Confined Space Entry - Red Vector

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Confined Space Entry


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Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4

Course Objectives ...................................................................................................................... 4

Confined Space Characteristics ................................................................................................. 5

Objectives............................................................................................................................... 5

Definitions............................................................................................................................... 5

Hazards .................................................................................................................................. 5

Permits ................................................................................................................................... 6

Challenge Questions .............................................................................................................. 6

Confined Space Hazards ........................................................................................................... 7

Objective ................................................................................................................................ 7

Atmospheric Hazards ............................................................................................................. 7

Engulfment Hazards ............................................................................................................... 7

Configuration Hazards ............................................................................................................ 7

Other Hazards ........................................................................................................................ 8

Challenge Questions .............................................................................................................. 8

Osha Confined Space Standard ................................................................................................. 9

Objectives............................................................................................................................... 9

OSHA Permit-Required Confined Space Standard ................................................................. 9

Permit Space Program ........................................................................................................... 9

General Requirements............................................................................................................ 9

Procedures ............................................................................................................................10

Testing and Monitoring ..........................................................................................................10

Emergency Procedures .........................................................................................................10

Challenge Questions .............................................................................................................10

Protective Measures in Confined Spaces ..................................................................................11

Objectives..............................................................................................................................11

Entry Permit ...........................................................................................................................11

General Contents ..................................................................................................................11

Specific Requirements ...........................................................................................................12

Protective Measures ..............................................................................................................12

Preparation ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Documentation ......................................................................................................................13



Personal Protection ...............................................................................................................13

Specialized Equipment ..........................................................................................................13

Authorized Entrant Requirements ..........................................................................................13

Entry Supervisor Responsibilities ..........................................................................................14


The Attendant ...........................................................................................................................15

Objective ...............................................................................................................................15

General Responsibilities ........................................................................................................15

Ensuring Safety .....................................................................................................................15


Answers To Challenge Questions .............................................................................................17

Confined Space Characteristics .............................................................................................17

Confined Space Hazards .......................................................................................................17

OSHA Confined Space Standard ...........................................................................................17

Protective Measures in Confined Spaces ..............................................................................18

The Attendant ........................................................................................................................18

Glossary....................................................................................................................................20

Appendix ...................................................................................................................................23



Introduction

Part of your job may involve entering and working in confined spaces. If you must work in a

confined space, your life may depend on being properly informed about the hazards in the

space and being properly prepared to protect yourself from those hazards.

This course discusses the hazards associated with confined spaces and what you can do to

protect yourself from them. It is divided into five topics.

Topic one, Confined Space Characteristics, describes the general characteristics of confined

spaces and explains how a permit-required confined space differs from a non-permit-required

confined space.

Topic two, Confined Space Hazards, describes the most common hazards found in permit-

required confined spaces.

Topic three, OSHA Confined Space Standard, describes the general requirements of the

OSHA permit-required confined space standard and the written permit space program.

Topic four, Protective Measures in Confined Spaces, describes the general requirements for

an entry permit and some general protective measures used to protect workers in confined

spaces.

Topic five, The Attendant, describes the general responsibilities of the attendant in confined

space operations.

Course Objectives

Confined Space Characteristics

Describe the characteristics of a confined space.

List some examples of confined spaces.

Explain how a permit-required confined space differs from one that does not require a permit.

Confined Space Hazards

Describe the main types of hazards found in permit-required confined spaces. OSHA Confined Space Standard

Describe the general requirements of the OSHA permit-required confined space standard.

Describe the general requirements for a written permit space program. Protective Measures in Confined Spaces

Describe the general requirements of a typical entry permit.

Describe some general protective measures used to protect workers in confined spaces. The Attendant

Describe general responsibilities of the confined space attendant.




Confined spaces can be dangerous places to work if you are not prepared. This topic describes

the characteristics of a confined space, lists some examples of confined spaces, and explains

how a permit-required confined space differs from a non-permit-required confined space.

Objectives

Describe the characteristics of a confined space.

