Confined Space Pre-Entry Permit

OSHA 1910.146 permit-required confined space pre-entry verification. Covers atmospheric testing, isolation, ventilation, communication, and rescue readiness before any authorized entrant enters.

Permit & Entry Authorization

• Current confined space permit is completed and posted at the entry point
  Confirm the permit is active for this entry, fully completed, and available at the worksite for review by the entry team.
• Space identification matches the permit and entry location
  Verify the confined space name/ID, location, and scope match the work area being entered.
• Entry supervisor has authorized entry and is present or immediately available
  Confirm the entry supervisor has reviewed conditions and authorized the entry in accordance with the permit.
• Permit conditions and limitations have been reviewed with the entry team
  Confirm the team understands hazards, acceptable entry conditions, communication methods, and stop-work criteria.
• Entry duration and re-entry conditions are defined
  Verify the permit specifies the time limits, monitoring frequency, and conditions requiring evacuation or re-evaluation.

Atmospheric Testing

• Atmospheric testing performed before entry by a trained person using calibrated equipment
  Verify testing was completed before entry and the instrument is within calibration/functional check requirements.
• Oxygen concentration is within acceptable range
  Record measured oxygen concentration and confirm it is within the acceptable entry range established by the permit.
• Flammable gas/vapor concentration is below the permit limit
  Record the measured percentage of the lower explosive limit (LEL) and confirm it is below the permit threshold.
• Toxic atmospheric contaminants are below applicable exposure limits
  Record readings for known or suspected toxic hazards and confirm they are below the permit or exposure limit criteria.
• Initial and continuous monitoring requirements are defined
  Verify the permit specifies whether continuous monitoring is required and identifies the monitoring frequency or trigger points.

Isolation & Energy Control

• All energy sources have been isolated and locked/tagged out as required
  Confirm electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and gravity hazards have been controlled before entry.
• Pipes, lines, and ducts connected to the space are isolated or blanked
  Verify process lines, vents, and transfer lines are isolated to prevent introduction of hazardous materials.
• Stored energy has been relieved or restrained
  Confirm pressure, tension, rotation, spring energy, or other stored energy has been dissipated or secured.
• Moving parts, agitators, or internal mechanisms are secured against activation
  Verify internal equipment cannot start, rotate, or shift during entry.
• Isolation points are verified and documented on the permit
  Confirm the permit or supporting documentation identifies each isolation point and verification method used.

Ventilation & Entry Conditions

• Forced-air ventilation is operating where required
  Verify ventilation equipment is in place, functioning, and directed to maintain acceptable atmospheric conditions.
• Ventilation air intake is located in a clean source area
  Confirm the air supply is not drawing contaminants from exhausts, process vents, vehicle traffic, or other hazardous sources.
• Air movement reaches the occupied zone of the confined space
  Verify the ventilation setup effectively reaches the area where entrants will work, not just the opening.
• Atmospheric conditions remain within acceptable limits after ventilation start-up
  Record post-ventilation readings and confirm the space remains within permit limits before entry.
• Ventilation equipment is protected from interruption during entry
  Confirm power source, ducting, and equipment placement will not be easily disconnected or damaged during the job.

Communication & Rescue Readiness

• Reliable communication method is established between entrants and attendant
  Confirm the team has a working method to maintain continuous or periodic communication as required by the permit.
• Attendant is assigned and positioned to monitor the entry continuously
  Verify the attendant is dedicated to the entry, understands duties, and is not assigned conflicting tasks.
• Rescue service is available and notified as required
  Confirm rescue personnel or service has been identified, contacted, and can respond within the required timeframe.
• Rescue equipment is on site and ready for immediate use
  Verify retrieval systems, harnesses, lifelines, breathing apparatus, or other required rescue equipment are staged and functional.
• Emergency procedures and evacuation triggers are understood by the team
  Confirm the team knows when to evacuate, who initiates rescue, and how to summon emergency response.