One of the biggest dangers in our industry is entering confined spaces. In the United States, over 2 million employees enter confined spaces every year and over 100 are killed in unfortunate incidents.
Entering a confined space is a hazardous part of the job for many in our industry. The name alone signifies hazardous conditions. The OSHA definition for a confined-space simply put is a space large enough to enter, not designed for regular human occupation and has limited entry and exit.
The definition for a permit-required confined space then is a confined space that has a hazardous atmosphere, potential engulfment hazards, internal configuration hazards or any other recognized hazards. If the confined space meets this definition, a permit is required for entry.
The properly completed entry permit is a vital part of any permit-required confined-space entry. This document ensures the safety of the entrants as well as the attendant and any workers adjacent to the confined space. OSHA regulations for the permit can be found in 29 CFR 1910.146 (e) and (f) if you are looking for specific regulations. The permit itself acts as a safety checklist that outlines the hazards and potential hazards, any required safety precautions such as personal protective equipment, ventilation, tripod with harness and lifeline, the list of authorized entrants, attendants and entry supervisor, and guides the entry and exit process so that employees are aware of any information they need before entry.
Understanding the importance of a properly filled out permit
- It’s required — OSHA regulations require a permit for all spaces deemed permit required before entry. The permit itself must be posted at the entry space so that entrants and attendants have it for their review. The permit must be kept on file for one year after the job is completed. The permit is a legal document so you must ensure that it is filled out properly and kept on file for at least the one year.
- Hazard identification — The permit will serve as documentation that the space was properly evaluated and hazards or potential hazards are identified with mitigation measures listed on the permit. This includes the need to lockout/tagout or any other form of isolation.
- Responsibilities — The permit shall list the names of those authorized to enter the confined space as well as the attendant and entry supervisor. Keep in mind that if a name is not listed as an entrant, that person cannot enter. The attendant must also stay on scene unless he can be relieved by an authorized attendant listed on the permit.
- Permit review — Each entrant and attendant must be able to review the permit before entry begins. There should be a place on the permit for each to sign off that they understand the hazards and precautions taken before entry can begin.
- Document atmosphere — OSHA requires that the atmospheric testing is done in fresh air, pre-entry and at regular intervals so that if there is a problem it can be addressed immediately, and entrants are removed to address the problem.
- Minimize risk — Because the permit ensures that pre-entry planning and documentation are completed it reduces the risk of employees not knowing or understanding the potential risks associated with the confined-space entry. The permit should also list any necessary PPE or other equipment to ensure safety of the employees.
- Communication — The permit must contain the communication methods to be used between the entrant and the attendant.
- Rescue — The permit must also have a plan listed for emergency rescue should the need arise.
The entry permit is a must for many confined-space entry scenarios. It is an important document meant to ensure the overall safety of all the employees involved. It must be properly filled out and kept on file for a year because it becomes a legal document. If there is an incident, the OSHA inspector is going to want to see the permit as part of their investigation.
Ronnie Freeman is safety director for Mount Pleasant (South Carolina) Waterworks and Safety Committee chair for the Water Environmental Association of South Carolina.
