OSHA Defines a Confined Space as having all 3 hazards:
- Large enough and configured so an employee can enter and perform assigned work.
- Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit. Some examples include vessels, tanks, storage bins, silos, hoppers, vaults, and pits.
- Is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
Main Difference Between Permit Required and Non-Permit Required
Permit-Required Confined Space: This is a space where the hazards to employees are controlled but still present. These spaces are usually IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health; i.e., toxic air, no air, uncontrolled energy transmission).
Non-Permit Required Confined Space: This is a space where the hazards are “eliminated” or "controlled".
Permit-Required Confined Space (OSHA Standard 1910.146)
A permit-required confined space is defined by having 1 of any of the following:
- Contains or potentially contains a hazardous atmosphere, or
- Contains a material that has the possibility of engulfing someone, or
- Has a configuration where someone could get trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section.
- Or, contains any other recognized serious safety and health hazard.
Permit-Required Confined Space Hazards include
- Mechanical Entrapment (LO/TO, Isolation)
- Engulfment Atmospheric (Air Testing)
- Gas Temperature Extremes (Testing, Ventillation)
- Dust Excessive Noise (Cleaning, Removal, or PPE)
- Slick or Wet Surfaces Falling Objects (Wipe up, Dry up, Bracing or Blocking)
- Falling Hazards Electrical Shock (Fall Protection, LO/TO)
- Poor Lighting or Work Created Hazards (Additional Lighting, JSA)
Host Employers are required to evaluate a space to determine if it is a permit required or a non-permit required confined space. If you need assistance assessing Confined Spaces, contact CFPC's Safety Manager kenreisig@cfpsprinkler.com for a free evaluation.