What is the definition of a confined space for general industry?
(1) is large enough that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work, (2) has limited or restricted means to enter or exit (e.g. tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, vaults, pits, etc.), and (3) is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.Note: Construction standards for confined space (29 CFR 1926.21) are different.Q: What is the difference between the “non-permit” and the “permit-required” confined space: A: “non-permit” confined space is a confined space that does not contain or have the potential to contain atmospheric hazards capable of causing death or serious physical harm. “permit-required” confined space has one or more of the following characteristics:(1) contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, (2) contains a material that has the potential to engulf an entrant (e.g. grain, water, sewage, etc.), (3) the space has a configuration whereby an entrant could get trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or a floor that slopes dow
Note: Construction standards for confined space (29 CFR 1926.21) are different. Q: What is the difference between the “non-permit” and the “permit-required” confined space: A: “non-permit” confined space is a confined space that does not contain or have the potential to contain atmospheric hazards capable of causing death or serious physical harm. “permit-required” confined space has one or more of the following characteristics: Applying these regulations to a work site is sometimes confusing. Upon entrance into a confined space, the employer should assume that the employees will be working in a “permit-required” confined space based on the above definition. To remain in compliance with the standard, “permit-required” confined space entry procedures are mandatory until there is enough evidence to classify the space as a “non-permit” confined space (following paragraphs (d) through (k) of the standard). If the employer can prove and document the numbered steps listed below, then the emp
