Many workplaces contain spaces considered “confined” because its configurations hinder the activities of employees who must enter, work in and exit them. To limit incidents of injury and death, OSHA has instituted a strict policy dealing with confined spaces.

Summary

A confined space, by definition, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Examples of confined spaces include underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, manholes, pits, silos, process vessels and pipelines.

Nationwide, there are a combined 6 million workplaces with confined spaces. To limit incidents of injury and death, OSHA has instituted a strict policy dealing with confined spaces. OSHA requires implementing standard emergency procedure training for entrants, attendants and supervisors.