4 5861717876058096629

§ 1910.146 29 CFR Ch.
XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

the requirements contained in various sec- quired confined space entry can safely
tions of the standard: enter into and work within the space.
1. Bresnahan, Thomas F., and Bryk, Jo- Attendant means an individual sta-
seph, ‘‘The Hazard Association Values of Ac- tioned outside one or more permit
cident Prevention Signs’’, Journal of Amer-
spaces who monitors the authorized en-
ican Society of Safety Engineers; January 1975.
2. Dreyfuss, H., Symbol Sourcebook, McGraw
trants and who performs all attend-
Hill; New York, NY, 1972. ant’s duties assigned in the employer’s
3. Glass, R.A. and others, Some Criteria for permit space program.
Colors and Signs in Workplaces, National Bu- Authorized entrant means an em-
reau of Standards, Washington DC, 1983. ployee who is authorized by the em-
4. Graphic Symbols for Public Areas and Oc- ployer to enter a permit space.
cupational Environments, Treasury Board of Blanking or blinding means the abso-
Canada, Ottawa, Canada, July 1980.
5. Howett, G.L., Size of Letters Required for
lute closure of a pipe, line, or duct by
Visibility as a Function of Viewing Distance the fastening of a solid plate (such as a
and Observer Acuity, National Bureau of spectacle blind or a skillet blind) that
Standards, Washington DC, July 1983. completely covers the bore and that is
6. Lerner, N.D. and Collins, B.L., The As- capable of withstanding the maximum
sessment of Safety Symbol Understandability by pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with
Different Testing Methods, National Bureau of no leakage beyond the plate.
Standards, Washington DC, 1980.
Confined space means a space that:
7. Lerner, N.D. and Collins, B.L., Workplace
Safety Symbols, National Bureau of Stand- (1) Is large enough and so configured
ards, Washington DC, 1980. that an employee can bodily enter and
8. Modley, R. and Meyers, W.R., Handbook perform assigned work; and
of Pictorial Symbols, Dover Publication, New (2) Has limited or restricted means
York, NY, 1976. for entry or exit (for example, tanks,
9. Product Safety Signs and Labels, FMC Cor- vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers,
poration, Santa Clara, CA, 1978.
vaults, and pits are spaces that may
10. Safety Color Coding for Marking Physical
Hazards, Z53.1, American National Standards have limited means of entry.); and
Institute, New York, NY, 1979. (3) Is not designed for continuous em-
11. Signs and Symbols for the Occupational ployee occupancy.
Environment, Can. 3–Z–321–77, Canadian Double block and bleed means the clo-
Standards Association, Ottawa, September sure of a line, duct, or pipe by closing
1977. and locking or tagging two in-line
12. Symbols for Industrial Safety, National
valves and by opening and locking or
Bureau of Standards, Washington DC, April
1982. tagging a drain or vent valve in the
13. Symbol Signs, U.S. Department of Trans- line between the two closed valves.
portation, Washington DC, November 1974. Emergency means any occurrence (in-
[39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 43
cluding any failure of hazard control or
FR 49749, Oct. 24, 1978; 43 FR 51759, Nov. 7, monitoring equipment) or event inter-
1978; 49 FR 5322, Feb. 10, 1984; 51 FR 33260, nal or external to the permit space
Sept. 19, 1986; 61 FR 9239, Mar. 7, 1996] that could endanger entrants.
Engulfment means the surrounding
§ 1910.146 Permit-required confined and effective capture of a person by a
spaces. liquid or finely divided (flowable) solid
(a) Scope and application. This section substance that can be aspirated to
contains requirements for practices cause death by filling or plugging the
and procedures to protect employees in respiratory system or that can exert
general industry from the hazards of enough force on the body to cause
entry into permit-required confined death by strangulation, constriction,
spaces. This section does not apply to or crushing.
agriculture, to construction, or to ship- Entry means the action by which a
yard employment (Parts 1928, 1926, and person passes through an opening into
1915 of this chapter, respectively). a permit-required confined space.
(b) Definitions. Entry includes ensuing work activities
Acceptable entry conditions means the in that space and is considered to have
rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR
conditions that must exist in a permit occurred as soon as any part of the en-
space to allow entry and to ensure that trant’s body breaks the plane of an
employees involved with a permit-re- opening into the space.
464
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Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.146
Entry permit (permit) means the writ- NOTE: For air contaminants for which
ten or printed document that is pro- OSHA has not determined a dose or permis-
vided by the employer to allow and sible exposure limit, other sources of infor-
control entry into a permit space and mation, such as Material Safety Data Sheets
that comply with the Hazard Communica-
that contains the information specified tion Standard, § 1910.1200 of this part, pub-
in paragraph (f) of this section. lished information, and internal documents
Entry supervisor means the person can provide guidance in establishing accept-
(such as the employer, foreman, or able atmospheric conditions.
crew chief) responsible for determining
if acceptable entry conditions are Hot work permit means the employer’s
present at a permit space where entry written authorization to perform oper-
is planned, for authorizing entry and ations (for example, riveting, welding,
overseeing entry operations, and for cutting, burning, and heating) capable
terminating entry as required by this of providing a source of ignition.
section. Immediately dangerous to life or health
NOTE: An entry supervisor also may serve (IDLH) means any condition that poses
as an attendant or as an authorized entrant, an immediate or delayed threat to life
as long as that person is trained and or that would cause irreversible ad-
equipped as required by this section for each verse health effects or that would
role he or she fills. Also, the duties of entry
interfere with an individual’s ability to
supervisor may be passed from one indi-
vidual to another during the course of an escape unaided from a permit space.
entry operation. NOTE: Some materials—hydrogen fluoride
Hazardous atmosphere means an at- gas and cadmium vapor, for example—may
mosphere that may expose employees produce immediate transient effects that,
to the risk of death, incapacitation, even if severe, may pass without medical at-
impairment of ability to self-rescue tention, but are followed by sudden, possibly
(that is, escape unaided from a permit fatal collapse 12–72 hours after exposure. The
space), injury, or acute illness from one victim ‘‘feels normal’’ from recovery from
transient effects until collapse. Such mate-
or more of the following causes:
rials in hazardous quantities are considered
(1) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in to be ‘‘immediately’’ dangerous to life or
excess of 10 percent of its lower flam- health.
mable limit (LFL);
(2) Airborne combustible dust at a Inerting means the displacement of
concentration that meets or exceeds its the atmosphere in a permit space by a
LFL; noncombustible gas (such as nitrogen)
NOTE: This concentration may be approxi- to such an extent that the resulting at-
mated as a condition in which the dust ob- mosphere is noncombustible.
scures vision at a distance of 5 feet (1.52 m)
or less. NOTE: This procedure produces an IDLH ox-
(3) Atmospheric oxygen concentra- ygen-deficient atmosphere.
tion below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 Isolation means the process by which
percent; a permit space is removed from service
(4) Atmospheric concentration of any and completely protected against the
substance for which a dose or a permis- release of energy and material into the
sible exposure limit is published in space by such means as: blanking or
Subpart G, Occupational Health and En- blinding; misaligning or removing sec-
vironmental Control, or in Subpart Z, tions of lines, pipes, or ducts; a double
Toxic and Hazardous Substances, of this block and bleed system; lockout or
part and which could result in em- tagout of all sources of energy; or
ployee exposure in excess of its dose or blocking or disconnecting all mechan-
permissible exposure limit; ical linkages.
NOTE: An atmospheric concentration of Line breaking means the intentional
any substance that is not capable of causing
opening of a pipe, line, or duct that is
death, incapacitation, impairment of ability
to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness due to or has been carrying flammable, corro-
its health effects is not covered by this pro- sive, or toxic material, an inert gas, or
vision. any fluid at a volume, pressure, or tem-
(5) Any other atmospheric condition perature capable of causing injury.

that is immediately dangerous to life Non-permit confined space means a
or health. confined space that does not contain
465
§ 1910.146 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)
or, with respect to atmospheric haz- measures for the protection of authorized en-
ards, have the potential to contain any trants and to determine if acceptable entry
hazard capable of causing death or seri- conditions are present immediately prior to,
ous physical harm. and during, entry.
Oxygen deficient atmosphere means an (c) General requirements. (1) The em-
atmosphere containing less than 19.5 ployer shall evaluate the workplace to
percent oxygen by volume. determine if any spaces are permit- re-
Oxygen enriched atmosphere means an quired confined spaces.
atmosphere containing more than 23.5
percent oxygen by volume. NOTE: Proper application of the decision
Permit-required confined space (permit flow chart in appendix A to § 1910.146 would
space) means a confined space that has facilitate compliance with this requirement.
one or more of the following character- (2) If the workplace contains permit
istics: spaces, the employer shall inform ex-
(1) Contains or has a potential to posed employees, by posting danger
contain a hazardous atmosphere; signs or by any other equally effective
(2) Contains a material that has the means, of the existence and location of
potential for engulfing an entrant; and the danger posed by the permit
(3) Has an internal configuration spaces.
such that an entrant could be trapped
or asphyxiated by inwardly converging NOTE: A sign reading ‘‘DANGER—PERMIT-
walls or by a floor which slopes down- REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT
ward and tapers to a smaller cross- sec- ENTER’’ or using other similar language
tion; or would satisfy the requirement for a sign.
(4) Contains any other recognized se- (3) If the employer decides that its
rious safety or health hazard. employees will not enter permit
Permit-required confined space program spaces, the employer shall take effec-
(permit space program) means the em- tive measures to prevent its employees
ployer’s overall program for control- from entering the permit spaces and
ling, and, where appropriate, for pro- shall comply with paragraphs (c)(1),
tecting employees from, permit space (c)(2), (c)(6), and (c)(8) of this section.
hazards and for regulating employee
(4) If the employer decides that its
entry into permit spaces.
employees will enter permit spaces, the
Permit system means the employer’s
employer shall develop and implement
written procedure for preparing and
a written permit space program that
issuing permits for entry and for re-
turning the permit space to service fol- complies with this section. The written
lowing termination of entry. program shall be available for inspec-
Prohibited condition means any condition by employees and their authorized
tion in a permit space that is not al- representatives.
lowed by the permit during the period (5) An employer may use the alter-
when entry is authorized. nate procedures specified in paragraph
Rescue service means the personnel (c)(5)(ii) of this section for entering a
designated to rescue employees from permit space under the conditions set
permit spaces. forth in paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this sec-
Retrieval system means the equipment tion.
(including a retrieval line, chest or (i) An employer whose employees
full-body harness, wristlets, if appro- enter a permit space need not comply
priate, and a lifting device or anchor) with paragraphs (d) through (f) and (h)
used for non-entry rescue of persons through (k) of this section, provided
from permit spaces. that:
Testing means the process by which (A) The employer can demonstrate
the hazards that may confront entrants that the only hazard posed by the per-
of a permit space are identified and mit space is an actual or potential haz-
evaluated. Testing includes specifying ardous atmosphere;
the tests that are to be performed in (B) The employer can demonstrate
the permit space.
that continuous forced air ventilation

NOTE: Testing enables employers both to alone is sufficient to maintain that
devise and implement adequate control permit space safe for entry;
466
(C) The employer develops moni- (E) Continuous forced air ventilation
toring and inspection data that sup- shall be used, as follows:
ports the demonstrations required by (1) An employee may not enter the
paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A) and (c)(5)(i)(B) of space until the forced air ventilation
this section; has eliminated any hazardous atmos-
(D) If an initial entry of the permit phere;
space is necessary to obtain the data (2) The forced air ventilation shall be
required by paragraph (c)(5)(i)(C) of so directed as to ventilate the imme-
this section, the entry is performed in diate areas where an employee is or
compliance with paragraphs (d) will be present within the space and
through (k) of this section; shall continue until all employees have
(E) The determinations and sup- left the space;
porting data required by paragraphs (3) The air supply for the forced air
(c)(5)(i)(A), (c)(5)(i)(B), and (c)(5)(i)(C) ventilation shall be from a clean
of this section are documented by the source and may not increase the haz-
employer and are made available to ards in the space.
each employee who enters the permit (F) The atmosphere within the space
space under the terms of paragraph shall be periodically tested as nec-
(c)(5) of this section or to that employ- essary to ensure that the continuous
ee’s authorized representative; and forced air ventilation is preventing the
(F) Entry into the permit space accumulation of a hazardous atmos-
under the terms of paragraph (c)(5)(i) phere. Any employee who enters the
of this section is performed in accord- space, or that employee’s authorized
ance with the requirements of para- representative, shall be provided with
graph (c)(5)(ii) of this section. an opportunity to observe the periodic
NOTE: See paragraph (c)(7) of this section testing required by this paragraph.
for reclassification of a permit space after (G) If a hazardous atmosphere is de-
all hazards within the space have been elimi- tected during entry:
nated. (1) Each employee shall leave the
(ii) The following requirements apply space immediately;
to entry into permit spaces that meet (2) The space shall be evaluated to
the conditions set forth in paragraph determine how the hazardous atmos-
(c)(5)(i) of this section. phere developed; and
(A) Any conditions making it unsafe (3) Measures shall be implemented to
to remove an entrance cover shall be protect employees from the hazardous
eliminated before the cover is removed. atmosphere before any subsequent
(B) When entrance covers are re- entry takes place.
moved, the opening shall be promptly (H) The employer shall verify that
guarded by a railing, temporary cover, the space is safe for entry and that the
or other temporary barrier that will pre-entry measures required by para-
prevent an accidental fall through the graph (c)(5)(ii) of this section have been
opening and that will protect each em- taken, through a written certification
ployee working in the space from for- that contains the date, the location of
eign objects entering the space. the space, and the signature of the per-
(C) Before an employee enters the son providing the certification. The
space, the internal atmosphere shall be certification shall be made before
tested, with a calibrated direct-reading entry and shall be made available to
instrument, for oxygen content, for each employee entering the space or to
flammable gases and vapors, and for that employee’s authorized representa-
potential toxic air contaminants, in tive .
that order. Any employee who enters (6) When there are changes in the use
the space, or that employee’s author- or configuration of a non-permit con-
ized representative, shall be provided fined space that might increase the
an opportunity to observe the pre- hazards to entrants, the employer shall
entry testing required by this para- reevaluate that space and, if necessary,
graph. reclassify it as a permit-required con-
(D) There may be no hazardous at- fined space.

mosphere within the space whenever (7) A space classified by the employer
any employee is inside the space. as a permit-required confined space
467
may be reclassified as a non-permit space program meeting the require-

