Topic outline

  • OSHA Permit-Required Confined Spaces

    Credits: 1 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This online engineering PDH course presents the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s requirements for practices and procedures to protect employees in general industry from the hazards of entering “permit spaces.”

    The term “permit spaces” refers to spaces that meet OSHA’s definition of a “confined space” and contain health or safety hazards. Many workplaces contain spaces that are considered to be “confined” because their configurations hinder the activities of employees who must enter into, work in or exit from them.

    In many instances, employees who work in confined spaces also face increased risk of exposure to serious physical injury from hazards such as entrapment, engulfment and hazardous atmospheric conditions. For example, confinement, limited access and restricted airflow can result in hazardous conditions that would not normally arise in an open workplace. This course describes employers’ responsibilities when these conditions exist.

    Topics:

    • OSHA’s confined space standard
    • Controlling hazards
    • Informing contract employees
    • Worker training
    • Assigned duties
    • Emergencies

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: This course is intended for all disciplines of engineers whose job description may require a comprehensive knowledge of OSHA safety procedures for permit-required confined spaces.

    Publication Source:
    This course is based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration document, “Permit-Required Confined Spaces,” OSHA 3138-01R, 2004.


    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)
    • Topic 1