Many workplaces contain areas that are considered "confined spaces" because while they are not necessarily designed for people, they are large enough for workers to enter and perform certain jobs. A confined space also has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Confined spaces include, but are not limited to, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, manholes, tunnels, equipment housings, ductwork, and pipelines.

OSHA uses the term "permit-required confined space" (permit space) to describe a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; contains material that has the potential to engulf an entrant; has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; or contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress.

 

Training Topics:

• Be aware of the hazards of confined space entry
• Be able to safely and effectively communicate with entrants
• Understand how to observe and detect dangerous situations within and outside a permit-confined space
• Be able to order an evacuation and work with rescue services
• Know the emergency procedures for nonentry rescues

This training program focuses on the needs of the “end user”, and upon successful completion, will provide an updated operator's certificate and wallet card.