By David Womack, Ph.D.
Safety and Health Manager, HSEQ & ARSC Owners Advisory Committee Chair
In 2010 the ARSC Owners Advisory Committee (OAC) requested that ARSC develop a new course on the Confined Space Construction standard that was recently published by OSHA (Subpart AA of 29 CFR 1926). ARSC members along with input from the OAC developed the course which was approved by the ARSC Board of Directors in August 2012. The course was revised in 2018.
The target audience for the course is contract employees that will act as confined space entrants and/or attendants. Many owner companies require all contract employees that will enter a confined space or act as an attendant to take this course to ensure they have the basic training to perform these tasks.
The course covers the following topics:
- Confined Space Overview
- Common Hazards
- Permit Space Program
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Entry Procedures
- Rescue Services and Procedures
The Confined Space Overview section covers the definition of a confined space with several examples. It also explains the difference between a permitted and non-permitted confined space.
The Common Hazards section describes hazards such as asphyxiation, flammability, toxic gases, engulfment, elevation and configuration. It also describes the hazard control methods commonly used: ventilation, isolation, PPE and monitoring.
OSHA’s requirements for a confined space program and permits are discussed in the Permit Space Program section.
The Roles and Responsibilities section is very important. It gives definitions of and describes the responsibilities of the host employer, the controlling contractor, the confined space competent person, the entry supervisor, confined space entrants and the confined space attendant.
The Entry Procedures and Rescue Services and Procedures sections explain entry conditions and the responsibilities of the rescue services.
This computer-based training takes about 2 hours to complete. There is a test to verify understanding that each student must pass.
To learn more about the ARSC Confined Space Construction Standard Course please contact David Womack at