HealthStream Regulatory Script
Confined Space Entry
Release Date: August 2009
HLC Version: 602
Lesson 1: Introduction
Lesson 2: Hazards of Confined Spaces
Lesson 3: Permit-Required Confined Spaces
Lesson 4: Permits and Emergencies
Lesson 1: Introduction
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Introduction
Welcome to the introductory lesson on confined space entry.
As your partner, HealthStream strives to provide its customers with excellence in regulatory learning solutions. As new guidelines are continually issued by regulatory agencies, we work to update courses, as needed, in a timely manner. Since responsibility for complying with new guidelines remains with your organization, HealthStream encourages you to routinely check all relevant regulatory agencies directly for the latest updates for clinical/organizational guidelines.
If you have concerns about any aspect of the safety or quality of patient care in your organization, be aware that you may report these concerns directly to the Joint Commission.
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Course Rationale
Employees who work in confined spaces are at risk for: • Injury
• Illness • Death
OSHA [glossary] has regulations that help protect workers from these risks.
This course will teach you what you need to know to: • Be compliant with OSHA rules on confined spaces • Keep yourself safe when working in a confined space You will learn about:
• The definition of a confined space • The possible hazards of confined spaces • OSHA’s rules for confined spaces
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Course Goals
After completing this course, you should be able to:
• Define “confined space” and “permit-required confined space”
• List the hazards of confined spaces
• Identify the duties of different employees related to confined spaces
• Recognize the features of a confined space permit program
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Course Outline
This introductory lesson gave the course rationale and goals. Lesson 2 explains what a confined space is. This includes a description of confined space hazards.
Lesson 3 discusses “permit-required confined spaces” (or “permit spaces”).
Finally, lesson 4 describes requirements for confined space work permits and how to handle confined space emergencies.
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Lesson 2: Hazards of Confined Spaces
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Introduction & Objectives
Welcome to the lesson on hazards of confined spaces. After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
• Define “confined space” • List examples of confined spaces • Recall dangers of confined spaces
Confined Spaces
A confined space has three features:
• The way in or out of the space is restricted or limited. • The space is large enough for an employee to enter and
work.
• The space is not meant to be an all-day, everyday workspace.
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Examples of Confined Spaces
There are two main types of confined spaces:
• Deep spaces with open tops
• Enclosed spaces with very small entrances
Click on each category for more information.
CLICK TO REVEAL
Deep spaces with open tops
These spaces are so deep that air does not flow through them in a typical way. Examples are:
• Degreasers • Pits
• Some storage tanks
Enclosed spaces with small entrances
Examples can include: • Sewers • Laundry areas • Tanks • Engineering areas • Vaults • Boilers
Hazards of Confined Spaces
Possible dangers of confined spaces fall into two general categories:
• Atmospheric dangers • Physical dangers
Click on each category for types of dangers included in each. On the following screens, we’ll take a closer look at each of these dangers.
CLICK TO REVEAL
Atmospheric dangers
These dangers are:
• Flammable [glossary] air • Toxic [glossary] air • Corrosive [glossary] air • Asphyxiating [glossary] air
Physical dangers
These dangers include: • Mechanical hazards • Communication problems • Entry and exit dangers • Heat
• Noise • Vibration
• Other physical hazards
Flammable Air
The following factors can lead to flammable air in a confined space:
• Extra oxygen • Flammable gases • Byproducts of work
• Concentration of certain dusts • Chemical reactions
• Release of chemicals from surfaces
Click on each factor for more information.
CLICK TO REVEAL Extra oxygen
The terms air and oxygen are often used to mean the same thing. However, they are not the same thing. Normal air has about 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% other gases. Air in a particular space, however, can sometimes contain more than 21% oxygen. Oxygen is necessary for any fire to burn. Therefore, a confined space with extra oxygen (more than 21%) has a greater risk of fires and explosions.
Flammable gases
Many gases readily act as fuel for a fire or explosion. These gases can become trapped in certain confined spaces. Examples of these gases include: • Acetylene • Butane • Propane • Hydrogen • Methane
• Vapors from liquid hydrocarbons
Welding is a major cause of explosions in confined spaces that contain gases that act as fuels.
Byproducts of work
Certain types of work done in a confined space create byproducts that increase the risk of fire or explosion. An example of this kind of work is spray painting.
Concentration of certain dusts
Certain types of dust make good fuels. These dusts can become highly concentrated in some confined spaces. This increases the risk of fire or explosion. An example of a dust that is a fire hazard is the finely ground powder of some chemicals.
