought into areas where tank entry is authorized only after the tank has
been emptied, cleansed (without employee entry) of any residues, and purged of any potential atmospheric hazards.
Welding. In addition to tank cleaning for control of atmospheric hazards, coating and surface materials shall be removed 4 inches
(10.16 cm) or more from any surface area where welding or other torch work will be done and care taken that the atmosphere within
the tank remains well below the LFL. (Follow the requirements of 29 CFR 1910, subpart Q, OSHA's welding standard, at all times.)
Permits. An entry permit valid for up to 1 year shall be issued prior to authorization of entry into used tank trailers, dry bulk trailers
or trucks. In addition to the pre-entry cleaning requirement, this permit shall require the employee safeguards specified for new tank
fabrication or construction permit areas.

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Authorization. Only the area supervisor may authorize an employee to enter a tank trailer, dry bulk trailer or truck within the permit
area. The area supervisor must determine that the entry permit requirements have been met before authorizing entry.

APPENDIX D

TO

§1910.146—SAMPLE PERMITS

View or download PDF

View or download PDF

APPENDIX E

TO

§1910.146—SEWER SYSTEM ENTRY

Sewer entry differs in three vital respects from other permit entries; first, there rarely exists any way to completely isolate the
space (a section of a continuous system) to be entered; second, because isolation is not complete, the atmosphere may suddenly
and unpredictably become lethally hazardous (toxic, flammable or explosive) from causes beyond the control of the entrant or
employer, and third, experienced sewer workers are especially knowledgeable in entry and work in their permit spaces because of
their frequent entries. Unlike other employments where permit space entry is a rare and exceptional event, sewer workers' usual
work environment is a permit space.

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(1) Adherence to procedure. The employer should designate as entrants only employees who are thoroughly trained in the
employer's sewer entry procedures and who demonstrate that they follow these entry procedures exactly as prescribed when
performing sewer entries.
(2) Atmospheric monitoring. Entrants should be trained in the use of, and be equipped with, atmospheric monitoring equipment
which sounds an audible alarm, in addition to its visual readout, whenever one of the following conditions are encountered: Oxygen
concentration less than 19.5 percent; flammable gas or vapor at 10 percent or more of the lower flammable limit (LFL); or hydrogen
sulfide or carbon monoxide at or above 10 ppm or 35 ppm, respectively, measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Atmospheric monitoring equipment needs to be calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The oxygen sensor/broad
range sensor is best suited for initial use in situations where the actual or potential contaminants have not been identified, because
broad range sensors, unlike substance-specific sensors, enable employers to obtain an overall reading of the hydrocarbons
(flammables) present in the space. However, such sensors only indicate that a hazardous threshold of a class of chemicals has
been exceeded. They do not measure the levels of contamination of specific substances. Therefore, substance-specific devices,
which measure the actual levels of specific substances, are best suited for use where actual and potential contaminants have been
identified. The measurements obtained with substance-specific devices are of vital importance to the employer when decisions are
made concerning the measures necessary to protect entrants (such as ventilation or personal protective equipment) and the setting
and attainment of appropriate entry conditions. However, the sewer environment may suddenly and unpredictably change, and the
substance-specific devices may not detect the potentially lethal atmospheric hazards which may enter the sewer environment.
Although OSHA considers the information and guidance provided above to be appropriate and useful in most sewer entry
situations, the Agency emphasizes that each employer must consider the unique circumstances, including the predictability of the
atmosphere, of the sewer permit spaces in the employer's workplace in preparing for entry. Only the employer can decide, based
upon his or her knowledge of, and experience with permit spaces in sewer systems, what the best type of testing instrument may
be for any specific entry operation.
The selected testing instrument should be carried and used by the entrant in sewer line work to monitor the atmosphere in the
entrant's environment, and in advance of the entrant's direction of movement, to warn the entrant of any deterioration in
atmospheric conditions. Where several entrants are working together in the same immediate location, one instrument, used by the
lead entrant, is acceptable.
(3) Surge flow and flooding. Sewer crews should develop and maintain liaison, to the extent possible, with the local weather
bureau and fire and emergency services in their area so that sewer work may be delayed or interrupted and entrants withdrawn
whenever sewer lines might be suddenly flooded by rain or fire suppression activities, or whenever flammable or other hazardous
materials are released into sewers during emergencies by industrial or transportation accidents.
(4) Special Equipment. Entry into large bore sewers may require the use of special equipment. Such equipment might include
such items as atmosphere monitoring devices with automatic audible alarms, escape self-contained breathing apparatus (ESCBA)
with at least 10 minute air supply (or other NIOSH approved self-rescuer), and waterproof flashlights, and may also include boats
and rafts, radios and rope stand-offs for pulling around bends and corners as needed.

