Permits confined space

Atmospheric testing, entry supervisor duties, attendants and entrants, retrieval systems, hazard identification, and entry procedures for non-permit confined spaces. 

CFR1910.119(f)(4) 29CFR1910.120(d) and (g)(1) 40CFR68.69(d) 4.2.1.3 Safe work practices shall be implemented such as lockout/tagout permitted confined space entry removal of non-essential persoimel from hazardous material areas and site and building access control. 

Non-permit confined space—confined space that does not contain or (with respect to atmospheric hazards) have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm. 

During the evaluation survey process, if confined spaces are identified, then the determination must be made whether or not they are "permit-required confined spaces" or "non-permit confined spaces." To do this, you must be familiar with (TSHA s definitions for both. Recall from the definitions list that... 

In accordance with 1910.146(c)(7), the space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space if the space poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated without entry into the space. 

An employer who eliminates the hazards from a permit space, as provided by paragraph (c)(7) of the standard, can reclassify that space as a non-permit confined space. That reclassification, which would remain in effect as long as the hazards remain eliminated, would allow employers to have employees enter the curing ovens without implementing a permit space program. 

Question 1 Please provide an interpretation of potential as it is used in 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(7)(i) as it relates to hazardous atmospheres in the definitions for Non-permit confined space and Permit-required confined space in 1910.146(b). Specifically, does a background or ambient reading of flammable gas, below the specified 10 percent LFL, constitute potential even when there is no source or when all sources have been isolated ... 

Non-Permit Confined Space A confined space that does not contain an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere. Any hazard that can cause death or physical harm. 

Confined spaces should be identified with signs indicating Danger, Confined Space Permit Required or Confined Space if a non-permit confined space. 

A permit-required space may be reclassified to a non-permit confined space by a trained supervisor after ... 

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