Work in Permit-controlled Confined Spaces on the Rise

In an information collection request published to the Federal Register on May 22, 2018, OSHA requested an adjustment to the estimated burden hours for confined space safety requirements.

The Agency now says that the number of establishments with permit-controlled confined spaces has risen by about 5,000, to a total of 210,281. The number of employees who enter these spaces is rising, too. OSHA now estimates that there are 1,471,634 “entrants” to permit-controlled spaces.

Be confident your employees know how to work safely around permit-controlled confined spaces. The Confined Space Entry Awareness Online Course is available for $29 per student.

Because of this, OSHA wants to adjust its estimate of hours it takes employees to comply with requirements in 29 CFR 1910.146(c)–(l), including, but not limited to:
 

• Development and implementation of written permit-space programs.  
• Posting danger signs to inform employees of the dangers of permitted confined spaces.
• Making information available to employees who enter permit-controlled confined spaces.
• Confined space documentation and recordkeeping requirements.
• Verifying and documenting that the space is safe for entry before an employee enters.
• Informing contractors about permit confined spaces and related compliance requirements.
• Certifying confined spaces training for employees.

 
OSHA now estimates that compliance with all elements of the Confined Space Standard results in an overall burden of 1,642,219 hours. That’s a hair over one hour of compliance-related work for each employee who enters a permit-controlled confined space in the US. OSHA is soliciting public comment on this change—an increase of about 70,000 hours—and lists a few special issues for consideration in its proposal, available here.

OSHA Confined Spaces Training—$29 per student

The Confined Space Entry Awareness Online Course helps protect employees by building a strong understanding about the hazards of confined spaces and OSHA’s requirements for permit-controlled confined spaces.  All employees must know who is authorized to enter confined spaces at your facility—and who must stay clear.

When it comes to OSHA permit-controlled confined spaces, straightforward, effective training saves lives.  
 

Tags: 29CFR, confined spaces, osha, permit, safety training