Confined Space Entry

Recognition

A Confined Space is defined as space which:

• Is large enough, and so configured, that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
• Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, dumpsters used routinely for avian asphyxiation and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry); and
• Is not designed for Continuous employee occupancy.

Due to the nature and configuration of Confined Space, they pose an extra hazard to those entering them, as well as hazard to those attempting rescue of injured individual or groups in the confined space.  To mitigate these hazards, OSHA (29 CFR 1910.146) calls for a permit system to be used whenever entry is required into a confined space which meets the definition above and which has a known or potential hazard present. An example of a potential hazard would be entering a sewer. A sewer can be tested and found to have an acceptable level of oxygen (19.5%-21.0%), no flammable vapors, and no toxic air contaminates. However, all three of these items are known to exist in sewer, so a permit would be needed for entry even in this specific instance where testing did not show a hazard.

Atmospheric testing equipment will be needed to assure safe entry into Confined Spaces. The following will need to be tested at a minimum:

                        Percent Oxygen (19.5-21%)
                        Lower Explosive Level (<10%)

Other compounds may need to be tested for. Examples include:

                        Carbon Monoxide
                        Hydrogen Sulfide

(See section 7 on monitoring for further details.)