Entry into confined spaces can be a dangerous and potentially fatal process if done incorrectly. As such, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict regulations in place regarding confined space entry, requiring all employers to inform workers of the risks of entering these areas and to obtain entry permits before entering them. If you want to learn more about confined space entry permit requirements, including who must obtain one and what must be included in your permit application, keep reading!
Why Are Confined Space Entry Permits Required?
There are many situations where a confined space entry permit may be required. First and foremost, several common hazards make confined spaces potentially dangerous places for workers. Confined spaces often contain airborne particles, noxious fumes, or other harmful chemicals or gases. There is also a risk of electrical shock when working in a confined space due to exposed wiring and equipment that pose an electrocution hazard.
When workers must enter a confined space, certain procedures must be followed. These procedures include how to prepare for entering and exiting a confined space as well as how workers should enter and exit. In addition, many confined spaces require specialized equipment for entry or exit to occur safely. Finally, a permit is required because all workers involved with an entry or exit procedure must be trained on it and receive instructions on what to do if anything goes wrong during the procedure.
A confined space entry permit is a document that contains essential information on how entry and exit should occur as well as any specific requirements that may apply. It will also include where a copy of the confined space entry procedure is located so that workers can review it before entering or exiting.
Obtaining a confined space entry permit is a two-step process. The first step involves determining whether or not entry is required. For an entry permit to be required, certain conditions must be met including that there is no other means of entering or exiting and only trained workers may enter.
What Is Required On A Confined Space Entry Permit:
A confined space entry permit will include essential information about how workers should proceed when entering or exiting a confined space. These procedures typically include special safety precautions such as wearing personal protective equipment like hard hats, goggles, and gloves. There may also be instructions about how to maintain proper ventilation inside the confined space.
Other instructions might include how workers should dress for the job (safety vests or reflective clothing) and where they can find additional resources such as copies of confined space entry permits or confined space evacuation plans.
What Are Confined Space Entry Permit Requirements
Several confined space entry permit requirements must be met to ensure a safe and successful entry.
- First, you must identify what makes a confined space permit required.
- Second, you must assess the confined space hazards.
- Third, you must develop a confined space entry procedure.
- Fourth, you must scale the business plan to help formalize your idea.
- Finally, you must monitor the confined space during and after entry.
Confined space entry permit requirements are well worth taking into consideration, especially if you are considering beginning a career in confined space entry. Confined spaces can be some of the most dangerous work sites in your company because there is little to no visibility and limited ventilation. As such, they require a number of permits before they can be entered by any personnel.
Key Elements of Entry Permits
A standard entry permit shall contain the following items:
- Space to be entered
- Purpose of entry
- Date and authorized duration of the entry permit
- Name of authorized entrants within the permit space
- Means of identifying authorized entrants inside the permit space (i.e., rosters or tracking systems)
- Name(s) of personnel serving as Attendant(s) for the permit duration
- Name of individual serving as Entry Supervisor, with a space for the signature or initials of the Entry Supervisor who originally authorized the entry
- Hazards of the permit space to be entered
- Measures used to isolate the permit space and to eliminate or control permit space hazards before entry (i.e., lockout/tagout of equipment and procedures
for purging, ventilating, and flushing permit spaces) - Acceptable entry conditions
- Results of initial and periodic tests performed, accompanied by the names or initials of the testers and the date(s) when the tests were performed
- Rescue and emergency services that can be summoned, and the means of contacting those services (i.e., equipment to use, phone numbers to call)
- Communication procedures used by authorized entrants and Attendant(s) to maintain contact during the entry
- Equipment to be provided for compliance with this Confined Space Program (i.e., PPE, testing, communications, alarm systems, and rescue)
- Other information necessary for the circumstances of the particular confined space that will help ensure employee safety
- Additional permits, such as for hot work, that has been issued to authorize work on the permit space
READ: OSHA Confined Space Air Monitoring Requirements: What You Need to Know
How To Avoid Problems With Unsafe Spaces
When working in or around a confined space, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards. Before entering a confined space, you need to determine what makes a confined space permit required. Once you have determined that a confined space permit is needed, follow the confined space requirements outlined by your company. By being aware of the potential hazards and following the proper procedures, you can help avoid problems with unsafe spaces.
Most confined space hazards are preventable by implementing good practices. The best practice is always to avoid entering a confined space whenever possible. Consider all other options first—such as sending in an unmanned robot, lowering instruments or supplies, or accessing it from above. If you have determined that there is no way around entering a confined space, make sure your entry doesn’t pose any additional risks with unsafe spaces.
The regulations around confined space permits and entry are different for each country, state, or province. It’s always a good idea to consult your governing body when determining whether or not a permit is required, as well as what procedures you need to follow. The first step is always ensuring that you are working in a safe environment with no potential hazards. If you work in an area that has known hazards, there may be additional regulations imposed on your work environment.
Unsafe confined spaces can be encountered in any industry, from mining to construction and everything in between. Each industry has its own set of regulations, permits, and procedures that must be followed. Whether you are working with a confined space permit or just avoiding unsafe spaces, being aware of all potential hazards is vital for safe work practices. Although it is not possible to eliminate all risks associated with entering a confined space, following correct procedures will help you prevent most hazards.
If you are working with a confined space permit, make sure that all procedures and regulations are followed. If you find yourself in an unsafe space, your safety equipment is designed to protect you from serious injuries or even death. There may be additional hazards that present themselves when you enter a confined space—but always follow safe practices and check your equipment before entering any area. Being aware of potential hazards is vital for both preventing accidents and staying safe while at work.
Checklist For Safe Entries
Here are some points we should consider in the confined space entry;
1. Make sure you have the proper permits and paperwork in order before beginning work.
2. Inspect the area for any potential hazards, and make sure it is well-ventilated.
3. Wear the proper safety gear, including a hard hat, goggles, and respirator mask.
4. Have a partner with you at all times, and stay in communication with them while working.
5. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
6. Try not to work alone, and be aware of all possible hazards.
7. Never hesitate to stop work if you feel unwell or otherwise unsafe. The well-being of your workers comes first.
8. Never take shortcuts in safety, and make sure all your documentation is up-to-date.
9. Be aware of your surroundings, and make sure everyone has a way out in case of an emergency.
10. Take breaks regularly, and never stay in a confined space for longer than 90 minutes at a time. If you feel faint or ill, try to get out as soon as possible.
Follow these checklist points and other important points depending on the type of confined space and the hazards present; these will help ensure that working in a confined space is safe.
Ref – Confined space checklist
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