ARE TRENCH EXCAVATIONS CONFINED SPACES?
The answer to this question is not as obvious as you may think. Let’s review some terminology. By OSHA definition, a confined space means the space is: • large enough and so configured that an employee can enter and perform assigned work; • has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; • is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. A trench excavation would certainly seem to meet the confined space criteria. By OSHA definition, a trench excavation means; • a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground; • in general, the depth is greater than the width; • but the width of a trench (measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 feet. How Does a Permit-Required Confined Space relate to a trench excavation? A permit-required confined space has one or more of the following characteristics: (1) Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. • Oxygen deficient, toxic, or flammable atmospheres can occur in trenches, displacin
