Confined space training provides certain workers with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to enter and work safely in confined spaces. A confined space is an area with restricted or limited access and is not meant for continuous occupancy. Examples include tanks, storage bins, vessels, hoppers, vaults, manholes, and pits.
Many types of workers require confined space certification, including pump truck technicians, vacuum truck operators, electricians, construction workers, oilfield workers, welders, scaffolders, and more. Training can cover different subjects, including confined space rescue.
How often is confined space training required?
If your employees regularly work in confined spaces, it’s important to strictly enforce safety guidelines and equip them with the knowledge and skills to take care of themselves and the people around them. This is why it’s important to invest in the right OSHA safety training. The frequency of training will depend on the confined space certification received. Confined space entry certification won’t expire, but students need to attend refresher training every three years. For confined space rescue training, in particular, an eight-hour refresher is required every year after the initial year.
What is the OSHA standard for confined space training?
The OSHA standard for confined spaces is 29 CFR 1910.146 and it details the requirements for procedures and practices to protect general industry employees from the hazards of entering permitted spaces. Employers must evaluate workplaces to determine permit spaces and inform exposed employees of their location, existence, and potential hazards. This can be accomplished by posting relevant danger signs or applying equally effective measures.
In cases when employees should not enter or work in permit spaces, an employer should take effective steps to prevent them from entering those spaces in the first place. If employees are expected to enter the permit spaces, employers must create a written permit space program and make sure it’s available to all concerned employees and representatives.
Importance of training for confined space entry
Working in confined spaces can be risky for many reasons, which can be difficult to detect at times. The most common threats include noxious fumes, drowning risks or flooding, fire risks, reduced oxygen levels, contamination, asphyxiation, and access difficulties during emergencies. These situations increase health and safety risks, making OSHA safety training all the more important. It’s not merely a regulatory requirement—it can be a matter of life and death. Working without proper training further increases the risk of injury and fatality.
Where can you get trained?
Impact Safety is a trusted comprehensive safety source for companies in all fields and industries looking to create a compliant and safe work environment and reduce risk. We can help you get the relevant confined space certification and refresher training you and your team require. Get in touch with us to get started.
