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Confined Space Safety Talks

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that any workers and supervisors involved in a confined space entry project must have completed an OSHA 10 or 30-hour training course. In addition, short training refreshers (Toolbox Talks) should be presented to workers on a regular basis. Confined space entry work is dangerous. A good time to refresh workers on the safety issues of confined space entry is just before that particular work begins.

  1. Obtaining Confined Space Entry Safety Talks

    • Safety talks, or short refresher trainings, can be developed from the company's written safety program. In developing a safety talk, one should highlight the main safety issues of confined spaces, as well as hazardous materials and Personal Protective Equipment. Some companies use a 'Confined Space Entry Permit' to teach from, since the permit lists all of the safety pre-checks and precautions that must be taken.

    Confined Space Entry Permit

    • A written copy of the company's confined space entry permit must be filled out and all safety areas checked before work begins. Names and signatures should be on the entry permit, including names of persons in charge, those entering the confined space, the safety or company manager, and others as determined by the company safety policy. In and out times, as well as the date, should be on the permit as well.

    Potential Materials or Air Hazards

    • Workers and persons in charge should check to determine what was the last material in the confined space, as well as any materials that were used to clean the space. At least one approved air monitor should test the air quality in the space to determine what type of respirator, breathing apparatus and/or ventilation should be used.

    Personal Protective Equipment

    • Besides breathing apparatus or a respirator, a worker must have a safety harness, protective helmet, face mask or eye goggles. Proper clothing, as well as hand protection and approved safety boots must be worn by all workers to protect against the hazards pertaining to the confined space.

    Preparing to Enter

    • All liquid or gas lines leading to and from the space should be disconnected. The confined space should be purged and purge tubes removed.

      If electricity is attached to the confined space, the circuit breaker must be locked out according to lockout/tagout regulations.

      Fall protection, in the form of a personal safety harness, should be worn and properly anchored.

      A 'watcher' or 'attendant' should be posted before workers enter the confined space. The watcher or should remain in place until the workers exit the confined space. This person's duties include monitoring conditions, maintaining continuous communication with the workers inside, and calling for emergency rescue if needed.

    Working in the Confined Space

    • Workers inside the confined space should be aware of changes in the condition of the space, recognize potential hazards, and keep in contact with the watcher. In case of an emergency or encounter with hazardous material, workers should exit the space immediately.

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