​​Confined Space Entry: A Regulatory and Best-Practices Review​

MBAA TQ https://doi.org/10.1094/TQ-57-2-0703-01​  | VIEW A​RTICLE
 
Andrew Troccoli. Anfeald, LLC, P.O. Box 1937, Fort Collins CO 80522, U.S.A. 
 
Abstract

This article provides specific information on permit-required confined space entry programs to help breweries meet minimum federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulatory requirements and establish risk-reducing best practices. This article provides readers with guidance to help navigate several nuanced confined space entry principles, evaluate existing permit-required confined space entry programs, and help develop thorough programs from the ground up. This article contemplates the incorporation of the newer construction-industry regulation for confined spaces into existing general industry programs to strengthen them and address program gaps. This article’s focus is on federal OSHA confined space regulations. Most state-plan occupational safety and health requirements conform to the requirements of federal OSHA confined space regulations, but there may be differences; employers with operations in state-plan states must always consult with the applicable state regulations to verify compliance against those regulations, considering that nothing precludes creating programs that are safer than applicable state regulations.

Keywords: confined space entry, confined spaces, permit-required confined spaces, safety program development, safety program management, 29 CFR 1910.146, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA