Free written program · 29 CFR 1910.146
Confined Space Entry Program Template: Prepare Before Entry
A confined space entry program sets out how you identify hazardous spaces, authorize entry, monitor conditions, and arrange rescue. This template covers the space inventory, permits, entrant and attendant duties, atmospheric testing, ventilation, and emergency services. Facility managers and entry supervisors should use it to build space-specific procedures, not as permission to enter a tank, pit, vault, or other unevaluated space.
The full confined space entry program template
Confined Space Entry Program. Blanks in [brackets] are for your own details.
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Written program for identifying, evaluating, and safely entering permit-required confined spaces.
1. Purpose & Scope
This Confined Space Entry Program establishes procedures for safe entry into permit-required confined spaces at [Company Name] in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.146. A confined space is a space that:
- Is large enough to enter and perform work.
- Has limited means of entry/exit.
- Is not designed for continuous occupancy. Permit-required confined spaces have one or more additional hazards: atmospheric, engulfment, configuration that could trap or asphyxiate, or other recognized serious safety hazards.
2. Confined Space Inventory
The following spaces at this facility have been evaluated and classified: [Permit-Required Confined Spaces — list each with location and identified hazards. Examples: boilers, tanks, silos, vaults, pits, manholes, sumps]. [Non-Permit Confined Spaces — list]. Signs reading "DANGER — PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE — DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION" are posted at each entry point. The inventory is reviewed annually and updated when new spaces are identified.
3. Entry Permit System
Before any entry into a permit-required confined space, an Entry Permit must be completed and authorized. The permit includes: space identity, purpose of entry, date and duration, authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisor, hazards identified, isolation/LOTO measures, atmospheric test results (O2, LEL, toxics), ventilation provisions, communication procedures, rescue services, PPE required, and hot work permit (if applicable). Permits are valid for one shift maximum. Cancelled permits are retained for 1 year.
4. Roles & Responsibilities
Entry Supervisor: verifies conditions are safe, authorizes entry, cancels permits if conditions change. Authorized Entrants: trained to recognize hazards, use equipment properly, communicate with attendant, and self-evacuate when necessary. Attendant: monitors entrants, maintains communication, controls access, initiates rescue if needed. THE ATTENDANT MUST NEVER ENTER THE SPACE FOR ANY REASON. The attendant calls for trained rescue personnel.
5. Atmospheric Testing & Ventilation
Testing sequence (before entry, at multiple levels — top, middle, bottom):
- Oxygen: 19.5% to 23.5% (below = deficient, above = enriched — both dangerous).
- Combustible gas/vapor: less than 10% of LEL.
- Toxic gases per applicable PEL (common: CO <25ppm, H2S <10ppm). Continuous monitoring during entry. Forced-air ventilation directed to lowest point of space. Minimum 10 minutes of ventilation before entry. Natural ventilation alone is NOT acceptable.
6. Rescue & Emergency Services
Non-entry rescue is the preferred method (retrieval system with mechanical winch). Rescue team: [internal team name] or [external service with guaranteed response time]. The rescue team must: practice entry and rescue annually in representative spaces, have CPR/first aid training, and use appropriate PPE and atmospheric monitoring. Response time must not exceed [X minutes] from notification. Local emergency services (911) are contacted for all rescue situations.
The printable copy adds effective and review dates and approval signature lines for management and the safety manager.
A starting point, not legal advice. Have a qualified person check it against your site, your state's rules and the standard before you rely on it.
Confined space entry program: when it’s needed
General industry employers must evaluate for permit-required confined spaces and warn exposed employees under 29 CFR 1910.146(c). If employees will not enter, prevent entry; if they will enter permit spaces, 1910.146(c)(4) requires a written permit space program. Evaluate whether any specific alternate procedures or reclassification provisions apply before using them. Construction entry follows 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA, sections 1926.1200–1213, rather than simply adopting the general industry rule. Have someone knowledgeable about the applicable standard review your inventory and proposed entry methods.
How to use this confined space entry program template
- Survey tanks, pits, vessels, and other spaces, documenting access limitations and the hazards that determine each space’s classification.
- Decide which spaces employees may enter and install warnings and access controls where unauthorized entry must be prevented.
- Develop permits identifying isolation, acceptable conditions, monitoring, communication, equipment, and the people assigned to each entry role.
- Specify atmospheric testing in order: oxygen first, flammable gases and vapors second, and toxic contaminants last.
- Verify rescue capability for each space, then rehearse communication and retrieval arrangements before authorizing employees to enter.
Before you use this confined space entry program template: what to fill in and check
- Space identities, entry points, contents, connected lines, and potential engulfment or entrapment hazards.
- Monitor sensors, calibration requirements, sampling locations, and contaminant-specific acceptable entry conditions.
- Actual ventilation design and measured results rather than a fixed waiting period.
- Rescue service capability, access arrangements, response suitability, and retrieval equipment for each opening.
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Confined space entry program questions
What makes a confined space permit-required?
First, the space must meet the confined space definition: bodily entry is possible, entry or exit is limited, and it is not designed for continuous occupancy. Under 29 CFR 1910.146(b), it becomes permit-required if it has specified hazards, such as a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment potential, trapping configuration, or another recognized serious hazard. Evaluate the space and planned work together; its everyday name does not determine its classification.
In what order should confined space air be tested?
Test oxygen before flammable gases and vapors, followed by toxic contaminants. That sequence appears in 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(iii). Select sensors for the hazards actually possible in the space and follow the instrument’s operating instructions. Sampling must represent conditions where entrants will work, not just the air beside the opening. Define continued testing or monitoring based on how conditions could change during entry.
Can the confined space attendant enter to rescue a coworker?
The template assigns the attendant a non-entry role: call the designated rescue personnel and use the planned arrangements rather than entering spontaneously. Under 29 CFR 1910.146(i), attendants have specific monitoring, communication, and emergency duties. A rescue entry requires trained, equipped personnel and appropriate coverage of attendant responsibilities. A coworker’s distress does not remove atmospheric hazards or make an unplanned entry safe.