Confined Space Guide For General Industry
Confined SpaceGuide for GeneralIndustryUpdated May 2019Department of Industrial RelationsDivision of Occupational Safety and Health
TABLE OF CONTENTSRegulatory Requirements . 1Introduction . 2Fatal Facts . 4Rescue . 5Emergency . 6Self-Rescue, Non-Entry, and Entry Rescue . 7Rescue Training and Plan . 8On-Site Rescue Team vs. Off-Site Rescue Team. 9Rescue Equipment . 11Definitions and Basics . 13General Terminology . 14Confined Space; Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH); PermissibleExposure Limits (PEL); EntryPermit Evaluation . 17Permit-Required vs. Non-Permit Confined Space; Space Reclassification;Alternate Procedures; Permit-Required Confined Space Program (Hot Work andHost Employer-Contractor)Confined Space Hazards . 24Atmospheric Hazards . 25Oxygen Deficiency/Enrichment; Combustible/Flammable/Explosive Gases andVapors; Combustible Dust; Toxics; Safety Data Sheets (SDS); Monitoring-AirSampling and EquipmentPhysical Hazards . 33Mechanical; Entrapment; Engulfment; Other Types of HazardsHazard Controls . 35Controls for Atmospheric Hazards . 36Ventilation; Respiratory Protection; Other Control MeasuresControls for Physical Hazards . 38Isolation (Mechanical, Electrical, Pressurized Lines, Ducts, or Pipes); OtherControl MeasuresPersonal Protective Equipment and Tools . 40Communication System . 41
Table of ContentsTraining and Education . 42Entry Team . 44Supervisor; Entrant; AttendantFrequently Asked Questions . 47Attachments . 52A – Hot Work Permit Sample . 52B – Atmospheric Monitoring Equipment and General Testing Protocol . 53C – Confined Space Entry Permit Sample . 56D – Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Information. 57E – Setting Up a Permit-Required Confined Space Program . 59F – Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS) Decision Flow Chart . 61References and Resources. 62
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTSUNDER the California Labor Code and the CaliforniaOccupational Safety and Health Act of 1973, all employers in California have the legal obligation to provide andmaintain a safe and healthful workplace for employees. Thegeneral requirements for employers to provide an effectiveInjury and Illness Prevention Program are in Title 8 of theCalifornia Code of Regulations (T8 CCR), Section 3203.The specific confined space regulatory requirements forGeneral Industry are in T8 CCR, Article 108, Sections5156 through 5158. Because confined space work mayinvolve many different hazards, other regulatoryrequirements may also apply.Section 5156Section 5157To obtain a free copy of the Injury and IllnessPrevention Program or the confined spacestandard, or for more information on theserequirements, please call the nearest CalOSHA Consultation Service Office listed onthe last page of this publication. Employersneeding on-site consultation may also call theCal-OSHA Consultation Service Office forfree professional assistance. Cal/OSHAconsultants advise employers of any changesneeded to eliminate potential and existinghazards. Consultants do not participate inenforcement activities. When hazards areidentified during an on-site consultation visit,consultants do not issue citations or penalties.Identifies operations and industries thatare regulated under Sections 5157 and5158.Applies to industries not covered inSection 5158. It contains requirementsfor practices and procedures to protectemployees from the hazards of entryinto permit-required confined spaces.Section 5158Applies specifically to *construction,agriculture (3437), marineterminals(3460), grainhandling (5178),telecommunication(8616), and natural gasNote:utility operations. Shipyard operations are regulated by Section 8355. See Sections 2700, 2943(b) and 2943.1 for issuesconcerning electrical utility operations withinunderground vaults, manholes and enclosed spaces.*In 2015, Cal/OSHA adopted theOSHA Construction Confined SpaceStandard into Article 37 of theConstruction Safety Orders forconstruction work as defined in Section1502. Certain elements of Section 5158contain language that is more protectivethan Article 37 and must be addressedby construction employers, along withArticle 37 requirements. Reference theConstruction Confined Space eTool foradditional guidance1
