Overview
- Definition
- Confined Space
- Permit-Required Confined Space
- Entry & Potential Hazards
A confined space 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, and;
- Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.“
Images provided show examples: feed bins, manholes, pits, industrial equipment (such as a food stuff mixer ), and others. If the space itself, or the work conducted in the space creates a hazard to the person entering the space, then the space is defined as a “Permit Required Confined Space.” The hazard may be atmospheric (e.g., low oxygen, toxic or flammable vapors, etc.), engulfment or physical hazard (such as shock or electrocution, heat, entanglement in moving parts, etc.).
Never enter a confined space without consulting with the EHS staff member responsible for the Confined Space Program. Please refer any suspect spaces that you may encounter to the appropriate specialist especially if anyone refers to entering the space while cleaning up or changing out parts, etc. The most important rule for everyone is to STAY OUT of the space unless you have been specifically trained to enter the space in question and have the authorization to do so.