OSHA general industry permit-required confined spaces study guide
OSHA's general industry standard for permit-required confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146) sets practices and procedures to protect employees in general industry from the hazards of entry into permit spaces; it does not apply to agriculture, construction or shipyard employment. This guide sets out what the rule text states on its definitions, workplace evaluation and warning signs, host employers and contractors, the alternate procedures and reclassification paths with all their conditions, the written permit space program, entry permits, training, the duties of authorized entrants, attendants and entry supervisors, rescue and emergency services, and employee participation. The appendixes to the section are non-mandatory guidelines, as their own note says. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
Scope and definitions
The section sets requirements for practices and procedures to protect employees in general industry from the hazards of entry into permit-required confined spaces. It does not apply to agriculture, to construction or to shipyard employment (Parts 1928, 1926 and 1915 of the chapter, respectively).
“This section contains requirements for practices and procedures to protect employees in general industry from the hazards of entry into permit-required confined spaces. This section does not apply to agriculture, to construction, or to shipyard employment (parts 1928, 1926, and 1915 of this chapter, respectively).”
A note to the appendixes says Appendixes A through F provide information and non-mandatory guidelines to help employers and employees comply with the section.
“Note: Appendixes A through F serve to provide information and non-mandatory guidelines to assist employers and employees in complying with the appropriate requirements of this section.”
A confined space is a space that meets all three elements: it is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; it has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and it is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. The rule gives tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults and pits as examples of spaces that may have limited means of entry.
“Confined space means a space that: (1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and (2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and (3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.”
A permit-required confined space (permit space) is a confined space with one or more of these characteristics: it contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; it contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; it has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or it contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
“Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: (1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; (2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; (3) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross- section; or (4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.”
A non-permit confined space is a confined space that does not contain, or (for atmospheric hazards) have the potential to contain, any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm.
“Non-permit confined space means a confined space that does not contain or, with respect to atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm.”
Entry is the action by which a person passes through an opening into a permit-required confined space. It includes the work that follows inside, and it counts as having occurred as soon as any part of the entrant's body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.
“Entry means the action by which a person passes through an opening into a permit-required confined space. Entry includes ensuing work activities in that space and is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant's body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.”
An authorized entrant is an employee authorized by the employer to enter a permit space. An attendant is 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.
“Attendant means an individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all attendant's duties assigned in the employer's permit space program. Authorized entrant means an employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space.”
The entry supervisor is the person (such as the employer, foreman or crew chief) responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present, authorizing entry, overseeing entry operations and terminating entry as the section requires. A note says an entry supervisor may also serve as an attendant or authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped for each role, and the duties may be passed from one individual to another during an entry operation.
“Entry supervisor means the person (such as the employer, foreman, or crew chief) responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit space where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and for terminating entry as required by this section. Note: An entry supervisor also may serve as an attendant or as an authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped as required by this section for each role he or she fills. Also, the duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation.”
Not covered here
The content of the non-mandatory Appendixes A through F (decision flow chart, atmospheric testing procedures, example programs and permits, sewer system entry, and rescue team evaluation criteria). We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Hazardous atmospheres and engulfment
A hazardous atmosphere is one that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury or acute illness from one or more listed causes. The first two are flammable gas, vapor or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL), and airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL.
“Hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a permit space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes: (1) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL); (2) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL;”
Two further listed causes are an atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent, and an atmospheric concentration of any substance with a dose or permissible exposure limit published in Subpart G or Subpart Z of Part 1910 that could result in employee exposure above that dose or limit.
“(3) Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent; (4) Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or a permissible exposure limit is published in subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental Control, or in subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, of this part and which could result in employee exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit;”
Inerting means displacing the atmosphere in a permit space with a noncombustible gas (such as nitrogen) so that the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible. A note warns that this procedure produces an IDLH oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
“Inerting means the displacement of the atmosphere in a permit space by a noncombustible gas (such as nitrogen) to such an extent that the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible. Note: This procedure produces an IDLH oxygen-deficient atmosphere.”
Engulfment means the surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely divided (flowable) solid substance that can be aspirated to cause death by filling or plugging the respiratory system, or that can exert enough force on the body to cause death by strangulation, constriction or crushing.