Chemical reactions
Chemical reactions that happen in confined spaces can create conditions that increase the risk of fire or explosion.
Toxic Air
The air in a confined space may become toxic for several reasons. These reasons include:
• Product storage
• The work done in the space • Errors
Click on each reason to learn more.
CLICK TO REVEAL
Product storage
A confined space may become toxic if the space is used to store certain materials. Examples of these materials include: • Acids • Corrosive materials • Pesticides • Chemotherapy drugs • Sterilizing agents
Work done in the space
Certain work done in a confined space may produce toxic fumes. These fumes can make the air toxic to breath. Here are some examples of work that can produce toxic fumes:
• Welding • Brazing
• Mixing chemicals
Errors
Human error or mechanical error can result in toxic air. Error may occur during:
• Loading materials • Unloading materials • Mixing materials • Producing materials
Toxic Air: An Example
Air with a high carbon monoxide (CO) level is one example of toxic air.
CO is an odorless, colorless gas.This gas can build up in confined spaces where certain work is done.
When CO is breathed, the CO combines with hemoglobin in the blood. This blocks hemoglobin from carrying oxygen to the cells of the body.
Very high levels of CO can be fatal. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include nausea and headache.
A safe reading on a combustible gas meter does NOT mean that there is not high CO. A specific test for CO is needed.
Corrosive Air
Corrosive air contains irritants [glossary]. Irritants may be primary or secondary.
Primary irritants:
• Irritate the surface of the body where they make contact. • Do NOT have toxic effects throughout the rest of the body.
Secondary irritants:
• Irritate the surface of the body where they make contact. • DO have toxic effects throughout the rest of the body. Examples of primary and secondary irritants are listed in the table to the right.
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Asphyxiating Air
Remember:
• Normal air has 21% oxygen.
• Increased oxygen increases the risk of fire.
On the other hand, decreased oxygen can cause asphyxiation. Click on each of the decreased oxygen levels to reveal symptoms:
• 17% oxygen
• 14% to 16% oxygen • 6% to 10% oxygen • Less than 6% oxygen
CLICK TO REVEAL
17% oxygen
Breathing air with 17% oxygen causes these symptoms: • Increased breathing volume
• Faster heart rate
14% to 16% oxygen
Breathing air with this amount of oxygen causes: • Increased breathing volume
• Faster heart rate • Poor coordination • Getting tired quickly • Stops in breathing
6% to 10% oxygen
Breathing air with this amount of oxygen causes: • Nausea
• Vomiting • Inability to do work • Unconsciousness
Less than 6% oxygen
Breathing air with this amount of oxygen causes: • Jerky breathing
• Jerky movements • Death in minutes
Asphyxiating Air: Causes
Low oxygen in a confined space can be caused by:
• Using oxygen • Displacing oxygen
Click on each cause to learn more.
CLICK TO REVEAL
Using oxygen
Oxygen is used when: • Humans breathe • Fuels burn
• Bacteria or yeast ferment • Certain chemicals react
If too much oxygen is used, the oxygen level in the confined space may fall to dangerously low levels.
Displacing oxygen
Oxygen is displaced when:
• Other gases are used to push normal air out of the confined space. Examples of other gases that may be used for this purpose are helium, argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. These other gases are used to push out gases that could burn. This is done to prevent or slow fires or explosions.
• Carbon dioxide pushes out normal air. This can happen in confined spaces that naturally produce carbon dioxide. Examples of these spaces are sewers, storage bins, and tunnels.
Mechanical Hazards
A mechanical hazard is a device or equipment that creates a danger.
Examples of mechanical hazards in a confined space are:
• Electrical or mechanical equipment that becomes activated while an employee is working in the confined space • Steam valves
• Pressure lines
Communication
A worker in a confined space should always have a “buddy” as a standby.
The standby person stays outside the confined space. The worker inside the confined space and the standby person outside must maintain communication.
Loss of communication could put the worker at risk.
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Entry and Exit
Remember: One feature of a confined space is a restricted or limited way of entering or exiting.
This means it may take extra time to enter or exit the space. How long it takes is directly related to possible danger.
For example, suppose a fire breaks out in a confined space. The danger to workers in the confined space will be affected by:
• How long it takes for rescuers to enter the space through the restricted entry
• How long it takes for the workers to exit the space through the restricted exit
Heat
Hot confined spaces can put workers at risk for:
• Heat exhaustion • Heat stroke
Click on each to learn more.
