Confined
Space Entry
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) or Title 29 of
the Code of Federal Regulations - Occupational Safety and Health Standards for
General Industry - Subpart J – 1910.146 Permit Required Confined Space, (29
CFR 1910.146).
Spaces are considered confined because their configuration hinders activities of
persons who must enter, work in and exit them. These spaces may include vessels,
tanks, below ground chambers, etc., in which dangerous materials or energy may
be present or generated during work activities. Theses dangerous materials may
include such things as flammables, asphyxiates, or toxic materials. To reduce
the chance of over exposure or entrapment in a confined space, never enter until
potential hazards have been identified, safe work practices have been
established, emergency retrieval equipment has been instituted, a trained
stand-by person is assigned and in place (with emergency radio or phone), all
safety work permits and procedures are completed and approved, and the space has
been monitored to assure safe entry before and during work. Please contact the
Industrial Hygienist at Risk Management & EH&S for permits and approval.