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Permit-Required Confined Spaces (29 CFR 1910.146)

OMB: 1218-0203

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PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES (29 CFR 1910.146)

OMB Control Number: 1218-0203

Expiration Date: December 31, 2024

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR THE

INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STANDARD

ON PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES (29 CFR 1910.146)1

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB)

OMB CONTROL NO. 1218-0203 (September 2024)


The agency is requesting the extension of a currently approved data collection.


A. JUSTIFICATION


1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.


The main objective of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (i.e., “the Act”) is to “assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” (29 U.S.C. 651). To achieve this objective, the Act authorizes “the development and promulgation of occupational safety and health standards” (29 U.S.C. 651).


Section 6(b)(7) of the Act specifies that “[a]ny standard promulgated under this subsection shall prescribe the use of labels or other appropriate forms of warning as are necessary to ensure that employees are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment, and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure.” This provision goes on to state that “[t]he Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may by rule promulgated according to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, make appropriate modifications in the foregoing requirements relating to the use of labels or other forms of warning . . . as may be warranted by experience, information, or medical or technological developments acquired after the promulgation of the relevant standard” (29 U.S.C. 655).


About recordkeeping, the Act specifies that “[e]ach employer shall make, keep and preserve, and make available to the Secretary . . . such records . . . as the Secretary . . . may prescribe by regulation as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of this Act . . .” (29 U.S.C. 657). The Act states further that “[t]he Secretary . . . shall prescribe such rules and regulations as [he/she] may deem necessary to carry out [his/her] responsibilities under this Act, including rules and regulations dealing with the inspection of an employer’s establishment” (29 U.S.C. 657).


Under the authority granted by the Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (i.e., “OSHA” or “the Agency”) published at 29 CFR 1910.146 a safety standard for general industry regulating permit-required confined spaces (i.e., “the Standard"). The paperwork provisions of the Standard specify requirements for developing and maintaining inspection records.


2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.


The Standard specifies a number of collection of information requirements. The information collection requirements are used by employers and employees whenever an entry is made into permit-required confined spaces. The following sections describe who uses the information collected under each requirement, as well as how they use it. The purpose of the information is to ensure that employers systematically evaluate the dangers in permit spaces before entry is attempted and to ensure that adequate measures are taken to make the spaces safe for entry. In addition, the information is needed to determine, during an OSHA inspection by a compliance safety and health officer, if employers comply with the Standard.


Section 1910.146(c)(2) requires the employer to post danger signs to inform exposed employees of the existence and location of, and the danger posed by, permit spaces.


Section 1910.146(c)(4) requires the employer to develop and implement a written “permit-space program” when the employer decides that its employees will enter permit spaces. The written program is to be made available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives. Section 1910.146(d) provides the employer with the requirements of a permit-required confined space program (“permit-space program”) required under this paragraph.


Section 1910.146(c)(5)(i)(E) requires that the determinations and supporting data specified 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 a permit space or to that employee’s authorized representative.


Under paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(H) of §1910.146, the employer is required to 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, using a written certification that contains the date, the location of the space, and the signature of the person providing the certification. The certification is to be made before entry and is required to be made available to each employee entering the space or to that employee’s authorized representative. Sections 1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(C) and (c)(5)(ii)(F) require atmospheric hazard testing.


Section 1910.146(c)(7)(iii) requires the employer to document the basis for determining that all hazards in a permit space have been eliminated using a certification that contains the date, the location of the space, and the signature of the person making the determination. The certification is to be made available to each employee entering the space or to that employee’s authorized representative.


Section 1910.146(c)(8)(i) requires that the employer 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. Section 1910.146(c)(8)(ii) requires that the employer apprise the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and the host employer's experience with space, that make the space in question a permit space. Section 1910.146(c)(8)(iii) requires that the employer 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. Section 1910.146(c)(8)(v) requires the employer to debrief the contractor after the entry operations regarding the permit space program followed and regarding any hazards confronted or created in permit spaces during entry operations.2


Section 1910.146(c)(9)(iii) requires that the contractor 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.3


Section 1910.146(d)(5)(iii) provides for testing of atmospheric hazards.4 Section 1910.146(d)(5)(vi) requires the employer to immediately provide each authorized entrant or that employee's authorized representative with the results of any testing conducted following paragraph (d) of this section.


Section 1910.146(d)(14) requires employers to review the permit space program, using the canceled permits retained under paragraph (e)(6) 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.


Section 1910.146(e)(1) requires the employer to document the completion of measures required by paragraph (d)(3) by preparing an entry permit before employee entry is authorized. Paragraph (f) of §1910.146 specifies the information to be included on the entry permit. Paragraph (e)(3) requires that the employer make the completed permit available at the time of entry to all authorized entrants by posting the permit at the entry portal or by any other equally effective means so that the entrants can confirm that pre-entry preparations have been completed. Paragraph (e)(6) requires the employer to retain each canceled entry permit for at least one year; any problems encountered during an entry operation must be noted on the pertinent permit so that revisions to the permit space program can be made.