APPENDIX F

TO

§1910.146—RESCUE TEAM

OR

RESCUE SERVICE EVALUATION CRITERIA (NON -MANDATORY)

(1) This appendix provides guidance to employers in choosing an appropriate rescue service. It contains criteria that may be
used to evaluate the capabilities both of prospective and current rescue teams. Before a rescue team can be trained or chosen,
however, a satisfactory permit program, including an analysis of all permit-required confined spaces to identify all potential hazards
in those spaces, must be completed. OSHA believes that compliance with all the provisions of §1910.146 will enable employers to
conduct permit space operations without recourse to rescue services in nearly all cases. However, experience indicates that
circumstances will arise where entrants will need to be rescued from permit spaces. It is therefore important for employers to select
rescue services or teams, either on-site or off-site, that are equipped and capable of minimizing harm to both entrants and
rescuers if the need arises.
(2) For all rescue teams or services, the employer's evaluation should consist of two components: an initial evaluation, in which
employers decide whether a potential rescue service or team is adequately trained and equipped to perform permit space rescues
of the kind needed at the facility and whether such rescuers can respond in a timely manner, and a performance evaluation, in
which employers measure the performance of the team or service during an actual or practice rescue. For example, based on the
initial evaluation, an employer may determine that maintaining an on-site rescue team will be more expensive than obtaining the
services of an off-site team, without being significantly more effective, and decide to hire a rescue service. During a performance
evaluation, the employer could decide, after observing the rescue service perform a practice rescue, that the service's training or
preparedness was not adequate to effect a timely or effective rescue at his or her facility and decide to select another rescue
service, or to form an internal rescue team.

A. Initial Evaluation
I. The employer should meet with the prospective rescue service to facilitate the evaluations required by §1910.146(k)(1)(i) and
§1910.146(k)(1)(ii). At a minimum, if an off-site rescue service is being considered, the employer must contact the service to plan
and coordinate the evaluations required by the standard. Merely posting the service's number or planning to rely on the 911
emergency phone number to obtain these services at the time of a permit space emergency would not comply with paragraph (k)(1)
of the standard.
II. The capabilities required of a rescue service vary with the type of permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary and
the hazards likely to be encountered in those spaces. Answering the questions below will assist employers in determining whether
the rescue service is capable of performing rescues in the permit spaces present at the employer's workplace.
1. What are the needs of the employer with regard to response time (time for the rescue service to receive notification, arrive at
the scene, and set up and be ready for entry)? For example, if entry is to be made into an IDLH atmosphere, or into a space that
can quickly develop an IDLH atmosphere (if ventilation fails or for other reasons), the rescue team or service would need to be
standing by at the permit space. On the other hand, if the danger to entrants is restricted to mechanical hazards that would cause
injuries (e.g., broken bones, abrasions) a response time of 10 or 15 minutes might be adequate.

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2. How quickly can the rescue team or service get from its location to the permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary?
Relevant factors to consider would include: the location of the rescue team or service relative to the employer's workplace, the
quality of roads and highways to be traveled, potential bottlenecks or traffic congestion that might be encountered in transit, the
reliability of the rescuer's vehicles, and the training and skill of its drivers.
3. What is the availability of the rescue service? Is it unavailable at certain times of the day or in certain situations? What is the
likelihood that key personnel of the rescue service might be unavailable at times? If the rescue service becomes unavailable while
an entry is underway, does it have the capability of notifying the employer so that the employer can instruct the attendant to abort
the entry immediately?
4. Does the rescue service meet all the requirements of paragraph (k)(2) of the standard? If not, has it developed a plan that
will enable it to meet those requirements in the future? If so, how soon can the plan be implemented?
5. For off-site services, is the service willing to perform rescues at the employer's workplace? (An employer may not rely on a
rescuer who declines, for whatever reason, to provide rescue services.)
6. Is an adequate method for communications between the attendant, employer and prospective rescuer available so that a
rescue request can be transmitted to the rescuer without delay? How soon after notification can a prospective rescuer dispatch a
rescue team to the entry site?
7. For rescues into spaces that may pose significant atmospheric hazards and from which rescue entry, patient packaging and
retrieval cannot be safely accomplished in a relatively short time (15-20 minutes), employers should consider using airline
respirators (with escape bottles) for the rescuers and to supply rescue air to the patient. If the employer decides to use SCBA, does
the prospective rescue service have an ample supply of replacement cylinders and procedures for rescuers to enter and exit (or be
retrieved) well within the SCBA's air supply limits?
8. If the space has a vertical entry over 5 feet in depth, can the prospective rescue service properly perform entry rescues?
Does the service have the technical knowledge and equipment to perform rope work or elevated rescue, if needed?
9. Does the rescue service have the necessary skills in medical evaluation, patient packaging and emergency response?
10. Does the rescue service have the necessary equipment to perform rescues, or must the equipment be provided by the
employer or another source?