List some examples of confined spaces.

Explain how a permit-required confined space differs from one that does not require a

permit.

Definitions

A confined space is a space that is difficult to get into or out of. It may be because the opening

is small, because the opening is in a location that makes it difficult to get out, or because the

space is shaped in a way that makes it difficult to get out in an emergency situation.

Some examples of confined spaces are

manholes, silos, boilers, railroad tank cars,

reaction or process vessels, pumping

stations, pipelines, ship holds, storage

tanks, tank trucks, and even a home attic or

crawl space.

The Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) defines a confined

space as a space that is large enough and

so configured that an employee can bodily

enter and perform assigned work, has limited or restricted entry or exit, and is not designed for

continuous employee occupancy.

Hazards

A confined space is not necessarily dangerous simply because it is difficult to get into and out

of, but certain kinds of hazards can make confined spaces dangerous for individuals who are

not prepared.

There are four types of hazards that may be present in a confined space. The most common

hazard is an atmospheric hazard. Another possible hazard is the presence of a material that

could engulf a worker. The space might have sloping floors or otherwise be configured in a way

that could trap a worker, or there may be mechanical, electrical or other recognized hazards

present in the space.



Permits

If any of these hazards is present, the space is considered a permit-required confined space.

The difference between an ordinary confined space and a permit-required confined space is the

presence of one or more of the hazards.

If a confined space is classified as a permit-required confined space, an entry permit is required

before workers are authorized to enter the space. In general, the entry permit defines the

hazards that are present and specifies the protective measures that must be taken when

workers enter the space.

Challenge Questions

1. Which of these characteristics associated with a confined space can make getting into and

out of the space difficult?

a. The location of the opening

b. The shape of the space

c. The size of the opening

d. All of the above

2. There are five types of hazards that may be present in a confined space.

a. True

b. False

3. Which type of hazard is NOT normally considered a characteristic of a permit-required

confined space?

a. Atmospheric hazard

b. Fall hazard

c. Engulfment hazard

d. Mechanical hazard

4. What is the difference between an ordinary confined space and a permit-required confined

space?

a. The size of the space

b. The type of space

c. The presence of one or more hazards

5. Pipelines are considered confined space hazards.

a. True

b. False

Please refer to the end of the handbook for answers.




Each confined space must be evaluated to determine if hazards are present that require action

to protect workers who must enter the space. This topic describes the main types of hazards

found in permit-required confined spaces.

Objective

Describe the main types of hazards found in permit-required confined spaces.

Atmospheric Hazards

Of the four general types of hazards found in permit-required confined spaces, hazardous

atmospheres are the most common.

A hazardous atmosphere can cause injury or death as a result of the following:

Flammable gas or vapor

Airborne combustible dust

Atmospheric oxygen less than 19.5 percent or more than 23.5 percent

Atmosphere containing a concentration of toxic material that could cause an employee

to be exposed above the OSHA-permissible exposure limit

Any other atmospheric condition recognized as immediately dangerous to life or health

(IDLH)

The normal atmosphere contains about 20.9 percent oxygen. People must have oxygen to

breathe, but too much oxygen in the atmosphere could cause an explosion or a fire.

Engulfment Hazards

Another category of hazards found in permit-required confined spaces is called an engulfment

hazard. An engulfment refers to situations where a confined space worker can be trapped or

buried by dry bulk materials or a liquid.

The trapped person is in danger of asphyxiation because of inhaling the engulfing material, as a

result of drowning, or through compression of the torso by a dry engulfing material. Even if the

material does not cover a worker’s head, the weight of the material can bear enough pressure

on the body to prevent breathing or cause damage to internal organs.

In other cases, the engulfing material may be hot or corrosive, so the danger is related to a heat

or a chemical hazard rather than asphyxiation.

Configuration Hazards

A configuration hazard exists if the confined space is shaped in such a way that a worker could

be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and

tapers into a smaller cross-section.



Although very few of the accident descriptions in OSHA’s records involve this type of situation,

this hazard must not be overlooked in the evaluation of a confined space.