INTRODUCTIONTConfined Space Guide for General Industry has been developedto explain the hazards of confined space work and to assist employers in establishing and maintaining an effective confinedspace program. By implementing such a program, both employers and employees will be able to:HIS Recognize, evaluate, and control confined space hazards. Save lives and protect employees from job-relatedinjuries and illnesses. Promote safe and effective work practices. Reduce preventable workers’ compensation losses. Comply with the law.The Confined Space Guide for General Industry containsinformation, definitions, and requirements for entry into permitrequired confined spaces (Section 5157). To call the attention ofemployers whose operations and industries are regulated underSection 5158, the confined space definition and requirementsare distinctively high-lighted. The Confined Space Guide forConstruction eTool should also be referenced when working atconstruction worksites. To clarify and facilitate theunderstanding of confined space issues, the guide presents theinformation in the format of questions and answers andincludes a list of the most frequently asked questions.For easy reference, the guide is separated into six distinct mainsections: Rescue, which addresses questions about various types ofrescue operations, rescue training, and equipment, along withthe importance of well-planned rescue activities. Definitions and Basics, which contains essential definitionsof terms such as confined space, immediately dangerous tolife and health (IDLH), and the permissible exposure limit(PEL). This section also addresses entry issues and issuesrelating to permit evaluation (including permit-requiredconfined space reclassification, alternate procedures, and hotwork permits).2
Introduction Confined Space Hazards, which addresses specific atmospheric and physical problems that can be encountered whenworking in confined spaces as well as questions relating toSafety Data Sheets (SDS) and atmospheric testing. Hazard Controls, which addresses means of preventingaccidents and controlling other problems by eliminating orcontrolling confined space hazards. Training and Education, which addresses the importance ofgaining new understanding of critical confined space issuesand acquiring practical skills for successful confined spacework. This section applies to the supervisor, the entrant, andthe attendant. Frequently Asked Questions, which contains a variety ofother questions about miscellaneous confined space issues.At the back of this guide, there are six attachments intended tofurther assist employers who are starting to learn about confinedspaces or for those who wish to improve an existing program.Attachments A through D provide samples of hot work andpermit-required confined space entry forms, SDS, atmosphericmonitoring equipment information, and general testing protocols.Attachment E, “Setting Up a Permit- Required Confined SpaceProgram,” contains easy, step-by-step instructions for requiredand suggested actions in the implementation of a confined spaceprogram that meets regulatory requirements. Attachment F,“Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS) Decision FlowChart,” helps employers to determine the required entryprocedure as defined by the confined space standard.This guide does not list every conceivable confined space hazard.It is not intended as a legal interpretation of federal or statestandards and should not be used as a substitute for training.Note:For employers under federal OSHA jurisdiction see Title 29Code of Federal Regulations section 1910.146 and theaccompanying guidance for that federal standard on theOSHA dex.html3
FATAL FACTSCase: Oxygen deficiencyand toxic vaporsWorker dies of asphyxia in toxicvapor-filled gasoline delivery manholeIn El Monte, California, the body of a worker was found in agasoline delivery manhole measuring 36 inches in diameterby six feet deep. This was a permit-required confined space.The victim had been working in the manhole without anyprotection and asphyxiated after inhaling gasoline vapors.After an investigation, the employer was cited for failingto conduct or provide (1) a written permit-requiredconfined space program; (2) a hazard evaluation; (3)adequate training; and (4) protective equipment or clothing.Case: AsphyxiationIll-prepared worker suffocatesin sawdust siloA maintenance worker for a furniture manufacturing company diedafter falling headfirst into a sawdust silo. The silo was 17 feet indiameter, 36 feet high, and had a 24-inch diameter manhole. The victim was responsible for operating the silo. Hewould normally climb a staircase attached to the side ofthe silo, remove the manhole cover and rake the sawdustaway from the inlet duct with a 10-foot-long aluminumhandled rake. Evidence indicates that the victim slippedand fell seven feet into the sawdust, submerging historso in the material. He died of suffocation in an upsidedown position.The victim’s employer had failed to develop or implement a confined space safety work program for employees who worked in ornear confined spaces containing unstable material. Appropriate fallprotection equipment was not provided to workers.4
