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816 Confined Space Safety in Construction
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Employer Actions

The employer who identifies or receives notice of one or more permit spaces on a worksite must:

  • Post danger signs. Inform exposed employees by posting danger signs warning of the existence and location of, and the danger posed by, each permit space. The employer may use any other equally effective means to inform exposed employees. A sign reading "DANGER -- PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER" or using other similar language can be used.
  • Inform employees and contractors. Inform its employees' authorized representatives and the controlling contractor of the existence and location of, and the danger posed by, each permit space. The Controlling Contractor is the employer that has overall responsibility for construction at the worksite. Notice must be given in a timely manner and in a manner other than posting.
  • Prevent unauthorized entry. Take effective measures to prevent any unauthorized employees from entering permit spaces.
  • Develop a Permit Space Program. Develop and implement a written permit space program if any of its employees are directed and authorized to enter permit spaces. The written program must be available prior to and during entry for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-14. What must an employer do when they receive notice that a permit space is on their work site?