NIST S 7101-57_Permit-Required Confined Space_01072021.pdf

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 1

Permit-Required Confined Spaces 3

NIST S 7101.57 5

Document Approval Date: 01/07/2021 6 Effective Date: 04/01/2015 7

1. PURPOSE 10

The purpose of this suborder is to establish the safety requirements for identifying, evaluating, 11 and entering permit-required confined spaces (hereafter referred to as “permit spaces”) and the 12 organizational roles and responsibilities for ensuring that those requirements are met. 13

2. BACKGROUND 16

a. NIST must meet or exceed the requirements established by the Occupational Safety and 17

Health Administration (OSHA) in 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.146, Permit-18 Required Confined Spaces. Implementation of this suborder through the requirements in 19 Section 6 and roles and responsibilities in Section 9 fulfills those requirements. 20

b. This suborder, all supporting suborder-specific directives, including procedures, guidance, 22 and notices, and all required deployment tools, including training, forms, instructions, and 23 information technology applications, constitute the written permit-required confined-space 24 program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4). 25

c. This suborder supersedes NIST Health and Safety Instruction (HSI) 9, Work in Confined 27

Spaces, November 1994. 28

3. APPLICABILITY 31

a. The provisions of this suborder apply to NIST employees and to contractors who are to enter 32 or potentially be exposed to permit spaces. 33

4. REFERENCES 36

a. 29 CFR Part 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces; and 37

b. 29 CFR 1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout). 39 https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9797 https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9804&p_table=STANDARDS

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 2

5. APPLICABLE NIST OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH SUBORDERS 40

a. NIST S 7101.20: Work and Worker Authorization Based on Hazard Reviews; 41

b. NIST S 7101.21: Personal Protective Equipment; 43

c. NIST S 7101.56: Control Of Hazardous Energy (LOTO); 45

d. NIST S 7101.59: Chemical Hazard Communication; and 47

e. NIST S 7101.22: Hazard Signage. 49

6. REQUIREMENTS1 52

a. Hazard Identification 53

(1) Determine if confined spaces are present in OU work areas. 55

b. Hazard Assessment 57

(1) As part of the hazard review process, assess the hazards in any confined spaces identified 59 to determine if those spaces meet the definition of a permit space. 60

(2) If an identified confined space meets the definition of a permit space, classify that space 62 as a permit space; otherwise classify it as a non-permit space. 63

(3) For spaces classified as permit spaces, post danger signs or use other equally effective 65 means to inform potentially exposed workers of the existence and location of, and the 66 danger posed by, the spaces. See Appendix A for an example of appropriate hazard 67 signage. 68

(4) When changes in the use or configuration of a non-permit space could result in the need 70 to reclassify the non-permit space as permit space, reassess the hazards in the space and, 71 if necessary, reclassify the space as permit space. 72

(5) If a confined space classified as a permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric 74 hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated without entry into the space, the 75 permit space may be reclassified to a non-permit space for as long as the non-atmospheric 76 hazards remain eliminated. 77

1 The requirements of this section apply to workers who enter permit spaces in the conduct of their assigned duties, and their management, i.e., they apply to the OUs.

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 3

(6) Note, reference, or include in activity-hazard-review documentation the results of 78 classifications and reclassifications of confined spaces as permit or non-permit spaces. 79

c. Permit-Space Entry Requirements 81

One or more of the following set of procedures must be followed for any individual to enter a 82 permit space: 83

• Procedures for reclassifying a permit space to a non-permit space for the purpose of 85 entry; or 86

• Alternate entry procedures; 88

• Full-permit entry procedures. 90

(1) Procedures for Reclassifying a Permit Space to a Non-Permit Space for the Purpose of 92 Entry 93 Non-permit-space entry procedures, i.e., procedures that lie outside the scope of this 94 suborder, may be used to enter a permit space if all of the following conditions are 95 satisfied: 96

(a) If the permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and if all hazards 98 within the space are eliminated without entry into the space, the permit space may be 99 reclassified to a non-permit space for the purpose of entry for as long as the non-100 atmospheric hazards remain eliminated. 101

