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6 Confined Spaces A. Introduction Each year, many people are injured or die as a result of entering confined spaces that contain hazards. Most of these deaths could have been prevented if entrants had been trained to recognize hazards in a confined space, and if employers have a written plan in place for entry into confined spaces. To prevent unnecessary injuries or the loss of life, OSHA enacted the Permit-Required Confined Spaces Standard (29 CFR 1910.146), effective April 15, 1993. The standard requires that all confined spaces be identified and a written program be generated to outline procedures required for entry into those spaces. Administrative Responsibilities Environmental Health and Safety The specific responsibility for developing and implementing Iowa State University programs for health and safety resides with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). In fulfillment of this responsibility, EH&S has prepared the Iowa State University Confined Spaces Program and assists individual departments in the development and implementation of confined space procedures for their areas. Departments Each university department is responsible for evaluating areas under its administrative control and determining whether confined spaces are present. Departments that identify confined spaces in their areas are responsible for the adoption and implementation of the components of this Confined Spaces Program. In addition, departments must submit to EH&S a list of names and locations of confined spaces in their areas and develop department-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) for confined space entries. Managers and Supervisors Managers and supervisors play a key role in the implementation of the Confined Spaces Program. They are responsible for: determining whether personnel need to enter confined spaces; identifying personnel who will be required to participate in confined space entries as part of their duties; ensuring that all personnel required to participate in confined space entries are properly trained prior to assignment; ensuring that proper safety equipment required for entry is made available to personnel; and ensuring that all provisions of the program are followed.