“Engulfment means the surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely divided (flowable) solid substance that can be aspirated to cause death by filling or plugging the respiratory system or that can exert enough force on the body to cause death by strangulation, constriction, or crushing.”
Workplace evaluation, warning signs and contractors
The employer must evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.
“The employer shall evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit- required confined spaces.”
If the workplace contains permit spaces, the employer must inform exposed employees of their existence, location and danger, by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means. A note says a sign reading "DANGER-PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER" or using other similar language would satisfy the sign requirement.
“If the workplace contains permit spaces, the employer shall inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of and the danger posed by the permit spaces. Note: A sign reading “DANGER—PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER” or using other similar language would satisfy the requirement for a sign.”
If the employer decides its employees will not enter permit spaces, it must take effective measures to prevent them from entering and must comply with paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(6) and (c)(8).
“If the employer decides that its employees will not enter permit spaces, the employer shall take effective measures to prevent its employees from entering the permit spaces and shall comply with paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(6), and (c)(8) of this section.”
If the employer decides its employees will enter permit spaces, it must develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with the section, and that written program must be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.
“If the employer decides that its employees will enter permit spaces, the employer shall develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. The written program shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.”
When changes in the use or configuration of a non-permit confined space might increase the hazards to entrants, the employer must reevaluate that space and, if necessary, reclassify it as a permit-required confined space.
“When there are changes in the use or configuration of a non-permit confined space that might increase the hazards to entrants, the employer shall reevaluate that space and, if necessary, reclassify it as a permit-required confined space.”
When a host employer arranges for a contractor's employees to perform work involving permit space entry, the host employer must inform the contractor that the workplace contains permit spaces and that entry is allowed only through compliance with a permit space program meeting the section, and must apprise the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and the host employer's experience with the space, that make it a permit space.
“When an employer (host employer) arranges to have employees of another employer (contractor) perform work that involves permit space entry, the host employer shall: (i) Inform the contractor that the workplace contains permit spaces and that permit space entry is allowed only through compliance with a permit space program meeting the requirements of this section; (ii) Apprise the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and the host employer's experience with the space, that make the space in question a permit space;”
The host employer must also apprise the contractor of its own precautions or procedures for employees in or near permit spaces where contractor personnel will work, coordinate entry operations when both employers' personnel will be working in or near permit spaces, and debrief the contractor at the conclusion of entry operations on the program followed and any hazards confronted or created.
“(iii) Apprise the contractor of any precautions or procedures that the host employer has implemented for the protection of employees in or near permit spaces where contractor personnel will be working; (iv) Coordinate entry operations with the contractor, when both host employer personnel and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit spaces, as required by paragraph (d)(11) of this section; and (v) Debrief the contractor at the conclusion of the entry operations regarding the permit space program followed and regarding any hazards confronted or created in permit spaces during entry operations.”
Alternate procedures and reclassification
Under paragraph (c)(5), an employer whose employees enter a permit space need not comply with paragraphs (d) through (f) and (h) through (k), but only if every listed condition is met. The first two: the employer can demonstrate that the only hazard posed by the permit space is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere, and that continuous forced air ventilation alone is sufficient to maintain the space safe for entry.
“An employer whose employees enter a permit space need not comply with paragraphs (d) through (f) and (h) through (k) of this section, provided that: (A) The employer can demonstrate that the only hazard posed by the permit space is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere; (B) The employer can demonstrate that continuous forced air ventilation alone is sufficient to maintain that permit space safe for entry;”
The remaining conditions: the employer develops monitoring and inspection data supporting those demonstrations; any initial entry needed to obtain that data is performed in compliance with paragraphs (d) through (k); the determinations and data are documented and made available to each employee who enters under (c)(5) or to that employee's authorized representative; and entry is performed under the requirements of (c)(5)(ii).
