OR-OSHA

ADA
THE KEY TO ACCESSIBILITY

I
ncomp
li
anc
ewi
th th
eAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA), t
hi
sp ubl
ic
ati
o nisava
il
abl
ein
a
lt
er
na
ti
vefo
rma
ts
. Cal
lt
heOR -OSH Ap ubli cr e l
ati
o nsma
n ager
, (503)378-3272(V/TTY
).

Ma
te
ri
al
scont
ai
nedinthi
spu
bli
cat
i
onar
einthep
ubl
i
cdomai
nan
dm a
y
beco
pie
danddis
tri
but
edwi
thou
tpe
rmi
ssi
onfr
omOre
gonOSHA.
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION

Introduction .............................................................................................................. 3
Contents
What is a perm it-required confined space? ....................................................... 4

What is §1910.146, and why is it im portant? ..................................................... 5

What do I need to do to work safely in a perm it space? .................................. 6

▼ Id en tify th e p erm it sp aces at you r workp lace ................................................. 7

▼ Id en tify th e h azard s in th e sp aces ................................................................... 8
▼ Decid e if workers will en ter a p erm it sp ace .................................................. 10
▼ Elim in ate or con trol th e h azard s in th e sp ace .............................................. 11
▼ Estab lish en try p rocedu res ............................................................................ 12
▼ Train workers for en try op eration s ................................................................ 15
▼ Make su re workers kn ow th eir du ties an d resp on sib ilities .......................... 16
▼ Plan for em ergen cies ..................................................................................... 17
A diagram of the entry process ........................................................................... 19

What is a perm it-space program , and do I need one? ................................... 20

A generic perm it-space program

1
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION
Introduction I f you store grain , p rocess raw m aterials,
or work in a large m an u factu rin g p lan t,
you’re p rob ab ly fam iliar with th e term ,
con fin ed sp ace.
Man y Oregon workp laces h ave con fin ed
sp aces — en closed sp aces th at are d iffi-
cu lt to en ter an d exit, large en ou gh to
work in , bu t n ot d esign ed to b e occup ied .
Neverth eless, workers n eed to en ter th em
from tim e to tim e. For exam p le, th ey m ay
n eed to in sp ect eq u ip m en t, fix leaks, d o
con stru ction work, or rescu e som eon e.
Th e in terior of a con fin ed sp ace m ay b e
relatively safe or it m ay con tain life-
th reaten in g h azard s — su ch as eq u ip m en t
th at starts with ou t warn in g, toxic gases,
corrosive ch em icals, or flam m ab le solven ts.
The purpose Th is gu id e focu ses on
of this guide con fin ed sp aces th at m ay
con tain life-th reaten in g
h azard s — th e so-called p erm it-requ ired
con fin ed sp aces, or p erm it sp aces. Its
p u rp ose is to h elp you , you r coworkers,
or you r em p loyees work safely in p erm it
sp aces. It an swers th e followin g q u estion s:
▼ Wh at is a p erm it sp ace an d h ow
can I id en tify on e?
▼ Wh at is §1910.146, th e p erm it-
req u ired con fin ed -sp ace stan d ard
for gen eral in du stry, an d wh y is
it im p ortan t?
▼ Wh at d o I n eed to kn ow to work
safely in a p erm it sp ace?
▼ Wh at is a p erm it-sp ace p rogram ,
an d d o I n eed on e for m y work-
p lace?
It also offers a gen eric written p erm it-
sp ace p rogram th at you can u se to
d evelop a written p rogram for you r
workp lace.
3
THEY’RE NOT DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED – How to work safely in a permit-required confined space

What is a A con fin ed sp ace h as Examples of Most con fin ed sp aces

What is confined space? all of th e followin g confined spaces are d esign ed to h old
ch aracteristics: su b stan ces su ch as
a permit- ▼ It h as a restricted op en in g th at liq u id s, gases, an d loose m aterials, or to
required m akes en try an d exit d ifficu lt. h ou se eq u ip m en t. Th ou gh th ey com e
in m an y sizes an d sh ap es, m ost can b e
confined ▼ It’s large en ou gh for on e to en ter classified in on e of two ways: th ose with
com p letely. d ep th an d op en top s an d th ose with
space ?
▼ It’s n ot d esign ed to b e occu p ied . n arrow op en in gs. Th e tab le b elow gives
exam p les of each .
Characteristics of A p erm it sp ace is a
a permit space con fin ed sp ace th at
m ay con tain life- OPEN-TOPPED AND SPACES WITH
th reaten in g h azard s. No on e can en ter a DEEP SPACES NARROW OPENINGS
p erm it sp ace with ou t first com p letin g a pits ship compartments
written en try p erm it. (Sh own on Page 14.)
wells silos
A p erm it sp ace h as all of th e ch aracteris-
tics of a con fin ed sp ace an d on e or m ore vats pipes
of th e followin g ch aracteristics: hoppers tunnels
▼ It h as – or cou ld h ave – an bins utility vaults
atm osp h eric h azard .
▼ It con tain s m aterial th at cou ld degreasers casings
trap or bu ry an en tran t. kettles sewers
▼ It’s sh ap ed so th at an en tran t cou ld
becom e trapp ed or asph yxiated.
The meaning of An yon e wh o en ters
▼ It h as an y safety or h ealth h azard . “permit required” a p erm it sp ace m u st
first fill ou t a written
p erm it th at verifies th at th e h azard s in
th e sp ace h ave b een elim in ated or
con trolled an d th at th e sp ace is safe to
en ter. An en try su p ervisor m u st sign th e
p erm it an d p ost it on th e sp ace so th at
workers can see it, th en can cel it wh en
work in th e sp ace is fin ish ed .

Atm ospheric hazard: A h azard th at affects th e air in a p erm it sp ace.

