Confined Space Entry in Construction
65 flashcards covering Confined Space Entry in Construction for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 Construction section.
Confined space entry in construction deals with the identification, assessment, and safe procedures for entering enclosed or restricted areas, such as tanks, vaults, or excavations, where hazards like poor ventilation, toxic atmospheres, or engulfment can occur. This is defined by OSHA under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, which mandates permit-required confined spaces and requires employers to implement training, atmospheric testing, and emergency plans to protect workers.
On OSHA 10/30 practice exams, this topic typically features multiple-choice questions on scenarios involving hazard recognition, entry permits, and rescue procedures, often with diagrams or descriptions of worksites. A common trap is overlooking the need for continuous monitoring of air quality, leading trainees to miss questions about dynamic hazards that change over time.
Remember to always verify that all team members are trained and that a dedicated attendant is posted outside the space.
Terms (65)
- 01
What is a confined space according to OSHA?
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)).
- 02
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what defines a permit-required confined space?
A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, contains a material that has the potential for engulfing the entrant, has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated, or contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard (29 CFR 1910.146(b)).
- 03
How often must atmospheric testing be conducted in a permit-required confined space?
Before entry into the space and as necessary thereafter to ensure acceptable entry conditions are maintained during occupancy (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 04
What is required before an employee enters a permit-required confined space?
The employer must ensure that acceptable entry conditions are met, including testing and monitoring the atmosphere, isolating the space, and providing necessary equipment (29 CFR 1910.146(d)).
- 05
In a scenario where a confined space has a hazardous atmosphere, what must the employer do?
Ensure that the space is ventilated or that entrants use appropriate respiratory protection and that the atmosphere is monitored continuously (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 06
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, who is responsible for terminating entry operations?
The entry supervisor, who must terminate the entry and cancel the permit when the entry operations covered by the permit have been completed (29 CFR 1910.146(h)(1)).
- 07
What training must employees receive for permit-required confined space entry?
Training so that employees acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of their duties, and it must be provided at initial assignment and whenever there's a change in assigned duties (29 CFR 1910.146(g)).
- 08
What is the role of the attendant in confined space entry?
To monitor the authorized entrants, remain outside the permit space during entry operations, and summon rescue and other emergency services as necessary (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5) and (i)).
- 09
How must hazards be controlled in a permit-required confined space?
By eliminating or isolating the hazards through methods such as purging, inerting, flushing, or ventilating the space, and by locking out or tagging out energy sources (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)).
- 10
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what information must be on the entry permit?
The permit must include the location of the space, the purpose of the entry, the date and authorized duration, the authorized entrants, the attendant, the entry supervisor, hazards of the space, measures to isolate the space, acceptable entry conditions, results of initial and periodic tests, rescue and emergency services, and communication procedures (29 CFR 1910.146(e)).
- 11
What procedure must be followed if an entrant detects a prohibited condition in a confined space?
The entrant must exit the space as quickly as possible and the attendant must be notified immediately (29 CFR 1910.146(h)(3) and (i)(5)).
- 12
What rescue requirements apply to permit-required confined spaces?
Employers must ensure that either on-site rescue personnel or an off-site rescue service is available and that entrants practice emergency procedures annually (29 CFR 1910.146(k)).
- 13
When must a confined space be reclassified as non-permit required?
If the employer can demonstrate that the hazards have been eliminated and that entry can be made safely without a permit (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)).
- 14
What personal protective equipment is required for confined space entry?
Equipment necessary to protect employees from hazards, such as respiratory protection, harnesses, and retrieval lines, as specified in the permit program (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 15
In a scenario where multiple entrants are in a confined space, what must the attendant do?
Monitor all entrants simultaneously and ensure that the attendant can perform all duties without distraction (29 CFR 1910.146(i)).
- 16
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what must be done with the entry permit after operations?
The entry permit must be retained for at least 1 year to facilitate review of the confined space program (29 CFR 1910.146(e)(6)).