“(C) The employer develops monitoring and inspection data that supports the demonstrations required by paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A) and (c)(5)(i)(B) of this section; (D) If an initial entry of the permit space is necessary to obtain the data required by paragraph (c)(5)(i)(C) of this section, the entry is performed in compliance with paragraphs (d) through (k) of this section; (E) The determinations and supporting data required by paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A), (c)(5)(i)(B), and (c)(5)(i)(C) of this section are documented by the employer and are made available to each employee who enters the permit space under the terms of paragraph (c)(5) of this section or to that employee's authorized representative; and (F) Entry into the permit space under the terms of paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section is performed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section.”
For entry under the (c)(5) alternate procedures, before an employee enters, the internal atmosphere must be tested with a calibrated direct-reading instrument for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants, in that order. Any entrant, or that employee's authorized representative, must be given an opportunity to observe the pre-entry testing.
“Before an employee enters the space, the internal atmosphere shall be tested, with a calibrated direct-reading instrument, for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants, in that order. Any employee who enters the space, or that employee's authorized representative, shall be provided an opportunity to observe the pre-entry testing required by this paragraph.”
There may be no hazardous atmosphere within the space whenever any employee is inside. Continuous forced air ventilation must be used: no employee may enter until it has eliminated any hazardous atmosphere; it must be directed to ventilate the immediate areas where an employee is or will be and continue until all employees have left; and its air supply must be from a clean source and may not increase the hazards in the space. The atmosphere must be periodically tested as necessary to ensure the ventilation is preventing the accumulation of a hazardous atmosphere.
“(D) There may be no hazardous atmosphere within the space whenever any employee is inside the space. (E) Continuous forced air ventilation shall be used, as follows: (1) An employee may not enter the space until the forced air ventilation has eliminated any hazardous atmosphere; (2) The forced air ventilation shall be so directed as to ventilate the immediate areas where an employee is or will be present within the space and shall continue until all employees have left the space; (3) The air supply for the forced air ventilation shall be from a clean source and may not increase the hazards in the space. (F) The atmosphere within the space shall be periodically tested as necessary to ensure that the continuous forced air ventilation is preventing the accumulation of a hazardous atmosphere.”
If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry, each employee must leave the space immediately, the space must be evaluated to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed, and measures must be implemented to protect employees before any subsequent entry.
“(G) If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry: (1) Each employee shall leave the space immediately; (2) The space shall be evaluated to determine how the hazardous atmosphere developed; and (3) Measures shall be implemented to protect employees from the hazardous atmosphere before any subsequent entry takes place.”
The employer must verify that the space is safe for entry and that the pre-entry measures have been taken through a written certification containing the date, the location of the space and the signature of the person providing the certification. The certification must be made before entry and made available to each employee entering the space or to that employee's authorized representative.
“The employer shall verify that the space is safe for entry and that the pre-entry measures required by paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section have been taken, through a written certification that contains the date, the location of the space, and the signature of the person providing the certification. The certification shall be made before entry and shall be made available to each employee entering the space or to that employee's authorized representative”
A permit space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space if it poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and all hazards within it are eliminated without entry, for as long as the non-atmospheric hazards remain eliminated. If entry is needed to eliminate hazards, that entry must be performed under paragraphs (d) through (k), and the space may be reclassified if testing and inspection during that entry demonstrate the hazards have been eliminated, for as long as they remain eliminated.
“If the permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated without entry into the space, the permit space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space for as long as the non-atmospheric hazards remain eliminated. (ii) If it is necessary to enter the permit space to eliminate hazards, such entry shall be performed under paragraphs (d) through (k) of this section. If testing and inspection during that entry demonstrate that the hazards within the permit space have been eliminated, the permit space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space for as long as the hazards remain eliminated.”
A note to the reclassification paragraph says control of atmospheric hazards through forced air ventilation does not constitute elimination of the hazards; paragraph (c)(5) covers permit space entry where the employer can demonstrate that forced air ventilation alone will control all hazards in the space.
“Note: Control of atmospheric hazards through forced air ventilation does not constitute elimination of the hazards. Paragraph (c)(5) covers permit space entry where the employer can demonstrate that forced air ventilation alone will control all hazards in the space.”
The employer must document the basis for determining that all hazards have been eliminated through a certification containing the date, the location of the space and the signature of the person making the determination, and make it available to each employee entering the space or to that employee's authorized representative. If hazards arise in a space declassified under (c)(7), each employee in it must exit, and the employer must then reevaluate the space and determine whether it must be reclassified as a permit space.
