Confined space training is essential for workers who enter, work in, or supervise work in confined spaces. These spaces, defined by their limited entry and exit points, restricted airflow, and potential hazards, pose significant risks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific regulations under 29 CFR 1926 (construction) and 29 CFR 1910 (general industry) to ensure worker safety in these environments.
29 CFR 1926 (Construction Industry)
- 29 CFR 1926.1200 – 1926.1213: These standards outline the requirements for confined spaces in the construction industry, focusing on identifying, evaluating, and controlling confined space hazards.
- Permit-Required Confined Spaces: Defines spaces that require a permit for entry due to hazardous conditions such as toxic atmospheres, engulfment hazards, or other serious safety or health hazards.
29 CFR 1910 (General Industry)
- 29 CFR 1910.146: This regulation details the requirements for permit-required confined spaces in general industry, including the identification, evaluation, and control of hazards.
- Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS): Defines confined spaces that have one or more of the following characteristics:
- Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.
- Contains a material that has the potential to engulf an entrant.
- Has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated.
- Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
Training Requirements:
Key Components of Confined Space Training
Hazard Recognition
Entry Procedures
Protective Measures
Emergency Procedures
Monitoring and Testing
Communication
Permit System
Requirements
- none
Target audiences
- Entrants: Workers who enter confined spaces. Attendants: Individuals who monitor the entrants from outside the confined space. Supervisors: Personnel responsible for overseeing confined space operations and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Rescue Personnel: Individuals trained in confined space rescue procedures and equipment.