• Identify and evaluate, before employees enter, potential hazards from:

– The permit-required confined space; and

– The work to be performed.

• Complete an entry permit before entry is authorized, documenting that you have completed the means, procedures and practices necessary for safe entry and work.

• Make sure that entrants or their representatives have an opportunity to observe any monitoring or testing, or any actions to eliminate or control hazards, performed to complete the permit.

• Identify the entry supervisor.

– Make sure the entry supervisor signs the entry permit, authorizing entry, before the space is entered.

• Make the completed permit available to entrants or their authorized representatives at the time of entry.

– Do this by either posting the completed permit at the entry location, or by any other equally effective means.

• Make sure the duration of the permit does not exceed the time required to complete the assigned task or job identified on the permit.

• Note any problems encountered during an entry operation on the permit. Use the information to make appropriate revisions to your program, entry operations, means, systems, procedures and practices.