confined space under the following pro- ments of this section;
cedures: (ii) Apprise the contractor of the ele-
(i) If the permit space poses no actual ments, including the hazards identified
or potential atmospheric hazards and if and the host employer’s experience
all hazards within the space are elimi- with the space, that make the space in
nated without entry into the space, the question a permit space;
permit space may be reclassified as a (iii) Apprise the contractor of any
non-permit confined space for as long precautions or procedures that the host
as the non-atmospheric hazards remain employer has implemented for the pro-
eliminated. tection of employees in or near permit
(ii) If it is necessary to enter the per- spaces where contractor personnel will
mit space to eliminate hazards, such be working;
entry shall be performed under para- (iv) Coordinate entry operations with
graphs (d) through (k) of this section.
the contractor, when both host em-
If testing and inspection during that
ployer personnel and contractor per-
entry demonstrate that the hazards
sonnel will be working in or near per-
within the permit space have been
eliminated, the permit space may be mit spaces, as required by paragraph
reclassified as a non-permit confined (d)(11) of this section; and
space for as long as the hazards remain (v) Debrief the contractor at the con-
eliminated. clusion of the entry operations regard-
ing the permit space program followed
NOTE: Control of atmospheric hazards and regarding any hazards confronted
through forced air ventilation does not con-
or created in permit spaces during
stitute elimination of the hazards. Para-
graph (c)(5) covers permit space entry where entry operations.
the employer can demonstrate that forced (9) In addition to complying with the
air ventilation alone will control all hazards permit space requirements that apply
in the space. to all employers, each contractor who
(iii) The employer shall document is retained to perform permit space
the basis for determining that all haz- entry operations shall:
ards in a permit space have been elimi- (i) Obtain any available information
nated, through a certification that con- regarding permit space hazards and
tains the date, the location of the entry operations from the host em-
space, and the signature of the person ployer;
making the determination. The certifi- (ii) Coordinate entry operations with
cation shall be made available to each the host employer, when both host em-
employee entering the space or to that ployer personnel and contractor per-
employee’s authorized representative. sonnel will be working in or near per-
(iv) If hazards arise within a permit mit spaces, as required by paragraph
space that has been declassified to a (d)(11) of this section; and
non-permit space under paragraph (iii) Inform the host employer of the
(c)(7) of this section, each employee in permit space program that the con-
the space shall exit the space. The em- tractor will follow and of any hazards
ployer shall then reevaluate the space
confronted or created in permit spaces,
and determine whether it must be re-
either through a debriefing or during
classified as a permit space, in accord-
the entry operation.
ance with other applicable provisions
of this section. (d) Permit-required confined space pro-
(8) When an employer (host em- gram (permit space program). Under
ployer) arranges to have employees of the permit space program required by
another employer (contractor) perform paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the em-
work that involves permit space entry, ployer shall:
the host employer shall: (1) Implement the measures nec-
(i) Inform the contractor that the essary to prevent unauthorized entry;
workplace contains permit spaces and (2) Identify and evaluate the hazards
that permit space entry is allowed only of permit spaces before employees
through compliance with a permit enter them;
468
(3) Develop and implement the (ix) Any other equipment necessary
means, procedures, and practices nec- for safe entry into and rescue from per-
essary for safe permit space entry oper- mit spaces.
ations, including, but not limited to, (5) Evaluate permit space conditions
the following: as follows when entry operations are
(i) Specifying acceptable entry condi- conducted:
tions; (i) Test conditions in the permit
(ii) Providing each authorized en- space to determine if acceptable entry
trant or that employee’s authorized conditions exist before entry is author-
representative with the opportunity to ized to begin, except that, if isolation
observe any monitoring or testing of of the space is infeasible because the
permit spaces; space is large or is part of a continuous
(iii) Isolating the permit space; system (such as a sewer), pre-entry
(iv) Purging, inerting, flushing, or testing shall be performed to the ex-
ventilating the permit space as nec- tent feasible before entry is authorized
essary to eliminate or control atmos- and, if entry is authorized, entry condi-
pheric hazards; tions shall be continuously monitored
(v) Providing pedestrian, vehicle, or in the areas where authorized entrants
other barriers as necessary to protect are working;
entrants from external hazards; and (ii) Test or monitor the permit space
(vi) Verifying that conditions in the as necessary to determine if acceptable
permit space are acceptable for entry entry conditions are being maintained
throughout the duration of an author- during the course of entry operations;
ized entry. and
(4) Provide the following equipment (iii) When testing for atmospheric
hazards, test first for oxygen, then for
(specified in paragraphs (d)(4)(i)
combustible gases and vapors, and then
through (d)(4)(ix) of this section) at no
for toxic gases and vapors.
cost to employees, maintain that
equipment properly, and ensure that (iv) Provide each authorized entrant
employees use that equipment prop- or that employee’s authorized rep-
erly: resentative an opportunity to observe
the pre-entry and any subsequent test-
(i) Testing and monitoring equipment
ing or monitoring of permit spaces;
needed to comply with paragraph (d)(5)
(v) Reevaluate the permit space in
of this section;
the presence of any authorized entrant
(ii) Ventilating equipment needed to
or that employee’s authorized rep-
obtain acceptable entry conditions; resentative who requests that the em-
(iii) Communications equipment nec- ployer conduct such reevaluation be-
essary for compliance with paragraphs cause the entrant or representative has
(h)(3) and (i)(5) of this section; reason to believe that the evaluation of
(iv) Personal protective equipment that space may not have been ade-
insofar as feasible engineering and quate;
work practice controls do not ade- (vi) Immediately provide each au-
quately protect employees; thorized entrant or that employee’s au-
(v) Lighting equipment needed to en- thorized representative with the re-
able employees to see well enough to sults of any testing conducted in ac-
work safely and to exit the space cord with paragraph (d) of this section.
quickly in an emergency;
NOTE: Atmospheric testing conducted in
(vi) Barriers and shields as required
accordance with appendix B to § 1910.146
by paragraph (d)(3)(iv) of this section; would be considered as satisfying the re-
(vii) Equipment, such as ladders, quirements of this paragraph. For permit
needed for safe ingress and egress by space operations in sewers, atmospheric test-
authorized entrants; ing conducted in accordance with appendix
(viii) Rescue and emergency equip- B, as supplemented by appendix E to
ment needed to comply with paragraph § 1910.146, would be considered as satisfying
the requirements of this paragraph.
(d)(9) of this section, except to the ex-

tent that the equipment is provided by (6) Provide at least one attendant
rescue services; and outside the permit space into which
469
entry is authorized for the duration of space program may not protect em-
entry operations; ployees and revise the program to cor-
rect deficiencies found to exist before
NOTE: Attendants may be assigned to mon-
itor more than one permit space provided the subsequent entries are authorized; and
duties described in paragraph (i) of this sec- NOTE: Examples of circumstances requiring
tion can be effectively performed for each the review of the permit space program are:
permit space that is monitored. Likewise, at- any unauthorized entry of a permit space,
tendants may be stationed at any location the detection of a permit space hazard not
outside the permit space to be monitored as covered by the permit, the detection of a
long as the duties described in paragraph (i) condition prohibited by the permit, the oc-
of this section can be effectively performed currence of an injury or near-miss during
for each permit space that is monitored. entry, a change in the use or configuration
(7) If multiple spaces are to be mon- of a permit space, and employee complaints
itored by a single attendant, include in about the effectiveness of the program.
the permit program the means and pro- (14) Review the permit space pro-
cedures to enable the attendant to re- gram, using the canceled permits re-
spond to an emergency affecting one or tained under paragraph (e)(6) of this
more of the permit spaces being mon- section within 1 year after each entry
itored without distraction from the at- and revise the program as necessary, to
tendant’s responsibilities under para- ensure that employees participating in
graph (i) of this section; entry operations are protected from
(8) Designate the persons who are to permit space hazards.
have active roles (as, for example, au-
thorized entrants, attendants, entry NOTE: Employers may perform a single an-
supervisors, or persons who test or nual review covering all entries performed
during a 12-month period. If no entry is per-
monitor the atmosphere in a permit formed during a 12-month period, no review
space) in entry operations, identify the is necessary.
duties of each such employee, and pro-
vide each such employee with the Appendix C to § 1910.146 presents exam-
training required by paragraph (g) of ples of permit space programs that are
this section; considered to comply with the require-
(9) Develop and implement proce- ments of paragraph (d) of this section.
dures for summoning rescue and emer- (e) Permit system. (1) Before entry is
gency services, for rescuing entrants authorized, the employer shall docu-
from permit spaces, for providing nec- ment the completion of measures re-
essary emergency services to rescued quired by paragraph (d)(3) of this sec-
employees, and for preventing unau- tion by preparing an entry permit.
thorized personnel from attempting a
rescue; NOTE: Appendix D to § 1910.146 presents ex-
amples of permits whose elements are con-
(10) Develop and implement a system sidered to comply with the requirements of
for the preparation, issuance, use, and this section.
cancellation of entry permits as re-
quired by this section; (2) Before entry begins, the entry su-
(11) Develop and implement proce- pervisor identified on the permit shall
dures to coordinate entry operations sign the entry permit to authorize
when employees of more than one em- entry.
ployer are working simultaneously as (3) The completed permit shall be
authorized entrants in a permit space, made available at the time of entry to
so that employees of one employer do all authorized entrants or their author-
not endanger the employees of any ized representatives, by posting it at
other employer; the entry portal or by any other equal-
(12) Develop and implement proce- ly effective means, so that the entrants
dures (such as closing off a permit can confirm that pre-entry prepara-
space and canceling the permit) nec- tions have been completed.
essary for concluding the entry after (4) The duration of the permit may
entry operations have been completed; not exceed the time required to com-
(13) Review entry operations when plete the assigned task or job identi-
the employer has reason to believe that fied on the permit in accordance with
the measures taken under the permit paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
470
(5) The entry supervisor shall termi- (10) The results of initial and periodic
nate entry and cancel the entry permit tests performed under paragraph (d)(5)
when: of this section, accompanied by the
(i) The entry operations covered by names or initials of the testers and by
the entry permit have been completed; an indication of when the tests were
or performed;
(ii) A condition that is not allowed (11) The rescue and emergency serv-
under the entry permit arises in or ices that can be summoned and the
near the permit space. means (such as the equipment to use
(6) The employer shall retain each and the numbers to call) for sum-
canceled entry permit for at least 1 moning those services;
year to facilitate the review of the per- (12) The communication procedures
mit-required confined space program used by authorized entrants and at-
required by paragraph (d)(14) of this tendants to maintain contact during
section. Any problems encountered the entry;
during an entry operation shall be (13) Equipment, such as personal pro-
noted on the pertinent permit so that tective equipment, testing equipment,
appropriate revisions to the permit communications equipment, alarm sys-
space program can be made. tems, and rescue equipment, to be pro-
(f) Entry permit. The entry permit vided for compliance with this section;
that documents compliance with this (14) Any other information whose in-
section and authorizes entry to a per- clusion is necessary, given the cir-
mit space shall identify: cumstances of the particular confined
(1) The permit space to be entered; space, in order to ensure employee
(2) The purpose of the entry; safety; and
(3) The date and the authorized dura- (15) Any additional permits, such as
tion of the entry permit; for hot work, that have been issued to
(4) The authorized entrants within authorize work in the permit space.
the permit space, by name or by such (g) Training. (1) The employer shall
other means (for example, through the provide training so that all employees
use of rosters or tracking systems) as whose work is regulated by this section
will enable the attendant to determine acquire the understanding, knowledge,
quickly and accurately, for the dura- and skills necessary for the safe per-
tion of the permit, which authorized formance of the duties assigned under
entrants are inside the permit space; this section.
NOTE: This requirement may be met by in-
(2) Training shall be provided to each
serting a reference on the entry permit as to affected employee:
the means used, such as a roster or tracking (i) Before the employee is first as-
system, to keep track of the authorized en- signed duties under this section;
trants within the permit space. (ii) Before there is a change in as-
(5) The personnel, by name, currently signed duties;
serving as attendants; (iii) Whenever there is a change in
(6) The individual, by name, cur- permit space operations that presents a
rently serving as entry supervisor, hazard about which an employee has
with a space for the signature or ini- not previously been trained;
tials of the entry supervisor who origi- (iv) Whenever the employer has rea-
nally authorized entry; son to believe either that there are de-
(7) The hazards of the permit space to viations from the permit space entry
be entered; procedures required by paragraph (d)(3)
(8) The measures used to isolate the of this section or that there are inad-
permit space and to eliminate or con- equacies in the employee’s knowledge
trol permit space hazards before entry; or use of these procedures.
(3) The training shall establish em-
NOTE: Those measures can include the ployee proficiency in the duties re-
lockout or tagging of equipment and proce- quired by this section and shall intro-
dures for purging, inerting, ventilating, and
duce new or revised procedures, as nec-

