Permit Required Confined Spaces in General Industry
65 flashcards covering Permit Required Confined Spaces in General Industry for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 General Industry section.
Permit-required confined spaces in general industry refer to enclosed or partially enclosed areas that are not designed for continuous worker occupancy and present hazards like toxic atmospheres, engulfment, or entrapment. These are defined by OSHA's standard 29 CFR 1910.146, which outlines requirements for identifying such spaces, obtaining permits, implementing safe entry procedures, and providing training to prevent injuries or fatalities.
On OSHA 10/30 General Industry certification exams, this topic appears in multiple-choice questions that test recognition of confined space hazards, permit elements, and roles like attendants or entrants. A common trap is confusing non-permit spaces with those requiring permits, leading to skipped safety steps. Always double-check that atmospheric testing is conducted and documented before any entry.
Terms (65)
- 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)).
- 02
What makes a confined space permit-required?
A confined space that has one or more of the following: a hazardous atmosphere; a material with 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)).
- 03
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what is the definition of an entry permit?
A written or printed document that authorizes entry into a permit-required confined space and includes details such as identified hazards, measures taken, and acceptable entry conditions (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)).
- 04
What are the duties of an entry supervisor?
To authorize entry, determine if acceptable entry conditions are present, terminate entry when necessary, and ensure that required equipment is used (29 CFR 1910.146(h)).
- 05
What is required for atmospheric testing in confined spaces?
Testing to ensure that the atmosphere is safe for entry, including testing for oxygen content, flammability, and toxicity, before entry and as necessary during entry (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 06
How often must the permit space program be reviewed?
At least annually or when a problem is identified, to ensure that employees are following the program and that it provides necessary protection (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(14)).
- 07
What is the role of the attendant in confined space entry?
To monitor the authorized entrants, remain outside the permit space, and summon rescue services if needed (29 CFR 1910.146(i)).
- 08
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what training is required for authorized entrants?
Training so that entrants can recognize hazards, use equipment, communicate with the attendant, and understand the consequences of exposure (29 CFR 1910.146(g)(1)).
- 09
What must be included on a confined space entry permit?
The permit must include the space to be entered, purpose of entry, date and duration, hazards, measures taken, acceptable entry conditions, results of initial tests, rescue and emergency services, and communication procedures (29 CFR 1910.146(f)).
- 10
What is a hazardous atmosphere in the context of confined spaces?
An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, injury, acute illness, or impairment of ability to escape unaided, such as one with deficient oxygen, flammable gas, or toxic substances (29 CFR 1910.146(b)).
- 11
What certification is needed for rescue services in confined spaces?
Rescue services must be equipped for confined space rescues and have personnel trained in rescue procedures, including the use of retrieval systems (29 CFR 1910.146(k)).
- 12
What is the purpose of isolating a permit space?
To eliminate or control hazards inside the space, such as by locking out equipment or blanking and blinding, before entry (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)).
- 13
How often must attendants monitor permit space conditions?
Continuously or as necessary to monitor entrants and ensure that acceptable entry conditions are maintained (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(3)).
- 14
What is the minimum number of attendants required for confined space entry?
At least one attendant must be present outside the permit space during entry operations (29 CFR 1910.146(i)).
- 15
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)).
- 16
What is the time limit for canceling an entry permit?
The permit must be terminated at the end of the entry operation or when a new condition arises, but specific durations are outlined in the permit (29 CFR 1910.146(f)).
- 17
Under what conditions must atmospheric monitoring be performed?
Before entry and during the entry as necessary to ensure that conditions remain acceptable, including before employees enter and as often as needed based on the space (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 18
How must hazards be identified in permit spaces?
By evaluating the space to determine if it contains hazards and by identifying them on the entry permit (29 CFR 1910.146(c)).
- 19
What is the required frequency for testing retrieval lines?
Equipment must be inspected before use, but specific testing frequencies are not detailed; rely on manufacturer's instructions (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(6)).
- 20
What is the maximum time allowed for rescue response?
Rescue services must respond in a timely manner, but exact times are not specified; they must be capable of effective rescue (29 CFR 1910.146(k)).
- 21
What is the first step when preparing for entry into a permit space?
Evaluate the space to determine if it is a permit-required confined space and identify the hazards present (29 CFR 1910.146(c)).
- 22
Before entering a permit space, what must the employer do?
Develop and implement a written permit space program, including specifying acceptable entry conditions and providing necessary equipment (29 CFR 1910.146(d)).
- 23
What is the procedure for summoning rescue services?
The attendant must immediately contact the rescue service and prevent unauthorized entry while keeping count of entrants (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(6)).
- 24
What steps must be taken if a hazard is detected during entry?
The operation must be terminated, entrants evacuated, and the permit revised before re-entry (29 CFR 1910.146(e)).
- 25
What must an employer do to control physical hazards in confined spaces?
Implement measures such as isolation, ventilation, or barriers to eliminate or control hazards before entry (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)).
- 26
What is the process for authorizing entry into a confined space?
The entry supervisor must sign the entry permit after verifying that all tests have been conducted and precautions taken (29 CFR 1910.146(h)).
- 27
What procedure must entrants follow if they experience symptoms of exposure?
Exit the space immediately using the provided means and alert the attendant (29 CFR 1910.146(j)(3)).
- 28
What is the first action if an entrant cannot be located by the attendant?
The attendant must initiate emergency procedures, including contacting rescue services (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(6)).