(b) If it is necessary to enter the permit space to eliminate hazards, such entry shall be 103 performed in accordance with full-permit requirements. If testing and inspection 104 during that entry demonstrate that the hazards within the permit space have been 105 eliminated, the permit space may be reclassified to a non-permit space for the purpose 106 of entry for as long as the hazards remain eliminated. 107

i. Control of atmospheric hazards through forced-air ventilation does not constitute 109 elimination of the hazards. If it can be demonstrated that forced-air ventilation 110 alone will control all hazards in the space, alternate entry procedures may be used, 111 as indicated above. 112

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 4

(c) The OU shall document the basis for determining that all hazards in a permit space 117 have been eliminated, through a written certification that contains the following: 118

i. Date; 120

ii. Space location; and 122

iii. Signature of the person making the determination. 124

(d) If hazards arise within a permit space that has been reclassified to a non-permit space 126 for the purpose of entry, each worker in the space shall exit the space immediately. 127 The space shall then be reevaluated to determine whether it must be reclassified back 128 to a permit space. 129

(e) Once entry operations have been completed, the permit space that was reclassified to 131 a non-permit space for the purpose of entry shall be reclassified back to a permit 132 space. 133

(2) Alternate Entry Procedures 135

Alternate entry procedures may be used to enter a permit space if all of the following 136 conditions are satisfied: 137

(a) It shall be determined that the only hazard posed by the permit space is an actual or 139 potential hazardous atmosphere. 140

(b) It shall be determined that continuous forced-air ventilation alone is sufficient to 142 maintain that the permit space safe for entry. 143

(c) These determinations shall be supported by documented monitoring and inspection 145 data. 146

i. If an initial entry of the permit space is necessary to obtain the data required, the 148 entry shall be performed using full-permit procedures. 149

(d) The determinations and supporting monitoring and inspection data shall be made 151 available to each worker who enters the permit space. 152

(e) Entry into the permit space shall be performed in accordance with all of the following 154 requirements, as applicable: 155

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 5

i. Any conditions exterior to the permit space to be entered and making it unsafe to 157 remove an entrance cover shall be eliminated before the cover is removed. 158

ii. When entrance covers to permit spaces that involve vertical entry are removed, 160 the opening shall be promptly guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other 161 temporary barrier that will prevent an accidental fall through the opening and 162 that will protect each worker working in the space from foreign objects entering 163 the space. 164

iii. Before a worker enters the space, the internal atmosphere shall be tested with a 166 calibrated direct-reading instrument for oxygen content and, if applicable, 167 flammable gases/vapors and potential toxic air contaminants, in that order. 168

(i) Any worker who enters the space shall be provided an opportunity to observe 170 the required pre-entry testing. 171

(ii) There may be no hazardous atmosphere within the space whenever any 173 worker is inside the space. 174

(f) Continuous forced-air ventilation shall be used as follows: 176

i. A worker may not enter the space until the continuous forced-air ventilation has 178 eliminated any hazardous atmosphere. 179

ii. The continuous forced-air ventilation shall be so directed as to ventilate the 181 immediate areas where a worker is or will be present within the space and shall 182 continue until all workers have left the space. 183

(i) If the continuous forced-air ventilation stops while entry operations are in 185 progress, all entrants must leave the space immediately. 186

iii. The air supply for the continuous forced-air ventilation shall be from a clean 188 source and may not increase the hazards in the space. 189

iv. The atmosphere within the space shall be periodically tested as necessary to 191 ensure that the continuous forced-air ventilation is preventing the accumulation of 192 a hazardous atmosphere. 193

(i) Any worker who enters the space shall be provided with an opportunity to 195 observe the required periodic testing. 196

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(g) All of the following steps shall be taken if a hazardous atmosphere is detected during 197 entry: 198

i. Each worker shall leave the space immediately. 200

ii. The space shall be evaluated to determine how the hazardous atmosphere 202 developed. 203

iii. Measures shall be implemented to protect workers from the hazardous atmosphere 205 before any subsequent entry takes place. 206