“(iii) The employer shall document the basis for determining that all hazards in a permit space have been eliminated, through a certification that contains the date, the location of the space, and the signature of the person making the determination. The certification shall be made available to each employee entering the space or to that employee's authorized representative. (iv) If hazards arise within a permit space that has been declassified to a non-permit space under paragraph (c)(7) of this section, each employee in the space shall exit the space. The employer shall then reevaluate the space and determine whether it must be reclassified as a permit space, in accordance with other applicable provisions of this section.”
Permit space program
Under the permit space program, the employer must implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry, identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them, and develop and implement the means, procedures and practices for safe entry, including specifying acceptable entry conditions, isolating the space, purging, inerting, flushing or ventilating as necessary, providing barriers against external hazards, and verifying that conditions stay acceptable throughout the entry.
“(1) Implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry; (2) Identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them; (3) Develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) Specifying acceptable entry conditions; (ii) Providing each authorized entrant or that employee's authorized representative with the opportunity to observe any monitoring or testing of permit spaces; (iii) Isolating the permit space; (iv) Purging, inerting, flushing, or ventilating the permit space as necessary to eliminate or control atmospheric hazards; (v) Providing pedestrian, vehicle, or other barriers as necessary to protect entrants from external hazards; and (vi) Verifying that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout the duration of an authorized entry.”
The employer must provide the listed equipment at no cost to employees, maintain it properly and ensure employees use it properly. The list includes testing and monitoring equipment, ventilating equipment, communications equipment, personal protective equipment insofar as feasible engineering and work practice controls do not adequately protect employees, lighting equipment, barriers and shields, equipment such as ladders for safe ingress and egress, rescue and emergency equipment (except to the extent provided by rescue services), and any other equipment necessary for safe entry and rescue.
“Provide the following equipment (specified in paragraphs (d)(4)(i) through (d)(4)(ix) of this section) at no cost to employees, maintain that equipment properly, and ensure that employees use that equipment properly: (i) Testing and monitoring equipment needed to comply with paragraph (d)(5) of this section; (ii) Ventilating equipment needed to obtain acceptable entry conditions; (iii) Communications equipment necessary for compliance with paragraphs (h)(3) and (i)(5) of this section; (iv) Personal protective equipment insofar as feasible engineering and work practice controls do not adequately protect employees; (v) Lighting equipment needed to enable employees to see well enough to work safely and to exit the space quickly in an emergency; (vi) Barriers and shields as required by paragraph (d)(3)(v) of this section. (vii) Equipment, such as ladders, needed for safe ingress and egress by authorized entrants; (viii) Rescue and emergency equipment needed to comply with paragraph (d)(9) of this section, except to the extent that the equipment is provided by rescue services; and (ix) Any other equipment necessary for safe entry into and rescue from permit spaces.”
Before entry is authorized, conditions must be tested to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist. If isolation is infeasible because the space is large or is part of a continuous system (such as a sewer), pre-entry testing must be performed to the extent feasible and, if entry is authorized, conditions must be continuously monitored where entrants are working.
“Test conditions in the permit space to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin, except that, if isolation of the space is infeasible because the space is large or is part of a continuous system (such as a sewer), pre-entry testing shall be performed to the extent feasible before entry is authorized and, if entry is authorized, entry conditions shall be continuously monitored in the areas where authorized entrants are working;”
When testing for atmospheric hazards, the employer must test first for oxygen, then for combustible gases and vapors, and then for toxic gases and vapors.
“When testing for atmospheric hazards, test first for oxygen, then for combustible gases and vapors, and then for toxic gases and vapors.”
The employer must provide at least one attendant outside the permit space for the duration of entry operations. A note says attendants may monitor more than one permit space, and may be stationed at any location outside, as long as the attendant duties can be effectively performed for each space monitored.
“Provide at least one attendant outside the permit space into which entry is authorized for the duration of entry operations; Note: Attendants may be assigned to monitor more than one permit space provided the duties described in paragraph (i) of this section can be effectively performed for each permit space that is monitored. Likewise, attendants may be stationed at any location outside the permit space to be monitored as long as the duties described in paragraph (i) of this section can be effectively performed for each permit space that is monitored.”
The program must also include procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, rescuing entrants, providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees and preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue; a system for the preparation, issuance, use and cancellation of entry permits; and procedures to coordinate entry when employees of more than one employer are working simultaneously as authorized entrants in a permit space.
“(9) Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces, for providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees, and for preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue; (10) Develop and implement a system for the preparation, issuance, use, and cancellation of entry permits as required by this section; (11) Develop and implement procedures to coordinate entry operations when employees of more than one employer are working simultaneously as authorized entrants in a permit space, so that employees of one employer do not endanger the employees of any other employer;”
The employer must review the program, using the canceled permits it retains, within 1 year after each entry and revise it as necessary. A note says employers may perform a single annual review covering all entries performed during a 12-month period, and if no entry is performed during a 12-month period, no review is necessary.
“Review the permit space program, using the canceled permits retained under paragraph (e)(6) of this section within 1 year after each entry and revise the program as necessary, to ensure that employees participating in entry operations are protected from permit space hazards. Note: Employers may perform a single annual review covering all entries performed during a 12-month period. If no entry is performed during a 12-month period, no review is necessary.”
Entry permits
Before entry is authorized, the employer must document the completion of the safe-entry measures by preparing an entry permit, and before entry begins the entry supervisor identified on the permit must sign it to authorize entry.
“Before entry is authorized, the employer shall document the completion of measures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section by preparing an entry permit. Note: Appendix D to § 1910.146 presents examples of permits whose elements are considered to comply with the requirements of this section. (2) Before entry begins, the entry supervisor identified on the permit shall sign the entry permit to authorize entry.”
The completed permit must be made available at the time of entry to all authorized entrants or their representatives, by posting it at the entry portal or by any other equally effective means, so entrants can confirm pre-entry preparations are complete.
“The completed permit shall be made available at the time of entry to all authorized entrants or their authorized representatives, by posting it at the entry portal or by any other equally effective means, so that the entrants can confirm that pre-entry preparations have been completed.”
The duration of the permit may not exceed the time required to complete the assigned task or job identified on the permit.
“The duration of the permit may not exceed the time required to complete the assigned task or job identified on the permit in accordance with paragraph (f)(2) of this section.”
The entry supervisor must terminate entry and cancel the permit when the entry operations covered by it have been completed, or when a condition that is not allowed under the permit arises in or near the permit space.
“The entry supervisor shall terminate entry and cancel the entry permit when: (i) The entry operations covered by the entry permit have been completed; or (ii) A condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises in or near the permit space.”
The employer must retain each canceled entry permit for at least 1 year to support the program review, and any problems encountered during an entry must be noted on the pertinent permit.
“The employer shall retain each canceled entry permit for at least 1 year to facilitate the review of the permit-required confined space program required by paragraph (d)(14) of this section. Any problems encountered during an entry operation shall be noted on the pertinent permit so that appropriate revisions to the permit space program can be made.”
The entry permit must identify, among other items, the permit space to be entered, the purpose of the entry, the date and authorized duration, the authorized entrants (by name or by other means such as rosters or tracking systems that let the attendant determine quickly and accurately who is inside), the attendants by name, and the entry supervisor by name, with a space for the signature or initials of the entry supervisor who originally authorized entry.
“The entry permit that documents compliance with this section and authorizes entry to a permit space shall identify: (1) The permit space to be entered; (2) The purpose of the entry; (3) The date and the authorized duration of the entry permit; (4) The authorized entrants within the permit space, by name or by such other means (for example, through the use of rosters or tracking systems) as will enable the attendant to determine quickly and accurately, for the duration of the permit, which authorized entrants are inside the permit space; Note: This requirement may be met by inserting a reference on the entry permit as to the means used, such as a roster or tracking system, to keep track of the authorized entrants within the permit space. (5) The personnel, by name, currently serving as attendants; (6) The individual, by name, currently serving as entry supervisor, with a space for the signature or initials of the entry supervisor who originally authorized entry;”
Training and duties of entry roles
The employer must provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by the section acquire the understanding, knowledge and skills necessary for the safe performance of their assigned duties.
