Confined Space Flow Chart
1. Does the workplace contain confined spaces as defined by §1910.146(b)?
NO: Consult other applicable; STOP.

YES: Go to Step 2.
2. Workplace contains PRCS as defined by §1910.146(b)?
NO: Consult other applicable; STOP.

YES: Go to Step 3.
3. Inform employees as required by §1910.146(c)(2).
Go to Step 4.
4. Will permit space be entered?
NO: Prevent employee entry as required by §1910.146(c)(3). Do task from outside of space. STOP.

YES: Go to Step 5.
5. Will contractors enter?
YES: Task will be done by contractors' employees. Go to Step 6.

No: Skip to Step 9.
6. Inform contractor as required by §1910.146(c)(8)(i), (ii) and (iii).
Contractor obtains information required by §1910.146(c)(9)(i), (ii) and (iii) from host.

Go to Step 7.
7. Both contractors and host employees will enter the space.
Go to Step 8.
8. Coordinate entry operations as required by §1910.146(c)(8)(iv).
Go to Step 9.
9. Will host employees enter to perform entry tasks?
NO: Prevent unauthorized entry. STOP.

YES: Go to Step 10.
10. Does space have known or potential hazards?
NO: Not a PRCS. 1910.146 does not apply. Consult other OSHA standards. STOP.

YES: Go to Step 11.
11. Can the hazards be eliminated?
YES: Employer may choose to reclassify space to non-permit required confined space using §1910.146(c)(7). STOP1.

NO: Go to Step 12.
12. Can the space be maintained in a condition safe to enter by continuous forced air ventilation only?
YES: Space may be entered under §1910.146(c)(5). STOP1.

NO: Go to Step 13.
13. Prepare for entry via permit procedures.
Go to Step 14.
14. Verify acceptable entry conditions (Test results recorded, space isolated if needed, rescuers/means to summon available, entrants properly equipped, etc.)
NO: Permit not valid until conditions meet permit specifications. STOP.

YES: Go to Step 15.
15. Permit issued by authorizing signature. Acceptable entry conditions maintained throughout entry.
NO: Emergency exists (prohibited condition). Entrants evacuated, entry is aborted. (Call rescuers if needed.) Permit is void. Reevaluate programto correct/prevent prohibited condition. Occurence of emergency (usually) is proof of deficient program. No re-entry until program (and permit) is amended. Continue to Step 5.

YES: Go to Step 16.
16. Entry tasks completed. Permit returned and canceled.
Go to Step 17.
17. Audit permit program and permit based on evaluation of entry by entrants, attendants, testers and preparers, etc.
STOP.
Note: 1. Spaces may have to be evacuated and re-evaluated if hazards arise during entry.
Product Suggestions
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