(h) It shall be verified that the space is safe for entry and that the pre-entry measures 208 required above have been taken through a written certification that: 209

i. Is prepared prior to entry; 211

ii. Contains the date, space location; and signature of the person providing the 213 certification; and 214

iii. Is made available to each worker entering the space. 216

(3) Full-Permit Entry Procedures 218 If a permit space cannot be reclassified to a non-permit space for the purpose of entry or 219 entered using alternate entry procedures, it must be entered in accordance with the 220 following procedures for full-permit-based entry: 221

(a) Implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry; 223

(b) Evaluate and identify the hazards of the permit space before workers enter it; 225

(c) Develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe 227 permit space entry operations, including, but is not limited to, the following: 228

i. Specifying acceptable entry conditions; 230

ii. Providing each authorized entrant with the opportunity to observe any monitoring 232 or testing of permit spaces; 233

iii. Isolating the permit space; 235

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iv. Purging, inerting, flushing, or ventilating the permit space as necessary to 237 eliminate or control atmospheric hazards; 238

v. Providing pedestrian, vehicle, or other barriers as necessary to protect entrants 240 from external hazards; and 241

vi. Verifying that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout 243 the duration of an authorized entry. 244

(d) Provide and maintain the following equipment, as necessary to ensure safe entry 246 operations and at no cost to employees, and ensure that workers use it properly: 247

i. A meter needed to continuously monitor for oxygen, lower explosive limit or 249 combustible gases/vapors, and, toxic gases/vapors potentially present in the 250 permit space; 251

ii. Ventilating equipment needed to obtain acceptable entry conditions; 253

iii. Communications equipment; 255

iv. PPE insofar as feasible engineering controls and work practice controls do not 257 adequately protect workers;2 258

v. Lighting equipment needed to enable workers to see well enough to work safely 260 and to exit the space quickly in an emergency; 261

vi. Barriers and shields; 263

vii. Equipment, such as ladders, needed for safe ingress and egress by authorized 265 entrants; 266

viii. Rescue and emergency equipment; and 268

ix. Any other equipment necessary for safe entry into and rescue from permit 269 spaces. 270

(e) Evaluate permit-space conditions as follows when entry operations are conducted: 272

2 PPE is only an option if feasible engineering and work practice controls do not adequately protect workers.3 If multiple spaces are to be monitored by a single attendant, include in the permit program the means and procedures to enable the attendant to respond to an emergency affecting one or more the permit spaces being monitored without distraction from the attendants responsibilities.

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i. Test conditions in the permit space to determine if acceptable entry conditions 274 exist before entry is authorized to begin, except that, if isolation of the space is 275 infeasible because the space is large or is part of a continuous system (such as a 276 sewer), pre-entry testing shall be performed to the extent feasible before entry is 277 authorized and, if entry is authorized, entry conditions shall be continuously 278 monitored in the areas where authorized entrants are working; 279

ii. Test or monitor the permit space as necessary to determine if acceptable entry 281 conditions are being maintained during the course of entry operations; 282

iii. Ensure that atmospheric hazards, if any, are monitored in the following 284 chronological order: 285

(i) Oxygen; 287

(ii) Combustible gases and vapors; and 289

(iii) Toxic gases and vapors; 291

iv. Provide each authorized entrant an opportunity to observe the pre-entry and any 293 subsequent testing or monitoring of the permit space; 294

v. Re-evaluate the permit space in the presence of any authorized entrant who 296 requests re-evaluation because the entrant has reason to believe that the evaluation 297 (i.e., testing/monitoring) of that space may not have been adequate; and 298

vi. Immediately provide each authorized entrant with the results of any testing 300 conducted. 301

(f) Provide at least one attendant outside the permit space3 into which entry is authorized 303 for the duration of entry operations; 304

(g) Designate the person(s) who are to have active roles (as, for example, authorized 306 entrants, attendants, entry supervisors, or persons who test or monitor the atmosphere 307 in a permit space) during entry operations, identify the duties of each person, and 308 provide each worker with training; 309

3 If multiple spaces are to be monitored by a single attendant, include in the permit program the means and procedures to enable the attendant to respond to an emergency affecting one or more the permit spaces being monitored without distraction from the attendants responsibilities.