flushing permit spaces.
essary, for compliance with this sec-
(9) The acceptable entry conditions; tion.
471
(4) The employer shall certify that (4) Remains outside the permit space
the training required by paragraphs during entry operations until relieved
(g)(1) through (g)(3) of this section has by another attendant;
been accomplished. The certification NOTE: When the employer’s permit entry
shall contain each employee’s name, program allows attendant entry for rescue,
the signatures or initials of the train- attendants may enter a permit space to at-
ers, and the dates of training. The cer- tempt a rescue if they have been trained and
tification shall be available for inspec- equipped for rescue operations as required by
tion by employees and their authorized paragraph (k)(1) of this section and if they
representatives. have been relieved as required by paragraph
(h) Duties of authorized entrants. The (i)(4) of this section.
employer shall ensure that all author- (5) Communicates with authorized
ized entrants: entrants as necessary to monitor en-
(1) Know the hazards that may be trant status and to alert entrants of
faced during entry, including informa- the need to evacuate the space under
tion on the mode, signs or symptoms, paragraph (i)(6) of this section;
and consequences of the exposure; (6) Monitors activities inside and out-
(2) Properly use equipment as re- side the space to determine if it is safe
quired by paragraph (d)(4) of this sec- for entrants to remain in the space and
tion; orders the authorized entrants to evac-
(3) Communicate with the attendant uate the permit space immediately
as necessary to enable the attendant to under any of the following conditions;
monitor entrant status and to enable (i) If the attendant detects a prohib-
the attendant to alert entrants of the ited condition;
need to evacuate the space as required (ii) If the attendant detects the be-
by paragraph (i)(6) of this section; havioral effects of hazard exposure in
(4) Alert the attendant whenever: an authorized entrant;
(i) The entrant recognizes any warn- (iii) If the attendant detects a situa-
ing sign or symptom of exposure to a tion outside the space that could en-
dangerous situation, or danger the authorized entrants; or
(ii) The entrant detects a prohibited (iv) If the attendant cannot effec-
condition; and tively and safely perform all the duties
(5) Exit from the permit space as required under paragraph (i) of this
quickly as possible whenever: section;
(i) An order to evacuate is given by (7) Summon rescue and other emer-
the attendant or the entry supervisor, gency services as soon as the attendant
(ii) The entrant recognizes any warn- determines that authorized entrants
ing sign or symptom of exposure to a may need assistance to escape from
dangerous situation, permit space hazards;
(iii) The entrant detects a prohibited (8) Takes the following actions when
condition, or unauthorized persons approach or enter
(iv) An evacuation alarm is acti- a permit space while entry is under-
vated. way:
(i) Duties of attendants. The employer (i) Warn the unauthorized persons
shall ensure that each attendant: that they must stay away from the per-
(1) Knows the hazards that may be mit space;
faced during entry, including informa- (ii) Advise the unauthorized persons
tion on the mode, signs or symptoms, that they must exit immediately if
and consequences of the exposure; they have entered the permit space;
(2) Is aware of possible behavioral ef- and
fects of hazard exposure in authorized (iii) Inform the authorized entrants
entrants; and the entry supervisor if unauthor-
(3) Continuously maintains an accu- ized persons have entered the permit
rate count of authorized entrants in space;
the permit space and ensures that the (9) Performs non-entry rescues as
means used to identify authorized en- specified by the employer’s rescue pro-
trants under paragraph (f)(4) of this cedure; and

section accurately identifies who is in (10) Performs no duties that might
the permit space; interfere with the attendant’s primary
472
duty to monitor and protect the au- ticular permit space or types of permit
thorized entrants. spaces identified;
(j) Duties of entry supervisors. The em- (iii) Select a rescue team or service
ployer shall ensure that each entry su- from those evaluated that:
pervisor: (A) Has the capability to reach the
(1) Knows the hazards that may be victim(s) within a time frame that is
faced during entry, including informa- appropriate for the permit space haz-
tion on the mode, signs or symptoms, ard(s) identified;
and consequences of the exposure; (B) Is equipped for and proficient in
(2) Verifies, by checking that the ap- performing the needed rescue services;
propriate entries have been made on (iv) Inform each rescue team or serv-
ice of the hazards they may confront
the permit, that all tests specified by
when called on to perform rescue at the
the permit have been conducted and
site; and
that all procedures and equipment
(v) Provide the rescue team or serv-
specified by the permit are in place be-
ice selected with access to all permit
fore endorsing the permit and allowing
spaces from which rescue may be nec-
entry to begin;
essary so that the rescue service can
(3) Terminates the entry and cancels develop appropriate rescue plans and
the permit as required by paragraph practice rescue operations.
(e)(5) of this section;
(4) Verifies that rescue services are NOTE TO PARAGRAPH (k)(1): Non-mandatory
appendix F contains examples of criteria
available and that the means for sum-
which employers can use in evaluating pro-
moning them are operable; spective rescuers as required by paragraph
(5) Removes unauthorized individuals (k)(1) of this section.
who enter or who attempt to enter the
(2) An employer whose employees
permit space during entry operations;
have been designated to provide permit
and
space rescue and emergency services
(6) Determines, whenever responsi- shall take the following measures:
bility for a permit space entry oper- (i) Provide affected employees with
ation is transferred and at intervals the personal protective equipment
dictated by the hazards and operations (PPE) needed to conduct permit space
performed within the space, that entry rescues safely and train affected em-
operations remain consistent with ployees so they are proficient in the
terms of the entry permit and that ac- use of that PPE, at no cost to those
ceptable entry conditions are main- employees;
tained. (ii) Train affected employees to per-
(k) Rescue and emergency services. (1) form assigned rescue duties. The em-
An employer who designates rescue and ployer must ensure that such employ-
emergency services, pursuant to para- ees successfully complete the training
graph (d)(9) of this section, shall: required to establish proficiency as an
(i) Evaluate a prospective rescuer’s authorized entrant, as provided by
ability to respond to a rescue summons paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section;
in a timely manner, considering the (iii) Train affected employees in
hazard(s) identified; basic first-aid and cardiopulmonary re-
NOTE TO PARAGRAPH (k)(1)(i): What will be suscitation (CPR). The employer shall
considered timely will vary according to the ensure that at least one member of the
specific hazards involved in each entry. For rescue team or service holding a cur-
example, § 1910.134, Respiratory Protection, rent certification in first aid and CPR
requires that employers provide a standby is available; and
person or persons capable of immediate ac- (iv) Ensure that affected employees
tion to rescue employee(s) wearing res- practice making permit space rescues
piratory protection while in work areas de-
at least once every 12 months, by
fined as IDLH atmospheres.
means of simulated rescue operations
(ii) Evaluate a prospective rescue in which they remove dummies, mani-
service’s ability, in terms of pro- kins, or actual persons from the actual
ficiency with rescue-related tasks and permit spaces or from representative

equipment, to function appropriately permit spaces. Representative permit
while rescuing entrants from the par- spaces shall, with respect to opening
473
size, configuration, and accessibility, aware that rescue is necessary. A me-