Entrant: A p erson wh o en ters a p erm it sp ace.
4
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION
What is Oregon Occu p ation al
What is §1910.146? Safety an d Health Stan -
d ard s’§1910.146 p rotects
§1910.146
gen eral in du stry workers wh o en ter
and p erm it sp aces. It req u ires em p loyers to
d o th e followin g:
why is it ▼ Su rvey th eir workp lace to id en tify
important? p erm it sp aces.
▼ In form em p loyees ab ou t th e
location of each p erm it sp ace
an d its h azard s.
▼ Keep u n au th orized workers ou t
of p erm it sp aces.
▼ Develop a written p rogram th at
en su res th e safety of an y em -
p loyee wh o m u st en ter a p erm it
sp ace.
In 1998, fed eral OSHA revised §1910.146
an d Oregon OSHA ad op ted th e follow-
in g ch an ges:
▼ Gives au th orized rep resen tatives
access to th e sam e in form ation
as em p loyees regard in g p erm it
sp aces an d th e p erm it-sp ace
p rogram .
▼ Req u ires em p loyers to p rovid e
em p loyees or th eir au th orized
rep resen tatives with th e op p ortu -
n ity to ob serve m on itorin g of
con fin ed sp aces.
▼ Clarifies th e criteria for selectin g
an d evalu atin g a rescu e team
or service.
▼ En su res em p loyee p articip ation
in d evelop in g an d im p lem en tin g
th e p erm it-sp ace p rogram .
▼ Add s a n on -m an d atory ap p en d ix
to gu id e em p loyers in ch oosin g
ap p rop riately train ed an d
eq u ip p ed rescu ers.
Why is Perm it sp aces are com p lex
§1910.146 en viron m en ts th at m ay
con tain m an y d ifferen t
important?
h azard s. Workers can d ie
in p erm it sp aces b ecau se th ey d on’t
kn ow ab ou t h azard s or b ecau se th ey
u se th e wron g p rocedu res to con trol
h azard s. In fact, m an y of th ose wh o
h ave d ied in p erm it sp aces were tryin g
to rescu e oth ers.
You p rob ab ly wou ld n’t b oard a com m er-
cial aircraft — even for a sh ort fligh t — if
you kn ew th at th e p ilot an d th e m ain te-
n an ce crew ign ored take-off p rocedu res.
Nor wou ld you sq u eeze in to a con fin ed
sp ace if you kn ew th at you r coworkers
h ad ign ored p rocedu res to elim in ate or
con trol th e h azard s.
§1910.146 is im p ortan t b ecau se it
req u ires you , you r coworkers, an d you r
em p loyees to follow safe work p ractices.
If you follow th ose p ractices, you’ll kn ow
wh en p erm it-sp ace h azard s exist an d
you’ll u se th e righ t p rocedu res to elim i-
n ate or con trol th em .
Where to get If you’re a gen eral-
a copy of in du stry em p loyer an d
§1910.146 you r workp lace h as a
p erm it sp ace, you’ll n eed
a copy of §1910.146. Review it carefu lly.
Keep in m in d th at th is gu id e is in ten d ed
to h elp you an d you r em p loyees work
safely in p erm it sp aces — it d oesn’t take
th e p lace of §1910.146.
You can req u est §1910.146 from ou r
Resou rce Cen ter (see in sid e b ack cover),
or you can d own load it from ou r Web
site at www.orosh a.org.
5
THEY’RE NOT DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED – How to work safely in a permit-required confined space

What do I T h is section d escrib es eigh t critical

activities th at are p art of th e en try
p rocess — th e activities th at take p lace
need to do as workers p rep are to en ter an d exit a
to work p erm it sp ace.

safely in Th ey’re critical activities b ecau se th ey

en su re th at th ose wh o en ter a p erm it
a permit sp ace can work an d exit u n h arm ed .
space? In add ition , th ese activities lay th e
fou n d ation for an effective p erm it-sp ace
p rogram .

Eight critical activities:

1
▼ Identify the permit spaces

2
▼ Identify the hazards in the spaces

3
▼ Decide if workers will enter

4
▼ Eliminate or control the hazards

5
▼ Establish entry procedures

6
▼ Train workers for entry operations

7
▼ Make sure worker s know their responsibilities

▼ Plan for emergencies

8
A perm it space program is an em p loyer’s p lan for p rotectin g workers with in th e en try p ro-
cess. See Page 20, Wh at is a p erm it sp ace p rogram , an d d o I n eed on e?, for m ore in form ation .
6
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION

Identify T h e first th in g you sh ou ld d o is
id en tify all en closu res at you r
workp lace th at h ave th e ch aracteristics
the permit of a con fin ed sp ace. (A con fin ed sp ace is
spaces d ifficu lt to en ter an d exit an d large
en ou gh for on e to en ter com p letely, bu t
at your n ot d esign ed to b e occup ied .)
workplace.
Evaluate Next, evalu ate each con -
Inform
employees
If you r workp lace h as a
p erm it sp ace, em p loyees
m u st kn ow wh ere it’s
about permit
spaces located , th at it’s h azard -
ou s, an d th at it’s a p erm it
sp ace. You can p ost a sign , su ch as th e
on e b elow, to in form th em .

for hazards if it’s a p erm it sp ace. Keep

in m in d th at a p erm it DANGER
sp ace h as on e or m ore of th e followin g

▼ Con tain s — or cou ld con tain — PERMIT-REQUIRED

an atm osp h eric h azard . CONFINED SPACE
or bu ry an en tran t.
Authorized entrants
▼ Is sh ap ed su ch th at an en tran t
cou ld b ecom e trap p ed or only
asp h yxiated .
▼ Con tain s an y safety or h ealth
h azard th at cou ld h arm an en -
tran t.
You r evalu ation sh ou ld id en tify all
existin g or p oten tial h azard s in each
sp ace. Be esp ecially carefu l wh en evalu -
atin g a con fin ed sp ace th at cou ld con -
tain an atm osp h eric h azard ! Th e on ly
way to id en tify an atm osp h eric h azard is
to test for it from ou tsid e th e sp ace.
Never assu m e a con fin ed sp ace is
h azard -free. If you ’re n ot su re h ow to
test for a h azard ou s atm osp h ere, give u s
a call.

7
THEY’RE NOT DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED – How to work safely in a permit-required confined space

Identify
Permit-space hazards:
atmospheric and
sp h
T
h ose wh o en ter a p erm it sp ace face two kin d s of
h azard s: atm osp h eric an d n on -atm osp h eric. Atm o-
eric h azard s affect th e air in th e sp ace an d can b e
the hazards non-atmospheric
flam m ab le, toxic, corrosive, or asp h yxiatin g.
in the Non -atm osp h eric h azard s, on th e oth er h an d , in clu d e m an y d ifferen t con d ition s,
spaces. in clu d in g m ech an ical d an gers, loose m aterials, excessive n oise, extrem e tem p era-
tu res, low ligh t, an d d ifficu lt access.

Atmospheric Th e tab le b elow id en tifies com m on atm osph eric h azard s, d escrib es
hazards h ow th ey occu r, an d h igh ligh ts wh y you sh ou ld b e con cern ed ab ou t
th em . Always ch eck atm osp h eric h azard s in th e followin g ord er:
oxygen d eficien cies or d isp lacem en t, flam m ab le atm osp h eres, toxic atm osp h eres,
an d corrosive atm osp h eres.

