Construction Confined Space Basics
What is a Confined Space?
Before we get into the requirements of a confined space program, let's discuss the basic characteristics of a confined space.
Confined Space Criteria
In the United States, a confined space is a space that meets all of the following 3 criteria:
- Size Requirement: It is large enough and so configured that an employee can fully enter the space and perform work.
- Access/Egress Requirement: It has limited or restricted means for entry, exit, or both.
- Occupancy Requirement: It is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
1. Size Requirement
A confined space must be large enough for a worker to access completely.
A space that is just large enough for a person to squeeze into, but not perform any work, is not a confined space. Similarly, a space that is too small for a person to enter completely is not a confined space.
Note: In Canada, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), the size of the space does not matter. In Canada, a confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space. See for more information.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. What is a characteristic of a confined space as defined by OSHA?
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