CONFINED SPACE ENTRANT/ATTENDANT & SUPERVISOR TRAINING

The Department of Labor defines a confined space as, "anyplace that, because of their configuration, hinders the activities of an employee who must enter, work in, and exit them."

Determining what qualifies as a confined space sometimes causes much debate. In general terms, confined spaces are areas that are not designed for continuous occupancy, but can be entered through manholes, or other narrow openings to perform their tasks while cramped or contorted.

Employees who work in confined spaces face an increased risk of exposure to other serious dangers, such as hazardous or asphyxiating atmospheres, moving parts of machinery, or even entrapment. Each, of which, require special precautions (in the US, 29 CRF 1910.46 specifies this requirement). Some examples of confined spaces are tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits. OSHA uses the term "permit-required confined space" (permit space) to describe those spaces that meet the definition of "confined space" and pose health or safety hazards.

Guardian Safety Services trains employees for safe entry into permit spaces, emphasizing company policies and procedures, and current regulations.  Training includes on-site exercises under actual or simulated conditions, and topics include:

• Identifying permit-required confined spaces and their hazards
• Proper utilization of gas monitoring systems, and atmospheric testing procedures
• Ventilation methods
• Permits and temporary declassify of a permit-required space
• Prohibited conditions
• Alternate entry procedures
• Duties of entrant, attendants, and entry supervisors
• Personal protective equipment
• Emergency notification
• Rescue requirements
• Meeting OSHA's regulations for your written Confined Space Entry program

This class meets the requirements for authorized entrants, attendant, and entry supervisor training as required by OSHA permit-required confined space standard 29 CFR 1910.146.