Description
More focus on Confined Spaces is required in our workplaces. During Harkins Safety’s representative’s facility visits, we find that many employers, managers, and team members are confused about confined spaces.
To meet the definition of a “confined space” the area must meet all there of the following criteria:
- Limited openings for entry and exit.
- The space is not intended for continuous human occupancy.
- The space is large enough for you to enter and conduct work.
OSHA uses the term “permit-required confined space” (aka a permit space) to describe a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: (1) Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; (2) contains material that has the potential to engulf an entrant; (3) Has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; (4) Or contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress. Link to OSHA Confined Space Overview
