OSHA · Confined Spaces59 flashcards

Permit Required vs Non Permit Required Confined Space

59 flashcards covering Permit Required vs Non Permit Required Confined Space for the OSHA Confined Spaces section.

Confined spaces are areas not designed for continuous occupancy, such as tanks or vaults, and the topic distinguishes between permit-required spaces—those with hazards like toxic atmospheres or engulfment risks that demand a written permit for safe entry—and non-permit required spaces that lack such dangers. OSHA defines these in 29 CFR 1910.146 for general industry and in construction standards like 1926 Subpart P, emphasizing proper identification to prevent accidents.

On OSHA Outreach Training exams, this topic often appears in multiple-choice questions that present workplace scenarios, asking you to classify a space or determine permit needs based on hazards. Common traps include overlooking subtle risks, like poor ventilation leading to oxygen deficiency, which can result in incorrect classifications and failed responses.

Always double-check for evolving hazards, as conditions in a non-permit space can change rapidly and require immediate action.

Terms (59)

  1. 01

    What is a confined space according to OSHA standards?

    A space that is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  2. 02

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what makes a confined space permit-required?

    The presence of a hazardous atmosphere, a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant, an inwardly converging configuration that could trap an entrant, or any other recognized serious safety or health hazard. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  3. 03

    How is a non-permit confined space different from a permit-required one?

    A non-permit confined space is a confined space that does not contain or have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  4. 04

    What must be done before entering a permit-required confined space?

    Obtain a written entry permit, test atmospheric conditions, provide an attendant outside the space, and ensure all hazards are controlled. (29 CFR 1910.146(d))

  5. 05

    In a scenario where a space has poor ventilation and potential toxic gases, is it permit-required?

    Yes, if it contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  6. 06

    What is required for reclassification of a permit space to non-permit?

    The space must be made safe for entry by eliminating all hazards through engineering controls or other means, and this must be documented. (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(7))

  7. 07

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, who must authorize entry into a permit-required confined space?

    Entry must be authorized by the entry supervisor, who signs the permit after verifying that all required measures have been taken. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(7))

  8. 08

    What training is needed for workers entering permit-required confined spaces?

    Training so that employees acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for safe performance of their duties, including recognizing hazards. (29 CFR 1910.146(g))

  9. 09

    If a confined space has no hazards after evaluation, what classification does it receive?

    It may be classified as a non-permit confined space if no actual or potential hazards exist. (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5))

  10. 10

    What is the role of the attendant in permit-required confined space entry?

    The attendant must monitor the entrants, maintain communication, and summon rescue services if needed. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5))

  11. 11

    Under OSHA rules, when must atmospheric testing occur in a permit space?

    Prior to entry and as necessary during entry to ensure safe conditions. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5))

  12. 12

    In a situation with a tank that could contain residue, how should it be classified?

    As permit-required if the residue has the potential to engulf or create a hazardous atmosphere. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  13. 13

    What documentation is needed for entry into a permit-required confined space?

    A written permit that includes the location, hazards, isolation measures, and names of entrants and attendants. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3))

  14. 14

    How often must permit space programs be reviewed?

    After every incident involving the program and as necessary to ensure effectiveness, but at least annually if entries occur. (29 CFR 1910.146(k))

  15. 15

    What steps are required if a hazard arises during entry into a permit space?

    Entrants must exit immediately, and the attendant must initiate rescue procedures if necessary. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9))

  16. 16

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what hazards must be identified in a confined space?

    All actual and potential hazards, including atmospheric, engulfment, and configuration hazards. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(1))

  17. 17

    For a space with limited entry and exit but no hazards, what type is it?

    A non-permit confined space, as long as no recognized hazards are present. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  18. 18

    What is the first action when planning entry into a permit-required space?

    Evaluate the space to identify all hazards and determine if it's permit-required. (29 CFR 1910.146(c))

  19. 19

    In a scenario where workers enter a vault with electrical risks, is it permit-required?

    Yes, if the electrical risks constitute a recognized serious safety hazard. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  20. 20

    What must employers do to control hazards in permit-required confined spaces?

    Implement measures such as isolation, ventilation, and atmospheric monitoring to eliminate or control hazards. (29 CFR 1910.146(d))

  21. 21

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, who can serve as an entry supervisor?

    A person with the training and authority to monitor and control safe entry operations. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  22. 22

    What communication is required between entrants and attendants in a permit space?

    Continuous communication to monitor the status of entrants and ensure prompt response to emergencies. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5))

  23. 23

    If a confined space is alternately safe and hazardous, how is it classified?

    As permit-required due to the potential for hazards. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  24. 24

    What rescue provisions are needed for permit-required confined spaces?

    Employers must provide for prompt rescue by employees or an outside service, including equipment like retrieval systems. (29 CFR 1910.146(k))

  25. 25

    Under OSHA standards, when can a permit space be entered without a full permit?

    If it has been reclassified as a non-permit space by eliminating all hazards. (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(7))

  26. 26

    In a case of mechanical hazards in a confined space, what classification applies?

    Permit-required, as it constitutes a recognized serious safety hazard. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  27. 27

    What must be included in the written permit for confined space entry?

