Are cooling towers considered confined spaces?
Answer We cannot categorically state whether all cooling towers fit the definition of a confined space since the term “cooling tower” covers such a broad category structures and configurations. Whether a cooling tower that meets the definition of a confined space is also a permit-required confined space it depends on whether there are potential or actual serious safety and health hazard(s) in the space at the time of entry. We note that cooling towers that are confined spaces would be permit (permit-required) spaces if there is exposure to moving parts such as fan blades, belts and pulleys. Where exposure to the moving parts can be permanently controlled through physical guarding, these hazards would not trigger the classification of the space as a permit space. Question Are attics considered confined spaces? Answer If an attic space in your building fits the definition of a confined space, then attics are confined spaces. However, attic spaces that are determined to be confined spaces