- 17
What is the acceptable oxygen level for entry into a permit-required confined space?
Between 19.5 percent and 23.5 percent by volume (29 CFR 1910.146(b) and Appendix A).
- 18
What steps must be taken to isolate a permit-required confined space?
Lock out or tag out equipment, blank or blind piping, or otherwise isolate the space to prevent the introduction of hazards (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)).
- 19
If a worker in a confined space experiences signs of exposure, what should happen?
The entrant must immediately exit the space and the incident must be investigated to prevent future occurrences (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(6)).
- 20
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, who authorizes entry into a permit-required confined space?
The entry supervisor, who must verify that all required measures have been taken and sign the entry permit (29 CFR 1910.146(h)).
- 21
What communication methods are required between entrants and attendants?
A system that allows effective communication, such as voice, signals, or electronic devices, to monitor entrant status (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(3)).
- 22
How must employers inform contractors about permit spaces?
Provide information about the location of permit spaces, hazards, and precautions to contractors before they begin work (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(8)).
- 23
What evaluation must be performed before classifying a space as confined?
The employer must evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(1)).
- 24
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what records must be kept for confined space training?
Certification of training, including the employee's name, signatures or initials of trainers, and dates of training (29 CFR 1910.146(g)(4)).
- 25
What is the primary duty of authorized entrants in a confined space?
To use the equipment properly, communicate with the attendant, alert the attendant of any warning signs or symptoms of exposure, and exit the space when required (29 CFR 1910.146(h)).
- 26
How often must confined space entry procedures be reviewed?
After each incident involving the program and annually to ensure effectiveness (29 CFR 1910.146(k)(2)).
- 27
What must be done if entry conditions in a confined space change?
The entry supervisor must reevaluate the space and take appropriate actions, such as terminating the entry (29 CFR 1910.146(h)(4)).
- 28
In a rescue scenario for a confined space, what equipment is required?
Retrieval systems like tripods, harnesses, and winches for non-IDLH atmospheres, or appropriate respiratory protection for entry rescue (29 CFR 1910.146(k)(3)).
- 29
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what signage is required for permit spaces?
Post danger signs at the entrance to inform that the space is a permit-required confined space and that entry requires a permit (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2)).
- 30
What atmospheric hazards must be tested for in a confined space?
Oxygen content, flammability, and toxic substances, in that order (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(ii)).
- 31
What actions must an attendant take if an unauthorized person approaches the confined space?
Warn the person that entry is prohibited and exclude them from the permit space (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(7)).
- 32
How must ventilation be performed in a permit-required confined space?
To ensure that the atmosphere is maintained within acceptable limits, with continuous monitoring as needed (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 33
In a scenario where a confined space entry is canceled, what follows?
The permit must be canceled, and any necessary corrective actions taken before re-entry is attempted (29 CFR 1910.146(e)(5)).
- 34
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what coordination is needed for multi-employer worksites?
The host employer must inform contractors of the hazards and entry procedures, and contractors must inform the host of any hazards they introduce (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(9)).
- 35
What equipment must be provided for entrants in a permit space?
Testing and monitoring equipment, ventilation equipment, communication equipment, personal protective equipment, lighting, barriers, and rescue equipment (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 36
What is required if a confined space cannot be made safe for entry?
The employer must reevaluate the space or prohibit entry until it can be made safe (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(1)).
- 37
In a situation where an entrant is injured in a confined space, what must occur?
Immediate rescue procedures must be initiated, and the incident must be reported and investigated (29 CFR 1910.146(k)).
- 38
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, how are alternate entry procedures used?
For spaces where the only hazard is atmospheric and can be controlled by forced air ventilation, provided the conditions are met (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)).
- 39
What verification is needed for the confined space program?
The employer must review the program annually and after any incident to ensure it is effective (29 CFR 1910.146(k)(1)).
- 40
What must attendants know about the hazards in a confined space?