RESCUETWO-THIRDS ofall confined space fatalities occur amongwould-be rescuers. For this reason, the rescue sectionhas intentionally been placed near the beginning of thisguide. To prevent deaths, it is critical to use good confinedspace entry practices so that there is no need for rescue operations. Remember, even a well-planned rescue can end up as abody retrieval.Case: Oxygen deficiencyand cyanide gasWorkers killed by cyanide gas; employercharged with negligenceIn Oakland, California, an employee from an electroplating company was overcome by cyanide gas while cleaning the interior of a wastewater treatment tankcontaining toxic acids and cyanide sludge. When a second employee entered thetank to rescue the co-worker, he was overcome by the cyanide gas and died.Several other employees were hospitalized as a result of their involvement in therescue and cleanup operations.Criminal charges were filed through the District Attorney’s Office and a 741,000fine was assessed. The employer was cited for a number of safety violations,including failing to (1) prevent unauthorized entry into a confined space; (2)develop and implement a confined space program; (3) specify acceptable entryconditions; (4) label tanks to indicate their contents; and (5) test for oxygendeficiency.5
Rescue1. Why have confined spaces Confined spaces are deceiving. A confined space often appearskilled so many people? to be harmless; no danger signs are apparent and the space mayhave been entered on prior occasions without incident. However,a worker cannot assume that conditions have not changed andthat the space is safe for entry each time.2. What is an emergency? An emergency is any occurrence inside or outside the space,including failure of hazard control or monitoring equipment, thatmay endanger authorized confined space entrants.3. Why do so many fatalities Fatalities can occur when the rescuers:result from emergencyrescues? Do not know the hazards involved. Do not have a plan of action. Lack confined space rescue training.4. Is it important to informconfined space workersand rescuers of thefour-minutelimitation?Absolutely. It is important to know that theperiod of time for successful rescue is verylimited. Otherwise, a rescue attempt willbecome body retrieval. After only fourminutes without oxygen, it is very likelythat a worker will experience asphyxiation,which may result in brain damage or death.5. What can be done to prevent Precautions must include:confined space rescuers from Planning.having fatal accidents? Designation of rescue team members and respective duties. Training of personnel in order to give them the understanding,knowledge, and skills necessary for safe rescue from confinedspaces.6. What shall confined space At a minimum, training must include:rescue training Recognition of permit space hazards.encompass? Control of permit space hazards. Use of atmospheric monitoring equipment. Use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE). Use and maintenance of rescue equipment. Annual practice of permit space rescues. Proficiency in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR). Documentation of training.6
Rescuening considerations:Important rescue SODQ Ensure that the rescuer does not travel a greater distancethan allowed by the air supply, self-contained breathingapparatus (SCBA), and escape cylinders. Analyze distance, space configurations, physical obstacles, and totaltime needed to enter the space, perform rescue operations, and leave the space. Leave the space immediately whenever a problem ariseswith respiratory protection equipment or whenever theattendant orders evacuation.Confined spacerescue training7. What does one need to assume Everyone involved in a rescue should assume that the space isin any rescue operation? deadly and that entry rescue may be required in the worst case!8. Who can be a rescuer? Rescues can be performed by another employee or a professionalrescuer so long as at least one rescuer is immediately availableonsite and all rescuers are fully trained, familiar with the spaceand qualified to act as a rescuer. Qualifications includeknowledge of and experience working with all hazardsassociated with rescue and confined space entry operations.9. What are the different types Depending on the severity of the emergency, different rescueof rescue operations? methods can be employed. Self-rescue is the first approach toconsider if the entrant is capable of performing a self-rescuewith communication and possible assistance of the standbyperson.7
