What is a confined space?

A confined space is any space that conforms to all of the following conditions:

• Is large enough for an employee to enter
• Has restricted means of entry and exit
• I not designed for continuous employee occupancy

Examples of confined spaces include tanks, pits, vaults, trenches, and manholes.

What dangers are associated with a confined space?

Confined space hazards can cause injury or death, if not recognized and controlled. Because of the hazards, a permit is required to work in some confined spaces.

What specific requirements apply to most maintenance activities that require entry into a confined space?

Prior to entering a confined space, a qualified person must evaluate it to determine if any physical or atmospheric hazard associated with confined spaces exist. The qualified person must also determine whether or not a Confined Space Entry Permit is required before work can be performed inside the space.

To request a testing for a confined space, contact the EH&S Occupational Safety Specialist, extension 7547

What determines if a confined space must be tested before work can be performed inside it?

A permit is required before work can be performed inside confined spaces which meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The space contains, or has potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere
• The space contains a material that can engulf (swallow up, overwhelm) an entrant
• The Space has internal sloping walls or floor which could trap an entrant
• The space contains any other recognized hazard

Examples of confined spaces which require permits are sanitary and storm sewer manholes, manholes which contain electricity, moving parts, steam generators, boilers, etc.

Which confined spaces do not require permits before work can be performed inside them?

Permits are not required for work inside confined spaces that do not contain, or have the potential to contain, any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm.

Examples of non-permit-required confined spaces are properly ventilated maintenance tunnels, crawl spaces, telecommunications manholes, tanks, pits, utility vaults, etc.

Need More Information?

• WSU's Confined Space Written Program
• OSHA Regulation and information concerning confined spaces