Confined Space Basics
What is a Confined Space?
OSHA's definition of a confined space is a space that:
- is large enough and configured so an employee can enter and perform assigned work;
- has limited or restricted means for entry or exit;
- and, is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS)
Some confined spaces require a permit to enter. By definition, a permit-required confined space is a space that meets the criteria for a confined space and has one or more of the following characteristics:
- It contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
- It includes a material with the potential to engulf someone who enters the space;
- It has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section; or
- It contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards.
OSHA requires employers to determine if a permit is required when entering a confined space. To do that, they can use OSHA's Confined Space Entry Decision Flow Chart to the right.
Click to see a Sample Confined Space Entry Permit.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. Which of the following, in addition to the three criteria for a confined space, would be a criterion for a permit-required confined space?
You forgot to answer the question!