Confined Space Entry

What are confined spaces?

Many workplaces contain areas that are considered “confined spaces” because while they are not necessarily designed for people, they are large enough for workers to enter and perform certain jobs. A confined space also has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Confined spaces include, but are not limited to, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, manholes, tunnels, equipment housings, ductwork, pipelines, etc.

OSHA uses the term “permit-required confined space” (permit space) to describe a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; contains material that has the potential to engulf an entrant; has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; or contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress.

Applicable Policies

• GU Confined Space Program Policy

Applicable Forms

• GU Confined Space Entry Permit

Regulations

• 29 CFR 1910.146 — Permit-Required Confined Spaces
  • Appendix A — Permit-Required Confined Space Decision Flow Chart
  • Appendix B — Procedures for Atmospheric Testing
  • Appendix C — Examples of Permit-Required Confined Space Programs
  • Appendix D — Sample Permits
  • Appendix E — Sewer System Entry
  • Appendix F — Rescue Team or Rescue Service Evaluation Criteria
• 29 CFR 1926.1200 Subpart AA – Confined Spaces in Construction

EH&S offers Confined Space Entry Training including hands on exercise.