COMMON ATMOSPHERIC HAZARDS

Hazard How it occurs Why you should be concerned
Oxygen deficiency Chemical or biological Oxygen-deficient atmospheres
(less than 19.5 reactions consume oxygen. affect heart rate, muscle
percent oxygen) coordination, and breathing.
Eventually, they lead to death.
Oxygen enrichment Results from welding tasks Oxygen-enriched atmospheres
(greater than 23.6 and from the improper use increase the risk of fire or
percent) of oxygen for breathing air. explosions.

Flammable Fuel, oxygen, and a source Flammable gasses such as

atmospheres of ignition cause fires and acetylene, butane, propane,
explosions. hydrogen, and methane are
common in permit spaces.
Grain, nitrated fertilizers, and
ground chemicals can produce
combustible dusts.

Toxic atmospheres Accumulates through some Many manufacturing

manufacturing, biological,
or chemical reactions.
Released during work or
tasks such as welding and
cleaning.
processes, stored materials,
and work tasks produce toxic
gases, vapors, or dusts.

Corrosive Accumulates from some Corrosive substances destroy

atmospheres manufacturing processes, living tissue.
biological or chemical Some cause immediate damage
reactions. to skin and eyes; some have
no immediate effect, but cause
cancer with prolonged exposure.

8
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION

Non-atmospheric Th e tab le b elow id en tifies com m on n on -atm osp h eric h azard s,

hazards d escrib es h ow th ey occu r, an d exp lain s wh y you sh ou ld b e
con cern ed ab ou t th em .

COMMON NON-ATMOSPHERIC HAZARDS

Hazard How it occurs Why you should be concerned
Engulfment Loose materials drawn from the Liquid or loose materials can
bottoms of storage bins can trap or bury a worker in seconds.
suffocate or bury an entrant.
Liquids or materials are sud-
denly released into the space.

Mechanical Mechanical and hydraulic Entrants servicing mechanical

and hydraulic equipment start or move and hydraulic equipment can be
energy unexpectedly. seriously injured or killed if the
energy isn’t properly controlled.

Noise Permit spaces amplify sounds Noise interferes with essential

produced by tools and equip- communication between
ment. entrants and attendants.

Falling objects Objects fall into the space because topside openings are un-
guarded or improperly guarded.

Extreme The permit space’s location Hot environments put workers at

temperatures and the equipment it contains
make it very hot or cold.
risk for heat stress, especially if
they’re doing strenuous work or
wearing protective clothing —
cold environments make tasks
more difficult to accomplish.

Slippery Leaks, spills, and condensation Wet surfaces are usually slippery.
surfaces make walking surfaces slippery. They increase the risk of falls.

Corrosive Corrosive chemicals are stored Corrosive chemicals can cause

chemicals in the space, or entrants use severe eye or skin irritation if
them to do tasks. exposed workers are not
wearing protective clothing.

Access Confined spaces are difficult to In an emergency, entrants may

problems enter and exit. not be able to exit quickly.

Illumination Most permit spaces are dark Poor lighting makes it difficult
problems places. for workers to enter, exit, and
work in a permit space.

Keep in mind Most p erm it-sp ace accid en ts h ap p en for th e followin g reason s:
▼ Workers h aven’t b een p rop erly train ed to recogn ize p erm it-sp ace h azard s.
▼ Hazard s aren’t elim in ated or con trolled b efore workers en ter th e sp ace.
▼ Rescu ers are in exp erien ced or im p rop erly train ed .
Getting help If you n eed h elp id en tifyin g p erm it-sp ace h azard s, talk to you r
workers’ com p en sation in su rer or give u s a call.
9
 THEY’RE NOT DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED – How to work safely in a permit-required confined space

Decide I f you h ave a p erm it sp ace at you r

workp lace, will workers en ter it? Are
th ey con tract workers or you r em p loyees?
if workers

a permit need to enter n eed to en ter a p erm it DANGER

space. su re th at th ey’re aware of th e sp ace an d
PERMIT-REQUIRED
by p lacin g a d an ger sign like th is on e➞ CONFINED SPACE
on th e sp ace, or p erm an en tly secu rin g
th e en tran ce to th e sp ace — weld in g it
sh u t, for exam p le. DONOT
If workers Th e tab le b elow sh ows ENTER
need to enter wh at you m u st d o b efore
em p loyees or con tract
workers en ter a p erm it sp ace at you r
workp lace.

IF THEN
Only You must tell the contractor about the hazards in the space, that
contract the contractor must have a written permit-space program that
workers meets §1910.146 requirements, and about any special precau-
enter tions necessary to protect those working in or near the space.

Contract You must have a written permit-space program that describes

workers how you will eliminate or control the permit-space hazards and
and your ensure the safety of those who enter the space.
employees You must coordinate entry operations with the contractor
enter so that the contract workers and your employees work
safely together.

Only your You must have a written permit-space program that describes
employees how you will eliminate or control the permit-space hazards and
enter ensure the safety of those who enter the space.

10
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION

Eliminate B efore allowin g workers to en ter a p erm it sp ace, you m u st eith er elim in ate all
h azard s in th e sp ace or con trol th em so th at th e workers can accom p lish th eir
tasks an d leave th e sp ace safely.
or control
Th e tab le b elow su m m arizes th e op tion s an d gives an exam p le of each .
the hazards
in the IF THEN EXAMPLE
space. The space has
no atmospheric
You can reclassify the space
as a non-permit space.
You need to enter a mixing
tank that has no atmospheric
hazards and You must eliminate all hazards hazards but does have mixing
you can eliminate in the space before workers paddles that could start
all other hazards. enter and for the entire time automatically.
they are in the space. You must lock out and/or tag
You must document how you out the mixing-paddle hazard
eliminated the hazards and before you enter.
certify the space hazard-free.

The space has Workers can enter the space
only an atmo- under alternate procedures:
spheric hazard You must keep the space
and you can hazard-free with continuous
control it with forced-air ventilation before
forced-air workers enter and for the
ventilation. entire time workers are in
the space.
You must have test and
inspection data that show
forced-air ventilation will
keep the space hazard free.
You need to enter a utility vault.
You’ve monitored the space for
oxygen displacement and
enrichment, flammable atmo-
spheres and toxic atmo-
spheres. You’ve determined an
atmospheric hazard exists —
for example oxygen deficiency.
Your test and inspection data
show that continuous forced-
air ventilation will increase
oxygen content to 19.5 percent.
You periodically monitor the
atmosphere in the space
to ensure forced-air ventilation
maintains safe entry condi-
tions.

