Permit Required Confined Spaces

Upon completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify and classify confined spaces: applying the three-part definition (large enough to enter, limited entry/exit, not designed for continuous occupancy), evaluating permit-required confined space hazards (atmospheric, engulfment, configuration, and other hazards), and conducting workplace surveys to identify all confined spaces within the facility.
• Conduct atmospheric testing in the correct sequence: oxygen concentration first (acceptable range 19.5%–23.5%), flammable gases and vapours second (below 10% LEL), and toxic gases third (below applicable PELs), with pre-entry and continuous monitoring during occupancy, supported by proper instrument calibration and bump testing.
• Complete entry permits correctly: ensuring all required elements are included (space identification, purpose, authorised entrants, attendant, entry supervisor, hazards, atmospheric test results, control measures, rescue provisions, communication methods, and hot work authorisation if applicable), with proper authorisation, posting at the entry point, and formal cancellation when work is complete or conditions change.
• Execute entrant duties: understanding all hazards associated with the confined space, using required equipment correctly, maintaining continuous communication with the attendant, immediately reporting warning signs, and performing self-rescue when unsafe conditions develop.
• Execute attendant duties: maintaining accurate entrant accountability, continuously monitoring conditions inside and outside the space, preventing unauthorised entry, maintaining communication with entrants, ordering evacuation when required, summoning rescue services when needed, and never entering the space under any circumstances.
• Plan and implement rescue: prioritising non-entry rescue using retrieval systems (harness, wristlets, tripod, winch), implementing entry rescue only when non-entry is not feasible (trained rescue team with SCBA and specialised equipment), evaluating rescue service capability, and conducting drills to verify rescue readiness.

Core Curriculum Topics

• Confined Space Identification: three-part definition, permit-required criteria, workplace survey methodology
• Atmospheric Hazards: oxygen deficiency/enrichment, LEL, toxic gases (H₂S, CO, and others)
• Atmospheric Testing: instrument selection, calibration, bump testing, testing sequence, continuous monitoring
• Entry Permits: required elements, authorisation, posting, validity, cancellation
• Entrant Duties: hazard awareness, PPE use, communication, self-rescue procedures
• Attendant Duties: entrant tracking, monitoring, exclusion enforcement, evacuation, rescue notification
• Entry Supervisor: permit approval, hazard verification, operational control, termination authority
• Ventilation: forced air, natural ventilation, purging, continuous airflow, inerting risks
• Isolation: LOTO, blanking/blinding, double block and bleed, line breaking controls
• Rescue Planning: non-entry retrieval systems, entry rescue teams, service evaluation, drills
• Alternate Entry (§1910.146(c)(5)): conditions for permit waiver, continuous forced ventilation requirements
• Reclassification (§1910.146(c)(7)): hazard elimination, documentation, non-permit entry criteria

• No prior training required
• No academic degree required
• All instruction in English; working proficiency required

Upon completion, graduates receive an American Institute of Safety Professionals certificate, wallet card, and transcript. Employer-verifiable at amiosp.com/student-verifications.

• Confined space entrants who enter permit spaces
• Attendants who monitor entry from outside the space
• Entry supervisors who authorise permits and verify conditions
• Rescue team members designated for confined space rescue
• Safety officers managing confined space programmes
• Maintenance workers who enter tanks, vessels, pits, and manholes

• Permit-Required Confined Spaces — YOU ARE HERE (OSHA 1910.146)
• Controlling Hazardous Energy / LOTO (isolation for confined space entry)
• 10-Hour / 30-Hour General Industry (includes confined space as one topic)
• International Diploma in Industrial Safety Management (confined space at diploma depth)