CLICK TO REVEAL
Heat exhaustion
To cool off in hot temperatures, the body circulates a lot of blood to the skin. This means that less blood goes to the vital organs, including the brain. This can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms are:
• Dizziness • Blurred vision • Nausea
• Eventual collapse
If heat exhaustion is not treated promptly, it may lead to brain damage.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is even more serious than heat exhaustion. During heat stroke, the body stops sweating. This makes it impossible to release body heat. Body temperature can rise to dangerously high levels in a short time. Death can result.
Noise
In small or confined spaces, sounds echo.
This means that noise levels from a given source can become higher than they would in an open environment.
High noise levels may cause: • Hearing loss • Hearing impairment • High blood pressure • Other health hazards
Vibration
Vibration can affect many body parts and organs.
For example, vibrating hand tools can cause injury to the fingers and hands.
Prolonged use of vibrating tools can cause sensory or nerve damage.
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Other Physical Hazards
Other physical hazards of confined spaces can include:
• Scaffolding or ladders • Surface residues • Structural hazards
Click on each to learn more.
CLICK TO REVEAL
Scaffolding or ladders
Scaffolding or ladders may be found in confined spaces. Accidents can happen if:
• Workers or materials fall.
• Guardrails are not used properly. • Scaffolding is not properly maintained.
Surface residues
Certain materials can remain as residues on confined space surfaces. Depending on the residue, this can contribute to:
• Electric shock
• Dangerous chemical reactions • Exposure to toxins
• Injury due to slips and falls
Structural hazards
Confined spaces can have structural hazards. Examples are:
• Overhangs
• Factors that can lead to slips, trips, and falls • Debris hanging out from corners, edges, pipes, etc.
Review
“Air” and “oxygen” mean the same thing. a. True
b. False
TRUE / FALSE INTERACTION CORRECT B
A: Incorrect. Normal air has about 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% other gases. More than 21% oxygen in air increases the risk of fire and explosion. Less than 21% oxygen in the air increases the risk of asphyxiation. B: Correct. Normal air has about 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% other gases. More than 21% oxygen in air increases the risk of fire and explosion. Less than 21% oxygen in the air increases the risk of asphyxiation.
Review
Summary
You have completed the lesson on hazards of confined spaces. Remember:
• A confined space has three features. 1) The entry or exit to the space is restricted. 2) The space is large enough for an employee to enter and do work. 3) The space is not meant as a place for all-day, everyday work.
• There are two main categories of confined space: 1) deep spaces with open tops and 2) enclosed spaces with small entrances.
• Confined spaces can have flammable, toxic, corrosive, or asphyxiating air.
• Other possible hazards of confined spaces are heat, noise, vibration, scaffolding, surface residues, and structural dangers.
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Introduction & Objectives
Welcome to the lesson on permit-required confined spaces. After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
• Define “permit-required confined space” • List OSHA’s requirements for permit spaces
• Recall what should be addressed in a written permit space program
• Distinguish between authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors, by identifying the job duties of each • Recall the training requirements related to permit space
entry
Permit-Required Confined Spaces
A “permit-required confined space” (or “permit space”) has all of the features of a confined space discussed in lesson 2.
It also has one of the following four features:
• The space has or could have a hazardous atmosphere. [glossary]
• The space contains a material that could completely surround someone in the space.
• The space has a shape that could trap or asphyxiate someone in the space. This shape could be due to walls that lean in. It could also be due to a floor that slopes down and leads to a smaller space.
• The space contains some other serious safety or heath hazard (see lesson 2).
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OSHA Requirements
OSHA requires employers to do the following:
• Look over the workplace to identify any permit-required confined spaces.
• Inform exposed employees of any permit spaces. For example, the employer could post a danger sign outside each permit space.
• Effectively prevent employees from entering permit spaces that should not be entered.
• Have a written program for permit spaces, if employees will be entering permit spaces to do work. This program must be made available to employees.
Reasons for Entering Confined Spaces
Remember: A confined space is not meant to be an all-day, everyday workspace.
So when would an employee need to enter a confined space? In general, an employee enters a confined space to do a necessary, but infrequent task. Examples are:
• Inspection • Repair
• Maintenance (e.g., cleaning or painting) • Putting items in storage
If employees ever need to enter permit spaces to do their job, the employer must have a written permit space program.