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(h) Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services 311 for rescuing entrants from the permit space, for providing necessary emergency 312 services to rescued workers, and for preventing unauthorized personnel from 313 attempting a rescue (see Section 6i for additional requirements related to rescue and 314 emergency services); 315

(i) Develop and implement procedures to coordinate entry operations when workers 317 from more than one OU are working simultaneously as authorized entrants in a 318 permit space, so that workers of one OU do not endanger the workers of another OU; 319

(j) Develop and implement procedures, such as closing off the permit space, necessary 321 for concluding the entry after entry operations have been completed; 322

(k) Review entry operations when the OU has reason to believe that the measures taken 324 may not protect workers and correct any deficiencies found in OU planning and 325 implementation of entry operations before subsequent entries are authorized; and 326

(l) Document that the above requirements for full permit-based entry of the permit space 328 have been met by preparing, issuing, using, and cancelling an entry permit meeting 329 the requirements in Section 6d. 330

d. Entry-Permit Requirements 332

(1) Before entry to a permit space is authorized, the OU shall document the completion of 334 measures necessary for entry, as delineated in Section 6c, using an entry permit 335 containing the information specified in 29 CFR 1910.146(f), Entry Permit. 336

(a) The OUs shall use the entry-permit form provided by OSHE, or an alternative form 338 that has been determined by OSHE to contain the required information. 339

(2) Before entry begins, the entry supervisor identified on the permit shall sign the entry 341 permit to authorize entry. 342

(3) So that the entrants can confirm that pre-entry preparations have been completed, the 344 completed permit shall be made available at the time of entry to all authorized entrants by 345 posting it at the entrance to the permit space or by any other equally effective means. 346

(4) The duration of the permit may not exceed the time required to complete the assigned 348 task or job identified on the permit. 349

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(5) The entry supervisor shall terminate entry and cancel the entry permit when: 353

(a) The entry operations covered by the entry permit have been completed; or 355

(b) A condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises in or near the permit 357 space. 358

(6) Any problems encountered during an entry operation shall be noted on the pertinent 360 permit so that appropriate revisions to OU planning and implementation of entry 361 operations can be made. 362

e. Review of OU Entry Operations 364

(1) Review OU entry operations4 using the canceled permits retained as required by Section 366

6h within 1 year after each entry and revise the program as necessary, to ensure that 367 workers participating in entry operations are protected from permit-space hazards. 368

f. Entry Procedures when Working with Contactors 370 When an OU arranges to have contractors perform work that involves entry to permit spaces, 371 the OU shall: 372

(1) Inform the contractor that entry to permit spaces is allowed only through compliance with 374 a permit-space program meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.146; 375

(2) Apprise the contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and the OU’s 377 experience with the spaces, that make the spaces in question permit spaces; 378

(3) Apprise the contractor of any precautions or procedures that the OU has implemented for 380 the protection of workers in and near the permit spaces where contractor personnel will 381 be working; 382

(4) Coordinate entry operations with the contractor when both NIST personnel and 384 contractor personnel will be working in or near the permit spaces; and 385

4 OUs may perform a single annual review covering all entries performed during a 12-month period. If no entry is performed during a 12-month period, no review is necessary.

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(5) Debrief the contractor at the conclusion of entry operations regarding the entry 387 procedures followed and any hazards confronted or created in the permit spaces during 388 entry operations. 389

g. NIST Employees Entering Permit Spaces at Non-NIST Locations 391

When NIST employees are to enter or be exposed to permit spaces at non-NIST locations, 392 they shall: 393

(1) Comply with the requirements of this suborder; 395

(2) Obtain any available information regarding permit-space hazards and past entry 397 operations from the entity responsible for the non-NIST location; 398

(3) Coordinate entry operations with the entity responsible for the non-NIST location when 400 both NIST employees and others will be working in or near the permit spaces; and 401

(4) Inform the other entity of the entry procedures that shall be followed; and 403

(5) Inform the other entity of any hazards confronted or created in the permit spaces, either 405 through a debriefing or during entry operations. 406

h. Duties of Individuals Involved in Full-Permit-Entry Operations 408

(1) Authorized entrants shall: 410

(a) Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, 412 signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure; 413