Section 1910.146(g)(4) requires that the employer certify that the training required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) has been accomplished by preparing a written certification record.5


Section 1910.146(h)(3) requires the employer to ensure that all authorized entrants 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 (l)(6) of the Standard. Section 1910.146(h)(4) requires the employer to ensure that all authorized entrants alert the attendant whenever the entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation (paragraph ((h)(4)(i)), or the entrant detects a prohibited condition (paragraph (h)(4)(ii)).6


Section 1910.146(i)(5) requires the employer to ensure that each attendant communicates with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space under the conditions specified in paragraphs (i)(6)(i)-(i)(6)(iv) of the Standard. Section 1910.146(i)(7) requires the employer to ensure that the attendant summons rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant determines that authorized entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space hazards. Section 1910.146(i)(8) requires that the employer ensure that the attendant warns unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space (paragraph (i)(8)(i)); advise unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they have entered the permit space (paragraph (i)(8)(ii)), and inform authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the permit space (paragraph (i)(8)(iii)).


Section 1910.146(j)(2) requires the employer to ensure that each entry supervisor 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.7


Section 1910.146(k)(1)(i) requires the employer to evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons promptly, considering the hazard(s) identified; Section 1910.146(k)(1)(ii) requires the employer to 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.8 Section 1910.146(k)(1)(iv) requires that the employer inform each rescue team or service of the hazards they may confront when called on to perform a rescue at the site. Section 1910.146(k)(1)(v) requires that the employer 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.9


Section 1910.146(k)(2)(ii) requires that the employer train affected employees to perform assigned rescue duties. The employer must ensure that such employees complete the training required to establish proficiency as an authorized entrant, as provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section. Section 1910.146(k)(2)(iii) requires that the employer train affected employees in basic first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).10


Section 1910.146(k)(4) requires that if an injured entrant is exposed to a substance for which a “Material Safety Data Sheet” (MSDS) [now referred to as an SDS (Safety Data Sheet)] or other similar written information is required to be kept at the worksite, that the employer make the MSDS or written information available to the medical facility treating the exposed entrant.11


Section 1910.146(l)(1) requires that employers 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).12


Section 1910.146(l)(2) requires that employers make all information required to be developed by this section available to affected employees and their authorized representatives.


3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also, describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.



Employers may use automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological information collection techniques or other forms of information technology (e.g., electronic submission of responses) when establishing and maintaining the required records. The agency wrote the paperwork requirements of the Standard in the performance-oriented language (i.e., in terms of what data to collect, not how to record the data).


4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item A.2 above.


The requirements to collect and maintain information are specific to each employer and employee involved, and no other source or agency duplicates these requirements or can make the required information available to OSHA (i.e., the required information is available only from employers).­­


5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.


The collection of information requirements specified by the Standard do not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.


6. Describe the consequence to federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.


The agency believes that the information collection frequencies required by the Standard are the minimum frequencies necessary to effectively regulate permit-required confined spaces and, thereby, fulfill its mandate “to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” as specified in the Act at 29 U.S.C. 651. Accordingly, if employers do not perform the required information collection or delay in providing this information, employees may be subject to an increased risk of death and serious injury when working in permit-required confined spaces.


7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:


  • requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;


  • requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;


  • requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;


  • requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;


  • in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;


  • requiring the use of statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB


  • that includes a pledge of confidentially that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or


  • requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentially to the extent permitted by law.


No special circumstances exist that require employers to collect information using the procedures specified by this item. The requirements are within the guidelines outlined in 5 CFR 1320.5.


8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.


Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.


Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years -- even if the collection-of-information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.


As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), OSHA published a notice in the Federal Register on July 16, 2024 (89 FR 57944) soliciting comments on its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget’s approval of the collection of information requirements specified in the Standard on Permit-Required Confined Spaces (29 CFR 1910.146), under Docket No. OSHA-2011-0858. This notice was part of a preclearance consultation program that provides the general public and government agencies with an opportunity to comment.

The agency received one public comment from a private citizen, George Cole, in response to this notice, under Docket Number OSHA-2011-0858-0015. The commenter recommended that OSHA update its Standard on Permit-Required Confined Spaces, under 29 CFR §1910.146, to also include requirements on enclosed spaces. Specifically, the commenter notes that:


29CFR1910.146 subpart J addressing permit required confined spaces should also reference Enclosed Spaces according to 1910.269(e) and 1910.269(t) subpart R for certain conditions for the following reasons:

1. 1910.269(e) directly references 1910.146 as follows: "Enclosed spaces. This paragraph covers enclosed spaces that may be entered by employees. It does not apply to vented vaults if the employer makes a determination that the ventilation system is operating to protect employees before they enter the space. This paragraph applies to routine entry into enclosed spaces in lieu of the permit-space entry requirements contained in paragraphs (d) through (k) of § 1910.146. If, after the employer takes the precautions given in paragraphs (e) and (t) of this section, the hazards remaining in the enclosed space endanger the life of an entrant or could interfere with an entrant's escape from the space, then entry into the enclosed space shall meet the permit-space entry requirements of paragraphs (d) through (k) of § 1910.146."
However, 1910.146 currently does not reciprocate the same application.