This is true even if employees only enter permit spaces once in a while.
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Written Program
A permit space program must have a plan for:
• Identifying and evaluating permit space hazards before allowing employee to enter the space
• Testing conditions in the permit space before entry,
and monitoring the space during entry
• Testing for atmospheric hazards
• Preventing unauthorized entry into permit spaces • Eliminating or controlling hazards related to working
in permit spaces
• The use of personal protective equipment and any
other equipment necessary for employee safety in permit spaces
Click on each item above to learn more.
CLICK TO REVEAL
Identifying and evaluating permit space hazards
Before employees enter a permit space to do work, the space must be checked for possible hazards.
Testing conditions in the space
Before employees enter a permit space, the conditions in the space should be tested to see if they are safe. For example, the temperature of the space should be checked. While employees are working in a permit space, conditions should continue to be monitored.
Testing for atmospheric hazards
Permit spaces should be tested for: • Oxygen
• Gases or vapors that could act as fuels • Toxic gases or vapors
Preventing unauthorized entry
The employer must take steps to prevent people from entering the permit space when they are not allowed or required to do so.
Eliminating or controlling hazards
Examples of procedures that can control the hazards in a permit space are:
• Only allowing workers to enter when conditions in the space are safe
• Isolating the permit space from the rest of the work area • Putting up barriers around the permit space
• Making the air in the permit space safe, for example, by ventilation
Use of personal protective equipment:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) means special clothing or other gear that a worker wears or uses to protect against hazards. The employer must provide necessary PPE at no cost to the employee.
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Written Program
The permit space program also must have plans for:
• Making sure that at least one person is standing by outside the permit space, whenever a worker is in the space • Coordination between groups when employees of more
than one employer will be working in the permit space • What to do if there is an emergency in a permit space • Reviewing and annually revising the permit-space program
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Written Program
Finally, the written program must: • Identify employee job duties.
• Establish a system for entry permits [glossary]. The rest of this lesson will focus on job duties.
Lesson four will discuss the permit system.
Job Duties: Authorized Entrant
An authorized entrant is an employee who is allowed to enter a permit space to do work.
The duties of the authorized entrant are to: • Know the hazards of the permit space. • Use appropriate PPE.
• Maintain communication with the person standing by outside the space.
• Alert the standby person when there are signs of danger. • Exit from the permit space as soon as possible, when
ordered to do so or when there are signs of danger.
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Job Duties: Attendant
The attendant is the person who stands by outside the permit space.
The job duties of the attendant are to:
• Remain outside the permit space while workers are in the space.
• Perform no-entry rescues as appropriate. • Know the hazards of the space.
• Maintain communication with workers inside the space. • Keep track of which workers are inside the space and what
those workers are doing.
Job Duties: Attendant
The job duties of the attendant also include:
• Order evacuation of the space when there are signs of danger.
• Call rescue services during an emergency.
• Make sure that unauthorized persons do not enter permit spaces.
• Inform authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if an unauthorized person does enter the space.
• Perform no other duties that interfere with attendant duties.
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Job Duties: Entry Supervisor
The entry supervisor is in charge of who enters a permit space to do work.
The duties of the entry supervisor are to: • Know the hazards of the space.
• Verify that emergency plans are in place before allowing workers to enter the space.
• Verify that conditions in the space are safe before allowing workers to enter.
• Not allow further entry when the work is done or if new conditions in the space develop.
• Take steps to remove unauthorized entrants.
• Make sure that work in the space goes according to what is stated in the entry permit.
• Make sure that safe conditions in the space are maintained while workers are present.
Training and Education
Before work is done in a permit space, employers must train employees in their duties.
After training:
• Employers must verify that employees have learned what they need to know to perform their duties safely.
• Employees must receive a certificate of training
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Training and Education
Additional training must be given when: • Job duties change.
• The permit space program changes.
• Work in the permit space presents a new hazard. • An employee’s job performance is not adequate.
Review
An employer must have a written permit space program if: a. Confined spaces exist within the work area. b. Employees ever enter permit spaces to do work. c. Employees enter permit spaces more often than twice a
year to do work.
d. Employees enter permit spaces more often than 12 times a year to do work.
MULTIPLE CHOICE INTERACTION Correct: B
A: Incorrect. The correct answer is B. B: Correct.
C: Incorrect. The best answer is B. D: Incorrect. The best answer is B.