Other Hazards

Other serious hazards can also be present in a confined space. Examples are radiation, noise,

electricity, and moving parts of machinery.

Death can result from mechanical force injury, such as crushing the victim. This can happen if

equipment is improperly guarded or if there is a failure to secure the machinery using

appropriate lock-out/tag-out procedures.

Challenge Questions

1. Which type of hazard refers to situations where a confined space worker can be trapped or

buried by dry bulk materials or a liquid?

a. Atmospheric hazards

b. Biological hazards

c. Engulfment hazards

d. Machinery hazards

2. Even if material does not cover a worker’s head, the weight of the material can bear enough

pressure on the body to prevent breathing or cause damage to internal organs.

a. True

b. False

3. Of the four general types of hazards found in permit-required confined spaces, which hazard

is the most common?

a. Atmospheric hazards

b. Biological hazards

c. Engulfment hazards

d. Machinery hazards

4. Atmospheric oxygen less than 19.5 percent is considered hazardous.

a. True

b. False

5. Which hazard exists if the confined space is shaped in a way that could lead to a worker

being trapped or asphyxiated?

a. Engulfment hazards

b. Configuration hazards

c. Mechanical hazards




Osha Confined Space Standard

Because of the hazards recognized in confined spaces, OSHA developed the permit-required confined space standard to define the hazards associated with confined spaces and to specify procedures to protect workers who must enter confined spaces as part of their work. This topic describes the general requirements of the OSHA permit-required confined space standard (1910.146) and the general requirements for a written permit space program. Objectives

Describe the general requirements of the OSHA permit-required confined space standard.

Describe the general requirements for a written permit space program. OSHA Permit-Required Confined Space Standard

Several general requirements are included in the OSHA permit-required confined space standard. First, the employer must identify all confined spaces in the workplace and assess the severity of the hazards that would be encountered by anyone who might enter those confined spaces at any future time. Employers who find spaces that qualify as permit spaces in their workplace must inform employees of the existence and location of those permit spaces. This can be done by posting danger signs, or other effective methods, that warn of the location and the hazards present. If the employer decides that employees will not enter the permit spaces, effective methods must be used to prevent workers from entering the spaces. Permit Space Program

If the employer decides that employees will enter permit spaces, the employer must establish a written permit space program. A written permit space program is required if the work site has confined spaces that are classified as permit spaces and if employees will be required to enter the permit spaces. The written permit space program provides the detailed procedures that the employer will implement to protect workers who must enter permit spaces. General Requirements

In general, the written program specifies procedures to prevent unauthorized entry; identifies and evaluates the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them; and develops and implements the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations. Elements of the written permit space also include the following: provide the appropriate equipment; evaluate the permit space to determine if acceptable entry conditions



exist; designate the people who are to have active roles in entry operations; identify the duties of each such employee; and provide training in accordance with paragraph (g) of the permit space program. Procedures

A written permit space program contains procedures such as, but not limited to, those specifying acceptable entry conditions; isolating the permit space; ventilating or otherwise eliminating, or controlling, atmospheric hazards; and providing pedestrian, vehicle, or other barriers to protect entrants from external hazards. Testing and Monitoring

The written program establishes testing procedures for atmospheric hazards and for monitoring the space to verify that acceptable entry conditions are maintained for the entire time that workers are in the space. At least one attendant must be assigned to monitor the operation from outside the confined space. Emergency Procedures

Statistics developed by OSHA for fatal accidents in confined spaces over a four-year period revealed that a number of the victims were attempting to rescue other workers. Of the 234 fatalities that occurred in confined spaces during the four-year period, 60 percent were would-be rescuers. Because of these statistics, the written permit space program must include procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services and procedures for rescuing workers from permit spaces, including preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue. Workers should never attempt confined space rescues unless they are properly trained and equipped to do so safely.