- 29
If a worker detects a change in atmospheric conditions, what should they do?
Immediately notify the attendant, exit the space if ordered, and wait for conditions to be evaluated (29 CFR 1910.146(j)(3)).
- 30
A worker in a confined space feels dizzy; what is the appropriate response?
The worker must exit the space as quickly as possible and inform the attendant of the symptoms (29 CFR 1910.146(j)(3)).
- 31
If an entrant reports hearing an alarm, what should the attendant do?
Order the entrants to evacuate the space and assess the situation before allowing re-entry (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(5)).
- 32
During confined space entry, an unexpected hazard arises; what action is required?
Terminate the entry, evacuate all entrants, and reevaluate the space before resuming (29 CFR 1910.146(e)).
- 33
A confined space has a history of toxic gas; how should workers respond if detected?
Evacuate immediately and ensure the space is ventilated or hazards are controlled before re-entry (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)).
- 34
If multiple entrants are inside and one signals distress, what must happen?
All entrants must exit the space as the attendant initiates rescue if necessary (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(6)).
- 35
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what is required when a confined space is identified?
The employer must inform exposed employees of the existence, location, and dangers of the permit spaces (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2)).
- 36
Under this standard, what must be done before entry into a permit space?
Obtain an entry permit, ensure acceptable entry conditions, and provide training to entrants (29 CFR 1910.146(d)).
- 37
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what equipment is required for confined space entry?
Testing and monitoring equipment, ventilation equipment, communication equipment, personal protective equipment, lighting, barriers, and rescue equipment as necessary (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(4)).
- 38
Under the standard, how must employers handle non-permit confined spaces?
Reevaluate the space if hazards arise or take action to prevent unauthorized entry (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)).
- 39
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what is required for contractor entry into permit spaces?
Coordinate with contractors, inform them of hazards and precautions, and debrief them after entry (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(8)).
- 40
Under this regulation, what must be on the entry permit for hazards?
A description of the hazards and the measures taken to eliminate or control them (29 CFR 1910.146(f)).
- 41
What is a confined space according to OSHA?
A space that is large enough for an employee to enter, has limited entry and exit, and is not designed for continuous occupancy (29 CFR 1910.146(b)).
- 42
What defines a permit-required confined space?
It contains or has the potential to contain hazards such as a dangerous atmosphere or engulfment (29 CFR 1910.146(b)).
- 43
What is the entry supervisor's main responsibility?
To oversee the permit system and ensure safe entry conditions (29 CFR 1910.146(h)).
- 44
What training must attendants receive?
Training on their responsibilities, hazards, and emergency procedures (29 CFR 1910.146(g)(2)).
- 45
How must permit spaces be marked?
With signs or other effective means to warn of the danger and that entry requires a permit (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2)).
- 46
What is required for ventilation in confined spaces?
Use ventilation to control atmospheric hazards if possible, before entry (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)).
- 47
What communication is needed between entrants and attendants?
A system for two-way communication to monitor status and emergency signals (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9)).
- 48
What retrieval systems are required for permit spaces?
A retrieval system with a chest or full body harness and lifeline for vertical entries greater than five feet (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(6)).
- 49
What must be done if entry conditions change?
The entry must be terminated and the permit cancelled until conditions are restored (29 CFR 1910.146(e)).
- 50
How often must the attendant maintain communication?
Continuously during entry operations (29 CFR 1910.146(i)(3)).
- 51
What is the procedure for employee rescue from permit spaces?
Use non-entry rescue first, such as retrieval systems, and have entry rescue services available (29 CFR 1910.146(k)).
- 52
If a confined space has mechanical hazards, what must be done?
Lock out or tag out energy sources to prevent activation (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)).
- 53
A worker enters a space and feels unsafe; what should they do?
Signal the attendant and exit using the designated means (29 CFR 1910.146(j)(3)).
- 54
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what is needed for safe entry?
A permit system that includes testing, equipment, and trained personnel (29 CFR 1910.146(d)).
- 55
What is required under this standard for hazard evaluation?
Evaluate the space for potential hazards before any entry (29 CFR 1910.146(c)).
- 56
Under the regulation, how must entrants be protected?
By providing and maintaining safe conditions as specified in the permit (29 CFR 1910.146(d)).
- 57
What is a scenario where entry is prohibited?
If acceptable entry conditions are not met, such as unsafe atmosphere (29 CFR 1910.146(e)).
- 58
In a scenario with engulfment risk, what must be done?
Prevent engulfment by methods like purging or isolation (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)).
- 59
What is the appropriate response to an alarm in a confined space?
Evacuate immediately as per the established procedures (29 CFR 1910.146(j)(3)).
- 60
If ventilation fails during entry, what action is needed?
Evacuate entrants and restore conditions before continuing (29 CFR 1910.146(e)).
- 61
What must be done if an entrant is injured inside?
Initiate rescue procedures and provide emergency care (29 CFR 1910.146(k)).
- 62
Under 29 CFR 1910.146, what is required for program evaluation?
Review the program annually or after incidents (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(14)).
- 63
What regulatory requirement applies to confined space signs?
Post danger signs at permit space entrances (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2)).
- 64
Under this standard, what must be in the written program?
Procedures for safe entry, equipment, and duties of personnel (29 CFR 1910.146(d)).
- 65
What is required under 29 CFR 1910.146 for contractor coordination?
Inform contractors of hazards and entry procedures (29 CFR 1910.146(c)(8)).