The nitty gritty

A properly managed, well-ventilated permit space is a safe and productive work environment. This is especially true in the absence of a serious emergency. The hazard to be aware of is the potential for a fire or explosion as a result of poor ventilation in any permit space. This is best addressed through proper hazard control, good housekeeping and training. Occupational safety measures such as the above mentioned nirvana may be stymied by unforeseen circumstances or lack of foresight on the part of those responsible for implementing them. The best way to mitigate this risk is to establish and maintain a safety program and develop a training program for new and existing personnel. The resulting program should include a standardized written and operational procedure manual, a job safety analysis or hazard assessment, and a formal training plan.