What Are Confined Spaces?
OSHA defined confined spaces as having three major characteristics:
- Large enough for workers to bodily enter and perform work
- Has limited/restricted entry/exit points
- Not for continuous employee occupancy
In addition, there are those that are called permit-required confined spaces or permit spaces which are the most dangerous types of confined spaces. They can have more than one of the following characteristics:
- Possibility of a hazardous atmosphere
- Have materials that can engulf entrants
- Have inwardly converging floors or walls that can cause asphyxiation or entrapment
- Contain other serious hazards
Examples of Permit Spaces
- Underground vaults
- Vessels
- Tanks
- Manholes
- Storage bins
- Pits
- Silos
- Pipelines
- Hoppers
- Tunnels
- Ductwork
- Degreasers
- Sewers
- Boilers
What Is the OSHA Standard for Confined Space Training?
The OSHA permit-required confined spaces standard covers requirements for the general industry regarding the best practices and procedures for permit space entry operations.
Does OSHA Require Confined Space Training?
Yes, the standard mandates employers to provide employee training to individuals involved in confined space operations. This is to prevent accidents and fatalities during the entry. The training requirements were specified under section 1910.146(g) of the standard.
OSHA Confined Space Training Requirements for Employees
Training should be completed before entry operations. Also, additional training should be given when:
- New hazards have emerged
- Changes have been made to employee duties
- The PRCS program has been modified
- There are inadequacies in job performance
Also, employees should be able to:
- Recognize hazards
- Communicate with attendants
- Use PPE properly
- Conduct self-rescue
Confined Space Entry Requirements for Employers
Aside from providing training to employees, employers must also:
- Evaluate permit spaces in the workplace
- Inform affected employees about the existence of permit spaces
- Develop a written permit space program for permit spaces that will be entered
- Provide PPE and rescue equipment
- Make sure that response operations are done in a timely manner
You can read a more detailed discussion about confined space training and standards here.
Who Needs Confined Space Training?
Individuals who may need confined space training include the following:
- Construction workers
- Firefighters
- Maintenance technicians
- Emergency responders
- Building engineers
- Pipeline workers
- HVAC technicians
How Long Is Confined Space Training Good for OSHA?
This will depend on your local regulations, but confined space training certifications are usually valid for one year while others for two to three years. Although OSHA has specified requirements for when training should be provided, they didn’t mention anything about how frequently it should be done.
However, OSHA did require employers to review their permit space programs annually and for employees to practice conducting space rescues every 12 months.
Get Your OSHA Confined Space Certification Through RPF Environmental’s Certified EH&S Training Courses
Confined space operations can lead to serious injuries and even death if not done properly by untrained workers. Aside from that, employers can face lawsuits and hefty penalties for violating OSHA’s confined space entry requirements. Thus, you need to make sure that your employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to conduct operations in permit spaces safely.
Aside from confined space training, we provide various environmental health and safety training programs nationwide including:
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