What is a Permit?

A permit is a written safety checklist that is completed before you can enter into the confined space. A permit ensures that all the hazards are removed from the confined space before you enter.

Confined space permits ask questions such as:

• What is the purpose of entry?
• How much time will be spent working inside the confined space?
• Who are the people authorized to enter the space?
• Who will be the attendant that stays outside the confined space?
• What are the atmospheric conditions in the confined space?
• What are the methods of communication between people inside the confined space and people outside the space?
• What kinds of equipment are being provided and used for safe entry?
• Are there any additional safety checklists that need to be completed, such as a welding or burning permits?
• How have you have eliminated the hazards before you enter the confined space ( lockout/tagout, forced air ventilation, etc.)?

 

Permits should be kept outside the confined space while you are completing work inside the space. Once the confined space work is completed and the confined space is sealed, the permit should be canceled and forwarded to the proper supervisor.

Now that you have a understanding of what a confined space permit entails, let's look at some examples of which confined spaces may require you to complete a permit and which confined space are considered Non-Permit.