The signs, symptoms, and consequences of exposure to the hazards, as part of their training (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(1)).
- 41
How must energy sources be controlled in a confined space?
By locking out or tagging out to prevent accidental startup (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3), cross-referenced with 29 CFR 1910.147).
- 42
In a scenario with a confined space containing flammable materials, what precautions are mandatory?
Test for flammable gases or vapors and ensure levels are below 10% of the lower explosive limit (29 CFR 1910.146(b) and Appendix A).
- 43
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what duties does the entry supervisor have?
To know the hazards, verify emergency procedures, remove unauthorized persons, determine if acceptable entry conditions are maintained, and terminate the entry (29 CFR 1910.146(h)).
- 44
What testing sequence is required for confined space atmospheres?
First for oxygen, then for combustible gases and vapors, and then for toxic substances (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(ii)).
- 45
What must be done if monitoring equipment fails during entry?
Entrants must immediately exit the space until the equipment is repaired or replaced (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(iii)).
- 46
In a multi-level confined space, what additional precautions are needed?
Ensure that hazards at each level are identified and controlled, with appropriate access and egress (29 CFR 1910.146(d)).
- 47
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, how is a confined space program developed?
By implementing measures such as specifying accepted entry conditions, providing equipment, evaluating the space, and developing rescue procedures (29 CFR 1910.146(c)).
- 48
What exit signals must entrants use in a confined space?
As specified in the entry permit, such as verbal signals or alarms to communicate with the attendant (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(3)).
- 49
How must employers ensure safe entry for contractors?
By coordinating with contractors to inform them of hazards and review their entry procedures (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(8)).
- 50
What is the consequence of not following confined space procedures?
Potential for citations or enforcement actions, as the standard requires compliance to prevent injuries (29 CFR 1910.146).
- 51
In a scenario where a confined space has poor visibility, what is required?
Provide adequate lighting to ensure safe entry and exit (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 52
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what annual requirements exist for rescue teams?
Rescue services must be evaluated annually, and entrants must practice simulated rescues (29 CFR 1910.146(k)(2)).
- 53
What barriers must be used around a confined space entrance?
To protect entrants from hazards outside the space, such as traffic or falls (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 54
What documentation is needed for a confined space incident?
Review of the entry permit and program to prevent recurrence (29 CFR 1910.146(k)(2)).
- 55
How must entrants be protected from external hazards during entry?
By using barriers and warning signs around the entrance (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 56
In a situation with a confined space and electrical hazards, what must be done?
De-energize and lock out electrical sources as per lockout/tagout procedures (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3), cross-referenced with 29 CFR 1910.147).
- 57
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what is the role of the program in preventing hazards?
To ensure that all permit space operations are performed safely by following specified procedures (29 CFR 1910.146(c)).
- 58
What must be verified before re-entry into a previously used confined space?
That the space has been reevaluated and meets acceptable entry conditions again (29 CFR 1910.146(d)).
- 59
How are toxic substances handled in confined spaces?
By ensuring concentrations are below the permissible exposure limits through ventilation or protection (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 60
In a rescue operation for a confined space, what priority is given?
Non-entry rescue first, using retrieval systems, before entry rescue (29 CFR 1910.146(k)(3)).
- 61
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what consultation is recommended for complex spaces?
Employers should consult with qualified persons to develop the permit program (29 CFR 1910.146(c)).
- 62
What must attendants document during confined space operations?
As required by the entry permit, such as monitoring results and entrant status (29 CFR 1910.146(e)).
- 63
How often must confined space entrants be accounted for?
Continuously by the attendant to ensure their safety (29 CFR 1910.146(i)).
- 64
In a scenario with a confined space and mechanical hazards, what is required?
Isolate the hazards by locking out equipment (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)).
- 65
What is the final step in confined space entry procedures?
Terminating the entry and canceling the permit once operations are complete (29 CFR 1910.146(h)(1)).