RescueAttentionEmployers need to assess allhazards associated with eachconfined space entry and thendetermine ahead of time thetypes of rescue operations thatare most appropriate to coverall foreseeable emergenciesthat may arise during eachconfined space entry. Wellthought out self rescue andrescue plans increase thelikelihood for a successfuloutcome in the event of anemergency.Because of the speed at which confined space hazards canincapacitate and kill, self-rescue is the preferred plan. The selfrescue plan provides entrants with the best chance of escaping apermit space when hazards are present. Whenever authorizedentrants recognize their own symptoms of exposure to a dangerous atmosphere, or when a prohibited condition is detected,entrants are still able to escape from the space unaided and asquickly as possible.Non-entry rescue is the next-best approach when self-rescue isnot possible because non-entry rescue can be started right awayand prevents additional personnel from being exposed to unidentified and/or uncontrolled confined space hazards. Usually,equipment and other rescue aids are employed to assist inremoving endangered entrants. In situations where configurationof the space or other elements prevent the removal of theworker, entry rescue may be the only solution.Entry rescue involves rescuers entering the space to retrieve theentrant and/or provide the victim with emergency assistancesuch as CPR, first aid, and air via SCBA or a supplied air respirator (SAR), if needed. An entry rescue plan needs to be developed ahead of time in the event of an emergency for which thenon-entry rescue plan is not appropriate.10. Why is self-rescue Self-rescue is vital because the entrant is:so important? Conscious and alert. Able to recognize his or her own signs and symptoms. Still physically able to evacuate space more rapidly thanwaiting for someone else to rescue him or her. Able to alert fellow workers of impending dangers. Not endangering anyone else.11. What information needs to Rescuers will need to know:be immediately available Number of victims and location of emergency.to rescuers? Length of time victims have been exposed to hazard. Suspected cause of accident. All information on entry permit, including:- Atmospheric testing results.- Isolation procedures.- SDS information.8
Rescue12. What elements should be A thorough rescue plan includes:contained in a rescue plan? A barricade area for crowd control. Additional ventilation options. Control of other hazards (cave-ins, traffic, etc.). Protective clothing and equipment.
understanding of confined space issues, the guide presents the . space entry practices so that there is no need for rescue opera-tions. Remember, even a well-planned rescue can end up as a . Lack confined space rescue training. 4. Is it important to inform confined space workers and rescuers of the four-minute
5.2 Eliminating the need to enter a confined space 9 5.3 Fit for work 9 5.4 Identification of a confined space 9 5.5 Confined space entry process 11 5.6 Confined space entry risk assessment 12 5.7 Preparing a confined space for entry 13 5.8 Establishing access points 16 5.9 Confirming a confined space entry team 17
B. Permit-Required Confined Space Program Departments will identify and classify every confined space as either a Permit-Required Confined Space or, when the confined space does not present a real potential hazard, a Non-Permit Confined Space. When Permit-Required Confined Spaces are identified, department heads and supervisors will also be
4.0 PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES . 4.1. Classifications of Confined Spaces . Departments will identify and classify every confined space as a: 1. Permit-required confined space; or . 2. Non-permit confined space: when a confined space does not present a safety hazard or potential/ real atmospheric hazard. 4.2. Program Elements for Permit .
Every confined space is unique, and every confined space will have its own hazards Workers must be trained to enter a confined space. This is an awareness course and does not replace confined space training. Confined space means an enc
Include confined space requirements in contracts and inform contractors of confined space hazards associated with confined space work. 4.3. Entry Supervisor 4.3.1. Obtain a Confined Space Assessment / Permit form (Appendix A) to assess the confined space location. 4.3.2. Complete all sections of the Confined Space Assessment / Permit Form .
b. When is expected to perform work in a UO Confined Space, the Contractor will also follow all required applicable OR-OSHA Confined Space codes. c. Having their own Confined Space Program and enter UO Confined Spaces under their own Permit system. d. Upon request Contractors will be required to provide a copy of their Confined Space Program to .
CONFINED SPACES REQUIREMENTS 1. Confined Space Identification a . The brewery must inventory and evaluate the hazards of each confined space in the workplace. This can be accomplished by listing each confined space, where it is located, how often the space may be entered and the classification of the confined space. b .
required confined space. 3.6.2. Authorizing entry and issuing the permit when required. 3.6.3. Overseeing confined space entry operations. 3.6.4. Terminating a confined space entry as required by this procedure. 3.7. Confined Space: A space that meets all of the followingcriteria: 3.7.1. Is large enough and so configured that an employee can .
