12: Confined Space
- Page ID
- 63110
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 12.1: What are confined spaces?
- This page discusses confined spaces, which are not meant for continuous occupancy but can pose serious risks like entrapment and hazardous atmospheres. OSHA classifies certain confined spaces as "permit-required" due to dangers like toxic atmospheres and engulfment. Hazards include poor ventilation and flammable fumes, threatening both workers and rescuers.
- 12.2: Fatal Incidents
- This page highlights the deadly hazards of confined spaces, particularly in pits, referencing fatal incidents involving workers. It details cases of suffocation, unconsciousness, and burns linked to unsafe practices in unventilated spaces. The summary emphasizes the importance of implementing stringent safety measures to protect workers from these risks.
- 12.3: Written Programs
- This page outlines the requirements for employers regarding employee entry into permit spaces under OSHA standards. It emphasizes the need for a written program that includes measures to prevent unauthorized access, evaluate hazards, and provide necessary personal protective equipment. The program must detail safe entry procedures, emergency response strategies, and coordination among employers, along with methods for hazard control.
- 12.4: Safe Entry
- This page outlines the necessary equipment and safety protocols for entering permit spaces, emphasizing the need for specific gear and immediate evacuation if hazards are found. It highlights the importance of informing contractors about entry conditions, ensuring coordination among employers for joint operations, and conducting thorough debriefings post-entry to improve safety measures.
- 12.5: Entry Permits
- This page outlines the requirements for displaying an entry permit at permit spaces, which must be signed by the entry supervisor and include essential details such as entrant names, test results, known hazards, and safety measures. The permits are time-limited and specify communication protocols and equipment needed. After completion or any changes, permits must be canceled, with records kept for a minimum of one year to ensure ongoing safety practices.
- 12.6: Employer Responsibilities
- This page covers the identification and classification of confined spaces in construction, emphasizing the necessity of training and informing workers about potential hazards like oxygen deficiency and engulfment risks. It stresses the importance of pre-entry evaluations and proper safety measures, detailing the roles of authorized entrants, attendants, and supervisors.
- 12.7: Review Questions
- This page provides an overview of safety protocols for confined spaces, covering definitions, hazards, responsibilities, and testing requirements through multiple-choice and true/false questions. It highlights the criteria for confined and permit-required spaces, the significance of atmospheric testing, and the roles of attendants and entrants.