(b) Properly use equipment as required by this program; 415

(c) Communicate with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to monitor 417 entrant status and to enable the attendant to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the 418 space as required by this program; 419

(d) Alert the attendant whenever: 421

i. The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous 423 situation, or 424

ii. The entrant detects a prohibited condition; 426

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(e) Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever: 428

i. An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry supervisor; 430

ii. The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous 431 situation; 432

iii. The entrant detects a prohibited condition; or 434

iv. An evacuation alarm is activated. 436

(2) Attendants shall: 438

(a) Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, 440 signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure; 441

(b) Remain aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure in authorized 443 entrants; 444

(c) Continuously maintain an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit space by 446 name or other means (e.g., through the use of rosters or tracking systems) sufficient to 447 determine quickly and accurately, for the duration the permit, which authorized 448 entrants are in the permit space; 449

(d) Remain outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another 451 attendant; 452

(e) Communicate with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to 454 alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space; 455

(f) Monitor activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to 457 remain in the space and order the authorized entrants to evacuate the permit space 458 immediately if: 459

i. Any of the following are detected: 461

(i) A prohibited condition; 463

(ii) Behavioral effects of exposure of an authorized entrant to a hazard; 465

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(iii) A situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants; or 467

ii. Any of the duties assigned to them on entry permits cannot be effectively and 469 safely performed; 470

(g) Summon rescue and other emergency services as soon as they have determined that 471 authorized entrants may need assistance to escape from permit-space hazards; 472

(h) Take the following actions when unauthorized persons approach or enter a permit 474 space while entry is underway: 475

i. Warn the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space; 477

ii. Advise the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they have 479 entered the permit space; and 480

iii. Inform the authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons 482 have entered the permit space; 483

(i) Perform non-entry rescues as specified by the OU's rescue procedure; and 485

(j) Perform no duties that might interfere with their primary duty to monitor and protect 487 authorized entrants. 488

(3) Entry supervisors shall: 490

(a) Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, 492 signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure; 493

(b) Verify, by checking that the appropriate entries have been made on the permit, that all 495 tests specified by the permit have been conducted and that all procedures and 496 equipment specified by the permit are in place before endorsing the permit and 497 allowing entry to begin; 498

(c) Terminate entries and cancel entry permits when: 500

i. Covered entry operations have been completed; or 502

ii. A condition that is not allowed under the entry permit arises in or near the permit 504 space. 505

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(d) Verify that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are 507 operable; 508

(e) Remove unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter permit spaces 510 during entry operations; and 511

(f) Whenever responsibility for permit-space entry operations is transferred and at 513 intervals dictated by the hazards and operations performed within the space, 514 determine that entry operations remain consistent with the terms of the entry permit 515 and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained. 516

i. Rescue and Emergency Services 518

(1) In designating rescue and emergency services in connection with Section 6c(3)(h), OUs 520 shall: 521

(a) Evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely 523 manner, considering the hazard(s) identified; 524

(b) Evaluate a prospective rescue service's ability, in terms of proficiency with rescue-526 related tasks and equipment, to function appropriately while rescuing entrants from 527 the particular permit space or types of permit spaces identified;5 528

(c) Select a rescue team or service from those evaluated that: 530

i. Has the capability to reach the victim(s) within a time frame that is appropriate for 532 the permit-space hazard(s) identified; and 533

ii. Is equipped for and proficient in performing the needed rescue services; 535

(d) Inform each rescue team or service of the hazards they may confront when called on 537 to perform rescue at the site; and 538

5 What will be considered timely will vary according to the specific hazards involved in each entry. For example, §1910.134, Respiratory Protection, requires that employers provide a standby person or persons capable of immediate action to rescue employee(s) wearing respiratory protection while in work areas defined as IDLH atmospheres.