2. The Application of 1910.269 extends beyond just electric power generation, transmission, distribution installations, including related equipment for the purpose of communication or metering that are accessible only to qualified employees. Because according to the NOTE of 1910.269(a)(1)(i)(A) it also applies to "as well as equivalent installations of industrial establishments."

NOTE TO PARAGRAPH (a)(1)(i)(A): The types of installations covered by this paragraph include the generation, transmission, and distribution installations of electric utilities, as well as equivalent installations of industrial establishments. Subpart S of this part covers supplementary electric generating equipment that is used to supply a workplace for emergency, standby, or similar purposes only.

Doing this will help employers better understand their obligations when addressing both Permit Required Confined Spaces and Enclosed Spaces as applicable to their work locations.”

OSHA appreciates the comment regarding updating the language in the Standard on Permit-Required Confined Spaces. However, modifications to the language of the Standard are outside the scope of this notice. The purpose of this notice is to extend the existing collection of information requirements for three years.


9. Explain any decision to provide any payments or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.


The agency will not provide payments or gifts to the respondents.


10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.


The paperwork requirements specified by the Standard do not involve confidential information.


11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.


None of the provisions in the Standard require sensitive information.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:


  • Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. General, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.


  • If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form.


  • Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 13.


Respondents Hour and Cost Burden Determinations


OSHA estimates the burden hours for each collection of information requirement is shown below. Information regarding the number of permit spaces, establishments with permit spaces, and permit space entrants were originally based on information derived from Table II-1 of the Final Regulatory Impact Analysis and Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (RIA) of the final Permit-Required Confined Space Standard (58 FR 4542, January 14, 1992) and the same methodology is used in the update of this request.


First, the agency determined the ratio between the numbers of establishments with permit spaces, the number of permit spaces, and the number of permit space entrants in the 1992 Analysis and then applied this ratio to update the numbers of establishments with permit spaces and permit space entrants. Second, OSHA updated the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes used in the 1992 Analysis to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes13; then used the number from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 County Business Patterns Survey to determine the number of new establishments. Third, OSHA applied the ratios from the 1992 analysis to the new establishments to arrive at new estimates for the number of permit spaces, establishments with permit spaces, and permit space entrants.


  1. Respondent Hour and Cost Burden Determinations


The agency determined the wage rates from mean hourly wage earnings to represent the cost of employee time.  For the relevant standard occupational classification category, OSHA used the wage rates reported in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.  Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 [date accessed: May 14, 2024].  (OEWS data is available at https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm.  To access a wage rate, select the year, “Occupation Profiles,” and the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code.)


To derive the loaded hourly wage rate presented in the table below, the agency used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, as described in the paragraph above.  Then, the agency applied to the wage rates a fringe benefit markup based on data found in Table 2 of the following BLS release: Employer Costs for Employee Compensation December 2023 news release text, released 10:00 AM (ET), March 13, 2024 (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf). BLS reported that for private industry workers, fringe benefits accounted for 29.6 percent of total compensation, and wages accounted for the remaining 70.4 percent.  To calculate the loaded hourly wage for each occupation, the agency divided the mean hourly wage rate by one minus the fringe benefits.




TABLE 1: WAGE-HOUR ESTIMATES

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Mean Hour Wage Rate

(A)

Fringe Benefits (B)

Loaded Hourly Wage Rate

(C) = (A)/((1-(B))

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

51-1011

$34.48

.296

$48.98

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

43-6014

$21.87

.296

$31.07

Production Occupations

51-0000

$22.90

.296

$32.53



(A) Preparation of a "Danger--Permit Required Confined Space" Sign (§ 1910.146(c)(2))


OSHA estimates that approximately 4,762,769 permit spaces are entered annually, half of which (2,381,385) are susceptible to inadvertent entry and, therefore, must be marked by a warning sign. Signs are expected to last five years (averaged out to an annual rate of 20 percent).


The language for the required warning sign is provided by the Standard (i.e., “Danger–Permit-Required Confined Space. Do Not Enter”). Therefore, following Section 1320.3(c)(2) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 , this requirement does not fall within the definition of a collection of information. However, OSHA allows the employer to use “similar” language on the warning sign if desired. The agency believes an employer would only rarely opt for the similar language; therefore, for purposes of this supporting statement, OSHA estimates that 2 percent of the susceptible spaces will include a warning sign with language other than that provided by OSHA. OSHA estimates that it takes five minutes (5/60 hours) for a laborer to make up the language for these signs.