Challenge Questions

1. The written permit space program must include procedures for summoning rescue and

emergency services and procedures for rescuing workers, including preventing unauthorized

personnel from attempting a rescue.

a. True

b. False

2. Of the 234 fatalities that occurred in confined spaces during a four-year period identified by

OSHA, what percentage were would-be rescuers?

a. 40 percent

b. 50 percent

c. 60 percent

d. 70 percent



3. If the employer decides that employees will enter permit spaces, what must the employer

establish in writing?

a. Permit space program

b. Entry permit zone requirements

c. EPA safety guidelines

4. Employers who find spaces that qualify as permit spaces in their work-places shall inform

employees of the existence and location of those permit spaces.

a. True

b. False

5. According to the permit space program, operation in a confined space must be monitored

outside of the space by what?

a. Radio communication

b. At least one attendant

c. At least two attendants


Protective Measures in Confined Spaces

The confined space entry permit system requires the use of an entry permit that specifies

methods to be used to control the hazards and protect the workers. This topic describes the

general requirements of a typical entry permit and some general protective measures used to

protect workers in confined spaces.

Objectives

Describe the general requirements of a typical entry permit.

Describe some general protective measures used to protect workers in confined spaces.

Entry Permit

Before entry to a permit space is authorized, the employer must document the preparations,

procedures, and equipment required for safe entry operations. This documentation is called an

entry permit.

General Contents

In general, the entry permit documents the location of the space; the purpose, date, and

duration of the entry; who the authorized entrants and attendants will be; who is authorizing the

entry; and information about how to call rescue people, if needed.

The permit documents the hazards present and the results of atmospheric testing before and

during the entry. The permit also specifies acceptable entry conditions and details procedures

and equipment that will be used to ensure that the operation is completed safely, including steps

to be taken to isolate the space.



The entry permit is usually posted outside of the permit space, close to the entrance.

Specific Requirements

The following is a detailed listing of the requirements for an entry permit (a sample entry permit

is included as an appendix to this handbook):

Test results

Tester’s initials or signature

Name and signature of supervisor who authorizes entry

Name of permit space to be entered

Authorized entrants

Purpose of entry

Known space hazards

Measures to be taken to isolate the space and control space hazards

Names and phone numbers of rescue and emergency services

Date and authorized duration of entry

Acceptable entry conditions

Communication procedures and equipment to maintain contact during entry

Additional permits, such as permits for hot work, that have been issued to authorize work

in the permit space

Special equipment and procedures, including personal protective equipment and alarm

systems

Any other information to ensure employee safety

Name of personnel serving as attendants

Protective Measures

Preparation

Before anyone enters a permit space, careful preparation is necessary to make sure that the

hazards have been identified and controlled as much as possible.

These preparations include such things as isolating the space from hazardous energy sources

through approved lock-out/tag-out procedures. You should check with your supervisor if you

have questions about your company’s lock-out/tag-out procedures.

Techniques such as blinding, blanking, or intentionally misaligning pipes may be used to

prevent hazardous material from being accidentally released into the space while it is occupied.

The employer’s written permit space program will provide detailed procedures for atmospheric

testing. After the space has been ventilated, it may be necessary to test the space again to

ensure that atmospheric hazards have been controlled.

Other preparations include securing the area around the space and setting up appropriate

ladders or other equipment to assist in entry and exit.



Documentation

The atmospheric testing and other preparations are documented on the entry permit, and the

entry supervisor signs the permit to certify that the preparations were properly done.

Personal Protection

Even after all the preparations are complete, some kind

of personal protective equipment is usually required for

workers who are entering the permit space.

Some examples of personal protective equipment that

may be needed are a hard hat, eye protection, gloves,

hearing protection, and chemical resistant clothing.