simulate the types of permit spaces chanical device shall be available to re-
from which rescue is to be performed. trieve personnel from vertical type per-
(3) To facilitate non-entry rescue, re- mit spaces more than 5 feet (1.52 m)
trieval systems or methods shall be deep.
used whenever an authorized entrant (4) If an injured entrant is exposed to
enters a permit space, unless the re- a substance for which a Material Safe-
trieval equipment would increase the ty Data Sheet (MSDS) or other similar
overall risk of entry or would not con- written information is required to be
tribute to the rescue of the entrant. kept at the worksite, that MSDS or
Retrieval systems shall meet the fol- written information shall be made
lowing requirements. available to the medical facility treat-
(i) Each authorized entrant shall use ing the exposed entrant.
a chest or full body harness, with a re- (l) Employee participation. (1) Employ-
trieval line attached at the center of ers shall consult with affected employ-
the entrant’s back near shoulder level, ees and their authorized representa-
above the entrant’s head, or at another tives on the development and imple-
point which the employer can establish mentation of all aspects of the permit
presents a profile small enough for the space program required by paragraph
successful removal of the entrant. (c) of this section.
Wristlets may be used in lieu of the
(2) Employers shall make available
chest or full body harness if the em-
to affected employees and their author-
ployer can demonstrate that the use of
ized representatives all information re-
a chest or full body harness is infeasi-
quired to be developed by this section.
ble or creates a greater hazard and that
the use of wristlets is the safest and APPENDIXES TO § 1910.146—PERMIT-REQUIRED
most effective alternative. CONFINED SPACES
(ii) The other end of the retrieval line NOTE: Appendixes A through F serve to
shall be attached to a mechanical de- provide information and non-mandatory
vice or fixed point outside the permit guidelines to assist employers and employees
space in such a manner that rescue can in complying with the appropriate require-
begin as soon as the rescuer becomes ments of this section.
474
APPENDIX A TO § 1910.146—PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE DECISION