You can’t You must follow your written
eliminate permit-space program.
hazards in The program must include
the space. the method for controlling
the hazards, procedures for
entry operations, and an
entry permit verifying that
the space is safe to enter.
You need to enter a sewer
system that contains pockets
of methane and hydrogen
sulfide, but you can’t eliminate
these hazards with forced-air
ventilation.

Getting help Talk to you r workers’ com p en sation in su rer, or give u s a call if you n eed
h elp d eterm in in g h ow to elim in ate or con trol p erm it-sp ace h azard s.

Non-perm it space: Th e sp ace is safe to en ter an d em p loyees can work in it with ou t a p erm it
as lon g as it is h azard free.
Alternate procedures: Sp ecific p roced u res th at allow workers to en ter an d work in a p erm it
sp ace with ou t a p erm it if con tin u ou s forced -air ven tilation con trols th e h azard s.
11
 THEY’RE NOT DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED – How to work safely in a permit-required confined space

Establish B efore workers en ter a p erm it sp ace, you m u st h ave safe work p rocedu res
coverin g all p h ases of th e en try p rocess. You m u st also com p lete an en try
p erm it th at verifies th e p erm it sp ace is safe for workers to en ter.
entry
procedures. Before workers Th e tab le b elow su m m arizes p re-en try activities an d p rocedu res.
enter the space

ACTIVITY ESTABLISH PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT

Guard the space Workers place warning signs or barriers to keep out unautho-
rized persons and to protect entrants from falling objects.

Isolate the Workers disconnect, lock out, or tag out hazardous equipment
space in the space. Identify who will isolate the space and who will
inform entrants about hazardous equipment.

Eliminate or Workers eliminate or control the hazards in the space. Include

control atmo- the method and the steps necessary to eliminate or control
spheric hazards the hazards.

Test the space The entry supervisor tests for atmospheric hazards in the follow-
for atmospheric ing order: first for oxygen, then for flammable gases, and finally
hazards for toxic gases. Employees must be able to observe the test.

Identify neces- Entrants have the equipment they need to do their tasks
sary equipment (including rescue equipment) and they know how to use the
equipment.

Contact Attendants know how to respond to emergencies, including

emergency the following: whom to contact, how to remove entrants, and
responders how to perform first aid and CPR.

Complete and The entry supervisor certifies that the space is safe to enter,
post the entry signs the entry permit, and posts it on the space so that
permit authorized entrants can see it.

While workers Th e tab le b elow su m m arizes activities an d p rocedu res du rin g

are in the space en try op eration s:

ACTIVITY ESTABLISH PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT

Maintain Attendants and entrants keep in contact with each other. They
communications must know what communications equipment to use and how
to use it effectively.

Keep out unau- The entry supervisor and authorized attendants know how
thorized persons they will keep unauthorized persons away from the space.

Monitor the space Authorized attendants continuously monitor the permit space
for hazards atmosphere while workers are inside.

12
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION

After workers Th e tab le b elow su m m arizes activities an d p rocedu res th at

Establish leave the space com p lete en try op eration s:
entry
ACTIVITY ESTABLISH PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT
procedures.
Cancel the entry The entry supervisor cancels the permit when entrants finish
permit entry operations or when a condition arises that isn’t
identified on the permit.

Return the space Workers return the space to service properly after entrants
to service exit.

File the permit All problems encountered by entrants are recorded and that
the permit is kept on file for at least one year.

The entry Th e en try p erm it d ocu m en ts accep tab le en try con d ition s an d
permit verifies th at th e sp ace is safe for workers to en ter. It con tain s th e
followin g in form ation :
▼ Location of th e sp ace.

▼ Pu rp ose of en try.
▼ En try d ate an d th e tim e workers en ter th e sp ace.
▼ Au th orized en tran ts’ n am es.
▼ Au th orized atten d an ts’ n am es.
▼ En try su p ervisor’s n am e an d sign atu re.
▼ Hazard s in th e sp ace.
▼ How workers will con trol h azard s so th at th e sp ace is safe to en ter.
▼ Accep tab le en try con d ition s.
▼ Testin g d ata an d testers’ in itials, certifyin g th at th e sp ace is safe to en ter.
▼ Nam es of em ergen cy resp on d ers an d in stru ction s for con tactin g th em .
▼ Com m u n ication p rocedu res u sed by au th orized en tran ts an d atten d an ts.
▼ A list of all eq u ip m en t n ecessary to en su re en tran ts’ safety.
▼ A d escrip tion of an y oth er p erm its en tran ts n eed to work in th e sp ace.

Enter: Tech n ically, en try occu rs wh en an y p art of a worker’s b od y m oves th rou gh th e

op en in g of th e sp ace.
13
 THEY’RE NOT DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED – How to work safely in a permit-required confined space

Asample
entry permit

14
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION

Train T rain in g an d edu catin g workers is

th e m ost effective way to en su re
th at th ey can id en tify p erm it-sp ace
Training must If you au th orize workers
be certified to en ter a p erm it sp ace,
you m u st certify th at
workers h azard s, follow en try p rocedu res, an d th ey h ave b een train ed . Th e certification
for entry resp on d app rop riately in an em ergen cy. m u st con tain each worker’s n am e, th e
train er’s sign atu re, an d th e train in g
operations. Training Th ose wh o d o p erm it- d ates. It m u st b e availab le for workers or
au th orized rep resen tatives to review.
requirements sp ace work m u st u n d er-
stan d p rocedu res for Train ers sh ou ld u n d erstan d all p arts of
en try, kn ow h ow to con trol h azard s, §1910.146 an d h ave exp erien ce with
an d kn ow th eir roles in an em ergen cy. th e typ es of p erm it sp aces em p loyees
Th ey m u st receive train in g in th e will en ter.
followin g situ ation s:
▼ Before th eir p erm it-sp ace du ties
are assign ed or ch an ged .
▼ Wh en th ere is a ch an ge in
p erm it-sp ace op eration s th at
p resen ts a h azard for wh ich
th ey h aven’t b een train ed .
▼ Wh en th ey d on’t follow en try-
p erm it p rocedu res.