Respiratory protection may be needed even after the space is ventilated. Make sure that you use the right kind of respiratory protection and that you are trained in its proper use. You should follow the procedures in your company’s written respiratory program. The equipment you will need will depend on the nature and the severity of the hazards that are present in the space. If you are not sure what you need, check the entry permit or ask your supervisor. Remember to always check all of your equipment carefully to make sure that it is in good condition. If any of your equipment is damaged, do not use it. Specialized Equipment

In addition to personal protective equipment, you may need other specialized equipment to ensure your safety. For example, you may need communications to areas outside of the space. This might be a wired intercom or a two-way radio. In addition, you may need lighting equipment, a fire extinguisher, or explosion-proof electrical or mechanical equipment. If you are going to do any hot work, such as welding, that would create an ignition point, you may need to take special precautions, and a special permit may be needed. Authorized Entrant Requirements

Authorized Entrants should be certified and trained on:

The hazards involved in confined space entry.

Equipment required for entry, including but not limited to: testing & monitoring,

ventilation, communication, PPE, and any other gear necessary for safe entry and exit.

Following the instructions on the Entry Permit.

Maintaining communication with the Attendant.

Evacuation procedures.

Lockout/Tagout procedures.



Entry Supervisor Responsibilities

Entry Supervisor responsibility:

Understands confined space hazards recognizing symptoms and consequences of

exposure.

Verifies all personnel are properly trained and certified in their confined space role.

Responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present where entry is

planned, authorizing entry permit & overseeing entry operations & for terminating entry

permit.

Ensures Emergency procedures are in place and rescue services available before

authorizing entry.

Challenge Questions

1. Which of these statements is FALSE about working in a permit-required confined space? a. Even if the space has been ventilated, you may need respiratory protection. b. After the space is ventilated, you do not need to worry about sparks or other sources of ignition. c. You may need equipment to communicate to areas outside of the space. d. You might need a special harness to assist you into and out of the space. 2. The entry permit typically does not include information about how to call rescue people if needed. a. True b. False 3. Which of the following is NOT a typical requirement of a typical entry permit? a. The number of people allowed in the area b. Who is authorized to enter c. Procedures for isolating the space d. Duration of the entry 4. Where is the entry permit usually posted? a. In the supervisor’s office b. Next to all OSHA documentation c. Outside of the permit space, close to the entrance d. Directly inside any identified confined space 5. If you are going to do any hot work that would create an ignition point, such as welding, a special hot work permit may be needed. a. True b. False Please refer to the end of the handbook for answers.



The Attendant

The presence of an attendant to monitor a confined space entry is one of the key requirements of the OSHA confined space standard. This topic describes the general responsibilities of the attendant in permit space operations. Objective

• Describe general responsibilities of the confined space attendant. General Responsibilities

The attendant is a critical person in ensuring that the confined space operations are completed safely. The attendant is stationed outside of a permit space. He or she maintains communication with the workers inside of the permit space and keeps an accurate log of the workers entering and leaving the permit space. The attendant must remain outside of the space for the full duration of the entry operation unless relieved by another authorized attendant. The attendant knows the existing and potential hazards, and he or she is trained to recognize signs of trouble inside the space. The attendant cannot perform any other duty that would take him or her away from the primary duty to monitor and protect the entrant. Ensuring Safety

Under certain circumstances, the attendant will order evacuation of the permit space. For example, this might be necessary if a worker inside the space shows signs or symptoms of chemical exposure, or the attendant may determine that the space is no longer safe. If necessary, the attendant will perform non-entry rescues when specified by the employer’s rescue procedure, or he or she will summon rescue or other services in the event of an emergency. The attendant must ensure that unauthorized persons stay away from the permit space, and the attendant must not perform any other duties that interfere with his or her primary responsibilities. Challenge Questions

1. The attendant will perform non-entry rescues when specified by the employer’s rescue procedure. a. True b. False



2. What does the attendant use to document who enters and leaves the permit space? a. A verbal role call b. A visual head count c. An accurate log 3. The attendant may have other duties that could take him or her away from his or her post. a. True b. False 4. If a worker inside the space shows signs or symptoms of chemical expo-sure, how should the attendant respond? a. Order an evacuation of the permit space. b. Perform emergency medical treatment. c. Have another worker perform the sick worker’s duties. Please refer to the end of the handbook for answers.



