What is a Confined Space?

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Questions and Answers

What is a common characteristic of confined spaces according to OSHA?

Designed for continuous occupancy

Limited or restricted means of entry or exit (correct)

Large enough to hold multiple people

Favorable natural ventilation

What is the primary role of NIOSH in relation to confined spaces?

Inspecting workplaces

Developing safety protocols

Enforcing regulations

Providing research-based recommendations (correct)

According to the HSE, what is a key factor in determining a confined space?

Lack of oxygen

Size of the space

Substances or conditions within or nearby the space (correct)

Substances or conditions within the space

What is a characteristic of confined spaces that is unique to the NIOSH definition?

Unfavorable natural ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Which organization provides the most detailed description of a confined space?

CCOHS Signup and view all the answers

What is a common purpose of a confined space?

Performing certain jobs Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of confined spaces that is shared across OSHA and NIOSH definitions?

Not designed for continuous occupancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern related to confined spaces?

Serious injury from substances or conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of a confined space according to CCOHS?

It has limited or restricted entrance or exit Signup and view all the answers

What type of confined space is characterized as a high-risk workplace?

A permit-required confined space Signup and view all the answers

What is the main emphasis of Safe Work Australia's definition of a confined space?

The hazards associated with the situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the OSHA 1910.146 standard?

To provide guidelines for confined spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a confined space given by WorkSafeBC?

An enclosed conveyor Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a permit-required confined space?

It contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the CCOHS definition of a confined space?

The health and safety risks of the space Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a confined space and a permit-required confined space?

The hazards associated with the space Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Confined Space Definitions

A confined space is an area large enough to fully enter or perform certain jobs, with limited or restricted means of entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous occupancy (OSHA).
NIOSH defines a confined space as a space with limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation, and is not intended for continuous worker occupancy.
The HSE (UK) defines a confined space as a substantially enclosed area where serious injury can occur from substances or conditions within the space or nearby.
CCOHS (Canada) defines a confined space as a fully or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy, with limited or restricted entrance or exit, and can complicate emergency response activities.
WorkSafeBC (Canada) defines a confined space as an enclosed or partially enclosed area that is big enough for a worker to enter, but not designed for regular occupation.

Key Characteristics

Limited or restricted means of entry or exit
Not designed for continuous occupancy
Unfavorable natural ventilation (NIOSH)
Potential for serious injury from substances or conditions within the space or nearby (HSE)
Can complicate emergency response activities (CCOHS)

Permit-Required Confined Space

A permit-required confined space, also known as a "permit space", contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere or other serious safety or health hazards.
Characterized as a high-risk workplace, requiring regulatory permits and strict entry and safety procedures.

OSHA Standard and Requirements

OSHA 1910.146 is the standard for confined spaces.
Found in Title 29 (Labor) Subtitle B (Regulations Relating to Labor) Part 1910 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards) Subpart J (General Environmental Controls).

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Description

Learn about the definition of confined spaces according to OSHA and other countries' criteria. Understand the characteristics of confined spaces, including limited entry and exit points.