Review
The confined space attendant is responsible for no-entry rescue.
a. True
b. False
TRUE / FALSE INTERACTION [CORRECT ANSWER: A] [RESPONSE FOR A: Correct.] [RESPONSE FOR B: Incorrect.]
Summary
You have completed the lesson on permit-required confined spaces.
Remember:
• A permit-required confined space (or permit space) is a confined space with one or more hazards.
• OSHA requires employers to do the following: • Evaluate the workplace for permit spaces.
• Inform exposed employees of any permit spaces. • Prevent employees from entering permit spaces that
should not be entered.
• Develop a written permit space program if employees will be entering permit spaces to do work.
• The permit space program must have specific plans for keeping workers in permit spaces safe.
• Authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors have distinct job duties. Employers must provide training in these duties before work is done in a permit space.
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Introduction & Objectives
Welcome to the lesson on permits and confined space emergencies.
After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
• Recall the features of confined space entry permits • Identify steps to help ensure worker safety during a
confined space emergency
Permits
Before work is done in a permit space, the entry supervisor must sign a permit.
This permit verifies that:
• Pre-entry testing and other preparations have been completed.
• The space is safe to enter.
Copies of the permit must be posted at entrances to the space, or otherwise made available to entrants.
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Permit Contents
An entry permit must include the following information: • Hazard test results
• Tester’s initials or signature
• Name and signature of the entry supervisor • Name of the permit space
• Names of authorized entrants and eligible attendants
• Purpose of entry and known hazards of the space • Steps that will be taken to isolate the space and control
hazards
Permit Contents
An entry permit also must list:
• Names and telephone numbers of rescue and emergency services
• Date and authorized length of entry • Acceptable entry conditions
• Procedures and equipment for maintaining communication during entry
• Any additional permits for specialized work in the permit space
• Special equipment and procedures that will be used, including PPE and alarm systems
• Any other information needed to protect employee safety
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Permit Parameters
The length of time for a permit must not be greater than the time needed to complete the work.
When the work is done or when new conditions come up, the entry supervisor must:
• Allow no further entry into the space • Cancel entry permits
If a permit is cancelled because of new conditions, these new conditions must be:
• Noted on the cancelled permit
• Used in revising the permit space program
Employers must keep all cancelled entry permits for at least one year.
Emergencies
In certain cases, all authorized entrants who enter a permit space must wear a chest or full-body harness.
This helps with rescue if there is an emergency. A retrieval line should be attached:
• To the center of the entrant’s back near shoulder level, or • Above his or her head.
If the employer can show that use of a chest or full-body harness is not possible or creates a greater hazard, wristlets may be used instead.
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Emergencies
Worksites are required to keep material safety data sheets (MSDSs) on hazardous substances.
If an entrant is exposed to a hazardous substance, the MSDS or other written information must be given to the medical facility responsible for treating the entrant.
Training and Education: Rescue Service Personnel
All rescuers must be trained in first aid and CPR.
At least one member of the rescue team must be certified in first aid and CPR.
In addition, the employer must make sure that rescue service workers:
• Are provided with and trained in the proper use of PPE and rescue equipment, including respirators
• Are trained to perform their rescue duties • Are trained as “authorized entrants” The employer also must make sure that:
• Rescuers practice rescue operations annually.
• Rescue services have access to permit spaces to practice their operations.
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Review
A confined space entry permit may authorize workers to enter a permit space:
a. For an indefinite period
b. For a period no longer than one work day c. For a period no longer than one work week
d. For a period no longer than the amount of time it takes to do the required work
MULTIPLE CHOICE INTERACTION Correct: D
A: Incorrect. The correct answer is D. B: Incorrect. The correct answer is D. C: Incorrect. The correct answer is D. D: Correct.
Summary
You have completed the lesson on permits and emergencies. Remember:
• Before workers enter a permit space, the entry supervisor must sign a permit.
• Permits must contain information about the permit space, the work that will be done, and the employees involved. • Emergency workers who respond to permit space
emergencies must be trained in first aid and CPR. They also must be trained in confined space entry.
