OSHA standard 1910.146 governs confined spaces and their permit entry systems. We have discussed confined spaces before, talking about the entire standard and what is required of you when writing the safety plan for it. But in order to write a reasonable safety plan, you need to understand the mechanics of the permit entry system.
Confined space permit entry systems need to have written procedures with printed instructions at every entrance. At the core of the procedure is the permit entry system, which establishes who has access to the confined space, in what circumstances those individuals have access to the confined space, how those individuals are granted access to that space, and, if an attendant is required, how and when that attendant may enter the confined space.
To set adequate standards, it is prudent to analyze and understand all hazards associated with your confined space. This includes hazards created by the space, the atmosphere in the space, any substances stored there, or the nature of the business performed in the confined space. Taken together, these hazards form the foundation of your confined space permit entry system, as they can help shape who should have access to the space and in why they will need access. They can also help you determine what personal protective equipment is required in the confined space, which will affect your permit entry system.
Once you have determined the hazards, the people who will have a need to enter the space, and the personal protective equipment they should be wearing, you need to determine what the frequency is that people will need to enter the space, and what you will require them to present to enter the space. Finally, you need to establish who the attendant is, and what their responsibility is as compared to the individuals entering.
With all of this worked out, all that is left is actually putting this plan to paper and writing up instruction cards. If you have any questions about the process of establishing a permit entry system for confined statements, or if you need any help in establishing your plan, please contact us. If you have anything else to add to the conversation, please leave a comment.