FLOW CHART
APPENDIX B TO § 1910.146—PROCEDURES FOR of the permit space and verification that ac-
ATMOSPHERIC TESTING ceptable entry conditions for entry into that
space exist.
Atmospheric testing is required for two
distinct purposes: evaluation of the hazards
475
EC27OC91.029</GPH>
(1) Evaluation testing. The atmosphere of a specific monitoring programs will be devel-
confined space should be analyzed using oped.
equipment of sufficient sensitivity and speci- Presence of explosive/flammable gases. Equal to
ficity to identify and evaluate any hazardous or greater than 10% of the lower flammable
atmospheres that may exist or arise, so that limit (LFL).
appropriate permit entry procedures can be
Oxygen Deficiency. A concentration of oxygen
developed and acceptable entry conditions
in the atmosphere equal to or less than 19.5%
stipulated for that space. Evaluation and in-
by volume.
terpretation of these data, and development
of the entry procedure, should be done by, or A. Entry Without Permit/Attendant
reviewed by, a technically qualified profes- Certification. Confined spaces may be entered
sional (e.g., OSHA consultation service, or without the need for a written permit or at-
certified industrial hygienist, registered tendant provided that the space can be main-
safety engineer, certified safety professional, tained in a safe condition for entry by me-
certified marine chemist, etc.) based on eval- chanical ventilation alone, as provided in
uation of all serious hazards. § 1910.146(c)(5). All spaces shall be considered
(2) Verification testing. The atmosphere of a permit-required confined spaces until the
permit space which may contain a hazardous pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise.
atmosphere should be tested for residues of Any employee required or permitted to pre-
all contaminants identified by evaluation check or enter an enclosed/confined space
testing using permit specified equipment to shall have successfully completed, -as a min-
determine that residual concentrations at imum, the training as required by the fol-
the time of testing and entry are within the lowing sections of these procedures. A written
range of acceptable entry conditions. Results copy of operating and rescue procedures as re-
of testing (i.e., actual concentration, etc.) quired by these procedures shall be at the work
should be recorded on the permit in the site for the duration of the job. The Confined
space provided adjacent to the stipulated ac- Space Pre-Entry Check List must be com-
ceptable entry condition. pleted by the LEAD WORKER before entry
(3) Duration of testing. Measurement of val- into a confined space. This list verifies com-
ues for each atmospheric parameter should pletion of items listed below. This check list
be made for at least the minimum response shall be kept at the job site for duration of
time of the test instrument specified by the the job. If circumstances dictate an interrup-
manufacturer. tion in the work, the permit space must be
(4) Testing stratified atmospheres. When re-evaluated and a new check list must be
monitoring for entries involving a descent completed.
into atmospheres that may be stratified, the Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards.
atmospheric envelope should be tested a dis- Pumps and Lines. All pumps and lines which
tance of approximately 4 feet (1.22 m) in the may reasonably cause contaminants to flow
direction of travel and to each side. If a sam- into the space shall be disconnected, blinded
pling probe is used, the entrant’s rate of and locked out, or effectively isolated by
progress should be slowed to accommodate other means to prevent development of dan-
the sampling speed and detector response. gerous air contamination or engulfment. Not
(5) Order of testing. A test for oxygen is per- all laterals to sewers or storm drains require
formed first because most combustible gas blocking. However, where experience or
meters are oxygen dependent and will not knowledge of industrial use indicates there
provide reliable readings in an oxygen defi- is a reasonable potential for contamination
cient atmosphere. Combustible gasses are of air or engulfment into an occupied sewer,
tested for next because the threat of fire or then all affected laterals shall be blocked. If
explosion is both more immediate and more blocking and/or isolation requires entry into
life threatening, in most cases, than expo- the space the provisions for entry into a
sure to toxic gasses and vapors. If tests for permit- required confined space must be im-
toxic gasses and vapors are necessary, they plemented.
are performed last. Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be
APPENDIX C TO § 1910.146—EXAMPLES OF surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting
PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE PROGRAMS vapors from the tanks, piping, or sewers.
Testing. The atmosphere within the space
Example 1. will be tested to determine whether dan-
Workplace. Sewer entry. gerous air contamination and/or oxygen defi-
ciency exists. Detector tubes, alarm only gas
Potential hazards. The employees could be ex-
monitors and explosion meters are examples
posed to the following:
of monitoring equipment that may be used
Engulfment. to test permit space atmospheres. Testing
Presence of toxic gases. Equal to or more than shall be performed by the LEAD WORKER
10 ppm hydrogen sulfide measured as an 8- who has successfully completed the Gas De-
hour time-weighted average. If the presence tector training for the monitor he will use.
of other toxic contaminants is suspected, The minimum parameters to be monitored
476
are oxygen deficiency, LFL, and hydrogen used. Testing shall be performed by the SU-
sulfide concentration. A written record of PERVISOR who has successfully completed
the pre-entry test results shall be made and the gas detector training for the monitor he
kept at the work site for the duration of the will use. The minimum parameters to be
job. The supervisor will certify in writing, monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL and
based upon the results of the pre-entry test- hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written
ing, that all hazards have been eliminated. record of the pre- entry test results shall be
Affected employees shall be able to review made and kept at the work site for the dura-
the testing results. The most hazardous con- tion of the job. Affected employees shall be
ditions shall govern when work is being per- able to review the testing results. The most
formed in two adjoining, connecting spaces. hazardous conditions shall govern when
Entry Procedures. If there are no non-atmos- work is being performed in two adjoining,
pheric hazards present and if the pre-entry connected spaces.
tests show there is no dangerous air con- Space Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation
tamination and/or oxygen deficiency within systems, where applicable, shall be set at
the space and there is no reason to believe 100% outside air. Where possible, open addi-
that any is likely to develop, entry into and tional manholes to increase air circulation.
work within may proceed. Continuous test- Use portable blowers to augment natural cir-
ing of the atmosphere in the immediate vi- culation if needed. After a suitable ven-
cinity of the workers within the space shall tilating period, repeat the testing. Entry
be accomplished. The workers will imme- may not begin until testing has dem-
diately leave the permit space when any of onstrated that the hazardous atmosphere has
the gas monitor alarm set points are reached been eliminated.
as defined. Workers will not return to the Entry Procedures. The following procedure
area until a SUPERVISOR who has com- shall be observed under any of the following
pleted the gas detector training has used a conditions: 1.) Testing demonstrates the ex-
direct reading gas detector to evaluate the istence of dangerous or deficient conditions
situation and has determined that it is safe and additional ventilation cannot reduce
to enter. concentrations to safe levels; 2.) The atmos-
Rescue. Arrangements for rescue services are phere tests as safe but unsafe conditions can
not required where there is no attendant. reasonably be expected to develop; 3.) It is
See the rescue portion of section B., below, not feasible to provide for ready exit from
for instructions regarding rescue planning spaces equipped with automatic fire suppres-
where an entry permit is required. sion systems and it is not practical or safe to
B. Entry Permit Required deactivate such systems; or 4.) An emer-
Permits. Confined Space Entry Permit. All gency exists and it is not feasible to wait for
spaces shall be considered permit-required pre-entry procedures to take effect.
confined spaces until the pre-entry proce- All personnel must be trained. A self con-
dures demonstrate otherwise. Any employee tained breathing apparatus shall be worn by
required or permitted to pre-check or enter a any person entering the space. At least one
permit-required confined space shall have worker shall stand by the outside of the
successfully completed, as a minimum, the space ready to give assistance in case of
training as required by the following sec- emergency. The standby worker shall have a
tions of these procedures. A written copy of self contained breathing apparatus available
operating and rescue procedures as required by for immediate use. There shall be at least
these procedures shall be at the work site for the one additional worker within sight or call of
duration of the job. The Confined Space Entry the standby worker. Continuous powered
Permit must be completed before approval communications shall be maintained be-
can be given to enter a permit-required con- tween the worker within the confined space
fined space. This permit verifies completion and standby personnel.
of items listed below. This permit shall be If at any time there is any questionable ac-
kept at the job site for the duration of the tion or non- movement by the worker inside,
job. If circumstances cause an interruption a verbal check will be made. If there is no re-
in the work or a change in the alarm condi- sponse, the worker will be moved imme-
tions for which entry was approved, a new diately. Exception: If the worker is disabled
Confined Space Entry Permit must be com- due to falling or impact, he/she shall not be
pleted. removed from the confined space unless
there is immediate danger to his/her life.
Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards.
Local fire department rescue personnel shall
Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be be notified immediately. The standby worker
surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting may only enter the confined space in case of
vapors from tanks, piping or sewers. an emergency (wearing the self contained
Testing. The confined space atmosphere shall breathing apparatus) and only after being re-
be tested to determine whether dangerous lieved by another worker. Safety belt or har-
air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency ness with attached lifeline shall be used by
exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be all workers entering the space with the free
477
end of the line secured outside the entry 6. Slipping and falling on grease in the cook-
opening. The standby worker shall attempt er/dryer;
to remove a disabled worker via his lifeline 7. Electrically shocked by faulty equipment
before entering the space. taken into the cooker/dryer;
When practical, these spaces shall be en- 8. Burned or overcome by fire or products of
tered through side openings—those within 3 combustion; or
1/2 feet (1.07 m) of the bottom. When entry 9. Overcome by fumes generated by welding
must be through a top opening, the safety or cutting done on grease covered surfaces.
belt shall be of the harness type that sus- Permits. The supervisor in this case is always
pends a person upright and a hoisting device present at the cooker/dryer or other permit
or similar apparatus shall be available for entry confined space when entry is made.
lifting workers out of the space. The supervisor must follow the pre-entry iso-
In any situation where their use may en- lation procedures described in the entry per-
danger the worker, use of a hoisting device mit in preparing for entry, and ensure that
or safety belt and attached lifeline may be the protective clothing, ventilating equip-
discontinued. ment and any other equipment required by
When dangerous air contamination is at- the permit are at the entry site.
tributable to flammable and/or explosive Control of hazards. Mechanical. Lock out
substances, lighting and electrical equip- main power switch to agitator motor at
ment shall be Class 1, Division 1 rated per main power panel. Affix tag to the lock to
National Electrical Code and no ignition inform others that a permit entry confined
sources shall be introduced into the area. space entry is in progress.
Continuous gas monitoring shall be per-
Engulfment. Close all valves in the raw mate-
formed during all confined space operations.
rial blow line. Secure each valve in its closed
If alarm conditions change adversely, entry
position using chain and lock. Attach a tag
personnel shall exit the confined space and a
to the valve and chain warning that a permit
new confined space permit issued.
entry confined space entry is in progress.
Rescue. Call the fire department services for The same procedure shall be used for secur-
rescue. Where immediate hazards to injured ing the fat recycle valve.
personnel are present, workers at the site Burns and heat stress. Close steam supply
shall implement emergency procedures to fit valves to jacket and secure with chains and
the situation. tags. Insert solid blank at flange in cooker
Example 2. vent line to condenser manifold duct system.
Vent cooker/dryer by opening access door at
Workplace. Meat and poultry rendering discharge end and top center door to allow
plants. natural ventilation throughout the entry. If
Cookers and dryers are either batch or con- faster cooling is needed, use a portable ven-
tinuous in their operation. Multiple batch tilation fan to increase ventilation. Cooling
cookers are operated in parallel. When one water may be circulated through the jacket
unit of a multiple set is shut down for re- to reduce both outer and inner surface tem-
pairs, means are available to isolate that peratures of cooker/dryers faster. Check air
unit from the others which remain in oper- and inner surface temperatures in cooker/
ation. dryer to assure they are within acceptable
Cookers and dryers are horizontal, cylin- limits before entering, or use proper protec-
drical vessels equipped with a center, rotat- tive clothing.
ing shaft and agitator paddles or discs. If the Fire and fume hazards. Careful site prepara-
inner shell is jacketed, it is usually heated tion, such as cleaning the area within 4
with steam at pressures up to 150 psig (1034.25 inches (10.16 cm) of all welding or torch cut-
kPa). The rotating shaft assembly of the ting operations, and proper ventilation are
continuous cooker or dryer is also steam the preferred controls. All welding and cut-
heated. ting operations shall be done in accordance
Potential Hazards. The recognized hazards as-
with the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1910,
sociated with cookers and dryers are the risk
Subpart Q, OSHA’s welding standard. Proper
that employees could be:
ventilation may be achieved by local exhaust
1. Struck or caught by rotating agitator; ventilation, or the use of portable ventila-
2. Engulfed in raw material or hot, recycled tion fans, or a combination of the two prac-
fat; tices.
3. Burned by steam from leaks into the cook-
Electrical shock. Electrical equipment used in
er/dryer steam jacket or the condenser duct
cooker/dryers shall be in serviceable condi-
system if steam valves are not properly
tion.
closed and locked out;
4. Burned by contact with hot metal sur- Slips and falls. Remove residual grease before
faces, such as the agitator shaft assembly, or entering cooker/dryer.
inner shell of the cooker/dryer; Attendant. The supervisor shall be the at-
5. Heat stress caused by warm atmosphere tendant for employees entering cooker/dry-
inside cooker/dryer; ers.
478
Permit. The permit shall specify how isola- er, dry bulk trailer or truck, etc. meet per-
tion shall be done and any other prepara- mit requirements before authorizing entry.
tions needed before making entry. This is es- Attendant. The area supervisor shall des-
pecially important in parallel arrangements ignate an employee to maintain communica-
of cooker/dryers so that the entire operation tion by employer specified means with em-
need not be shut down to allow safe entry ployees working in tanks to ensure their
into one unit. safety. The attendant may not enter any
Rescue. When necessary, the attendant shall permit entry confined space to rescue an en-
call the fire department as previously ar- trant or for any other reason, unless author-
ranged. ized by the rescue procedure and, and even
then, only after calling the rescue team and
Example 3. being relieved by as attendant by another
Workplace. Workplaces where tank cars, worker.
trucks, and trailers, dry bulk tanks and Communications and observation. Communica-
trailers, railroad tank cars, and similar port- tions between attendant and entrant(s) shall
able tanks are fabricated or serviced. be maintained throughout entry. Methods of
A. During fabrication. These tanks and dry- communication that may be specified by the
bulk carriers are entered repeatedly permit include voice, voice powered radio,
throughout the fabrication process. These tapping or rapping codes on tank walls, sig-
products are not configured identically, but nalling tugs on a rope, and the attendant’s
the manufacturing processes by which they observation that work activities such as
are made are very similar. chipping, grinding, welding, spraying, etc.,
Sources of hazards. In addition to the me- which require deliberate operator control
chanical hazards arising from the risks that continue normally. These activities often
an entrant would be injured due to contact generate so much noise that the necessary
with components of the tank or the tools hearing protection makes communication by
being used, there is also the risk that a voice difficult.
worker could be injured by breathing fumes Rescue procedures. Acceptable rescue proce-
from welding materials or mists or vapors dures include entry by a team of employee-
from materials used to coat the tank inte- rescuers, use of public emergency services,
rior. In addition, many of these vapors and and procedures for breaching the tank. The
mists are flammable, so the failure to prop- area permit specifies which procedures are
erly ventilate a tank could lead to a fire or available, but the area supervisor makes the
explosion. final decision based on circumstances. (Cer-
Control of hazards. tain injuries may make it necessary to
Welding. Local exhaust ventilation shall be breach the tank to remove a person rather
used to remove welding fumes once the tank than risk additional injury by removal
or carrier is completed to the point that through an existing manhole. However, the
workers may enter and exit only through a supervisor must ensure that no breaching
manhole. (Follow the requirements of 29 CFR procedure used for rescue would violate
1910, Subpart Q, OSHA’s welding standard, at terms of the entry permit. For instance, if
all times.) Welding gas tanks may never be the tank must be breached by cutting with a
brought into a tank or carrier that is a per- torch, the tank surfaces to be cut must be
mit entry confined space. free of volatile or combustible coatings with-
Application of interior coatings/linings. At- in 4 inches (10.16 cm) of the cutting line and
mospheric hazards shall be controlled by the atmosphere within the tank must be
forced air ventilation sufficient to keep the below the LFL.
atmospheric concentration of flammable ma- Retrieval line and harnesses. The retrieval
terials below 10% of the lower flammable lines and harnesses generally required under
limit (LFL) (or lower explosive limit (LEL), this standard are usually impractical for use
whichever term is used locally). The appro- in tanks because the internal configuration
priate respirators are provided and shall be of the tanks and their interior baffles and
used in addition to providing forced ventila- other structures would prevent rescuers from
tion if the forced ventilation does not main- hauling out injured entrants. However, un-
tain acceptable respiratory conditions. less the rescue procedure calls for breaching
Permits. Because of the repetitive nature of the tank for rescue, the rescue team shall be
the entries in these operations, an ‘‘Area trained in the use of retrieval lines and har-
Entry Permit’’ will be issued for a 1 month nesses for removing injured employees
period to cover those production areas where through manholes.
tanks are fabricated to the point that entry B. Repair or service of ‘‘used’’ tanks and bulk
and exit are made using manholes. trailers.
Authorization. Only the area supervisor may Sources of hazards. In addition to facing the
authorize an employee to enter a tank with- potential hazards encountered in fabrication

