Permit-Required Confined Spaces — General Industry

This course explains the general-industry permit-space standard, 29 CFR 1910.146. It does not cover construction, agriculture or shipyard rules. Construction confined spaces have a separate standard and course. Other standards, including hazardous-energy control and respiratory protection, may also apply to the work.

A confined space has all three features: a person can bodily enter it to do work; entry or exit is limited or restricted; and it was not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Examples may include tanks, bins, pits and vaults. A space does not have to be tiny or fully enclosed. Evaluate the actual space rather than relying on its name.

A confined space becomes permit-required if it has at least one of these features: an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere; material that could engulf someone; a shape that could trap or suffocate someone; or another recognized serious safety or health hazard. A normal air reading does not rule out a moving agitator, engulfment or a trapping shape.

The employer must evaluate the workplace, inform exposed workers about permit spaces and their dangers, and take effective measures to prevent unauthorized entry. If employees will enter, a written permit-space program is required unless a specific alternative applies. If employees will not enter, the employer still must prevent entry and meet the applicable remaining duties.

Entry occurs as soon as any part of the body crosses the plane of the opening into the permit space. Leaning a head or arm inside is not a harmless exception. Do not cross the opening to inspect, retrieve a tool or help someone without the required controls and authorization. Passing this course is not an entry permit or employer authorization.