“The employer shall provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section.”
Training must be provided to each affected employee before first being assigned duties, before a change in assigned duties, whenever a change in permit space operations presents a hazard the employee has not been trained on, and whenever the employer has reason to believe there are deviations from the entry procedures or inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of them.
“Training shall be provided to each affected employee: (i) Before the employee is first assigned duties under this section; (ii) Before there is a change in assigned duties; (iii) Whenever there is a change in permit space operations that presents a hazard about which an employee has not previously been trained; (iv) Whenever the employer has reason to believe either that there are deviations from the permit space entry procedures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section or that there are inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of these procedures.”
The employer must certify that training has been accomplished. The certification must contain each employee's name, the signatures or initials of the trainers and the dates of training, and be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.
“The employer shall certify that the training required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this section has been accomplished. The certification shall contain each employee's name, the signatures or initials of the trainers, and the dates of training. The certification shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.”
Authorized entrants must alert the attendant whenever they recognize any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation or detect a prohibited condition, and must exit as quickly as possible whenever an order to evacuate is given by the attendant or entry supervisor, they recognize such a warning sign or symptom, they detect a prohibited condition, or an evacuation alarm is activated.
“(4) Alert the attendant whenever: (i) The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, or (ii) The entrant detects a prohibited condition; and (5) Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever: (i) An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry supervisor, (ii) The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, (iii) The entrant detects a prohibited condition, or (iv) An evacuation alarm is activated.”
Each attendant must continuously maintain an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit space and must remain outside the space during entry operations until relieved by another attendant. A note says that when the employer's program allows attendant entry for rescue, attendants may enter to attempt a rescue if they have been trained and equipped for rescue operations and have been relieved.
“(3) Continuously maintains an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit space and ensures that the means used to identify authorized entrants under paragraph (f)(4) of this section accurately identifies who is in the permit space; (4) Remains outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another attendant; Note: When the employer's permit entry program allows attendant entry for rescue, attendants may enter a permit space to attempt a rescue if they have been trained and equipped for rescue operations as required by paragraph (k)(1) of this section and if they have been relieved as required by paragraph (i)(4) of this section.”
The attendant must monitor activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain, and order entrants to evacuate immediately if the attendant detects a prohibited condition, detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in an entrant, detects a situation outside the space that could endanger entrants, or cannot effectively and safely perform all attendant duties. The attendant must summon rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant determines that entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space hazards.
“(6) Monitors activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space and orders the authorized entrants to evacuate the permit space immediately under any of the following conditions; (i) If the attendant detects a prohibited condition; (ii) If the attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in an authorized entrant; (iii) If the attendant detects a situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants; or (iv) If the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties required under paragraph (i) of this section; (7) Summon rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant determines that authorized entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space hazards;”
Each entry supervisor must verify, by checking the permit entries, that all specified tests have been conducted and all specified procedures and equipment are in place before endorsing the permit and allowing entry; terminate entry and cancel the permit as required; verify that rescue services are available and the means for summoning them are operable; remove unauthorized individuals who enter or attempt to enter during entry operations; and determine, whenever responsibility for the entry is transferred and at intervals dictated by the hazards and operations, that entry operations remain consistent with the permit and acceptable entry conditions are maintained.
“(2) Verifies, by checking that the appropriate entries have been made on the permit, that all tests specified by the permit have been conducted and that all procedures and equipment specified by the permit are in place before endorsing the permit and allowing entry to begin; (3) Terminates the entry and cancels the permit as required by paragraph (e)(5) of this section; (4) Verifies that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operable; (5) Removes unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter the permit space during entry operations; and (6) Determines, whenever responsibility for a permit space entry operation is transferred and at intervals dictated by the hazards and operations performed within the space, that entry operations remain consistent with terms of the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.”
Rescue, emergency services and employee participation
An employer who designates rescue and emergency services under paragraph (d)(9) must evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazards identified. A note says what is considered timely will vary according to the specific hazards involved in each entry.