in the permit area. The area supervisor must or manufacturing, tanks or trailers which
determine that conditions in the tank trail- have been in service may contain residues of
479
dangerous materials, whether left over from (Follow the requirements of 29 CFR 1910,
the transportation of hazardous cargoes or Subpart Q, OSHA’s welding standard, at all
generated by chemical or bacterial action on times.)
residues of non-hazardous cargoes. Permits. An entry permit valid for up to 1
Control of atmospheric hazards. A ‘‘used’’ tank year shall be issued prior to authorization of
shall be brought into areas where tank entry entry into used tank trailers, dry bulk trail-
is authorized only after the tank has been ers or trucks. In addition to the pre-entry
emptied, cleansed (without employee entry) cleaning requirement, this permit shall re-
of any residues, and purged of any potential quire the employee safeguards specified for
atmospheric hazards. new tank fabrication or construction permit
Welding. In addition to tank cleaning for areas.
control of atmospheric hazards, coating and Authorization. Only the area supervisor may
surface materials shall be removed 4 inches authorize an employee to enter a tank trail-
(10.16 cm) or more from any surface area er, dry bulk trailer or truck within the per-
where welding or other torch work will be mit area. The area supervisor must deter-
done and care taken that the atmosphere mine that the entry permit requirements
within the tank remains well below the LFL. have been met before authorizing entry.
480
APPENDIX D TO § 1910.146—SAMPLE PERMITS

