How Remote Inspection Fits an OSHA 1910.146 Permit Program
Under OSHA 1910.146, entry happens when any part of a body breaks the plane of the opening. A camera on a pole does not, so it can fit before, instead of, during and after entry.
Direct answer
Under OSHA 1910.146, entry happens when any part of a body breaks the plane of the opening. A camera on a pole does not, so it can fit before, instead of, during and after entry.
OSHA 1910.146 covers how you evaluate a permit space, test it, staff an entry and plan a rescue. A camera does not replace any of that. Zistos supports OSHA 1910.146 permit programs by enabling inspection without entry where feasible.
Where the rule draws the line
Under 1910.146, entry happens the moment any part of a person's body breaks the plane of the opening. A head through the hatch counts. A camera on a pole does not.
Where a camera fits
- Before entry: see what is inside, like residue, standing liquid or a damaged ladder.
- Instead of entry: residue, weld and corrosion checks, or finding a dropped part.
- During entry: give the attendant a live view of the entrant and two way audio.
- After the job: keep the video with the permit file for your annual review.
What about testing?
The rule ties atmospheric testing to entry. For the camera, one reading matters: Zistos cameras are not certified for hazardous locations, so if the space could hold flammable vapor or dust, check it before the camera goes in.
The APEX Pipe and Vault Inspection Kit puts an optical zoom camera with white light and side light on a 16 ft motorized pole. See all industrial inspection kits.
Source: OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit required confined spaces.
Always test the atmosphere per your site's permit program before you deploy any equipment. Zistos systems do not currently carry intrinsic safety or hazardous location certification (Class I Div 1 / ATEX). If your application requires it, let's talk; we can build the right solution together.