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This material is for training purposes only to inform the reader of occupational safety and health best practices and general compliance requirements and is not a substitute for provisions of the OSH Act of 1970 or any governmental regulatory agency.
MODULE 9: CONFINED SPACE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Introduction

It's important that the employer provides training so that all employees who are required to perform confined space entry operations acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of their duties in confined spaces.



Confined space training triggers

Training should be provided to each affected employee:
  • before the employee is first assigned duties under this section
  • whenever the employee demonstrates inadequate knowledge
  • before there is a change in assigned duties
  • whenever there is a change in permit space operations that presents a hazard for which an employee has not been trained
  • whenever the there are deviations from the permit space entry procedures
The training should establish employee proficiency in his or her confined space entry procedures and the task being performed within the confined space.

General Training Topics

All employees who will enter confined spaces must be trained in entry procedures. Personnel responsible for supervising, planning, entering or participating in confined space entry and rescue must be trained in their duties prior to any confined space entry.

Training should include:
  • Explanation of the general hazards associated with confined spaces;
  • Discussion of specific confined space hazards associated with the facility, location or operation;
  • Reason for, proper use, and limitations of PPE and other safety equipment required for entry into confined spaces;
  • Explanation of permits and other procedural requirements for conducting a confined space entry;
  • A clear understanding of what conditions would prohibit entry;
  • How to respond to emergencies;
  • Duties and responsibilities as a member of the confined space entry team; and
  • Description of how to recognize (1) symptoms of overexposure to probable air contaminants in themselves and co-workers, and (2) methods for alerting Attendants.
Refresher training should be conducted to maintain employee competence in entry procedures and precautions. If employees do not enter a confined space to perform work for an extended period of time (at least annually), they should be provided an opportunity to practice entry procedures.

Specific Training

Those entry team members who are responsible for monitoring confined space atmospheres should receive training on the proper use of monitoring and testing instruments. Training should include proper use of monitoring instruments such as:
  • Proper use of the equipment;
  • Knowledge of calibration;
  • Knowledge of sampling strategies and techniques; and
  • Knowledge of PELs, TLVs, LELs, UELs, etc.
Training For Attendants

Training should include the following:
  • Procedures for summoning rescue or other emergency services, and
  • Proper utilization of equipment used for communicating with entry and emergency/rescue personnel.
Training for Emergency Response Personnel

Training should include:
  • Rescue plan and procedures developed for each type of confined space that are anticipated to be encountered
  • Use of emergency rescue equipment
  • First aid and CPR techniques
  • Work location and confined space configuration to minimize response time
Verification of Training

Periodic assessment of the effectiveness of employee training should be conducted by a qualified person. Training sessions should be repeated as often as necessary to maintain an acceptable level of personnel competence.
  • If confined space entry team members routinely work in confined spaces, refresher training may be brief.
  • If confined space entry is rarely accomplished, team members should complete more comprehensive refresher training at least annually.
Make sure documentation of training verifies knowledge and skills. The training should include a written test and a practical demonstration requirement. The confined space entry team members should be able to "prove" they know what to do and how to do it. A competent person should certify the employees have demonstrated adequate knowledge and skills.



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