“An employer who designates rescue and emergency services, pursuant to paragraph (d)(9) of this section, shall: (i) Evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified; Note to paragraph (k)(1)(i): What will be considered timely will vary according to the specific hazards involved in each entry.”
The employer must also evaluate a prospective rescue service's proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment for the particular permit spaces identified, then select from those evaluated a rescue team or service that can reach the victims within a time frame appropriate for the hazards identified and is equipped for and proficient in the needed rescue services, inform it of the hazards it may confront, and give it access to all permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary so it can develop rescue plans and practice. A note says non-mandatory appendix F contains example criteria for evaluating prospective rescuers.
“(ii) Evaluate a prospective rescue service's ability, in terms of proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment, to function appropriately while rescuing entrants from the particular permit space or types of permit spaces identified; (iii) Select a rescue team or service from those evaluated that: (A) Has the capability to reach the victim(s) within a time frame that is appropriate for the permit space hazard(s) identified; (B) Is equipped for and proficient in performing the needed rescue services; (iv) Inform each rescue team or service of the hazards they may confront when called on to perform rescue at the site; and (v) Provide the rescue team or service selected with access to all permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary so that the rescue service can develop appropriate rescue plans and practice rescue operations. Note to paragraph (k)(1): Non-mandatory appendix F contains examples of criteria which employers can use in evaluating prospective rescuers as required by paragraph (k)(1) of this section.”
An employer whose own employees are designated to provide permit space rescue must provide them, at no cost, the PPE needed for safe rescues and training in its use; train them in their rescue duties and ensure they complete the authorized entrant training; train them in basic first aid and CPR, with at least one rescue team member holding a current first aid and CPR certification available; and ensure they practice permit space rescues at least once every 12 months through simulated rescues removing dummies, manikins or actual persons from the actual permit spaces or from representative permit spaces that simulate the opening size, configuration and accessibility of the spaces from which rescue is to be performed.
“An employer whose employees have been designated to provide permit space rescue and emergency services shall take the following measures: (i) Provide affected employees with the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to conduct permit space rescues safely and train affected employees so they are proficient in the use of that PPE, at no cost to those employees; (ii) Train affected employees to perform assigned rescue duties. The employer must ensure that such employees successfully complete the training required to establish proficiency as an authorized entrant, as provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section; (iii) Train affected employees in basic first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The employer shall ensure that at least one member of the rescue team or service holding a current certification in first aid and CPR is available; and (iv) Ensure that affected employees practice making permit space rescues at least once every 12 months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies, manikins, or actual persons from the actual permit spaces or from representative permit spaces. Representative permit spaces shall, with respect to opening size, configuration, and accessibility, simulate the types of permit spaces from which rescue is to be performed.”
To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods must be used whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant.
“To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods shall be used whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant.”
Each entrant must use a chest or full body harness with the retrieval line attached at the center of the back near shoulder level, above the head, or at another point the employer can establish presents a small enough profile for removal. Wristlets may be used instead only if the employer can demonstrate that a harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and that wristlets are the safest and most effective alternative.
“Each authorized entrant shall use a chest or full body harness, with a retrieval line attached at the center of the entrant's back near shoulder level, above the entrant's head, or at another point which the employer can establish presents a profile small enough for the successful removal of the entrant. Wristlets may be used in lieu of the chest or full body harness if the employer can demonstrate that the use of a chest or full body harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and that the use of wristlets is the safest and most effective alternative.”
The other end of the retrieval line must be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the space so rescue can begin as soon as the rescuer becomes aware it is necessary. A mechanical device must be available to retrieve personnel from vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet (1.52 m) deep.
“The other end of the retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the permit space in such a manner that rescue can begin as soon as the rescuer becomes aware that rescue is necessary. A mechanical device shall be available to retrieve personnel from vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet (1.52 m) deep.”
Employers must consult with affected employees and their authorized representatives on the development and implementation of all aspects of the permit space program, and make available to them all information the section requires to be developed.
“(1) Employers shall consult with affected employees and their authorized representatives on the development and implementation of all aspects of the permit space program required by paragraph (c) of this section. (2) Employers shall make available to affected employees and their authorized representatives all information required to be developed by this section.”
Sources
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-required confined spaces (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
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