15
 THEY’RE NOT DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED – How to work safely in a permit-required confined space
Make sure W orkin g in p erm it sp aces is a team
effort in volvin g au th orized en -
tran ts, atten d an ts, an d su p ervisors.
workers Th ese key p layers’ activities are critical
know their to a safe, su ccessfu l p roject.
duties and Authorized Au th orized en tran ts are
responsi- entrants th ose p erm itted by an
bilities.
em p loyer to en ter a
p erm it sp ace.
En tran ts h ave th e followin g du ties an d
resp on sib ilities:
▼ ard
Kn owin g th e p erm it-sp ace h az-
s, in clu d in g th e sym p tom s
an d con seq u en ces of exp osu re.
▼ Usin g eq u ip m en t p rop erly.
▼ Com m u n icatin g regu larly with
th e atten d an t.
▼ Notifyin g th e atten d an t im m ed i-
ately of h azard ou s con d ition s.
▼ Leavin g th e sp ace im m ed iately
du rin g a h azard ou s con d ition or
wh en th e atten d an t ord ers an
evacu ation .
Authorized Au th orized atten d an ts are
attendants th ose wh o m on itor en -
tran ts’ activities from
ou tsid e th e sp ace. Atten d an ts h ave th e
followin g du ties an d resp on sib ilities:
▼ Kn owin g th e p erm it-sp ace h az-
ard s, in clu d in g th e sym p tom s
an d con seq u en ces of exp osu re.
▼ Kn owin g h ow m an y en tran ts are
in p erm it sp ace.
16
▼ Stayin g ou t of th e sp ace du rin g
en try op eration s.
▼ Keep in g in con tact with en tran ts.
▼ Ord erin g an evacu ation for a
h azard ou s con d ition .
▼ Keep in g u n au th orized p erson s
away from th e sp ace.
▼ Activatin g rescu e p rocedu res.
The entry Th e en try sup ervisor m akes
supervisor su re atten d an ts an d en tran ts
follow en try-p erm it p roce-
du res. Th e en try su p ervisor is resp on sib le
for th e followin g:
▼ Kn owin g th e p erm it-sp ace h az-
ard s, in clu d in g th e sym p tom s
an d con seq u en ces of exp osu re.
▼ Verifyin g th at th e en try p erm it is
accu rate an d cu rren t.
▼ Stop p in g en try op eration s an d
can celin g th e en try p erm it wh en
p erm it-sp ace work is d on e or
du rin g a h azard ou s con d ition .
▼ En su rin g th at resp on d ers will b e
availab le in an em ergen cy.
▼ Rem ovin g an y u n au th orized
p erson wh o en ters th e sp ace.
▼ En su rin g th at en try op eration s are
con sisten t if an oth er au th orized
p erson m u st rep lace an atten d an t
or an en tran t.
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION
Plan for B efore you au th orize workers to en ter
a p erm it sp ace, you m u st b e su re
th at exp erien ced em ergen cy resp on d ers
emergencies. will b e availab le if an en tran t n eed s h elp.
Resp on d ers m u st b e ab le to reach you r
worksite p rom p tly an d kn ow h ow to d eal
with th e em ergen cy effectively.
Most p erm it-sp ace fatalities are cau sed
by th ose wh o d on’t u n d erstan d p erm it-
sp ace h azard s or wh o resp on d in ap p ro-
p riately du rin g em ergen cies.
Most fire d ep artm en ts are n ot eq u ip p ed
to resp on d to p erm it-sp ace em ergen cies.
Employer’s Em p loyers m u st tell
responsibilities em ergen cy resp on d ers
ab ou t an y p erm it-sp ace responders? resp on d er. It’s im p ortan t
h azard s th ey m ay en cou n ter du rin g an
em ergen cy, m u st en su re th at resp on d ers
can reach th e sp ace p rom p tly, an d m u st
allow resp on d ers to p ractice rescu es at
all on -site p erm it sp aces.
Responders’ Em ergen cy resp on d ers
responsibilities h ave th e followin g
resp on sib ilities:
▼ Have th e eq u ip m en t n ecessary
to p erform rescu es an d kn ow
h ow to u se it.
▼ Be train ed as rescu ers an d as
au th orized en tran ts.
▼ Practice sim u lated rescu es at
least on ce a year at each on -site
p erm it sp ace.
▼ Keep th eir first-aid an d CPR
train in g u p to d ate.
On-site or You can ch oose eith er an
off-site on -site or an off- site
on ly th at th e resp on d er
m eet you r n eed s in an em ergen cy. Use
th e tab le on th e followin g p age to h elp
you d ecid e.
17
 THEY’RE NOT DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED – How to work safely in a permit-required confined space

Plan for CHOOSING AN EMERGENCY RESPONDER

emergencies. Steps to Take Considerations
Identify your needs Do you anticipate emergencies requiring immediate action
(if ventilation fails, for example)? Or less-than-immediate
action (if the most serious accident would cause a fracture
or abrasion)?

Interview them Meet with the responders to find out if they can provide
the emergency service you need. Posting an emergency-
response number 911 for example isn’t enough.

How quickly can they The response time must be appropriate to the type of
reach your site? potential injury; responders must be standing by when
employees are working under potential IDLH (immediately
dangerous to life and health) conditions.

Will they be available The responders must be available any time your workers
when you need them? need to enter a permit space.

How will you contact Do you have a way for an authorized attendant or an entry
the responders? supervisor to reach responders immediately?

Can they do technical Do they have the technical knowledge and equipment to
rescues? perform rope work or elevated-rescue work?

Can they do medical Do your responders have the skills and equipment for
evacuations? medical evacuations?

Are they trained as Can the responders recognize the signs, symptoms, and
permit-space consequences of exposure to a hazardous atmosphere in a
entrants? permit space at your workplace?

Do they know how to For example, do they know how to determine whether the
test the atmosphere atmosphere is immediately dangerous to life and health?
in a permit space?

Will they understand For example, will responders understand the ventilation and
the information on atmospheric testing data on the entry permit?
your entry permit?

IDLH (Im m ediately Dangerous to Life or Health): atm osp h eric con cen tration of an y toxic,
corrosive, or asp h yxiate su b stan ce th at p oses an im m ed iate th reat to life or wou ld in terfere
with on e’s ab ility to escap e from a p erm it sp ace.

18
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION

Adiagram T h e d iagram b elow d escrib es th e p erm it-sp ace en try p rocess from
start to fin ish .
of the entry
process Does the workplace contain confined spaces as defined by §1910.146(b)?
Yes
No

Does the workplace contain permit-required confined spaces as defined by §1910.146(b) No Consult other
applicable OSHA
Yes standards
STOP
Inform employees as required by §1910.146(c)(2).

Prevent employee entry as required by §1910.146(c)(3).

