Employers who decide to have employees enter permit-required confined spaces must do what?

• A. Have an established, written confined space plan
• B. Post a warning sign outside the space
• C. Ensure only supervisors enter
• D. Provide only PPE

Answer: (A)

The fundamental requirement is that employers must have an established, written confined space plan before employees enter permit-required confined spaces. This written program codifies how hazards are identified and controlled, how spaces are isolated, how atmospheric testing is performed, who is allowed to enter and under what conditions, and how coordination, communication, training, and rescue procedures are handled. It provides a documented, standardized approach that ensures every entry follows the same safety steps and that responsibilities (entry supervisor, attendant, authorized entrants) are clearly defined. Without a written plan, there’s no formal, approved process to manage permit requirements, which is essential for protecting workers.

Posting a warning sign outside the space, limiting entry to supervisors, or providing only PPE do not by themselves meet the regulatory requirement. A written plan ensures comprehensive control measures and rescue readiness, not just individual precautions.