Confined Spaces: Acceptable Entry Conditions

"Confined Space” is a formal term used to define a specific category of workplace environment. Not all enclosed workspaces are considered confined spaces, and not all confined spaces require an entry permit. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides clear requirements aimed at protecting employees in general industry from permit-required confined space hazards (CFR 29 1910.146). This course will help you identify, prepare for, and respond to potentially hazardous work in or near confined spaces.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “Confined Space”? Do you work in or around confined spaces? Can you identify the potential hazards in these areas, and do you know how to respond to an emergency situation? You may be unaware that you are working near or around a confined space – let alone one that requires a permit before work can begin.

Under OSHA’s Permit-Required Confined Spaces Standard, an employer must evaluate a workplace to determine classification as permit-required confined spaces and put into place protections and safety plans.