Will permit spaces be entered? No Do task from outside of space.
Yes
Task will be done by contractor’s employees. Inform contractor as
Will contractors enter? Yes 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
Both contractors and host employees will enter the work space? No
Yes

Will host employees enter Coordinate entry operations as required by §1910.146

to perform entry tasks? (c)(8)(iv) and (d)(11). Prevent unauthorized entry.
No
Prevent unauthorized entry. STOP
Yes

Does space have known or potential hazards? No Not a permit-required confined space. §1910.146
does not apply. Consult other OSHA standards.
Yes

Can the hazards by eliminated? Yes Employer may choose to reclassify space to non-permit
required confined space using §1910.146(c)(7) STOP
No

Can the space be maintained in a condition safe

Yes Space may be entered under §1910.146(c)(5). STOP
to enter by continuous forced-air ventilation only?
No

Prepare for entry via permit procedures.

Permit not
valid until
conditions
Verify acceptable entry conditions (Test results recorded, space isolated if No meet permit
needed, rescuers/means to summon available, entrants properly equipped.) specifications.
Yes

Permit issued by authorizing signature. Acceptable No Emergency exists (prohibited condition).

entry conditions maintained throughout entry? Entrants evacuated entry aborts. (Call
Yes rescuers if needed.) Permit is void.
Re-evaluate program to correct/prevent
Entry tasks completed. Permit returned and canceled. prohibited condition. Occurrence of
emergency (usually) is proof of deficient
program. No re-entry until program
(and permit) is emended. (May require
Audit program and permit based on evaluation of entry new program.)
by entrants, attendants, testers and preparers.
Continue.

19
 THEY’RE NOT DESIGNED TO BE OCCUPIED – How to work safely in a permit-required confined space

What is a permit- A p erm it-sp ace p ro- Does your If workers n eed to
What is a space program? gram is an em p loyer’s workplace need a en ter a p erm it sp ace
p lan for p rotectin g at you r workp lace,
permit- written program? you m u st h ave a
workers wh o n eed to en ter a p erm it sp ace.
space A written p erm it-sp ace p rogram d ocu -
written p erm it-sp ace p rogram . Th is
gu id e h igh ligh ts th e activities you sh ou ld
program, m en ts th e p lan’s activities an d pu ts th em
in writin g.
in clu d e in a written p rogram . (§1910.146
covers th em in d etail.)
and do I Th ese activities sh ou ld cover all asp ects
need one? of workin g in or n ear p erm it sp aces — Developing a You r written p erm it-
from id en tifyin g th e location s of th e program for sp ace p rogram d oesn’t
sp aces to evalu atin g th e p rogram’s your workplace n eed to b e a m assive
effectiven ess. d ocu m en t. It sh ou ld
clearly tell wh at activities an d p rocedu res
will en su re th e safety of th ose wh o work
in p erm it sp aces at
you r workp lace. It
m u st b e availab le for
em p loyees to review.
We’ve in clu d ed a
gen eric p rogram th at
you can u se to d e-
velop a p rogram for
you r workp lace.
Make it an effective
on e. It sh ou ld
reflect th e n eed s
of you r workp lace
an d en su re th e
safety of you r
coworkers or
em p loyees.

20
 OREGON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH DIVISION

Notes

21
A generic permit-space program
◆ How to use this generic program
◆ Policy statement
◆ Employer responsibilities
◆ Permit-space locations and hazards
◆ Informing employees and preventing
unauthorized entry
◆ Entry procedures
◆ Entry-permit procedure
◆ Pre-entry training
◆ Duties of entrants, attendants,
and supervisors
◆ Emergency response
◆ Program evaluation

AGeneric permit-space program 1

 How to use this generic program
You r written p erm it-sp ace p rogram d ocu m en ts activities an d p roce-
du res th at will en su re th e safety of th ose wh o work in p erm it sp aces at
you r workp lace.
• First, th in k ab ou t th e ch aracteristics of th e p erm it sp aces at you r
workp lace, th e tasks th at workers n eed to accom p lish in an d
arou n d th e sp aces, an d th e workers’ exp erien ce in p erm it sp aces.
• Th en , u se th is gen eric p rogram to h elp you d evelop, organ ize, an d
d ocu m en t th e activities th at form you r own p rogram .
• Rem em b er, th is is ju st an ou tlin e for you r p rogram . It’s n ot com -
p lete u n til you in clud e all th e activities an d p roced u res th at m ake it
u n iq u e to you r workp lace.
• If you n eed h elp, con tact Oregon OSHA:

Bend
Salem Central Office Red Oaks Sq u are
350 Winter St. NE, Rm. 430 1230 NE Th ird St., Ste. A-115
Salem, OR 97301-3882
Ben d , OR 97701-4374
Phone: (503) 378-3272 (541) 388-6066
Toll-free: (800) 922-2689 Con su ltation : (541) 388-6068
Spanish language: 1 (800) 843-8086
Fax: (503) 947-7461 Medford
Visit us on World Wide Web: 1840 Barn ett Rd ., Ste. D
www.orosha.org Med ford , OR 97504-8250
(541) 776-6030
Portland Con su ltation : (541) 776-6016
1750 NW Naito Parkway, Pendleton
Ste. 112 721 SE Th ird St., Ste. 306
Portlan d , OR 97209-2533 Pen d leton , OR 97801-3056
(503) 229-5910 (541) 276-9175
Con su ltation : (503) 229-6193 Con su ltation : (541) 276-2353
Salem
1225 Ferry St. SE, U110
Salem , OR 97301-4282
(503) 378-3274
Con su ltation : (503) 373-7819
Eugene
1140 Willagillesp ie, Ste. 42
Eu gen e, OR 97401-2101
(541) 686-7562 (All p h on e n u m bers are voice
Con su ltation : (541) 686-7913 an d TTY.)

2 AGeneric permit-space program

Th is gen eric p rogram h as th e followin g p arts:
• Policy statem en t
• Em p loyer resp on sib ilities
• Perm it-sp ace location s an d h azard s
• In form in g em p loyees an d p reven tin g u n au th orized en try
• En try p rocedu res
• En try-p erm it p rocedu re
• Pre-en try train in g
• Du ties of au th orized en tran ts, atten d an ts, an d su p ervisors
• Em ergen cy resp on se
• Program evalu ation

AGeneric permit-space program 3

 Policy statement

[ Com p an y n a m e ] is com m itted to a safe an d

h ealth fu l workp lace for its em p loyees. Th e pu rp ose of

th is written p rogram is to id en tify p erm it sp aces at th is

workp lace an d to en su re th at all em p loyees will en ter,

work in , an d exit p erm it sp aces safely.