    The permit must list the space to be entered, purpose of entry, date and duration, hazards, measures to isolate hazards, and acceptable entry conditions. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3))

  28. 28

    How should employers inform employees about permit spaces?

    By posting danger signs or other effective means to inform employees of the existence, location, and dangers of permit spaces. (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2))

  29. 29

    What is required if multiple employers are involved in a permit space?

    Coordination to ensure that all employers comply with the permit space program. (29 CFR 1910.146(h))

  30. 30

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what testing sequence is recommended for atmospheres?

    Test for oxygen, then flammable gases and vapors, and then potential toxic contaminants. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5))

  31. 31

    In a scenario with a pit that has engulfment risks, is entry permit-required?

    Yes, due to the potential for engulfment. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  32. 32

    What certification is needed for safe entry after hazard elimination?

    A certification that includes the date, location, and signature of the person making the space safe. (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(7))

  33. 33

    What duties do entrants have in a permit-required confined space?

    Use equipment properly, communicate with the attendant, alert the attendant of hazards, and exit when required. (29 CFR 1910.146(h))

  34. 34

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, how long must entry permits be retained?

    For at least one year to facilitate review of the confined space program. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(14))

  35. 35

    If a space has been de-energized, is it automatically non-permit?

    No, unless all hazards are eliminated; energy sources could still pose risks. (29 CFR 1910.146(d))

  36. 36

    What is the procedure for canceling a permit after entry?

    The entry supervisor must terminate the permit when entry operations are completed or a condition is not met. (29 CFR 1910.146(e))

  37. 37

    In a multi-employer worksite, who is responsible for the permit space program?

    The host employer, with coordination from contractors. (29 CFR 1910.146(h))

  38. 38

    What equipment is required for permit space entries?

    Testing and monitoring equipment, ventilation equipment, communications equipment, personal protective equipment, and rescue equipment. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5))

  39. 39

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, when must entrants exit a permit space?

    Immediately if an order to evacuate is given, a prohibited condition arises, or an evacuation signal is activated. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9))

  40. 40

    For a space with only physical hazards like heat, is it permit-required?

    Yes, if the heat constitutes a recognized serious safety or health hazard. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  41. 41

    What annual requirement exists for confined space programs?

    Review the program as necessary, including after incidents, and certify that the review has been done. (29 CFR 1910.146(k))

  42. 42

    In a scenario involving a sewer with toxic gases, what entry procedure applies?

    Full permit-required procedures, including atmospheric testing and attendant presence. (29 CFR 1910.146(d))

  43. 43

    What must be done to isolate a permit space from hazards?

    Use lockout/tagout, blanking, or other methods to prevent hazards from entering the space. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(4))

  44. 44

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, who evaluates a confined space?

    The employer must evaluate the space to determine if it is permit-required. (29 CFR 1910.146(c))

  45. 45

    What is the key difference in hazards between permit and non-permit spaces?

    Permit spaces have hazards that could cause death or serious injury, while non-permit spaces do not. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  46. 46

    How should changes in conditions affect a permit space entry?

    The permit must be reevaluated, and entry may need to be terminated if conditions change. (29 CFR 1910.146(e))

  47. 47

    In a case of potential oxygen deficiency, what classification applies?

    Permit-required, as it involves a hazardous atmosphere. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  48. 48

    What training must attendants receive?

    Training on their responsibilities, hazards, and emergency procedures. (29 CFR 1910.146(g))

  49. 49

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what forms the basis of a permit space program?

    The identification of permit spaces, evaluation of hazards, and development of entry procedures. (29 CFR 1910.146(c))

  50. 50

    What action is needed if a non-permit space develops a hazard?

    Reevaluate and treat it as permit-required until the hazard is controlled. (29 CFR 1910.146(c))

  51. 51

    For entries involving contractors, what coordination is required?

    The host employer must inform contractors of hazards and entry procedures. (29 CFR 1910.146(h))

  52. 52

    What is required for safe ventilation in a permit space?

    Ventilation must be used to maintain acceptable entry conditions and must be continuous if necessary. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5))

  53. 53

    In a scenario with a bin that could collapse, is entry permit-required?

    Yes, due to the potential for structural hazards. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))

  54. 54

    What must be on the entry permit regarding acceptable conditions?

    The permit must specify the acceptable atmospheric and other conditions for entry. (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3))

  55. 55

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, how are hazards communicated to entrants?

    Through the entry permit, training, and ongoing communication with the attendant. (29 CFR 1910.146(d))

  56. 56

    What procedure follows an incident in a permit space?

    Review the incident as part of the program evaluation. (29 CFR 1910.146(k))

  57. 57

    If a space has been safely entered before, is it non-permit?

    Not necessarily; it must be evaluated each time for potential hazards. (29 CFR 1910.146(c))

  58. 58

    What rescue training is required for designated rescuers?

    Training in permit space hazards and proper rescue techniques. (29 CFR 1910.146(k))

  59. 59

    Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what defines an acceptable entry condition?

    Conditions that meet the criteria and measures specified in the permit. (29 CFR 1910.146(b))