OSHA issues final rule on permit-required confined spaces
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration`s (OSHA) final rule amending 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces, was published in the Federal Register on December 1, 1998, and became effective February 1, 1999.
New provisions in paragraphs (c) and (d) state that employers must provide authorized permit-space entrants or their authorized representatives an opportunity to observe any testing of the space conducted prior or subsequent to entry. The use of calibrated direct-reading instruments is addressed within subparagraph (c). According to OSHA, allowing observation of the testing will help to ensure that it has been done properly, that the respirators and other personal protective equipment (PPE) being worn are appropriate, and that the entrants understand the nature of the hazards present in the workspace.
Paragraphs (d) and (e) were revised to allow greater employee participation in the permit-space program and employee access to program information developed under the standard.
Paragraph (k) of the final rule enforces and clarifies the criteria employers must satisfy when preparing for the timely rescue of incapacitated permit space entrants. Subparagraphs of this section discuss general training requirements, training with re-trieval equipment, first aid training, and the use of appropriate PPE.
A new paragraph (1) was added to ensure that employees be involved in the development and implementation of the permit space program. A new nonmandatory Appendix F was added to assist employers in selecting appropriately trained and equip-ped rescuers.
A copy of the 23-page final rule may be obtained by calling Bruce Clash, public affairs director, Safety Equipment Association, at (793) 525-1695, or by visiting OSHA`s Web site at www.osha.gov. Click on the “NEW” button, and scroll down to the December 1 Confined Spaces lines. (Source: ISEA Washington Report, The Safety Equipment Association, Arlington, Virginia, Dec. 18, 1998.) n