4 AGeneric permit-space program

Employer responsibilities
[ Com p an y n a m e ] will d o th e followin g to en su re th e h ealth an d safety of
th ose wh o work in an d arou n d p erm it sp aces.
• Id en tify all p erm it sp aces
• In form em p loyees of th e location an d th e h azard s in p erm it sp aces
• Preven t u n au th orized p erson s from en terin g p erm it sp aces
• Train en tran ts, atten d an ts, en try sup ervisors, an d in -h ou se
em ergen cy resp on d ers
• Provid e all n ecessary eq u ip m en t for p erm it-sp ace work at n o cost to
em p loyees, m ain tain th e eq u ip m en t, an d en su re th at em p loyees u se
th e eq u ip m en t p rop erly
• In form con tractors ab ou t th e p erm it-sp ace p rogram an d coord in ate
en try op eration s
• [ Com p an y n a m e ] d esign ates th e followin g p erson s to im p lem en t
an d m an age th e p erm it-sp ace p rogram .

PERSON’S NAMEOR POSITION RESPONSIBILITY

Overall program. Overall implementation and mainte-

nance of the written program, including employee
certification or training that satisfies the requirements
of 1910.146.

Permit-space locations. Location and identification of

all confined spaces at this workplace.

Training. Ensure that authorized entrants, attendants,

entry supervisors, and on-site emergency responders
are properly trained and have periodic refresher train-
ing.

Emergency response. Ensure that emergency re-

sponders are informed of all permit-required confined
spaces at the workplace and have access to the spaces
for drills and other training exercises.

Equipment. Ensure that all equipment for authorized

attendants and entrants is properly maintained and is
available when needed.

AGeneric permit-space program 5

 Permit-space locations and hazards
[ Com p an y rep resen tative’s n a m e ] h as su rveyed th e workp lace an d id en ti-
fied th e followin g p erm it sp aces, th e h azard s in th e sp aces, an d th e
m eth od (s) n ecessary to elim in ate or con trol th e h azard s.

Non-permit spaces – Th ese sp aces h ave n o atm osph eric h azard s an d all
no atmospheric oth er h azard s h ave b een elim in ated . Em p loyees
hazards can en ter an d work in th em with ou t a p erm it as
lon g as th e sp aces are h azard -free.

LOCATION OF SPACE HAZARD HOW HAZARD PERSON CERTIFYINGTHAT

WAS ELIMINATED THESPACEIS HAZARD FREE

Non-permit spaces – Th ese sp aces h ave atm osp h eric h azard s th at can
atmospheric hazards b e elim in ated with con tin u ou s forced -air ven tila-
tion b efore workers en ter. Em p loyees can en ter
an d work in th em with ou t a p erm it as lon g as th ey
are h azard -free.

LOCATION OF SPACE ATMOSPHERICHAZARD PERSON CERTIFYINGTHAT

THESPACEIS HAZARD FREE

Permit-required spaces Th ese sp aces h ave atm osph eric h azard s th at

can n ot b e elim in ated with con tin u ou s forced -air
ven tilation . Em p loyees can en ter th em ONLY
u n d er th e en try-p erm it p rocedu res estab lish ed in
th is written p rogram .

LOCATION OF SPACE HAZARDS METHOD OF RESCUEMETHOD

CONTROLLINGHAZARDS

6 AGeneric permit-space program

Informing employees& preventing unauthorized entry
[ Com p an y n a m e ] will u se th e followin g m eth od s to in form em p loyees
ab ou t each p erm it sp ace in th e workp lace an d to p reven t u n au th orized
workers from en terin g th em .

LOCATION OF SPACE METHOD TOINFORM METHOD TOPREVENT ENTRY

AGeneric permit-space program 7

 Entry procedures
All em p loyees in volved in en try op eration s m u st follow th e p rocedu res
b elow for each p h ase of th e en try p rocess.

Before
employees ACTIVITY PROCEDURES
enter the Guarding the space [Identify procedures]
space
Isolating the space [Identify procedures]

Eliminating or controlling atmospheric hazards [Identify procedures]

Testing the space for atmospheric hazards [Identify procedures]

Identifying necessary equipment [Identify procedures]

Contacting emergency responders [Identify procedures]

Completing and posting the entry permit [Identify procedures]

While
employees ACTIVITY PROCEDURES
are in the
space Maintaining communication [Identify procedures]

Keeping out unauthorized persons [Identify procedures]

Monitoring the space for hazards [Identify procedures]

After
employees ACTIVITY PROCEDURES
leave the
Canceling the entry permit [Identify procedures]
space
Returning the space to service [Identify procedures]

Filing the permit [Identify procedures]

8 AGeneric permit-space program

Entry-permit procedure
No em p loyee will en ter a p erm it-req u ired con fin ed sp ace with ou t first
com p letin g an en try p erm it an d h avin g th e en try sup ervisor sign th e
p erm it. Th e step s of th e en try-p erm it p rocedu re in clud e th e followin g:

STEP ACTION

1 Obtain an entry permit from [location or person] before entering the space.

2 Accomplish all pre-permit activities required for entering the space,

including atmospheric testing, controlling hazards, having required equip-
ment on hand, and providing for emergency services.

3 Complete all items on the entry permit.

4 Have the entry supervisor authorize and sign the permit. If any item on the
permit is checked as “NO” (meaning not yet completed or available), the
permit will not be signed.

5 Attach a copy of the entry permit outside the confined space. Keep it there
until the entry operations are finished and the supervisor cancels it.

6 Proceed with entry operations.

AGeneric permit-space program 9

 Pre-entry training
On ly train ed an d q u alified em p loyees will b e au th orized as en tran ts,
atten d an ts, en try su p ervisors, or in -h ou se em ergen cy resp on d ers.
Train in g will en su re th at th ey h ave th e u n d erstan d in g, kn owled ge, an d
skills to p erform th eir du ties safely. Workers m u st receive train in g:
• Before th eir du ties are assign ed or ch an ged .
• Wh en th eir work p resen ts a h azard for wh ich th ey h aven’t b een
train ed .
• Wh en th ey d o n ot follow en try p roced u res.
Th e tab le b elow certifies th e followin g em p loyees h ave received p re-
en try train in g.

EMPLOYEENAME TYPEOF TRAINING TRAINER’S SIGNATURE TRAININGDATE

10 AGeneric permit-space program

Duties of authorized entrants, attendants, and supervisors
Workin g in p erm it sp aces is a team effort in volvin g au th orized en tran ts, atten -
d an ts, an d su p ervisors. Th eir du ties an d resp on sib ilities are sh own b elow.

DUTY/RESPONSIBILITY ENTRANT ATTENDANT SUPERVISOR

Keep unauthorized entrants away from the space. X X

Remove unauthorized individuals who enter or X

who attempt to enter the permit space.

