Confined Space Entry Program — OSHA 1910.146 / 1926 Subpart AA Compliant
The written program required before any permit-required confined space entry. Covers identification, evaluation, entry permits, atmospheric testing, attendant and entrant duties, training, and rescue coordination.
When this template is required
Required of any employer whose workplace contains permit-required confined spaces. Employers must either (a) prevent employees from entering them, or (b) develop a written permit-required confined space program. The program must be in place BEFORE any permit-required confined space entry occurs.
Why this template
Both general industry AND construction standards
Most templates cover only 1910.146 (general industry). This one covers both 1910.146 and 1926 Subpart AA — important because the two standards differ on multi-employer coordination and host/contractor information exchange requirements.
Permit form built to OSHA Appendix C
The entry permit form follows the OSHA non-mandatory Appendix C format, which is what inspectors expect to see. Pre-built fields for atmospheric testing results, isolation verification, and authorization sign-off.
Atmospheric testing log included
1910.146(d)(5) requires testing for oxygen, flammable gases (LEL), and toxic atmospheres before and during entry. The testing log records each reading with timestamps, monitor calibration verification, and corrective action triggers.
Cross-references the Rescue Plan
1910.146(d)(9) requires rescue capability before entry. The program documents the rescue arrangement (in-house, contracted, or 911-based) and cross-references the separate Confined Space Rescue Plan.
What you receive
- Editable Confined Space Entry Program (Word .docx) — covers both general industry and construction
- Permit-required confined space entry permit form
- Confined space inventory and classification worksheet
- Atmospheric testing log (oxygen, LEL, toxic gases)
- Entry Supervisor duties checklist
- Attendant duties reference card
- Authorized Entrant duties reference card
- Rescue service designation form (cross-references the Rescue Plan)
- Annual program review log
- Multi-employer coordination procedure (construction)
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Industrial facilities with tanks, vessels, vaults, silos
- Construction contractors entering manholes, trenches, sewer systems
- Wastewater treatment, water utilities, telecom utilities
- Food processing (tanks, vats, processing vessels)
- Marine and shipyard work
Frequently asked
What's a permit-required confined space?
Per 29 CFR 1910.146(b), a confined space that has one or more of: (1) hazardous atmosphere potential; (2) material with the potential to engulf an entrant; (3) internal configuration that could trap or asphyxiate; or (4) any other recognized serious safety or health hazard. A 'confined space' is one large enough for a person to enter, with limited or restricted means of entry/exit, not designed for continuous occupancy.
Do I need a written program?
If your workplace contains permit-required confined spaces AND you allow employees to enter them, yes — 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4) requires a written permit-required confined space program. If you prohibit entry entirely (Alternate Procedures under 1910.146(c)(2)), you must still post signage and have basic documentation but the full written program may not be required.
What's the difference between 1910.146 and 1926 Subpart AA?
1910.146 covers general industry (manufacturing, utilities, food processing). 1926 Subpart AA (1926.1200-1213) covers construction confined spaces. The construction standard has additional requirements: more rigorous multi-employer coordination, information exchange between host/controlling/entry employers, and slightly different definitions. Most contractors who do both general-industry and construction confined space entry need a program covering both standards.
Do I need a confined space rescue plan separately?
29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9) requires the employer to develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue services. The rescue arrangement is part of the entry program, but a separate Confined Space Rescue Plan is best practice — it documents the rescue team, equipment, evaluation of rescue capability, and drill records. Our separate Confined Space Rescue Plan ($295) is the companion product.
Who needs to be on the entry team?
1910.146(d)(7-9) requires three roles for every permit-required entry: (1) Entry Supervisor — authorizes entry, signs the permit, terminates entry as needed; (2) Attendant — stays outside the space, monitors entrants, summons rescue if needed; (3) Authorized Entrant — performs the work inside. The program includes role descriptions, duties checklists, and training requirements for each.