Training: Confined Space

What is Confined Space Training

Confined space training teaches workers the skills they need to work safely in areas with limited entry and exit. The training covers hazard recognition, protective measures, and emergency procedures for spaces such as tanks, vaults, and utility tunnels. OSHA defines a confined space as an area:

• • Large enough for workers to enter and perform work
  • That has limited or restricted means of entry or exit
  • That is not designed for continuous occupancy

7 Types of Confined Spaces

The types of confined spaces are as follows:

1. 1. Toxic Spaces – Contains harmful gases, vapors, chemicals, etc.
   2. Flammable Spaces – Contain flammable gases, vapors, or dust
   3. Oxygen-Deficient/Enriched Spaces – Oxygen levels outside safe range
   4. Engulfment Spaces – Contain loose materials like grain, sand, or liquids
   5. Electrical Spaces – House electrical equipment in tight space
   6. Poor Ventilation Spaces – Stagnant or restricted airflow
   7. Poor Ergonomic Spaces – Require awkward body positions

Who Needs Confined Space Training?

Confined space training is required for any worker that may enter, monitor, or supervise work in a confined space. This includes:

• • Maintenance personnel
  • Construction workers
  • Utility crews
  • Emergency response teams
  • Confined space attendants and entry supervisors

The frequency of training:

1. 1. Initial training before first entry
   2. Refresher training annually (or when procedures, equipment, or hazards change)

Permit-Required VS Non-Permit Confined Spaces

The two main types of confined spaces:

1. 1. Non-Permit Confined Space – A confined space with no serious safety or health hazards beyond basic risks (e.g. poor lighting, minor slip/trip hazards, etc.)
   2. Permit-Required Confined Space – A confined space with one or more of the following:
      1. Hazardous atmosphere
      2. Potential for engulfment
      3. Configuration that could trap or asphyxiate an entrant
      4. Any other recognized serious hazard

Confined Space Training Components

The key components in an OSHA-compliant confined space training covers:

1. 1. Hazard Recognition – Identify toxic gases, low oxygen, etc.
   2. Equipment Use – Operate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ventilation, rescue tools, etc.
   3. Emergency Procedures – Evacuation, rescue methods, and first response
   4. Roles & Responsibilities – Duties of entrants, attendants, and supervisors
   5. Permit System – Issuing, following, and cancelling entry permits
   6. Communication Practices – Maintain contact between entrants and attendants
   7. Atmospheric Testing – Safe testing for oxygen, flammables, and toxic gases before and during entry

Entry Requirements & Control Measures

Before entering a permit-required confined space:

• • Atmosphere is tested
    • Oxygen Levels: Within range of 19.5-23.5%
    • Flammables: Below 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
    • Toxics: Below Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
  • Hazardous energy is isolated
  • Ventilation
  • PPE is worn
  • Attendant is posted outside space
  • Emergency rescue plan is ready and personnel on standby