Burden hours: 2,381,385 spaces × .20 × .02 × 5/60 hours = 794 hours

Cost: 794 hours × $32.53 = $25,829


(B)(1) Preparation of a written permit-space entry program (§§ 1910.146(c)(4),

1910.146(d) and 1910.146(l)(1))


Employers whose employees enter permit spaces are required to develop, implement, and use an entry permit system that includes written procedures describing how permits are to be issued at the establishment. OSHA estimates that there are 221,852 establishments with confined spaces, with 4.762,769 permit spaces, subject to these provisions. The RIA posits that an employer without a written program can expect to spend a minimum of 16 hours developing a written program. Since the Standard has been in effect for several years, OSHA believes that existing establishments have already prepared and implemented their permit-space entry program. The agency has no definitive number of new establishments that will be required to develop a written program; therefore, the agency is using an estimate of 5 percent of the total number of establishments (11,093) to account for new establishments that must prepare a written permit space entry program. For purposes of this paperwork package, OSHA is assuming that all “new” establishments have no written program.


Burden hours: 11,093 new establishments × 16 hours = 177,488 hours

Cost: 177,488 hours × $48.98 = $8,693,362


(B)(2) Annual review of written permit space entry program and cancelled permits §§ 1910.146(d)(14) and (e)(6))


Based on the RIA, OSHA estimates 2 hours of supervisor time to review and revise 105,380 (50% of 210,76014) written permit space programs and the related canceled permits and other available information annually. The burden hour and cost estimates for reviewing and revising the written program are:


Burden hours: 105,380 permit programs × 2 hours = 210,760 hours

Cost: 210,760 hours × $48.98 = $10,323,025


(C) Documentation of determinations and supporting data required for entries using the

alternative procedures (§ 1910.146(c)(5)(i)(E))


The agency estimates that approximately 2,415,776 million permit spaces will be entered each year under the alternative procedures allowed in paragraph (c)(5) of the Standard.15 Documentation of the determinations and supporting data (required by paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A), (c)(5)(i)(B), and (c)(5)(i)(C)) for each entry under the alternative procedures must be maintained by the employer and disclosed to each employee who enters a permit space. OSHA believes that the process takes 15 minutes (15/60 hours); accordingly, the agency estimates that the total annual burden hours and cost of documenting determinations and supporting data required for entries using the alternative procedures is:


Burden hours: 2,415,776 permit spaces to be entered annually using the alternative procedures × 15/60 hours required to complete documentation = 603,944 hours

Cost: 603,944 hours × $32.53 = $19,646,298


(D) Written certification for the alternative procedures (§ 1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(H))


OSHA believes that approximately 2,415,776 permit spaces will be entered each year under the abbreviated permit system. A written certificate must be prepared following paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(H) of the Standard for each of these entries. OSHA estimates that it will take three minutes (3/60 hours) to generate and maintain the written certification (one-year retention).


Burden hours: 2,415,776 permit spaces × 3/60 hours to generate and maintain the written certificate = 120,789 hours

Cost: 120,789 hours × $32.53 = $3,929,266


(E) Written certification that all hazards have been eliminated (reclassification of a permit

space) (§ 1910.146(c)(7)(iii))


The agency estimates that approximately 205,075 permit spaces will be reclassified each year under paragraph (c)(7) of the Standard.16 A certificate must be prepared following paragraph (c)(7)(iii) for each of these entries. OSHA estimates that it takes 3 minutes (3/60 hours) to generate and maintain the certification.


Burden hours: 205,075 permit spaces to be entered annually under the reclassification × 3/60 hours to generate and maintain (one year retention) = 10,254 hours

Cost: 10,254 hours × $32.53 = $333,563


(F) Information Exchange – Host Employer and Contractor (§ 1910.146(c)(8)(i), (c)(8)(ii),

(c)(8)(iii), (c)(8)(v) and (c)(9)(iii))


The agency believes that the information exchange requirements between employer and contractor are usual and customary communications at most establishments. The agency has no reliable data to estimate the information exchange costs between host employers and their contractors. For purposes of estimating burden hours and costs only, OSHA estimates that approximately 2,219 establishments (1% of the estimated 221,852 establishments with permit spaces) are not in compliance with the required communications associated with contractor permit space operations. The agency estimates that a host employer would communicate with one contractor for an average of 8 minutes (8/60 hours) for these requirements.


Burden hours: 2,219 establishments x 2 parties x 8/60 hours to exchange information 592 hours

Cost: 592 hours x $48.98 = $28,996


(G) Written entry permits (§ 1910.146(e) and (f))


OSHA estimates that approximately 1,948,212 permit spaces will be entered each year under the full permit system.17 A complete written permit, prepared following paragraph (f) of the standard, must be generated for each of these entries, made available to authorized entrants by posting it, and retained for one year. Employers must note any problems encountered during an entry operation on the permit, so the appropriate revisions to the permit space program can be made. The agency estimates it takes an average of 15 minutes (15/60 hours) for a non-supervisory employee to generate, post, and maintain each entry.