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(e) Provide the rescue team or service selected with access to all permit spaces from 540 which rescue may be necessary so that the rescue service can develop appropriate 541 rescue plans and practice rescue operations. 542

(2) An OU whose workers have been designated to provide permit-space rescue and 544 emergency services shall take the following measures: 545

(a) Provide affected workers with the PPE needed to conduct permit-space rescues safely 547 and train affected workers so they are proficient in the use of that PPE, at no cost to 548 those employees; 549

(b) Train affected workers to perform assigned rescue duties, including the training 551 required in Section 6k for Authorized Entrants; 552

(c) Train affected workers in basic first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); 554

(d) Ensure that at least one member of the rescue team or service holding a current 556 certification in first aid and CPR is available; and 557

(e) Ensure that affected workers practice making permit-space rescues at least once every 559 12 months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies, 560 manikins, or actual persons from the actual permit spaces or from representative 561 permit spaces that simulate the types of permit spaces from which rescue are to be 562 performed with respect to opening size, configuration, and accessibility. 563

(3) To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods shall be used whenever an 565 authorized entrant enters a permit space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase 566 the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant. Retrieval 567 systems shall meet the following requirements: 568

(a) Each authorized entrant shall use a chest or full body harness, with a retrieval line 570 attached at the center of the entrant's back near shoulder level, above the entrant's 571 head, or at another point which the OU can establish presents a profile small enough 572 for the successful removal of the entrant. Wristlets may be used in lieu of the chest or 573 full body harness if the OU can demonstrate that the use of a chest or full body 574 harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and that the use of wristlets is the 575 safest and most effective alternative. 576

(b) The other end of the retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical device or fixed 578 point outside the permit space in such a manner that rescue can begin as soon as the 579

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 16 rescuer becomes aware that rescue is necessary. A mechanical device shall be 580 available to retrieve personnel from vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet (1.52 581

m) deep. 582

(4) If an injured entrant is exposed to a substance for which a Material Safety Data Sheet or 584 other similar written information is required to be kept at the worksite, that information 585 shall be made available to the medical facility treating the exposed entrant. 586

j. Records (Other than Training Records) 588

(1) OUs shall retain each canceled entry permit for at least 1 year to facilitate the review of 590 entry operations. 591

k. Training 593

(1) Training of Individuals Who Are to Reclassify Permit Spaces to a Non-Permit Spaces for 595 the Purpose of Entry or Use Alternate Entry Procedures 596

(a) Such individuals shall complete the following prior to reclassifying permit spaces or 598 engaging in alternate entry operations: 599

i. The one-time-only training provided by OSHE on the NIST Permit-Required 601

Confined Spaces program; and 602

ii. The activity-specific training required by hazard reviews applicable to the work to 604 be conducted and sufficient to establish their proficiency to conduct that work. 605

(b) The activity-specific training for such individuals shall be provided by individuals 607 who have successfully completed training on the NIST Permit-Required Confined 608 Spaces program and who are familiar with entry operations for the activity-specific 609 space or a representative space. 610

(2) Training of Individuals Who Are to Use Full-Permit Entry Procedures 612

(a) Authorized Entrants, Attendants, and Entry Supervisors shall complete the following 614 prior to engaging in full-permit entry operations: 615

i. The one-time-only training provided by OSHE on the Permit-Required Confined 617

Spaces program; and 618

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ii. The activity-specific training required by hazard reviews applicable to the work to 620 be conducted, including training on their respective duties as delineated in Section 621 6h, and sufficient to establish their proficiency to conduct that work. 622

(b) The activity-specific training for Authorized Entrants, Attendants, and Entry 624

Supervisors shall be provided by individuals who have successfully completed 625 training on the NIST Permit-Required Confined Spaces program and who have 626 demonstrated their proficiency in entry operations representative of those that the 627 Authorized Entrants, Attendants, and Entry Supervisors are to conduct. 628

(3) Training of Official First-Level Supervisors of Individuals Involved in Entry Operations, 630

Regardless of the Entry Procedures to be Used 631

(a) The one-time-only training provided by OSHE on the NIST Permit-Required 633 Confined Spaces program. 634

(4) Additional Activity-Specific Training of Individuals Involved in Entry Operations, 636

