OSHA requires that employers provide employees with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their duties. In keeping with this requirement, employers have a responsibility for obtaining all permits needed for employee entry into confined spaces. If employees must be restricted from entry, they must be told why and trained about the conditions of the spaces of which they are barred from entry. Permit required rescue practice is mandatory every 12 months.
When training employees about their block of entry into a confined space, company policy must be included, along with a rationale for their limited access and the hazards they could face. Any procedures related to working in, or entry into, a permit-required confined space would also need to be addressed, with specific instructions for conduct once inside the space.
A company-specific plan must be developed to define entry into the confined space in a language employees can understand. All aspects of hazards must be addressed, along with appropriate work practices within the confined space. The use of photos and video footage can be useful in clearly explaining these hazards, and how to work with them in confined spaces. Communicate any changes in policy, work hazard or degree of work hazard and continue with updated training as necessary.
Tying in evaluation of employee's compliance with, and knowledge retained in training of, work within confined spaces will serve as an assessment tool and will instill a level of accountability. Increased productivity, lower rate of injury and improved morale can all result from remaining consistent about training and holding employees accountable for the training received and the knowledge retained.
Compliance with confined-space training can result in additional benefits, such as reduced insurance rates, lower workers compensation expenses, improved employee morale and increased productivity. In addition to federal regulations, importing company and site-specific training is important and will enhance all other training.