Burden hours: 1,948,212 permit spaces × 15/60 hours = 487,053 hours

Cost: 487,053 hours × $32.53 = $15,843,834


(H) Certification of training (§ 1910.146(g)(4))


A certification record of training must be maintained for all existing employees. Accordingly, OSHA estimates that there are approximately 1,505,672, employees who enter permit spaces annually. OSHA believes that each year 10 percent of these employees (150,567) are considered new employees or are assigned new duties that will require that they receive new training. A new record of training must be generated and maintained for these employees.


OSHA believes it takes one minute (1/60 hours) for a secretary to maintain the training certification for each existing employee), and three minutes (3/60 hours) to generate and maintain the training certification for new or retrained employees. Thus, the burden hours for this provision are:


Burden hours: 1,355,105 existing employees × 1/60 hours to maintain record = 22,585

hours

Cost: 22,585 hours × $31.07 = $701,716


Burden hours: 150,567 new/retrained employees × 3/60 hours to generate and maintain record = 7,528 hours

Cost: 7,528 hours × $31.07 = $233,895



(I) Information Exchange – Authorized Entrants (§ 1910.146(h)(3) and h)(4)) and

Attendants (§ 1910.146(i)(5), (i)(6), (i)(7), and (i)(8))


The RIA estimated that an additional 114,352 attendants would be necessary for the industry to comply with the Standard. Applying a ratio of the increase in employees affected by the Standard, the agency estimates 123,043 attendants.18 The agency estimates that an attendant would engage in 15 minutes (15/60 hours) of communication, on average, with authorized entrants.


The agency has no reliable data on which to estimate the number of authorized entrants engaged in communications with an attendant during permit space operations. For purposes of estimating burden hours and costs only, the agency estimates that one authorized entrant will communicate with each attendant.


Burden hours: (123,043 attendants + 123,043 authorized entrants) x 15/60 hours to communicate = 61,522 hours

Cost: 61,522 hours x $32.53 = $2,001,311


In addition, for the one percent (47,628) of entries (one percent of the 4,762,769 total permit spaces) which an attendant observes unsafe conditions, one minute (1/60 hours) to alert authorized entrants of the need to evacuate the permit space; for the 476 entries estimated to involve rescue operations (see below), two minutes (2/60 hours) to recognize unsafe conditions, summon rescue (and other emergency services, if necessary) as soon as the attendant determines that assistance is needed, and inform the employer when a non-entry or entry rescue begins or an authorized entrant may need medical aid or assistance in escaping from the permit space; and, for ten percent (476,277) of these entries, one minute (1/60 hours) to warn any individual who is not an authorized entrant and approaches a permit space during entry operations to stay away from the permit space or to exit the permit space if that individual enters the permit space, as well as to inform the authorized entrant and entry supervisor of any such unauthorized entry.


Burden hours: 47,628 entries x 1/60 hours (evacuation alert) = 794 hours

Cost: 794 hours x $48.98 = $38,890


Burden hours: 476 entries x 2/60 hours (rescue operations) = 16 hours

Cost: 16 hours x $48.98 = $784


Burden hours: 476,277 entries x 1/60 hours (warn non-entrants) = 7,938

Cost: 7,938 hours x $48.98 = $388,803


(J) Informing the Rescue Service About the Hazards of the Space (§ 1910.146 (k)(1)(iv))

The agency has no reliable data on which to estimate the number of in-house permit space rescues that occur each year. To estimate burden hours and costs only, the agency estimates that 476 establishments (one-thousandth of one percent of the 4,762,769 permit spaces) would experience an in-house rescue per year. The agency estimates that it would take two minutes (2/60 hours) to inform the rescue service of the hazards they may confront when called on to perform a rescue at the site. OSHA determines that the burden hours and the cost of this provision each year to be:


Burden hours: 476 entry rescues x 2/60 hours to inform = 16 hours

Cost: 16 hours x $48.98 = $784


(K) Disclosure of records (§ 1910.146 (c)(5)(ii)(H), (c)(7)(iii), (d)(5)(vi), (g)(4) and (l)(2))


OSHA has no data on the number of access requests made by workers and their designated representatives and, therefore, the agency estimates that one percent of all affected employees (15,057) will request access to records under the Standard.