Regardless of the Entry Procedures to be Used 637

(a) Additional activity-specific training of such individuals must be conducted under the 639 following conditions: 640

i. Before there is a change in assigned duties; 642

ii. Whenever there is a change in permit-space operations that presents a hazard 644 about which a worker has not previously been trained; or 645

iii. Whenever the OU has reason to believe either that there are deviations from 647 permit-space entry procedures or that there are inadequacies in the worker’s 648 knowledge or use of these procedures. 649

(b) The training shall introduce, and establish worker proficiency in, new or revised 651 procedures, as necessary. 652

(5) Documentation and Recording of Activity-Specific Training 654

(a) OUs shall document activity-specific training and record its completion by affected 656 employees in accordance with OU procedures. 657

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(b) Training records must, at a minimum, contain the following information and be 659 available for inspection by workers and their authorized representatives: 660

i. Each worker's name; 662

ii. Trainer’s signature(s); and 664

iii. Training dates. 666

l. Employee Participation 668

(1) OUs shall consult with affected employees and their authorized representatives on the 670 development and implementation of all aspects of the NIST Permit-Required Confined 671 Spaces program. 672

(2) OUs shall make available to affected employees and their authorized representatives all 674 information required by the NIST Permit-Required Confined Spaces program. 675

7. DEFINITIONS 678

a. Acceptable Entry Conditions – The conditions that must exist in a permit space to allow 679 entry and to ensure that workers involved with a permit-space entry can safely enter into and 680 work within the space. 681

b. Attendant – An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the 683 authorized entrants and who performs all attendant's duties assigned in the entry permit. 684

c. Authorized Entrant – An employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit 686 space. 687

d. Blanking or Blinding – The absolute closure of a pipe, line, or duct by the fastening of a solid 689 plate (such as a spectacle blind or a skillet blind) that completely covers the bore and that is 690 capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of the pipe, line, or duct with no leakage 691 beyond the plate. 692

e. Confined Space – A space that: 694

(1) Is large enough and so configured that a worker can bodily enter and perform assigned 696 work; and 697

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(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, as in the case of some tanks, vessels, 699 silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits); and 700

(3) Is not designed for continuous occupancy. 702

f. Double Block and Bleed – The closure of a line, duct, or pipe by closing and locking or 704 tagging two in-line valves and by opening and locking or tagging a drain or vent valve in the 705 line between the two closed valves. 706

g. Emergency – Any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or monitoring 708 equipment) or event internal or external to the permit space that could endanger entrants. 709

h. Engulfment – The surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely divided 711

(flowable) solid substance that can be aspirated to cause death by filling or plugging the 712 respiratory system or that can exert enough force on the body to cause death by strangulation, 713 constriction, or crushing. 714

i. Entry – The action by which a person passes through an opening into a permit space. Entry is 716 considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant's body breaks the plane of an 717 opening into the space.6 718

j. Entry Operations – The activities that take place in a permit space once that space has been 720 entered. 721

k. Entry Permit (Permit) – The written or printed document that is provided by the employer to 723 allow and control entry into a permit space and containing the information specified in 29 724 CFR 1910.146(f), Entry Permit. 725

l. Entry Supervisor – The person (such as the employer, foreman, or crew chief) responsible for 727 determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit space where entry is 728 planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and for terminating entry as 729 required by this section.7 730

6 This definition does not apply to spaces that are too small to accommodate an entire body. For example, it would not apply to a hand or fingers breaking the plane to turn a knob if the space were not large enough to accommodate the entire body.

7 An entry supervisor also may serve as an attendant or as an authorized entrant as long as that person is trained and equipped as required by this suborder for each role he or she fills. Also, the duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation.

