Confined space entry permit
Updated · Reviewed by Israel Margulies, founder and CEO of High Point GPS
A permit-required confined space entry permit with the items OSHA's rule (29 CFR 1910.146(f)) says it must show: the space, the purpose, the date and how long it's good for, the entrants, attendants and entry supervisor, the hazards, how they're isolated and controlled, acceptable conditions, air test results, rescue, communication, equipment and any other permits.
Tanks, vaults, pits, silos and large pipes can kill quickly through bad air, engulfment or moving parts. The entry permit is the written proof that the entry supervisor checked the hazards and controls before anyone went in, and it stays posted at the entrance during the entry.
The test results on the permit include the tester's name or initials and when each test was done; test for oxygen first, then flammable gases, then toxic gases. The permit lasts only as long as the job. This page summarizes the federal general industry rule; construction work falls under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA, and it isn't legal advice.
Confined space entry permit
Fields: Permit space · Purpose of entry · Date · Authorized duration (from / to) · Entry supervisor (name) · Supervisor who authorized entry (initials) · Attendants (names) · Authorized entrants (names or roster)
Log columns: Test (O₂, LEL, H₂S, CO, other) · Acceptable range · Time · Result · Tester initials
Hazards and controls
- Hazards of the space identified
- Space isolated (lockout, blanking, disconnecting)
- Space purged, inerted, flushed or ventilated
- Acceptable entry conditions met
- Other permits issued (hot work)
Rescue and equipment
- Rescue and emergency services arranged, and how to call them
- Communication between entrants and attendant agreed
- PPE, testing, alarm, communication and rescue equipment provided
- Retrieval system set up where required
Fill it in the right way
- Fill in the space, purpose, date and time window, and the people involved.
- List the hazards and the measures used to isolate and control them.
- Test the air before entry and record each result with the time and tester's initials.
- Confirm rescue, communication and equipment are in place, then the entry supervisor signs.
- Post the permit at the entrance and keep testing as the job requires.
- Cancel the permit when the work ends or conditions change, and keep it with your records.
Tips
- Never enter to rescue someone without the right equipment; many confined space deaths are would-be rescuers.
- Test at different levels of the space; gases layer by weight.
- Write problems found during the entry on the permit; they're used to review the program.
- Keep the attendant outside and focused on the entrants the whole time.
Do it in FleetZap
- In FleetZap, a procedure can be attached to work orders, with pass/fail, reading, photo and signature steps; required steps block closing the job.
- Reading steps let the tester enter each air reading on the job as a number.
- FleetZap records checks and repairs; it doesn't certify compliance.
Sources
FleetZap Maintenance
Work orders, PM, parts, compliance, assets and KPIs. Explore FleetZap Maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What must a confined space entry permit include?
Under 29 CFR 1910.146(f): the space, the purpose, the date and duration, entrants, attendants, the entry supervisor, hazards, isolation and control measures, acceptable conditions, test results with testers and times, rescue services, communication, equipment, other information and other permits.
Who signs the entry permit?
The entry supervisor signs to authorize the entry after checking that the conditions and controls are in place.
How long is a confined space permit valid?
No longer than the time needed for the job written on it. It's canceled when the work is done or a condition not allowed by the permit appears.
What gases do you test for before entry?
Oxygen first, then flammable gases and vapors, then toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, as the space requires.