['Confined Spaces']
['Confined Spaces']
11/07/2023
Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
...
According to federal OSHA’s Permit-Required Confines Space standard, if the workplace has permit spaces but chooses not to allow employees inside of them, the employer must inform employees of the existence and location of the spaces. This can be done by posting “Danger, do not enter” signs and identifying the spaces as permit spaces.
The employer must “take effective measures” to prevent employees from entering those spaces, such as putting locks on the entrances. Additionally, the employer must reevaluate the spaces when changes occur and take steps to reclassify the spaces as non-permit. These requirements may be found at 1910.146(c)(1-3, 6, and 8).
Although not required to prepare a full written permit-required confined spaces program in this instance, the employer will want to document that the workplace has been assessed, that permit spaces have been identified, and outline the steps taken to deal with these spaces, including methods to train/inform employees about the hazards of the spaces and why they should not attempt to enter them.
In the event of an OSHA inspection, the compliance officer will want to know how permit spaces are dealt with. Providing written documentation is one of the best methods to satisfy OSHA’s interest.
READ MORESHOW LESS
['Confined Spaces']
['Confined Spaces']
Load More
J. J. Keller is the trusted source for DOT / Transportation, OSHA / Workplace Safety, Human Resources, Construction Safety and Hazmat / Hazardous Materials regulation compliance products and services. J. J. Keller helps you increase safety awareness, reduce risk, follow best practices, improve safety training, and stay current with changing regulations.
Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.