What are OSHA requirements for confined space entry?

OSHA has specific requirements for confined space entry to protect employees from hazards [1]. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements:

1. Evaluation and Identification: Employers must evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces [2]. If permit spaces exist, employees must be informed through danger signs or equally effective means [2]. The employer must identify physical and atmospheric hazards [3].
2. Permit Space Program: If employees will enter permit spaces, a written permit space program must be developed and implemented, which should be available for inspection by employees and their representatives [2]. The program should include measures to prevent unauthorized entry, identify and evaluate hazards, and develop safe entry procedures [4].
3. Permit System: A system for preparing, issuing, using, and canceling entry permits is required [5]. The entry permit must contain specific information, including the space to be entered, purpose of entry, date and duration, authorized entrants, attendants, entry supervisor, hazards, isolation measures, acceptable entry conditions, test results, rescue services, communication procedures, equipment, and any other necessary information to ensure employee safety [6].
4. Entry Procedures: Safe entry operations require specifying acceptable entry conditions and providing entrants the opportunity to observe any monitoring or testing of permit spaces 5, 10. The permit space must be isolated, purged, inerted, flushed, or ventilated to eliminate or control atmospheric hazards [7].
5. Testing and Monitoring: Before entry, the internal atmosphere must be tested for oxygen content, flammable gases and vapors, and potential toxic air contaminants [8]. Continuous monitoring may be required if isolation is infeasible [7]. Periodic testing is necessary to ensure continuous forced air ventilation prevents hazardous atmosphere accumulation [9].
6. Equipment: Employers must provide and maintain necessary equipment at no cost to employees, including testing and monitoring equipment, ventilation equipment, communication equipment, personal protective equipment, lighting, barriers, ladders, and rescue equipment [7].
7. Attendant: At least one attendant must be stationed outside the permit space for the duration of entry operations [5]. The attendant must maintain an accurate count of entrants, communicate with entrants, monitor conditions inside and outside the space, and summon rescue services if needed [10].
8. Training: Employers must provide training to ensure all employees understand the hazards, knowledge, and skills necessary for safe performance of their duties [6]. Training must be provided to new employees, before new duties, and when there are changes in hazards or permit programs [11].
9. Rescue and Emergency Services: Procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, rescuing entrants, providing emergency services, and preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue must be developed and implemented [5]. Rescue services must be evaluated for their ability to respond in a timely manner and proficiency in rescue-related tasks [12].
10. Coordination: When multiple employers are involved, entry operations must be coordinated to ensure employees of one employer do not endanger employees of another 5, 10. Host employers must inform contractors of permit space existence, hazards, and precautions [4].