Confined Space, Permit-required-An Overview

A permit-required confined space is a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

·         contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;

·         contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;

·         has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section; or

·         contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

The Confined Space Program

Your employer has a permit-required confined space program which is designed to prevent accidents. Each permit-required confined space is marked with signs or other warnings.

What should I do?

Before entering into a permit space, you must obtain an entry permit from the entry supervisor. The entry supervisor will determine if acceptable entry conditions are present.

Before entering into a permit-required confined space:

·         you must have been trained by your employer, and informed of the potential hazards that exist in the permit space, and be aware of the mode, signs and symptoms, and conse­quences of being exposed.

·         you should know what personal protective equipment is needed, and how to properly use it.

·         you should know how to summon rescue and emergency services.

·         you must understand the duties of the attendant and how to communicate with the attendant.