Without consistent confined space awareness and safety training, workers are more at risk of injury or death from poisoning, asphyxiation, and other unanticipated perils common to restricted spaces. In fact, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor, there were over 1,000 fatal injuries involving confined spaces, such as manholes, tanks, and stormwater drains, between 2011 and 2018. And among those fatalities, the highest percentage (17%) were construction laborers.
Over 2 million workers are expected to enter confined spaces every year; it’s every site manager’s responsibility to ensure they’re protected, and the best way to do that is through extensive, OSHA-compliant training.
OSHA’s Training Standards for Permit-Required Confined Space
All employees who will enter (authorized entrant), attend (attendant), or act as an entry supervisor for any permit-required confined space (PRCS) must complete an OSHA-approved confined space rescue training course.
An “OSHA-approved” training course follows requirements outlined by two regulations, 29 CFR 1910.146 for General Industry and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA for Construction standards. These requirements are as follows:
- Employers are responsible for providing clear and concise training in “both a language and vocabulary that the employee can understand.”
- This training must be provided:
- Before an employee can begin their assigned duties.
- If there is a change in assigned duties.
- If there is a change in operations, that presents a hazard to an employee who hasn’t been trained.
- If an employer believes that the employee’s knowledge is inadequate.
- If an employer believes that permit space entry procedure requirements aren’t being followed correctly.
- The provided training must help the employee become proficient in the duties outlined by OSHA’s standards (these include understanding how to complete atmospheric testing/identify hazards, how to use OSHA-approved slip-and-fall protection harnesses, how to use a self-retracting lifeline, etc.).
- The employer must maintain training records that include the name of the employee who was trained, the name of the trainer, and the signature or initials of the employer or the person who conducted the training. These records must be maintained for the period the employee is employed by the company, plus one year after their termination. These records must also be readily available in the event of an audit.
Where to Find OSHA-Approved Training
Archview Services provides two primary OSHA-approved confined rescue training courses: Entrant/Attendant and Rescue. Our custom-tailored courses are offered throughout the Midwest year-round, can be modified for independent or group training, and are typically run on-site at the client’s facility.
Course Overview: Entrant/Attendant
Archview’s Entrant/Attendant training course is hands-on and offers attendees a first-hand look at possible non-entry retrieval scenarios to ensure employee safety.
The course is 4 hours long and covers the following:
- OSHA’s PRCS regulations.
- The ANSI/ASSP Z117.1 safety requirement standard.
- Understand the difference between permit-required and non-permit-required confined spaces.
- Safety and health hazards associated with confined space entry zones, including hazardous dust buildups, chemical leaks, and toxic gases.
- Using monitoring equipment to evaluate air quality and detect dangerous conditions.
- Selecting, inspecting, and using personal protective equipment.
- How and when to conduct a non-entry rescue.
- Understanding the responsibilities of a non-entry rescue team.
- How to communicate with emergency responders.
- Using retrieval systems.
- Site-specific safety protocols.
- How to effectively communicate in high-stress, time-sensitive situations.
The course will also include simulations for non-entry rescue operations. After the hands-on training portion, attendees will take an exam. Upon passing, they will receive a certificate of completion.
Course Overview: Rescue Training
Our second-course offering, Rescue Training, is an intensive, 8-hour class that provides guidance on what to do when entry rescue/retrieval is necessary for a confined space. Other objectives include:
- Identifying common hazards found in confined spaces and procedures for atmospheric testing and using air monitoring equipment.
- How to control hazardous energy.
- Understanding the differences between time-sensitive and non-time-sensitive rescues.
- Inspecting, fitting, and using full-body harnesses.
- Inspecting and fitting PPE.
- How to enter and exit confined spaces.
- Conducting vertical and horizontal rescues.
- Performing pre-rescue surveys to determine the best entry points and which equipment should be used for the rescue.
- Scenarios where it may be necessary to call local authorities.
- Site-specific safety protocols as related to entry rescues.
Like our other course, our Rescue class features simulations for entry rescue operations within confined spaces. After attendees complete the hands-on training portion, they will take an exam, and, upon passing, will receive a certificate of completion.
Schedule Your Training Today
Archview Services is committed to helping businesses ensure employee safety through our comprehensive training and consulting services. All provided courses are offered year-round and can be taught on-site at facilities across the Midwest.
Visit our website to learn more about our available courses, or call (314) 998-4505 today to book your training session.