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Course Glossary
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Term Definition
1. authorized entrant
person approved to do work in a confined space2. entry permit
written document to allow and control entry into a permit space
3. entry supervisor
employee responsible for overseeing confined space entry
4. hazardous atmosphere
surrounding air that may expose employees to risk of death or injury
5. flammable
capable of catching fire easily and burning rapidly
6. toxic
poisonous
7. corrosive
able to eat into, wear away, or dissolve flesh or metal
8. attendant
employee designated to remain outside the confined space, in constant
communication with personnel working inside the confined space
9. asphyxiating
tending to deprive of oxygen
10.
irritant
a substance that causes an adverse response
Pre-Assessment
1. Which is a feature of a confined space? a. The exit from the space is open. b. The entrance to the space is restricted. c. The space is an all-day, everyday workspace.
d. The space is too small for an employee to enter and work. Correct: B
Rationale: A confined space a) has restricted or limited entrance or exit; b) is large enough for an employee to enter and work; and c) is not an all-day, everyday workspace.
2. Which of the following is a possible hazard of confined spaces? a. 21% oxygen
b. 10% propane c. 78% nitrogen d. 0% carbon monoxide Correct: B
Rationale: Propane is a risk for fire or explosion.
3. Which of the following can create corrosive air in a confined space? a. Oxygen
b. Chlorine c. Nitrogen d. Carbon dioxide Correct: B
Rationale: Chlorine is an irritant that can create a corrosive atmosphere. 4. Which of the following is a risk created by heat in a confined space?
a. Toxic air b. Hypothermia c. Heat exhaustion d. Vibration hazards Correct: C
a. A plan for creating hazards b. A plan for trapping rodents
c. A plan for allowing unauthorized entry d. A plan for testing for atmospheric hazards Correct: D
Rationale: A permit space program must establish a plan for testing for atmospheric hazards 6. What is an authorized entrant?
a. An employee who stands by outside a permit space b. An employee allowed to enter a permit space to do work c. An employee in charge of who enters a permit space to do work d. An employee whose work is completely unrelated to permit spaces Correct: B
Rationale: An authorized entrant is an employee who is allowed to enter a permit space to do work. 7. What is an entry supervisor?
a. An employee who stands by outside a permit space b. An employee allowed to enter a permit space to do work c. An employee in charge of who enters a permit space to do work d. An employee whose work is completely unrelated to permit spaces Correct: C
Rationale: An entry supervisor is an employee who is in charge of who enters a permit space to do work. 8. Which of these is a duty of a permit space attendant?
a. Call rescue services during an emergency
b. Exit the permit space when there are signs of danger c. Block further entry to a permit space when the work is done
d. Verify safe conditions before allowing workers to enter a permit space Correct: A
Final Exam
1. Which is a feature of a confined space? a. The exit from the space is open. b. The entrance to the space is restricted. c. The space is an all-day, everyday workspace.
d. The space is too small for an employee to enter and work. Correct: B
Rationale: A confined space a) has restricted or limited entrance or exit, b) is large enough for an employee to enter and work, and c) is not an all-day, everyday workspace.
2. Which is a possible hazard of confined spaces? a. Pure air
b. Clear air c. Toxic air d. Room air Correct: C
Rationale: One possible hazard of confined spaces is toxic air. 3. Which is a possible hazard of confined spaces?
a. Storage of salt b. Storage of sand c. Storage of acids d. Storage of water Correct: C
a. 9% oxygen b. 21% oxygen c. 37% oxygen d. 50% oxygen Correct: A
Rationale: Oxygen levels of less than 21% create the risk of asphyxiation. 5. Which is a feature of a permit-required confined space?
a. The space is empty.
b. The space has an open shape. c. The space has a safe atmosphere.
d. The space contains a serious safety hazard. Correct: D
Rationale: A permit-required confined space is one with a serious safety or health hazard. 6. Which is a requirement of a permit space program?
a. A plan for the use of PPE b. A plan for ignoring hazards
c. A plan for allowing toxic gases in permit spaces d. A plan for keeping carbon monoxide levels above 10% Correct: A
Rationale: A permit space program must have a plan for the use of PPE and other safety equipment for permit spaces. 7. What is an attendant?
a. An employee who stands by outside a permit space b. An employee allowed to enter a permit space to do work c. An employee in charge of who enters a permit space to do work d. An employee whose work is completely unrelated to permit spaces Correct: A
a. Use appropriate PPE b. Perform no-entry rescues
c. Call rescue services in an emergency d. Take steps to remove unauthorized entrants Correct: A
Rationale: Authorized entrants must use appropriate PPE when working in a permit space. 9. Which is a duty of an entry supervisor related to permit spaces?
a. Know the hazards of a permit space
b. Maintain communication with workers inside the space c. Maintain communication with attendants outside the space
d. Alert authorized entrants if an unauthorized person enters the space Correct: A
