Entering and working in confined spaces is, by nature, very hazardous duty.  Confined spaces present unique and often extreme hazards that can cause bodily injury, illness, disability and death. 

Accidents can occur because workers fail to recognize that they are entering a confined space, or do not understand specific dangers of the situation.

This is why every confined space entry should be considered in the most unfavorable situation -- that there is the potential danger of explosion, poisoning and asphyxiation.

Confined spaces are defined as:

• Large enough or so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work.

• Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit. Confined-space openings are limited primarily by size and location. Openings may be small in size and may be difficult to move through easily. However, in some cases openings may be very large; for example, open-topped spaces such as pits or excavations. Entrance and exit may be required from top, bottom, or side. Size or location may make rescue efforts difficult.

• Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Most confined spaces are not designed for employees to enter and work on a routine basis. They may be designed to store a product, enclose materials and process, or transport products or substances. Therefore, occasional employee entry for inspection, maintenance, repair, cleanup, or
similar tasks, is often difficult and dangerous. 

The danger associated with entry may come from chemical or physical hazards (for example, mechanical equipment) within the space.

Gases that are heavier than air are a primary concern when entering a confined space because they can accumulate at the bottom and engulf the entrant.  Explosive or poisonous gases can also collect in confined spaces and endanger entrants.

Only personnel who have been specifically trained in confined space entry safety are authorized to enter a confined space.  Personnel who work in confined spaces are trained as:

• Entrants (the person who enters the space)

• Attendant (the person outside who keeps watch over the entrant)

• Supervisor (the person in charge of the operation)

OSHA considers "entry" as the moment that any part of a person's body "breaks the plane" between outside and the confined space. 

In general, employers must evaluate the workplace to determine if spaces are permit-required confined spaces. 

If there are permit spaces in the
workplace, the employer must inform exposed employees of the existence, location, and danger posed by the spaces. 

If employees are to enter permit spaces, the employer must develop a written permit space program.

Under certain conditions, the employer may use alternate procedures for worker entry into a permit space. 

Even in such circumstances, however, the internal atmosphere of the space must be tested first for oxygen content, second for flammable gases and vapors, and third for potential toxic
air contaminants before any employee enters. 

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OSHA Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR), Permit-required confined spaces - 1910.146 

Written Confined Space Program

Construction: Special Hazards Videos

General Industry Specific Hazards

Written Master Safety Plan on CD-ROM

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