481
EC27OC91.030</GPH>
APPENDIX E TO § 1910.146—SEWER SYSTEM exists any way to completely isolate the

ENTRY space (a section of a continuous system) to

be entered; second, because isolation is not
Sewer entry differs in three vital respects
complete, the atmosphere may suddenly and
from other permit entries; first, there rarely
482
EC27OC91.031</GPH>
unpredictably become lethally hazardous entry. Only the employer can decide, based
(toxic, flammable or explosive) from causes upon his or her knowledge of, and experience
beyond the control of the entrant or em- with permit spaces in sewer systems, what
ployer, and third, experienced sewer workers the best type of testing instrument may be
are especially knowledgeable in entry and for any specific entry operation.
work in their permit spaces because of their The selected testing instrument should be
frequent entries. Unlike other employments carried and used by the entrant in sewer line
where permit space entry is a rare and excep- work to monitor the atmosphere in the en-
tional event, sewer workers’ usual work entrant’s environment, and in advance of the
vironment is a permit space. entrant’s direction of movement, to warn the
(1) Adherence to procedure. The employer entrant of any deterioration in atmospheric
should designate as entrants only employees conditions. Where several entrants are work-
who are thoroughly trained in the employ- ing together in the same immediate loca-
er’s sewer entry procedures and who dem- tion, one instrument, used by the lead en-
onstrate that they follow these entry proce- trant, is acceptable.
dures exactly as prescribed when performing (3) Surge flow and flooding. Sewer crews
sewer entries. should develop and maintain liaison, to the
(2) Atmospheric monitoring. Entrants should extent possible, with the local weather bu-
be trained in the use of, and be equipped reau and fire and emergency services in their
with, atmospheric monitoring equipment area so that sewer work may be delayed or
which sounds an audible alarm, in addition interrupted and entrants withdrawn when-
to its visual readout, whenever one of the ever sewer lines might be suddenly flooded
following conditions are encountered: Oxy- by rain or fire suppression activities, or
gen concentration less than 19.5 percent; whenever flammable or other hazardous ma-
flammable gas or vapor at 10 percent or more terials are released into sewers during emer-
of the lower flammable limit (LFL); or hy- gencies by industrial or transportation acci-
drogen sulfide or carbon monoxide at or dents.
above 10 ppm or 35 ppm, respectively, meas- (4) Special Equipment. Entry into large bore
ured as an 8-hour time-weighted average. At- sewers may require the use of special equip-
mospheric monitoring equipment needs to be ment. Such equipment might include such
calibrated according to the manufacturer’s items as atmosphere monitoring devices
instructions. The oxygen sensor/broad range with automatic audible alarms, escape self-
sensor is best suited for initial use in situa- contained breathing apparatus (ESCBA) with
tions where the actual or potential contami- at least 10 minute air supply (or other
nants have not been identified, because NIOSH approved self-rescuer), and water-
broad range sensors, unlike substance-spe- proof flashlights, and may also include boats
cific sensors, enable employers to obtain an and rafts, radios and rope stand-offs for pull-
overall reading of the hydrocarbons ing around bends and corners as needed.
(flammables) present in the space. However,
such sensors only indicate that a hazardous APPENDIX F TO § 1910.146—RESCUE TEAM OR
threshold of a class of chemicals has been ex- RESCUE SERVICE EVALUATION CRITERIA
ceeded. They do not measure the levels of (NON-MANDATORY)
contamination of specific substances. There- (1) This appendix provides guidance to em-
fore, substance-specific devices, which meas- ployers in choosing an appropriate rescue
ure the actual levels of specific substances, service. It contains criteria that may be used
are best suited for use where actual and po- to evaluate the capabilities both of prospec-
tential contaminants have been identified. tive and current rescue teams. Before a res-
The measurements obtained with substance- cue team can be trained or chosen, however,
specific devices are of vital importance to a satisfactory permit program, including an
the employer when decisions are made con- analysis of all permit-required confined
cerning the measures necessary to protect spaces to identify all potential hazards in
entrants (such as ventilation or personal those spaces, must be completed. OSHA be-
protective equipment) and the setting and lieves that compliance with all the provi-
attainment of appropriate entry conditions. sions of § 1910.146 will enable employers to
However, the sewer environment may sud- conduct permit space operations without re-
denly and unpredictably change, and the sub- course to rescue services in nearly all cases.
stance-specific devices may not detect the However, experience indicates that cir-
potentially lethal atmospheric hazards cumstances will arise where entrants will
which may enter the sewer environment. need to be rescued from permit spaces. It is
Although OSHA considers the information therefore important for employers to select
and guidance provided above to be appro- rescue services or teams, either on-site or
priate and useful in most sewer entry situa- off-site, that are equipped and capable of
tions, the Agency emphasizes that each em- minimizing harm to both entrants and res-
ployer must consider the unique cir- cuers if the need arises.
cumstances, including the predictability of (2) For all rescue teams or services, the
the atmosphere, of the sewer permit spaces employer’s evaluation should consist of two
in the employer’s workplace in preparing for components: an initial evaluation, in which
483
employers decide whether a potential rescue potential bottlenecks or traffic congestion
service or team is adequately trained and that might be encountered in transit, the re-
equipped to perform permit space rescues of liability of the rescuer’s vehicles, and the
the kind needed at the facility and whether training and skill of its drivers.
such rescuers can respond in a timely man- 3. What is the availability of the rescue
ner, and a performance evaluation, in which service? Is it unavailable at certain times of
employers measure the performance of the the day or in certain situations? What is the
team or service during an actual or practice likelihood that key personnel of the rescue
rescue. For example, based on the initial service might be unavailable at times? If the
evaluation, an employer may determine that rescue service becomes unavailable while an
maintaining an on-site rescue team will be entry is underway, does it have the capa-
more expensive than obtaining the services bility of notifying the employer so that the
of an off-site team, without being signifi- employer can instruct the attendant to abort
cantly more effective, and decide to hire a the entry immediately?
rescue service. During a performance evalua- 4. Does the rescue service meet all the re-
tion, the employer could decide, after ob- quirements of paragraph (k)(2) of the stand-
serving the rescue service perform a practice ard? If not, has it developed a plan that will
rescue, that the service’s training or pre- enable it to meet those requirements in the
paredness was not adequate to effect a time- future? If so, how soon can the plan be imple-
ly or effective rescue at his or her facility mented?
and decide to select another rescue service, 5. For off-site services, is the service will-
or to form an internal rescue team. ing to perform rescues at the employer’s
workplace? (An employer may not rely on a
A. Initial Evaluation rescuer who declines, for whatever reason, to
I. The employer should meet with the pro- provide rescue services.)
spective rescue service to facilitate the eval- 6. Is an adequate method for communica-
uations required by § 1910.146(k)(1)(i) and tions between the attendant, employer and
§ 1910.146(k)(1)(ii). At a minimum, if an off- prospective rescuer available so that a res-
site rescue service is being considered, the cue request can be transmitted to the res-
employer must contact the service to plan cuer without delay? How soon after notifica-
and coordinate the evaluations required by tion can a prospective rescuer dispatch a res-
the standard. Merely posting the service’s cue team to the entry site?
number or planning to rely on the 911 emer- 7. For rescues into spaces that may pose
gency phone number to obtain these services significant atmospheric hazards and from
at the time of a permit space emergency which rescue entry, patient packaging and
would not comply with paragraph (k)(1) of retrieval cannot be safely accomplished in a
the standard. relatively short time (15–20 minutes), em-
II. The capabilities required of a rescue ployers should consider using airline res-
service vary with the type of permit spaces pirators (with escape bottles) for the res-
from which rescue may be necessary and the cuers and to supply rescue air to the patient.
hazards likely to be encountered in those If the employer decides to use SCBA, does
spaces. Answering the questions below will the prospective rescue service have an ample
assist employers in determining whether the supply of replacement cylinders and proce-
rescue service is capable of performing res- dures for rescuers to enter and exit (or be re-
cues in the permit spaces present at the em- trieved) well within the SCBA’s air supply
ployer’s workplace. limits?
1. What are the needs of the employer with 8. If the space has a vertical entry over 5
regard to response time (time for the rescue feet in depth, can the prospective rescue
service to receive notification, arrive at the service properly perform entry rescues? Does
scene, and set up and be ready for entry)? the service have the technical knowledge
For example, if entry is to be made into an and equipment to perform rope work or ele-
IDLH atmosphere, or into a space that can vated rescue, if needed?
quickly develop an IDLH atmosphere (if ven- 9. Does the rescue service have the nec-
tilation fails or for other reasons), the rescue essary skills in medical evaluation, patient
team or service would need to be standing by packaging and emergency response?
at the permit space. On the other hand, if 10. Does the rescue service have the nec-
the danger to entrants is restricted to me- essary equipment to perform rescues, or
chanical hazards that would cause injuries must the equipment be provided by the em-
(e.g., broken bones, abrasions) a response ployer or another source?
time of 10 or 15 minutes might be adequate. B. Performance Evaluation
2. How quickly can the rescue team or
service get from its location to the permit Rescue services are required by paragraph
spaces from which rescue may be necessary? (k)(2)(iv) of the standard to practice rescues
Relevant factors to consider would include: at least once every 12 months, provided that
the location of the rescue team or service the team or service has not successfully per-
relative to the employer’s workplace, the formed a permit space rescue within that
quality of roads and highways to be traveled, time. As part of each practice session, the
484
service should perform a critique of the prac- that are ‘‘worst-case’’ or most restrictive
tice rescue, or have another qualified party with respect to internal configuration, ele-
perform the critique, so that deficiencies in vation, and portal size. The following charac-
procedures, equipment, training, or number teristics of a practice space should be consid-
of personnel can be identified and corrected. ered when deciding whether a space is truly
The results of the critique, and the correc- representative of an actual permit space:
tions made to respond to the deficiencies (1) Internal configuration.
identified, should be given to the employer (a) Open—there are no obstacles, barriers,
to enable it to determine whether the rescue or obstructions within the space. One exam-
service can quickly be upgraded to meet the ple is a water tank.
employer’s rescue needs or whether another (b) Obstructed—the permit space contains
service must be selected. The following ques- some type of obstruction that a rescuer
tions will assist employers and rescue teams would need to maneuver around. An example
and services evaluate their performance. would be a baffle or mixing blade. Large
1. Have all members of the service been equipment, such as a ladder or scaffold,
trained as permit space entrants, at a min- brought into a space for work purposes
imum, including training in the potential would be considered an obstruction if the po-
hazards of all permit spaces, or of represent- sitioning or size of the equipment would
ative permit spaces, from which rescue may make rescue more difficult.
be needed? Can team members recognize the (2) Elevation.
signs, symptoms, and consequences of expo- (a) Elevated—a permit space where the en-
sure to any hazardous atmospheres that may trance portal or opening is above grade by 4
be present in those permit spaces? feet or more. This type of space usually re-
2. Is every team member provided with, quires knowledge of high angle rescue proce-
and properly trained in, the use and need for dures because of the difficulty in packaging
PPE, such as SCBA or fall arrest equipment, and transporting a patient to the ground
which may be required to perform permit from the portal.
space rescues in the facility? Is every team (b) Non-elevated—a permit space with the
member properly trained to perform his or entrance portal located less than 4 feet above
her functions and make rescues, and to use grade. This type of space will allow the res-
any rescue equipment, such as ropes and cue team to transport an injured employee
backboards, that may be needed in a rescue normally.
attempt? (3) Portal size.
3. Are team members trained in the first
(a) Restricted—A portal of 24 inches or less
aid and medical skills needed to treat vic-
in the least dimension. Portals of this size
tims overcome or injured by the types of
are too small to allow a rescuer to simply
hazards that may be encountered in the per-
enter the space while using SCBA. The por-
mit spaces at the facility?
tal size is also too small to allow normal spi-
4. Do all team members perform their func-
nal immobilization of an injured employee.
tions safely and efficiently? Do rescue serv-
(b) Unrestricted—A portal of greater than
ice personnel focus on their own safety be-
24 inches in the least dimension. These por-
fore considering the safety of the victim?
tals allow relatively free movement into and
5. If necessary, can the rescue service prop-
out of the permit space.
erly test the atmosphere to determine if it is
(4) Space access.
IDLH?
(a) Horizontal—The portal is located on
6. Can the rescue personnel identify infor-
the side of the permit space. Use of retrieval
mation pertinent to the rescue from entry
lines could be difficult.
permits, hot work permits, and MSDSs?
(b) Vertical—The portal is located on the
7. Has the rescue service been informed of
top of the permit space, so that rescuers
any hazards to personnel that may arise
must climb down, or the bottom of the per-
from outside the space, such as those that
mit space, so that rescuers must climb up to
may be caused by future work near the
enter the space. Vertical portals may require
space?
8. If necessary, can the rescue service prop- knowledge of rope techniques, or special pa-
erly package and retrieve victims from a tient packaging to safely retrieve a downed
permit space that has a limited size opening entrant.
(less than 24 inches (60.9 cm) in diameter), [58 FR 4549, Jan. 14, 1993; 58 FR 34845, 34846,
limited internal space, or internal obstacles June 29, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 26114, May
or hazards? 19, 1994; 63 FR 66038, 66039, Dec. 1, 1998]
9. If necessary, can the rescue service safe-
ly perform an elevated (high angle) rescue? § 1910.147 The control of hazardous
10. Does the rescue service have a plan for energy (lockout/tagout).
each of the kinds of permit space rescue op-
erations at the facility? Is the plan adequate (a) Scope, application and purpose—(1)
for all types of rescue operations that may Scope. (i) This standard covers the serv-
be needed at the facility? Teams may prac- icing and maintenance of machines and
tice in representative spaces, or in spaces equipment in which the unexpected
485

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§ 1910.146 29 CFR Ch.

XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

(5) Any other atmospheric condition perature capable of causing injury.

that continuous forced air ventilation

(D) There may be no hazardous at- fined space.

may be reclassified as a non-permit space program meeting the require-

(d)(9) of this section, except to the ex-

duce new or revised procedures, as nec-

trants under paragraph (f)(4) of this cedure; and

ficiency with rescue-related tasks and permit spaces or from representative

size, configuration, and accessibility, aware that rescue is necessary. A me-

APPENDIX A TO § 1910.146—PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE DECISION

authorize an employee to enter a tank with- potential hazards encountered in fabrication

APPENDIX D TO § 1910.146—SAMPLE PERMITS

APPENDIX E TO § 1910.146—SEWER SYSTEM exists any way to completely isolate the

ENTRY space (a section of a continuous system) to

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