Confined spaces are an audit nightmare for many companies. There are complicated regulatory requirements as well as complicated practical issues surrounding them. OSHA created standard 1910.146 to help create a safe work environment for employees, and to guide business owners in what should, and should not, be done in the work place.

This standard specifically discusses permit-required confined spaces, helping you to determine if you have any permit-required confined spaces, and if so, what signage is required, what entry conditions are required, how often you need to audit them, and if an attendant is required. It further outlines how you designate access to different people who will be entering this space, and the procedures for required rescue personnel.

This standard also goes into the specifics of what authorized personnel within the confined space must do while in there. It explains the communication requirements, equipment requirements, and notification requirements of both employee and employer. In addition, it discusses the requirements surrounding the physical permit, including the information that should and should not be present on said permit.

Finally, the standard also discusses the role of the attendant. The standard discusses how many spaces an individual attendant can watch, how the attendant is to remain in contact with the entrants, how the attendant is to order an evacuation, what training and knowledge is required of the attendant, and a host of other responsibilities of the attendant.

There is a lot to know when it comes to confined spaces, and it is no wonder that they present such issues to so many businesses. If you have any questions about your confined spaces, check out our confined spaces services. Then, if you are ready to make sure you are up to code, contact us.