STSC Confined Space Entry Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, what must an employer do before reclassifying a permit-required confined space to a non-permit space?
- Post a sign stating no entry is needed
- Eliminate or control all hazards through continuous forced-air ventilation and document the conditions (Correct answer)
- Obtain written approval from OSHA before reclassification
- Train all employees and assign a new attendant
Correct answer: Eliminate or control all hazards through continuous forced-air ventilation and document the conditions
An employer may reclassify a permit space to a non-permit space only by eliminating or continuously controlling all hazards and documenting that the space no longer poses a serious physical hazard.
Question 2: A worker inside a confined space reports feeling dizzy and disoriented. What is the FIRST action the attendant should take?
- Enter the space immediately to assist the worker
- Order the entrant to exit the space immediately (Correct answer)
- Call 911 and wait for emergency services
- Check the atmospheric monitoring equipment for readings
Correct answer: Order the entrant to exit the space immediately
The attendant's first priority is to order the entrant to exit the space immediately upon any sign of physiological distress.
Question 3: Which gas is often called a 'simple asphyxiant' and is particularly dangerous in confined spaces because it is odorless and colorless?
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen (Correct answer)
- Methane
Correct answer: Nitrogen
Nitrogen is a simple asphyxiant that displaces oxygen without any warning odor or color, making it extremely dangerous in confined spaces.
Question 4: What is the minimum oxygen concentration required for safe entry into a confined space according to OSHA standards?
- 16.0%
- 18.0%
- 19.5% (Correct answer)
- 21.0%
Correct answer: 19.5%
OSHA requires a minimum of 19.5% oxygen concentration for safe entry into a confined space; below this level is considered oxygen-deficient.
Question 5: During confined space entry, the entry supervisor notices the permit has expired but work is not complete. What should occur?
- Workers may continue until the task is finished
- A new permit must be issued after re-evaluating the space conditions (Correct answer)
- The attendant can verbally extend the permit
- Workers can proceed if atmospheric conditions remain acceptable
Correct answer: A new permit must be issued after re-evaluating the space conditions
An expired permit is invalid; all entrants must exit and a new permit must be issued after re-evaluating all hazards and conditions.
Question 6: What information must be included on a confined space entry permit? (Select the BEST answer)
- Entrant names, authorized duration, hazards identified, and required protective equipment (Correct answer)
- Entrant names, employer name, and general location only
- A list of emergency contacts and the company safety policy
- Hazards identified and the name of the safety manager only
Correct answer: Entrant names, authorized duration, hazards identified, and required protective equipment
OSHA 1910.146 requires permits to include the names of entrants, authorized entry duration, identified hazards, required PPE, and other specific safety information.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the role of an 'authorized entrant' in a permit-required confined space program?
- The person who approves the entry permit and monitors conditions from outside
- A worker who has been trained and authorized by the employer to enter the confined space (Correct answer)
- The rescue team member who enters only in emergencies
- A contractor who oversees all entrants and issues permits
Correct answer: A worker who has been trained and authorized by the employer to enter the confined space
An authorized entrant is an employee who has received training and employer authorization specifically to enter permit-required confined spaces.
STSC Confined Space Entry Procedures 4
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, what must an employer do before reclassifying a permit-required confined space to a non-permit space?