Appendix A.
Permit - Required Confined Space Decision Flow Chart
NO
Does the workplace contain confined spaces as defined by §1910.146(b)?
YES
NO Consult other applicable
Does the workplace contain PRCS as defined by §1910.146(b)? STOP
YES
Inform employees as required by §1910.146(c)(2).
NO Prevent employee entry as required by §1910.146(c)(3).
Will permit space be entered? Do task from outside of space.
YES
YES Task will be done by contractors' employees. Inform contractor as
Will contractors enter? 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.
NO
NO
Both contractors and host employees will enter the space.
YES
Will host employees enter
to perform entry tasks? Coordinate entry operations as required by §1910.146(c)(8)(iv)
YES NO
Prevent unauthorized entry.
NO Not a PRCS. 1910.146 does not apply. Consult
Does space have known or potential hazards?
other OSHA standards.
YES
YES Employer may choose to reclassify space to non-permit 1
Can the hazards be eliminated? required confined space using §1910.146(c)(7). STOP
NO
Can the space be maintained in a condition safe to YES Space may be entered under 1
enter by continuous forced air ventilation only? §1910.146(c)(5). STOP
NO
Prepare for entry via permit procedures.
Verify acceptable entry conditions (Test results NO Permit not valid until conditions meet
recorded, space isolated if needed, rescuers/means to permit specifications.
summon available, entrants properly equipped, etc.)
YES
Permit issued by authorizing signature. Acceptable NO
entry conditions maintained throughout entry. Emergency exists (prohibited condition).
Entrants evacuated, entry is aborted.
YES (Call rescuers if needed.) Permit is
void. Reevaluate program to
Entry tasks completed. Permit returned and canceled. correct/prevent prohibited condition.
Occurence of emergency (usually) is
proof of deficient program. No re-entry
Audit permit program and permit based on evaluation of until program (and permit) is amended.
entry by entrants, attendants, testers and preparers, etc.
CONTINUE
1 Spaces may have to be evacuated and re-evaluated if hazards arise during entry.
CONFINED SPACES/flowapp2.cdr/1-95
