What You'll Learn
✓Identify permit-required vs. non-permit-required confined spaces and understand the distinction
✓Conduct pre-entry atmospheric testing for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants
✓Interpret gas detector readings and understand action levels for each atmospheric hazard
✓Complete and authorize confined space entry permits step by step
✓Understand the distinct duties of entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors
✓Recognize conditions that require immediate termination of an entry and evacuation
✓Understand non-entry rescue requirements and when to call emergency services
✓Coordinate contractor confined space entry and dual-permit requirements
Course Curriculum
01
What Is a Confined Space?
OSHA's definition: large enough to enter, limited means of entry/exit, not designed for continuous occupancy. Permit-required vs. non-permit-required confined spaces. Examples from utilities, manufacturing, food processing, and municipal work.
~8 min
02
Atmospheric Hazards and Gas Detection
Oxygen deficiency and enrichment, flammable/explosive gases (LEL), and toxic atmospheres (CO, H₂S, SO₂). How gas detectors work. Reading and interpreting multi-gas monitors. Action levels and evacuation thresholds. Common sources of each hazard type.
~18 min
03
The Entry Permit System
Why permits exist and what they document. Every field on a confined space entry permit explained. Pre-entry checklist requirements. Permit duration, amendments, and cancellation. Common permit completion errors that create liability.
~15 min
04
Roles: Entrants, Attendants, Entry Supervisors
The three 1910.146 roles and their specific duties under OSHA. What an attendant can and cannot leave to do. How to maintain communications. When an entry supervisor can authorize vs. when they must terminate. Role assignment and documentation.
~12 min
05
Ventilation, Isolation, and Physical Hazards
Forced-air ventilation requirements and limitations. Mechanical isolation (blinds, blanks, and double blocks). Engulfment hazards, configuration hazards, and other physical risks. Lock/tagout coordination with CSE entries.
~10 min
06
Rescue Planning and Emergency Response
Non-entry rescue as first option. Retrieval systems, tripods, and winches. When to call emergency services — and why untrained rescue kills rescuers. Emergency plan requirements under 1910.146(k). Contractor rescue agreements.
~10 min
07
Contractor Coordination and Multi-Employer Sites
Host employer obligations for informing contractors. Contractor permit programs and when to accept vs. require alignment. Dual-permit requirements. Coordination with construction-side OSHA 1926 confined space requirements.
~7 min
08
Knowledge Assessment & Certification
25-question assessment covering all course modules. Minimum 80% to pass. Certificate issued immediately on completion and stored in your Prelion training record for OSHA audit documentation.
~15 min
The Three Entry Roles Under OSHA 1910.146
⬇️ Authorized Entrant
The employee authorized to enter the permit space.
- Know the hazards they may face
- Use assigned equipment properly
- Communicate with attendant continuously
- Alert attendant when warning signs appear
- Exit immediately when ordered to
👁️ Attendant
Stationed outside — the lifeline for everyone inside.
- Track who is inside at all times
- Monitor hazards and take readings
- Maintain communications
- Order evacuation when required
- Call emergency services if needed
✅ Entry Supervisor
Signs the permit and owns overall safety.
- Verify permit conditions are met
- Authorize or deny entry
- Cancel permit when conditions change
- Verify rescue arrangements are in place
- Remove unauthorized personnel
Who This Course Is For
Authorized Entrants
Anyone who enters a permit-required confined space. Must demonstrate training in the hazards specific to their work environment.
Attendants
The most critical role — and the most undertrained. Attendants must be able to recognize signs of danger and initiate rescue without entering.
EHS & Safety Officers
Responsible for documented compliance across all confined space work. This course provides the training record and certificate OSHA auditors check first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OSHA require for confined space training under 1910.146?
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OSHA 1910.146(g) requires training for all employees who may perform confined space entry or work as attendants or entry supervisors. Training must cover the specific hazards of permit spaces at the facility, the equipment to be used, and the permit procedures. Employers must certify training by employee name, signature or initials, and date of training. This course generates that documentation.
How are per-employee completion records stored?
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Every completion is logged with employee name, date, assessment score, and course version. Records are permanently retained and exportable as CSV for OSHA audits. Administrators get a live dashboard showing compliance status across the entire workforce.
Does the course cover construction-side confined space requirements (1926.1200)?
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The course focuses on OSHA 1910.146 (general industry). It notes where 1926 requirements differ and when coordination is required on multi-employer sites. Contractors working on construction sites should verify which standard applies to their work — and contact Larry for facility-specific guidance.
How often does retraining need to happen?
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OSHA 1910.146(g)(2) requires retraining when there is reason to believe the employee does not have the required knowledge or skill — after an incident, a close call, or when procedures change. There is no fixed annual requirement, but best practice (and many insurance policies) require annual refresher training. Prelion's platform tracks this and sends reminders.
Can this course satisfy training requirements for attendants specifically?
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Yes. The course includes a dedicated module on attendant duties and responsibilities, covering all obligations specified in 1910.146(i). Attendants are arguably the most critical role in confined space safety — and the most commonly undertrained. This course treats the attendant role with the same rigor as entrant training.