Burden hours: 15,057 x 5/60 hours = 1,255

Cost: 1,255 hours x $48.98 = $61,470


(L) Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring


The agency estimates that atmospheric testing and monitoring for confined spaces will take an average of 5 minutes (5/60 hours) for a supervisor to perform per entry. The agency believes that all of the estimated 4,762,769 permit spaces entered annually require atmospheric testing or monitoring. The estimated annual burden hours and cost for a supervisor to perform these requirements are:


Burden hours: 4,762,769 entries × 5/60 hours = 396,897 hours

Cost: 396,897 hours × $48.98 = $19,440,015






Table 2 - Estimated Annualized Respondent Hour and Cost Burdens


Information Collection Requirements


Type of Respondent

No. of Respondents

Responses per Respondent

Total

Responses


Time per Response

(in Hours)


Total Burden Hours


Loaded

Hourly Wage


Total Burden Cost

(A) Preparation of a "Danger--Permit Required Confined Space" Sign

(§ 1910.146(c)(2))


Non-Supervisory laborer

9,526

1

9,526

5/60

794

$32.53

$25,829

(B)(1) Preparation of a written permit-space entry program (§§ 1910.146 (c)(4) and 1910.146(d))


Professional/

Manager

11,093

1

11,093

16.00

177,488

$48.98

$8,693,362

(B)(2) Annual Review of Written Permit Space Program and Cancelled Permits (§29 CFR 1910.146(d)(14) and (e)(6))

Professional/

Manager

105,380

1

105,380

2.00

210,760

$48.98

$10,323,025






(C) Documentation of determinations and supporting data required for entries using alternative procedures

(§ 1910.146(c)(5)(i)(E))


Non-Supervisory laborer

2,415,776

1

2,415,776

15/60

603,944

$32.53

$19,646,298

(D) Written certification for alternate procedures

(§ 1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(H))


Non-Supervisory Laborer

2,415,776

1

2,415,776

3/60

120,789**

$32.53

$3,929,266

(E) Written certification that all hazards have been eliminated (reclassification of a permit space)

(§ 1910.146(c)(7)(iii)

Non-

Supervisory Laborer

205,075

1

205,075

3/60

10,254**

$32.53

$333,563






(F) Information Exchange - Host Employer and Contractor

(§ 1910.146(c)(8)(i), (c)(8)(ii), (c)(8)(iii), (c)(8)(v) and (c)(9)(iii))


Professional/

Manager

2,219

2

4,438

8/60


592

$48.98

$28,996

(G) Written entry permits

(§ 1910.146(e))


Production Operations Worker

1,948,212

1

1,948,212

15/60

487,053

$32.53

$15,843,834

(H) Certification of training (§ 1910.146(g)(4))

Clerical/

Secretary

1,355,105

1

1,355,105

1/60

22,585**

$31.07

$701,716




Clerical/

Secretary

150,567

1

150,567

3/60

7,528

$31.07

$233,895

(I) Information Exchange – Authorized Entrants (§ 1910.146(h)(3) and h)(4)) and Attendants (§ 1910.146(i)(5), (i)(6), (i)(7), and (i)(8))











Attendants/

Authorized Entrants

246,086

1

246,086

15/60

61,522

$32.53

$2,001,311


Professional/

Manager

47,628

1

47,628

1/60

794

$48.98

$38,890


Professional/

Manager

476

1

476

2/60

16

$48.98

$784


Professional/

Manager

476,277

1

476,277

1/60

7,938

$48.98

$388,803

(J) Informing the Rescue Service About the Hazards of the Space (§ 1910.146 (k)(1)(iv))


Professional/

Manager

476

1

476

2/60

16

$48.98

$784

(K) Disclosure of records

(§§ 1910.146 (c)(5)(ii)(H), (c)(7)(iii) and (g)(4))


Professional/

Manager

15,057

1

15,057

5/60

1,255**

$48.98

$61,470

(L) Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring


Professional/

Manager

4,762,769

1

4,762,769

5/60

396,897

$48.98

$19,440,015

TOTAL


221,852*


14,169,717


2,110,225


$81,691,841


* Number of respondents (establishments with confined spaces) = 221,852


**Recordkeeping = 162,411




13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14).


  • The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital

and start up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a

total operation and maintenance and purchase of service component.

The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating,

maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of

methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.


  • If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.


  • Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.



Gas Monitor


OSHA estimates that approximately 2,219 establishments (1 percent of the estimated 221,852 establishments with permit spaces) will purchase a gas monitor estimated to be $1,000, with a useful life of 5 years, to conduct atmospheric testing and monitoring and record the results on the permit. A 10 percent operation and maintenance cost is also assumed.


(2,219 establishments/5 years) x ($1,000.00 monitor) = $443,800 per year


2,219 establishments x ($1,000.00 x .10) operation and maintenance costs = $221,900


Total Costs per year: $443,800 + $221,900 = $665,700


14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government.  Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.  Agencies may also aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.


There are no costs to the Federal Government associated with this Information Collection Request. The requirements of the PRA do not apply to the disclosure of records during an investigation of specific individuals or entities (see 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2)).  OSHA would only review records in the context of an open investigation of a particular employer to determine compliance with the Standard. 


15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.


OSHA is requesting an adjustment increase for the information collection requirements of 34,186 burden hours (from 2,076,039 to 2,110,225 hours). The burden hour increase is related to updated data estimates showing an increase in the number of permit space entrants (from 1,488,877 to 1,505,672) and establishments with permit spaces (from 214,994 to 221,852) affected by the Standard. It is also related to the adjustment of the estimated percentage of establishments assumed to incur burden hour costs conducting atmospheric monitoring and testing.