Communicate with entrants, monitor their status, X

and tell them when to evacuate.

Inform the entrants and the entry supervisor if X

unauthorized persons enter the permit space.

Communicate with the attendant regularly. X

Remain outside the space during entry X

operations until relieved by another attendant.

Know the number and identity of authorized X

entrants.

Use all equipment properly. X

Determine that acceptable entry conditions are X

maintained.

Exit from the permit space immediately given an X

order to evacuate, an alarm warning, or a sign of
a hazardous condition.

Know permit-space hazards, including the mode, X X X

symptoms, and consequences of exposure.

Notify the attendant of any signs or symptoms of X

exposure to a hazardous condition

Terminate the entry and cancel the permit when X

entry operations are finished or if a prohibited
condition arises.

Verify that entry conditions are acceptable before X

signing the permit and allowing entry.

Perform non-entry rescues if necessary. X

Verify that rescue services are available and the X

means for summoning them are effective.

Summon emergency responders when entrants X

need their services

AGeneric permit-space program 11

 Emergency response
Non-entry rescue Non -en try rescu e is th e p referred m eth od for rescu in g
requirements an en tran t from a p erm it sp ace. Em p loyees m u st u se
retrieval system s to rescu e an en tran t u n less th e eq u ip -
m en t wou ld in crease th e en tran t’s risk of in ju ry.
Em p loyees will n ot en ter a p erm it sp ace to resp on d to
an em ergen cy u n less th ey h ave b een p rop erly train ed
an d eq u ip p ed .
If a p erm it sp ace rescu e is n ecessary, the attendant is
resp on sib le for d oin g th e followin g:
• Su m m on in g em ergen cy resp on d ers.
• Attem p tin g to rescu e en tran ts u sin g on ly n on -
en try rescu e eq u ip m en t.
• Mon itorin g th e em ergen cy an d in form in g
resp on d ers ab ou t th e n u m b er of victim s, th eir
con d ition , an d th e h azard s in th e sp ace.

Entry rescue On ly resp on d ers d esign ated by [ Com p an y n a m e ] can

requirements en ter a p erm it sp ace d u rin g an em ergen cy. Each em er-
gen cy resp on d er m u st kn ow h ow to d o th e followin g:
• Use p erson al p rotective an d rescu e eq u ip m en t.
• Perform assign ed rescu e du ties.
• Perform b asic first aid an d CPR.
Each rescu e team m em b er m u st p ractice a p erm it-
sp ace rescu e at least on ce every 12 m on th s.

Summoning off- [ Com p an y rep resen tative’s n a m e ] h as m ad e arran gem en ts

site responders with th e followin g off-site resp on d er to p rovid e rescu e
an d em ergen cy services:
Nam e of resp on d er:
Ph on e:
Ad d ress:
App roxim ate resp on se tim e:
[ Com p an y rep resen tative’s n a m e ] h as in form ed [ Na m e of off-site rescu e service ]
of th e h azard s th ey m ay en cou n ter if th ey are su m m on ed .
[ Com p an y rep resen tative’s n a m e ] also h as p rovid ed th e rescu e
service access to p erm it sp aces to d evelop app rop riate
rescu e p lan s an d p ractice rescu es.

12 AGeneric permit-space program

Program evaluation

With in on e year of an en try op eration , [ Com p an y rep resen tative’s n a m e ]

m u st review can celed en try p erm its to id en tify p rogram

d eficien cies. Th e review m u st b e soon er if th ere is reason to

b elieve th at th e p rogram d oes n ot ad eq u ately p rotect

em p loyees. Action s to correct d eficien cies m u st b e d ocu m en ted

an d affected em p loyees m u st b e retrain ed .

AGeneric permit-space program 13

 Notes

14 AGeneric permit-space program

OR-OSHA Services
OR-OSHA offers a wide variety of safety and health services to employers and employees:
Consultative Services
• Offers no-cost on-site safety and health assistance to Oregon employers for help in
recognizing and correcting safety and health problems in their workplaces.
• Provides consultations in the areas of safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, occupational
safety and health programs, new business assistance, and the Safety and Health
Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
Enforcement
• Offers pre-job conferences for mobile employers in industries such as logging and
construction.
• Provides abatement assistance to employers who have received citations and provides
compliance and technical assistance by phone.
• Inspects places of employment for occupational safety and health rule violations and
investigates workplace safety and health complaints and accidents.
Standards & Technical Resources
• Develops, interprets, and provides technical advice on safety and health standards.
• Provides copies of all OR-OSHA occupational safety and health standards.
• Publishes booklets, pamphlets, and other materials to assist in the implementation of safety
and health standards and programs.
• Operates a Resource Center containing books, topical files, technical periodicals, a video and
film lending library, and more than 200 databases.
Public Education & Conferences
• Conducts conferences, seminars, workshops, and rule forums.
• Coordinates and provides technical training on topics like confined space, ergonomics,
lockout/ tagout, and excavations.
• Provides workshops covering basic safety and health program management, safety
committees, accident investigation, and job safety analysis.
• Manages the Voluntary Protection Program and the Safety and Health Education and
Training Grant Program, which awards grants to industrial and labor groups to develop
occupational safety and health training materials for Oregon workers.

For more information, call the Portland Bend

OR-OSHA office nearest you.
(All phone numbers are voice and TTY.)
Salem Central Office
350 Winter St. NE, Rm. 430
Salem, OR 97301-3882
Phone: (503) 378-3272
Toll-free: (800) 922-2689
Spanish language: 1 (800) 843-8086
Fax: (503) 947-7461
Visit us on World Wide Web:
www.orosha.org
1750 NW Naito Parkway, Ste. 112
Portland, OR 97209-2533
(503) 229-5910
Consultation: (503) 229-6193
Salem
1225 Ferry St. SE, U110
Salem, OR 97301-4282
(503) 378-3274
Consultation: (503) 373-7819
Eugene
1140 Willagillespie, Ste. 42
Eugene, OR 97401-2101
(541) 686-7562
Consultation: (541) 686-7913
Red Oaks Square
1230 NE Third St., Ste. A-115
Bend, OR 97701-4374
(541) 388-6066
Consultation: (541) 388-6068
Medford
1840 Barnett Rd., Ste. D
Medford, OR 97504-8250
(541) 776-6030
Consultation: (541) 776-6016
Pendleton
721 SE Third St., Ste. 306
Pendleton, OR 97801-3056
(541) 276-9175
Consultation: (541) 276-2353
440-2864 (6/01) (OR-OSHA/COM)