First, describe the work and worksite
In this fictional construction project, a crew proposes installing a bracket inside an existing below-grade utility vault. The vault has restricted access, connected services and potential atmospheric hazards. The teaching scenario uses a full permit-space approach; it does not demonstrate eligibility for alternate procedures or reclassification. The planned task uses hand tools, with no hot work, chemical coating or entry into a connected pipe. A remote or outside-the-space method must be considered first. This completed example explains planning decisions; it is not an entry permit or authorization to enter any real space.
- Identify the activity as construction and evaluate the space under 1926 Subpart AA. General-industry work has a different standard, 1910.146; select by the work, not merely the space's name.
- Obtain space history, connected-system information and concurrent-work information from the host and controlling contractor as applicable.
- Name trained entrants, the attendant, entry supervisor, atmospheric tester and rescue arrangements. A job title alone does not demonstrate competence for a role.
- Keep the JSA linked to the employer's written entry program, isolation procedure and permit; no field in this example is a substitute for them.
Build the analysis one step at a time
What will the worker do? How could someone be harmed? What prevents or reduces that exposure? Who checks the control, and when?
Evaluate the task and prevent casual entry
Hazard: A worker climbs into an unevaluated vault to take measurements or retrieve a dropped tool.
Control: The employer's competent person identifies and evaluates the space. The supervisor tests whether the bracket can be installed without entry and restricts access while the entry decision is unresolved.
Verification: Record the selected work method, space identification and responsible decision maker; communicate the boundary to all affected trades.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A short task or quick look can create the same exposure as a longer entry.
Isolate connected services and secure the opening
Hazard: Unexpected energy or material enters the vault; a person or object falls through the opening.
Control: Authorized personnel apply the identified energy and material isolation measures. The entry supervisor verifies isolation and opening protection, including vehicle and pedestrian separation, before entry can be considered.
Verification: Match each isolation point to the identified source and verification method; stop if an unrecorded connection is found.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A stopped pump or a verbal promise does not establish an effective isolation boundary.
Evaluate and control the atmosphere
Hazard: An oxygen-deficient, flammable or toxic atmosphere incapacitates the entrant; a limited sensor set misses a relevant contaminant.
Control: The designated tester uses suitable, checked equipment and the program's sampling method. Identify relevant contaminants, establish acceptable conditions, and provide required ventilation and continuous atmospheric monitoring. This example excludes entry into a hazardous atmosphere.
Verification: Record actual results, locations, times, instrument checks and applicable limits on the entry documents; share results with entrants.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A four-gas monitor is not automatically a detector for every chemical that may be present.
Confirm communication and rescue readiness
Hazard: The entrant becomes incapacitated and assistance cannot reach or retrieve them promptly.
Control: The employer evaluates rescue capability for this vault and its hazards. Set up non-entry retrieval unless its use increases risk or would not contribute to rescue; address the required alternative. Confirm emergency assistance and communication before entry.
Verification: Demonstrate communication, check retrieval compatibility with the opening and work position, and verify the selected service is available.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A telephone number or unused tripod does not establish a workable rescue arrangement.
Authorize entry and install the bracket
Hazard: The task changes, controls fail or the attendant becomes distracted while the entrant is inside.
Control: The entry supervisor authorizes the actual permit only after its required preparations are complete. The attendant remains outside, tracks entrants and maintains required communication and observation. Perform only the assessed task with the planned tools.
Verification: Confirm the permit is available, conditions remain acceptable and the attendant has no conflicting assignment.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The JSA explains the job; the permit controls the specific entry and its limits.
Exit, account for people and close the entry
Hazard: A worker remains inside when systems are restored, or a later worker assumes the earlier permit still applies.
Control: The entry supervisor ends the entry and cancels or otherwise handles the permit as the applicable process requires. Account for people and equipment, secure the opening and coordinate any restoration through the isolation procedure.
Verification: Document the closeout and problems encountered; communicate space status to the controlling contractor and affected workers.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Closeout preserves the boundary between a completed task and a future entry.
What does a useful control look like?
| Needs improvement | More useful for this scenario |
|---|---|
| Check the air and wear a mask. | Identify the atmospheric hazards, select suitable testing and control methods, record actual results and establish how acceptable conditions will be maintained. |
| A coworker will watch from outside. | Assign a trained attendant with defined duties, reliable communication and no conflicting tasks, supported by verified rescue arrangements. |
Decisions that change the analysis
The monitor shows acceptable readings, but a pipe's destination is unknown. Proceed?
No. Resolve the connected-system hazard and isolation decision before entry authorization.
The attendant is asked to unload a truck. What happens?
Arrange proper relief or end the entry. Do not leave entrants without effective attendant coverage.
Agree when the crew will pause
- Exit for a prohibited condition, alarm, concerning symptoms, loss of communication or ventilation, or an outside condition that threatens the entrant.
- Stop entry if the attendant cannot perform the role or rescue becomes unavailable; reassess and follow the permit process before any reentry.
- A request to weld, use solvent, enter a pipe or defeat an isolation changes the job and requires fresh evaluation. Do not add it informally.
After a pause, correct the condition, reassess the work, and obtain required authorization before restarting. Keep unresolved actions visible.
Download the worked example and free template
No account or paid membership required. The worked example contains planned controls. The blank template is for your own work; neither includes fabricated inspection results, signatures or approval.
Your editable working copy
Build and download your draft
Start blank or load the learning example. Replace its assumptions with your actual conditions and involve the people doing the work. Your entries stay in this browser tab; download a copy before leaving or refreshing.
1. Describe your work and site
2. Work through each task
Describe an observable step, how someone could be harmed, and the control that acts on that hazard. Identify who checks it and what evidence is needed.
3. Record changes, checks, and open actions
Walk the work area, review with the crew, and resolve missing controls. Follow the required approval process. This tool does not judge completeness, verify signatures or authorize work.
Open the downloaded file in a browser, then use Print → Save as PDF for a printable copy.
Common questions
Is this confined-space JSA an entry permit?
No. It supports task planning. A permit-space entry also needs the applicable program, trained roles, controls, rescue provisions and actual entry authorization.
Does good air monitoring make the space non-permit?
No. Consider engulfment, mechanical, electrical, configuration and other serious hazards as well as the potential atmosphere. Alternate procedures and reclassification have specific conditions that this example does not establish.
Can a half-mask cartridge respirator solve oxygen deficiency?
No. Air-purifying respirators do not supply oxygen. This example excludes entry into a hazardous atmosphere; respiratory protection must follow a properly evaluated program and the applicable requirements.
Are these resources part of a paid course?
This walkthrough, browser draft builder and downloads are free public resources, separate from Academy course enrollment.
References and source note
- OSHA 1926.1203 — Construction confined-space evaluation and coordination
- OSHA 1926.1204 — Permit-required confined space program
- OSHA 1926.1205 — Permitting process
- OSHA 1926.1209 — Attendant duties
- OSHA 1926.1211 — Rescue and emergency services
- OSHA 1910.146 — General-industry scope, distinct from construction
- OSHA 1910.134 — Respiratory protection
- OSHA 1926.103 — Construction respiratory-protection standard incorporates 1910.134
This original walkthrough was informed by review of uploaded examples, then rewritten for the stated fictional scenario using current primary references. It does not reproduce a source document or its approval record. Use actual equipment instructions and site requirements alongside these references. Reference review: October 6, 2026.