Answers To Challenge Questions


1. d The size or location of the opening or the shape of the space can make the space difficult to get into and out of. 2. b (False) There are four types of hazards that may be present in a confined space. 3. b A fall hazard is not normally considered a characteristic of a permit-required confined space. 4. c The difference between an ordinary confined space and a permit-required confined space is the presence of one or more of the hazards. 5. a (True) Pipelines are considered confined spaces.


1. c An engulfment hazard refers to situations where a confined space worker can be trapped or buried by dry bulk materials or a liquid. 2. a (True) Even if material does not cover a worker’s head, the weight of the material can bear enough pressure on the body to prevent breathing or cause damage to internal organs. 3. a Of the four general types of hazards found in permit-required confined spaces, atmospheric hazards are the most common. 4. a (True) An atmospheric oxygen level of less than 19.5 percent is considered hazardous. 5. b A configuration hazard exists if the confined space is shaped in a way that could lead to a worker being trapped or asphyxiated. OSHA Confined Space Standard

1. a (True) The written permit space program must include procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services and procedures for rescuing workers, including preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue.



2. c Of the 234 fatalities that occurred in confined spaces during the four-year period, 60 percent were would-be rescuers. 3. a If the employer decides that employees will enter permit spaces, the employer must establish a written permit space program. 4. a (True) Employers who find spaces that qualify as permit spaces in their workplace must inform employees of the existence and location of those permit spaces. 5. b At least one attendant must be assigned to monitor the operation from outside the confined space. Protective Measures in Confined Spaces

1. b When working in a permit-required confined space, even if the space has been ventilated, you may need respiratory protection. You may need equipment to communicate to areas outside of the space, and you might need a special harness to assist you into and out of the space. 2. b (False) The entry permit does include information about how to call rescue people if needed. 3. a The number of people allowed in the area is not a typical requirement of an entry permit. 4. c The entry permit is usually posted outside of the permit space, close to the entrance. 5. a (True) If you are going to do any hot work that would create an ignition point, such as welding, a special hot work permit may be needed. The Attendant

1. a (True) If necessary, the attendant will perform non-entry rescues when specified by the employer’s rescue procedure or summon rescue or other services in the event of an emergency. 2. c The attendant keeps an accurate log of the workers entering and leaving the permit space. 3. b (False) The attendant cannot perform any other duty that would take him or her away from the primary duty to monitor and protect the entrant.



4. a If a worker inside the space shows signs or symptoms of chemical exposure, the attendant would order an evacuation of the permit space.



Glossary

This glossary contains terms pertinent to the study of confined space entry. The meanings of the terms are given in that context. Acceptable entry conditions – 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 – An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and performs all attendant’s duties assigned in the employer’s permit space program. Authorized entrant – An employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space. Blanking or blinding – 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 is capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with no leakage beyond the plate. Confined space – A space that is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Emergency – Any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or monitoring equipment) or event internal or external to a permit space that could endanger entrants. Engulfment – 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 – 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 – 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 the OSHA permit-required confined space standard. Entry supervisor – 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. Hazardous atmosphere – 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 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 Part 1910 of OSHA regulations and which could result in employee exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit

5. Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health Hot work permit – 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) – Any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects or 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. Isolation – 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; lock-out or tag-out of all sources of energy; or blocking or disconnecting all mechanical linkages. Non-permit confined space – 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 – An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume. Oxygen-enriched atmosphere – An atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume. Permit-required confined space – 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 that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section

4. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard



Permit-required confined space program – The employer’s overall program for controlling and, where appropriate, protecting employees from permit space hazards and for regulating employee entry into permit spaces. Permit system – The employer’s written procedure for preparing and issuing permits for entry and for returning the permit space to service following termination of entry. Prohibited condition – Any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit during the period when entry is authorized. Rescue service – The personnel designated to rescue employees from permit spaces. Retrieval system – 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 – 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.



Appendix



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Confined Space Entry - Red Vector