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 20

m. Hazardous Atmosphere – An atmosphere that may expose workers to the risk of death, 732 incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a permit 733 space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes: 734

(1) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit 736

(LFL); 737

(2) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL;8 739

(3) Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent; 741

(4) Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or a permissible exposure 743 limit is published in Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental Control, or in 744 Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, of 29 CFR 1910 and which could result in 745 worker exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit;9 and 746

(5) Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.10 748

n. Hot-Work Permit – The employer's written authorization to perform operations (for example, 750 riveting, welding, cutting, burning, and heating) capable of providing a source of ignition. 751

o. Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) – Any condition that poses an immediate 753 or delayed threat to life or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects or that would 754 interfere with an individual's ability to escape unaided from a permit space.11 755

p. Inerting – The displacement of the atmosphere in a permit space by a noncombustible gas 757 (such as nitrogen) to such an extent that the resulting atmosphere is noncombustible. This 758 procedure produces an IDLH oxygen-deficient atmosphere. 759

q. Isolation – The process by which a permit space is removed from service and completely 761 protected against the release of energy and material into the space by such means as blanking 762

8 This concentration may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet (1.52 m) or less.

9 An atmospheric concentration of any substance that is not capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness due to its health effects is not covered by this provision.

10 For air contaminants for which OSHA has not determined a dose or permissible exposure limit, other sources of information, such as Material Safety Data Sheets that comply with the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, published information, and internal documents can provide guidance in establishing acceptable atmospheric conditions.

11 Some materials -- hydrogen fluoride gas and cadmium vapor, for example – may produce immediate transient effects that, even if severe, may pass without medical attention, but are followed by sudden, possibly fatal collapse 12-72 hours after exposure. The victim "feels normal" from recovery from transient effects until collapse. Such materials in hazardous quantities are considered to be "immediately" dangerous to life or health.

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 21 or blinding; misaligning or removing sections of lines, pipes, or ducts; a double block and 763 bleed system; lockout or tagout of all sources of energy; or blocking or disconnecting all 764 mechanical linkages. 765

r. Line Breaking – The intentional opening of a pipe, line, or duct that is or has been carrying 767 flammable, corrosive, or toxic material, an inert gas, or any fluid at a volume, pressure, or 768 temperature capable of causing injury. 769

s. Non-Permit-Required Confined Space – A confined space that does not contain or, with 770 respect to atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain, any hazard capable of causing 771 death or serious physical harm. 772

t. Non-Permit Space – See “Non-Permit-Required Confined Space”. 774

u. Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere – An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by 776 volume. 777

v. Oxygen-Enriched Atmosphere – An atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen 779 by volume. 780

w. Permit-Required Confined Space – A confined space that has one or more of the following 782 characteristics: 783

(1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; 785

(2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; 787

(3) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by 789 inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller 790 cross-section; or 791

(4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard. 793

x. Permit Space – See “Permit-Required Confined Space. 795

y. Prohibited Condition – Any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit 797 during the period when entry is authorized. 798

z. Rescue Service – The personnel designated to rescue workers from permit spaces. 800

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 22

aa. Retrieval System – The equipment (including a retrieval line, chest or full-body harness, 802 wristlets, if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor) used for non-entry rescue of persons 803 from permit spaces. 804

bb. Testing – The process by which the hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are 806 identified and evaluated. Testing includes specifying the tests that are to be performed in the 807 permit space.12 808

8. ACRONYMS 811

a. CFR – Code of Federal Regulations 812

b. CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 814

c. IDLH – Immediately Dangerous Life or Health 816

d. LFL – Lower Flammable Limit 818

e. OSH – Occupational Safety and Health 820

f. OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration 822

g. OSHE – Office of Safety, Health, and Environment 824

h. OU – Organizational Unit 826

i. PPE – Personal Protective Equipment 828

9. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 831

a. The OUs are responsible for ensuring that the requirements in Section 6 are met. 832

10. AUTHORITIES 835

There are no authorities specific to this suborder alone. 836

12 Testing enables employers both to devise and implement adequate control measures for the protection of authorized entrants and to determine if acceptable entry conditions are present immediately prior to, and during, entry.

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 23

11. DIRECTIVE OWNER 839

Chief Safety Officer 840

12. APPENDICES 843

a. Examples of Required Hazard Signage 844

b. Revision History 845

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 24

Appendix A. Examples of Required Hazard Signage 848

NIST S 7101.57 (Uncontrolled Copy in Print) Page 25

Appendix B. Revision History 853

Revision Date Responsible Person

Description of Change

1 01/07/2021 April Camenisch Updated suborder links. Added revision history appendix.