An employer must have a written code of practice governing the practices and procedures to be followed when workers enter and work in a confined space. The code of practice must take into account the requirements of Part 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety Code and section 169, be maintained and periodically reviewed, and identify all existing and potential confined space work locations at a work site. A worker involved in any aspect of a confined space entry must comply with the requirements and procedures in the code of practice. [1]
If a worker will enter a confined space or a restricted space to work, an employer must appoint a competent person to identify and assess the hazards the worker is likely to be exposed to while in the confined space or restricted space, specify the type and frequency of inspections and tests necessary to determine the likelihood of worker exposure to any of the identified hazards, perform the inspections and tests specified, specify the safety and personal protective equipment required to perform the work, and identify the personal protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by a worker who undertakes rescue operations in the event of an accident or other emergency. [1]
A person must not enter a confined space at a work site without a valid entry permit. An employer must establish an entry permit system for a confined space that lists the name of each worker who enters the confined space and the reason for the worker's entry, gives the location of the confined space, specifies the time during which an entry permit is valid, takes into account the work being done in the confined space, and takes into account the code of practice requirements for entering, being in and leaving a confined space. An employer must ensure that, before a worker enters a confined space, an entry permit is properly completed, signed by a competent person and a copy kept readily available. [2]
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.