Confined Space Entry

What you need to know

  • Competent Person requirements: contact FM Safety Coordinator (x5066) for list of people or EHS department SME (x6200)
  • Training requirements:
    • Awareness level – offered online or in-person class
    • Competent Person – contact EHS for assistance
    • Fall Protection – offered online and in-person

PPE requirements

  • The requirements will vary according to each confined space so please contact EHS for clarification but the basic PPE needs will consist of the following: safety glasses/goggles, closed-toed shoes, gloves, proper work clothes (no shorts).
  • Additional PPE Requirements (Entry specific): Harness, Tripod, Hard Hat, Respirator
  • Confined Space Equipment: 4-Gas meter, air blower/ventilation,

*Always consult with EHS and/or the competent person for confined space specific PPE requirements.

Considerations

  • Labeling of Confined Spaces

         

  • 4-Gas meters are only to be used by trained personnel. Otherwise a representative from EHS must be present to verify gas readings. Meters must be calibrated before use and in current annual calibration requirements.
  • All equipment shall be inspected before use to verify it is in good condition

Purchasing guidelines

If you have questions on confined space equipment please check with EHS prior to purchase.

FAQs

    • What is a Confined Space? A confined space must meet these 3 requirements.
      • The space 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 (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults); and
      • Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

    • What is a permit required Confined space?

      A permit-required confined space has one or more of the following characteristics:

      1. Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
      2. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
      3. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or
      4. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
      *If the space meets ANY of the four criteria, then the space has a “high hazard potential” and is a permit-required confined space. A permit system must be implemented according to Cal/OSHA regulations*

    • Where may I get an entry permit?
      1. Confined Space Hazard Analysis Form
      2. Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Permit

  • What are the training requirements for employees working in confined spaces:
    1. Before the employee is first assigned to perform or participate in confined space entry;
    2. Before the employee is expected to perform duties during confined space operations for which the employee has not previously been trained; and
    3. When it is determined that an employee has insufficient knowledge or skills to perform assigned duties.