The agency is requesting an increase in capital and operation and maintenance costs of $20,700 (from $645,000 to $665,700) for atmospheric testing and monitoring equipment. This increase is also related to the updated data estimates showing an increase in the number of permit space entrants and establishments with permit spaces affected by the Standard.


16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation, and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.


OSHA will not publish the information collected under the Standard.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.


OSHA lists current valid control numbers in §§1910.8, 1915.8, 1917.4, 1918.4, and 1926.5 and publishes the expiration date in the Federal Register notice announcing OMB approval of the information-collection requirement. (See 5 CFR 1320.3(f)(3).) OSHA believes that this is the most appropriate and accurate mechanism to inform interested parties of these expiration dates.


18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.


OSHA is not seeking an exception to the certification statement in ROCIS.


B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS.


This Supporting Statement does not contain any collection of information requirements that employ statistical methods.


Table 3: Profile of the Affected Establishments and Employees19


Industry

SIC (1992)

NAICS (2002)

2024 Total # Establishments

2024 # Establishments with Confined Spaces

2024 # Permit Spaces

2024 # Permit Space Entrants

2021 Total # Establishments

2021 # Establishments with Confined Spaces

2021 # Permit Spaces

2021 # Permit Space Entrants

Agricultural Services

7

115

12,032

6,713

49,006

28,900

11,748

6,555

47,849

28,218

Oil & Gas Extraction

13

211

5,444

2,684

3,220

2,952

6,277

3,094

3,713

3,404

Food and Kindred Products

20

311

29,512

14,519

201,814

140,836

27,728

13,641

189,615

132,322

Tobacco Products

21

3122

136

83

932

2,422

149

91

1,021

2,653

Textile Mill Products

22

314

5,219

1,779

20,284

33,188

5,749

1,955

22,288

36,558

313

1,816

 

 

 

1,981

Wood Products (except furniture)

24

321

13,887

3,986

15,146

41,663

14,463

4,151

15,774

43,391

Furniture and Fixtures

25

337

14,394

6,492

32,459

43,494

14,581

6,576

32,880

44,059

Paper Products

26

322

3,842

2,632

57,116

27,637

3,999

2,740

59,450

28,766

Printing and Publishing

27

323

22,580

16

69

31

24,809

17

76

34

Chemicals & Allied Products

28

325

14,186

9,576

202,054

85,230

13,615

9,191

193,921

81,800

Petroleum Refining

29

324

2,097

1,623

92,490

15,415

2,106

1,630

92,887

15,482

Rubber Products

30

326

11,518

4,573

104,722

104,265

12,065

4,790

109,696

109,217

Leather and Leather Products

31

316

1,086

81

275

567

1,162

87

295

607

Stone, Clay, Glass & Concrete

32

327

14,958

11,308

153,779

101,773

15,076

11,397

154,992

102,576

Primary Metals Industry

33

331

3,717

1,595

20,251

32,370

4,112

1,764

22,403

35,810

Fabricated Metal Products

34

332

53,743

12,469

130,921

49,874

55,022

12,765

134,036

51,061

Machinery, Except Electrical

35

333

21,858

1,749

13,989

47,211

23,060

1,845

14,758

49,808

Electric/Electronic Equipment

36

334 (50%)

5,718

4,291

114,991

72,182

6,022

4,525

121,269

76,019

335

5,254

 

 

 

5,549

Transportation Equipment

37

336

11,332

3,320

1,091,831

31,866

11,567

3,388

1,114,473

32,527

Instruments & Related Products

386

325992

153

40

563

282

185

43

601

341

333314

413

 

 

 

419

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

391

33991

1,849

582

20,529

3,616

2,055

618

21,823

4,019

394

33992

1,638

 

 

 

1,646

33993

495

 

 

 

532

Motor Freight Transportation

42

484

163,565

21,427

295,685

59,994

134,769

17,654

243,629

49,432

Electric, Gas, Sanitary Services

49

22

19,896

28,233

1,564,066

262,565

19,028

27,001

1,495,830

251,110

Wholesale Trade – Durable

50

423

230,245

1,842

2,653

2,210

236,609

1,893

2,726

2,272

Wholesale Trade – Nondurable

515

4245

6,122

21,383

237,350

114,592

6,147

21,710

240,979

115,060

516

4246

11,925

 

 

 

12,373

517

4247

6,290

 

 

 

6,266

5,198

424950

1,934

 

 

 

1,885

Food Stores

54

445

154,177

8,634

8,634

8,634

150,289

8,416

8,416

8,416

Miscellaneous Retail

5,983

45431 (80%)

 

 

 

 

6,431

4,309

16,804

6,463

5,984

6,327

4,239

16,532

6,358

Real Estate (Commercial)

