Or. Admin. Code § 437-002-0279 - Additional Oregon Confined Space Requirements

(1) Prior to performing welding operations inside a confined space, evaluate the space in accordance with OAR 437-002-0146, Confined Spaces:

(a) When there are potential or actual hazards within the space that are not directly related to the welding process, follow the requirements of OAR 437-002-0146.

(b) When the only potential or actual hazards associated with the space are directly related to the welding process, follow the requirements of paragraphs (2) through (5), below.

(2) To ensure that the atmosphere remains safe for entry, continuously test the internal atmosphere of the confined space with a properly calibrated, direct-reading instrument.

(a) Provide all necessary equipment at no cost to employees.

(b) Ensure that all equipment is maintained and used in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturer.

(c) Train all employees who use the equipment in the proper use of that equipment.

(3) Document each entry.

(a) This documentation must include:

(A) The date of the entry.

(B) The duration of the entry.

(C) The location of the space.

(D) The hazards of the space determined to be related to the welding process.

(E) The measures taken to eliminate those hazards.

(F) The identity (such as make/model) of the direct-reading instrument(s) used to test the atmosphere.

(G) When applicable, any conditions that required the evacuation of the space.

(H) The name, job title, contact information, and signature of the person responsible for ensuring the safe entry conditions.

(b) Maintain this documentation for at least one year from the date of entry.

(4) Ensure that all employees leave the space immediately if at any time during entry:

(a) Monitoring indicates that atmospheric conditions are outside of the ranges that are recognized as safe; or

(b) A hazardous condition is otherwise detected.

(5) Control respiratory hazards.

(a) Either:

(A) Provide forced air ventilation; or

(B) Provide and require the use of supplied air respiratory protection.

(b) When forced air ventilation is relied upon, it must:

(A) Be sufficient to protect employees entering the space from the respiratory hazards associated with the welding process; and,

(B) Be directed to ventilate the immediate area(s) where each employee is working within the space; and,

(C) Continue until all employees have left the space.

Notes

Or. Admin. Code § 437-002-0279

OSHA 11-2021, adopt filed 09/01/2021, effective 9/1/2022

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 654.025(2), 654.035, 656.726(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 654.001 through 654.295