We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

816 Confined Space Safety in Construction
Skip to main content

Monitoring the Permit Space

It's critically important to monitor the atmosphere within a permit space to make sure it's safe for employees (see image).

Monitoring must ensure forced air ventilation is preventing the development of a hazardous atmosphere.

Be sure to always continuously monitor the atmosphere within the space unless one of the following two conditions are met:

  • the employer can prove that equipment for continuous monitoring is not commercially available, or
  • the employer can prove periodic monitoring is sufficient.

Make sure the monitoring equipment has an alarm to notify all entrants if a specified atmospheric threshold is achieved, or that an employee will frequently check the monitor to make sure employees have time to escape. Periodic monitoring is always required if continuous monitoring is not used.

Ensure employees or their authorized representatives are able to observe monitoring and testing as desired.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-10. What type of monitoring must be used if continuous monitoring is not used?