This standard describes minimum practices and procedures to prevent worker exposure to dangerous safety and health hazards in a confined space. It also recognizes the dynamic character of confined spaces as they occur in construction. Thus, the standard and our enforcement focus on the employer’s whole program as conceived, documented and implemented as a primary safeguard for employees and on the capacity of that program to detect confined space hazards and to respond to them appropriately. The standard is separated into multiple standard numbers as opposed to paragraphs within one standard.
- 1926.1201 sets out the scope of the rule and provides examples of confined spaces. The scope does not include excavations, underground construction and diving (Subparts P, S and Y of the Construction standards).
- 1926.1202 contains definitions of key terms used in the standard. A confined space is defined as a space that 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, AND is not designed for continuous employee
occupancy. This section also contains definitions for the controlling contractor (overall responsibility for construction at the worksite) and host employer (own or manages the property where the construction work is taking place). - 1926.1203 contains general requirements to identify all confined spaces, notify employees, take measures to keep their unauthorized employees out of the spaces, and develop a written permit space program if they decide to enter a permit space.
- 1926.1204 contains specific elements for a permit-required confined space program. This includes provisions to keep other employees out of the spaces as well as all the necessary procedures for safe entry operations.
- 1926.1205 contains the requirements for permits prior to each entry into a confined space.
- 1926.1206 contains the specifics of the entry permit.
- 1926.1207 requires worker training for entrants, attendants and entry supervisors . Training must be provided in a language and vocabulary that employees can understand and be done prior to their first assigned duties or before any change in duties. Training records must be kept for the length of the employee’s employment.
- 1926.1208 contains requirements of the authorized entrants and includes a requirement that the employer ensure that the entrant understands the hazards and all that they will need to do in the space.
- 1926.1209 contains requirements for the attendants and includes a requirement that the employer ensure that the attendant understands the hazards and all that they will need to do in their role, including staying outside the space until relieved by another attendant.
- 1926.1210 contains requirements for the entry supervisor and includes a requirement that the employer ensure that the entry supervisor understands the hazards and all that they will need to do in their role, including when to terminate an entry or remove unauthorized individuals who attempt to enter a space.
- 1926.1211 contains requirements for rescue and emergency services. Whenever an employer designates third-party rescue services they must evaluate their ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner and proficiently. This section also requires the employer to inform each rescue service of the hazards they may confront at the site. When the employer designates their own employees to provide rescue services, the employer must ensure that they are trained, including CPR and basic first aid, and provide the necessary PPE.
- 1926.1212 requires the employer to involve employees and their authorized representatives on the development and implementation of the program.
- 1926.1213 requires the employer to provide documents to OSHA upon request.
Source: MN- OSHA Compliance Directive