65

531

402,793

23,765

78,402

21,626

361,500

21,329

70,364

19,409

Hotels/Other Lodging

701

7211

61,281

7,477

113,651

117,390

59,497

7,259

110,343

113,972

Personal Service

721

8123

29,970

2,367

16,380

4,696

33,165

2,598

17,976

5,196

561740

7,023

 

 

7,432

Miscellaneous Repair Services

76

8112

11,635

603

644

576

12,339

611

653

611

8113

21,632

 

 

 

21,973

8114

21,529

 

 

 

21,233

Motion Pictures

7,812

512110

17,269

17

50

100

15,251

15

44

89

Health Services

806

622

7,465

11,466

99,638

39,413

6,906

11,049

96,017

36,462

807

6215

19,477

 

 

 

18,218

339116

5,086

 

 

 

5,740

Museums, Botanical Gardens, Zoos

84

712

7,864

290

2,643

1,743

7,736

286

2,600

1,714

Totals

 

 

1,472,382

221,852

4,762,769

1,505,672

1,410,464

214,994

4,660,201

1,488,877



4.39%

Increase establishments over 2021

3%

Increase in confined spaces at establishments

2.201%

Increase in the number of permits over 2021 ICR

1.128%

Increase in permit space entrants over 2021



















1The purpose of this Supporting Statement is to analyze and describe the burden hours and costs associated with provisions of this Standard that contain paperwork requirements; this Supporting Statement does not provide information or guidance on how to comply with, or how to enforce, these provisions.

2 This section identifies usual and customary communications between employers, contractors, and employees; therefore, it does not impose burden hours or costs on the employer. For example, as a matter of business practice, information about hazards and permit-confined spaces, etc., would be conveyed to contractors during initial discussions of work to be performed. Estimated burden hours and costs for establishments not in compliance with these requirements are included in Item 12, below.


3This section identifies usual and customary communications between employers, contractors, and employees; therefore, it does not impose burden hours or costs on the employer. For example, as a matter of business practice, information about hazards and permit-confined spaces, etc., would be conveyed to contractors during initial discussions of work to be performed. Estimated burden hours and costs for establishments not in compliance with these requirements are included in Item 12, below.


4 The agency believes the burden hours and costs associated with testing of atmospheric hazards, and recording those results on the permit, are included in the burden hours and costs for the permit. Note: There are document retention requirements in other OSHA standards, such as the 30-year retention period for employee exposure records required by 29 CFR 1910.1020(d) (Preservation of records) which may apply to this documentation. See definition of “employee exposure record” at 29 CFR 1910.1020(c)(5). Employee exposure records retention is covered under OMB Control # 1218-0065, “Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records.”

5 OSHA is not taking burden for this activity under Item 12 of this Supporting Statement. However, the agency retains burden hours and costs related to training certification.


6 These sections identify usual and customary communications between employers, contractors, and employees. Estimated burden hours and costs for establishments not in compliance with these requirements are included in Item 12, below.


7 The burden hours and costs associated with endorsing the permit are considered part of the cost of the permit.


8 OSHA considers these assessment provisions to be performance-oriented and, therefore, is not taking burden for the requirements under Item 12 below.


9 The burden hours and costs of developing an in-house rescue plan are part of the cost of program development.


10 The requirement that employers provide training to workers under these provisions is not considered to be a collection of information. OSHA is not taking burden for training delivery under Item 12 of this Supporting Statement. The agency assumes that the cost of training records associated with this activity are included in the general training records burden hours and costs under Item 12.



11 The burden hours and cost for SDS accessibility is taken under OMB Control Number 1218-0072 (the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) ICR).


12The burden hours and costs of the employee consultation provision are included in the burden hours and costs for the development of the written program.

13See Table B at the end of this document for a complete list of establishments, permit-confined spaces, and permit-confined space entrants.


14The agency subtracted 11,093 establishments from the total 221,852 establishments, since burden hours and costs were attributed to them for developing a new program.


15The previous ICR estimated that there were 2,388,830 million permit spaces entered each year under the alternative procedures discussed in this section. Given that the total number of permit spaces increased by 1.128 percent, it was assumed that the number of permit spaces discussed in this section increased by 1.128 as well.


16The previous ICR estimated that there were 202,788 permit spaces covered under this paragraph. As discussed above, the agency assumes that the number of permit spaces discussed in this section increased by 1.128 percent.


17The previous ICR estimated that there were 1,926,481 million permit spaces covered under this paragraph. As discussed above, the agency assumes that the number of permit spaces discussed in this section increased by 1.128 percent.

18According to the RIA, there were an estimated 1,629,201 confined space entrants and 114,352 attendants covered by the Standard. The current ICR analysis estimates 1,505,672 confined space entrants (see Table B). This is a decrease of 7.6% from the RIA estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates there are 123,043 attendants (114,352 – (114,352 x -7.6%)).

19 2024 Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 County Business Patterns


11


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