Contractor Confined Space Program Checklist [FREE PDF]

When contractors perform work in or around permit-required confined spaces, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(8) and (c)(9) impose specific coordination obligations on both the host employer and the contracting employer to share hazard information, align permit programs, and debrief after work is completed. ANSI Z117.1-2017 and NFPA 350-2022 provide additional guidance on contractor qualification verification, atmospheric monitoring coordination, and rescue service arrangements that go beyond minimum OSHA

Industry: General Industry
Frequency: Per Event
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: Confined Space Entry Supervisor
Total Items: 37
Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(8) and (c)(9), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(d) - Permit System, ANSI Z117.1-2017 Section 7, NFPA 350-2022 Chapters 6 and 8, CSA Z1006-16 Section 6

Host Employer Information Disclosure

Verify that the host employer has fulfilled all required information-sharing obligations to the contractor before work begins.

Has the host employer informed the contractor in writing that the space is a permit-required confined space?
Has the host employer provided the contractor with information on all known hazards in the confined space (atmospheric, physical, and chemical)?
Has the host employer disclosed any precautions or procedures that have been implemented for the protection of employees in or near the permit space?
Has a written record of all information shared with the contractor been retained by the host employer?
Has the host employer coordinated entry operations with the contractor to ensure permit systems do not endanger workers from either employer?

Contractor Confined Space Program Verification

Confirm that the contractor has a written confined space program that meets regulatory requirements.

Has the contractor provided documented proof of a written permit-required confined space program?
Does the contractor's written program address all elements required by OSHA 1910.146(d) including permit issuance, cancellation, and retrieval?
Has the contractor's program been reviewed and accepted as compatible with the host employer's confined space program prior to entry?
Does the contractor program include procedures for coordinating with host employer entry supervisors during simultaneous operations?
Has the contractor acknowledged in writing their obligation to comply with all host employer confined space rules and posted requirements?

Contractor Personnel Qualifications & Training

Verify that all contractor workers assigned to confined space work have appropriate training and qualifications.

Has the contractor provided training records confirming all entrants have received PRCS entrant training?
Has the contractor designated a qualified Entry Supervisor with documented PRCS supervisor training for this job?
Has the contractor's designated Attendant received training on attendant duties including continuous monitoring and ordered evacuation?
Is documented proof of training dated within the past 12 months or since last program revision, whichever is more recent?
Have all contractor personnel been briefed on site-specific hazards, emergency contacts, and evacuation procedures before beginning work?

Entry Permit System & Documentation

Confirm that a valid entry permit is in place and that all required permit elements have been completed.

Has a valid entry permit been issued and signed by an authorized Entry Supervisor before any entry begins?
Does the entry permit include all required elements specified in OSHA 1910.146(f) including acceptable entry conditions and results of initial atmospheric tests?
Is the entry permit posted at or near the permit space entry point and accessible to all authorized entrants and the attendant?
Does the permit specify a maximum duration that does not exceed the period when the permit space will remain safe for entry?
Has the contractor been informed of the host employer's permit cancellation authority and the conditions that require immediate evacuation?

Atmospheric Testing & Monitoring

Verify pre-entry atmospheric testing and continuous monitoring protocols are established and operational.

Has a calibrated, multi-gas atmospheric monitor been verified as functional with a current calibration certificate before testing?
Have pre-entry atmospheric tests been performed in the order: oxygen content first, then combustible gases, then toxic air contaminants?
Do all pre-entry atmospheric readings meet acceptable entry conditions specified on the permit (O2 19.5-23.5%, LEL <10%, PELs within limits)?
Is continuous atmospheric monitoring in place for the duration of entry using personal or fixed monitors worn or positioned by entrants?
Have alarm set-points on all monitors been verified and are they set at or below the levels specified on the entry permit?
Record the pre-entry oxygen level reading (% O2) at the lowest point of the confined space.

Rescue Services & Emergency Procedures

Confirm that rescue provisions meet regulatory requirements and are appropriate for the specific confined space.

Has a rescue service (retrieval system or rescue team) been identified and put on standby or placed on-call before entry begins?
Is non-entry retrieval equipment (chest or full-body harness with attached retrieval line) in place and donned by each entrant?
Has the contractor verified that the designated rescue service has the capability and equipment to respond effectively to the specific confined space configuration?
Are local emergency services (fire department rescue team, EMS) aware of the work being performed and provided with the site address and access information?
Has an emergency action plan been reviewed with all contractor personnel including evacuation signals, assembly point, and rescue contact numbers?

Post-Entry Debrief & Program Closeout

Verify that permit cancellation, hazard communication, and post-entry debrief requirements are completed after work concludes.

Has the entry permit been properly cancelled and retained upon completion or termination of entry operations?
Has a post-entry debrief been conducted between the host employer and contractor to identify any hazards posed or encountered during entry?
Have any new or previously unidentified hazards discovered during contractor entry been documented and communicated to other affected employers?
Has the confined space been properly re-secured, signed, and restored to its pre-entry condition after work is completed?
Please document any debrief findings, hazards discovered, or program deficiencies identified during this contractor confined space event.
Has this completed checklist been filed with the cancelled entry permit as part of the 1-year record retention requirement?

Related Confined Space Safety Checklists

Related Entry Procedures Checklists

Why Use This Contractor Confined Space Program Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This contractor confined space program checklist [free pdf] helps general industry teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for confined space entry supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(8) and (c)(9), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(d) - Permit System, ANSI Z117.1-2017 Section 7, NFPA 350-2022 Chapters 6 and 8, CSA Z1006-16 Section 6. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Contractor Confined Space Program Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: Host Employer Information Disclosure, Contractor Confined Space Program Verification, Contractor Personnel Qualifications & Training, Entry Permit System & Documentation, Atmospheric Testing & Monitoring, Rescue Services & Emergency Procedures, Post-Entry Debrief & Program Closeout. It is designed for general industry operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Contractor Confined Space Program Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Confined Space Entry Supervisor professionals in the general industry industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.