Confined Space Safety Basics
Definitions
In order to fully understand the information offered in this course, you must first understand the OSHA definitions.
Enclosed Spaces
OSHA does not consider all spaces as confined spaces: these spaces are defined as enclosed spaces. For example, a room with a standard door and adequate ventilation would not be considered a confined space.
Confined Spaces
OSHA defines a confined space as an enclosed space that meets all of the following 3 criteria:
- It is large enough for an employee to enter and perform work; Example: A storage tank or a manhole.
- It has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; Example: A small crawl space with a narrow opening, or a tank with a small access hatch.
- It is not designed for continuous occupancy. Example: An underground utility vault or a wastewater treatment tank.
Non-Permit-Required Confined Spaces (NPRCS)
A non-permit-required confined space is a confined space that does not pose significant hazards to workers' safety and health, and therefore does not require a permit for entry.
These spaces have characteristics such as adequate ventilation, natural or mechanical, that maintain acceptable atmospheric conditions, and have limited or no potential for containing substances that could harm the workers.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. A confined space must have limited means of entry (access) and exit (egress). How is "limited means of entry" defined?
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