B. Performance Evaluation
Rescue services are required by paragraph (k)(2)(iv) of the standard to practice rescues at least once every 12 months,
provided that the team or service has not successfully performed a permit space rescue within that time. As part of each practice
session, the service should perform a critique of the practice rescue, or have another qualified party perform the critique, so that
deficiencies in procedures, equipment, training, or number of personnel can be identified and corrected. The results of the critique,
and the corrections made to respond to the deficiencies identified, should be given to the employer to enable it to determine
whether the rescue service can quickly be upgraded to meet the employer's rescue needs or whether another service must be
selected. The following questions will assist employers and rescue teams and services evaluate their performance.
1. Have all members of the service been trained as permit space entrants, at a minimum, including training in the potential
hazards of all permit spaces, or of representative permit spaces, from which rescue may be needed? Can team members
recognize the signs, symptoms, and consequences of exposure to any hazardous atmospheres that may be present in those
permit spaces?
2. Is every team member provided with, and properly trained in, the use and need for PPE, such as SCBA or fall arrest
equipment, which may be required to perform permit space rescues in the facility? Is every team member properly trained to
perform his or her functions and make rescues, and to use any rescue equipment, such as ropes and backboards, that may be
needed in a rescue attempt?
3. Are team members trained in the first aid and medical skills needed to treat victims overcome or injured by the types of
hazards that may be encountered in the permit spaces at the facility?
4. Do all team members perform their functions safely and efficiently? Do rescue service personnel focus on their own safety
before considering the safety of the victim?
5. If necessary, can the rescue service properly test the atmosphere to determine if it is IDLH?
6. Can the rescue personnel identify information pertinent to the rescue from entry permits, hot work permits, and MSDSs?
7. Has the rescue service been informed of any hazards to personnel that may arise from outside the space, such as those that
may be caused by future work near the space?
8. If necessary, can the rescue service properly package and retrieve victims from a permit space that has a limited size
opening (less than 24 inches (60.9 cm) in diameter), limited internal space, or internal obstacles or hazards?
9. If necessary, can the rescue service safely perform an elevated (high angle) rescue?
10. Does the rescue service have a plan for each of the kinds of permit space rescue operations at the facility? Is the plan
adequate for all types of rescue operations that may be needed at the facility? Teams may practice in representative spaces, or in
spaces that are “worst-case” or most restrictive with respect to internal configuration, elevation, and portal size. The following
characteristics of a practice space should be considered when deciding whether a space is truly representative of an actual permit
space:
(1) Internal configuration.
(a) Open—there are no obstacles, barriers, or obstructions within the space. One example is a water tank.

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(b) Obstructed—the permit space contains some type of obstruction that a rescuer would need to maneuver around. An
example would be a baffle or mixing blade. Large equipment, such as a ladder or scaffold, brought into a space for work purposes
would be considered an obstruction if the positioning or size of the equipment would make rescue more difficult.
(2) Elevation.
(a) Elevated—a permit space where the entrance portal or opening is above grade by 4 feet or more. This type of space usually
requires knowledge of high angle rescue procedures because of the difficulty in packaging and transporting a patient to the ground
from the portal.
(b) Non-elevated—a permit space with the entrance portal located less than 4 feet above grade. This type of space will allow
the rescue team to transport an injured employee normally.
(3) Portal size.
(a) Restricted—A portal of 24 inches or less in the least dimension. Portals of this size are too small to allow a rescuer to
simply enter the space while using SCBA. The portal size is also too small to allow normal spinal immobilization of an injured
employee.
(b) Unrestricted—A portal of greater than 24 inches in the least dimension. These portals allow relatively free movement into
and out of the permit space.
(4) Space access.
(a) Horizontal—The portal is located on the side of the permit space. Use of retrieval lines could be difficult.
(b) Vertical—The portal is located on the top of the permit space, so that rescuers must climb down, or the bottom of the permit
space, so that rescuers must climb up to enter the space. Vertical portals may require knowledge of rope techniques, or special
patient packaging to safely retrieve a downed entrant.
[58 FR 4549, Jan. 14, 1993; 58 FR 34845, 34846, June 29, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 26114, May 19, 1994; 63 FR 66038,
66039, Dec. 1, 1998; 76 FR 80739, Dec. 27, 2011]

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