NFPA 350

Abstract

This guide provides information to protect workers from confined space hazards. <br>This guidesupplements existing confined space regulations, standards, and work practices by providing additional guidance for safe confined space entry and work. Existing regulations and standards are referenced throughout the guide and annex to direct the reader to those regulations and standards that might be applicable. <br>This guide provides information to identify, evaluate, assess, eliminate, and control hazards that are present or may occur during entry or work in and around confined spaces. <br>This guide provides information on how to understand confined space safety and safeguard personnel from fire, explosion, and other health hazards that are uniquely associated with confined spaces. <br>This guide provides information regarding training, qualifications, and competencies required for personnel responsible for confined space hazard identification, hazard evaluation, and hazard control for personnel who work in and around confined spaces. <br>This guide provides information about best practices for confined space rescue. <br>This guide provides information concerning confined space hazards and safety practices that are applicable to all confined spaces.&#160; <br>This guide provides information regarding hazards adjacent to confined spaces that might affect the safe conditions necessary for entry and work in a confined space. <br>This guide provides criteria for controlling, eliminating, or minimizing hazards in the confined space design phase. <br><strong>Purpose.</strong> The purpose of this guide is to provide safe work practices for persons working in and around confined spaces. This guide goes beyond the minimum requirements that have been established by regulations and standards. This guide strives to achieve a higher level of safety with best practices for identifying and evaluating, and then eliminating, mitigating, or controlling hazards to manage the risks associated with confined space activities. This guide is also intended to address confined space&#8211;related work practices and procedures not fully covered or explained in existing regulations and standards related to confined space entry and work. <br><strong>Application.</strong> This guide is intended to provide guidance for safe entry into confined spaces and associated work. <br>This guide is not intended to supersede or replace any requirements in existing or future codes, standards, and regulations applicable to confined space activities.&#160; <br><strong>Equivalency.</strong> Nothing in this guide is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effective