Confined spaces pose a problem for employers in many fields. They come in all shapes and sizes, and no two confined spaces are exactly the same. Additionally, most confined spaces are associated with additional hazards, requiring additional scrutiny when creating plans for dealing with these spaces.

To help safety teams ensure their confined spaces are safely managed, OSHA created Standard 1910.146, which sets minimum standards for confined spaces and their associated permit entry systems, if required. But it is important to remember that just because you are compliant with this standard, that does not mean your confined space is fully compliant; as we mentioned earlier, there are often other standards which must be considered when creating a plan for a confined space and its associated permit entry system.

With all of this in mind, it is time to determine which sites in your facility qualify as confined spaces, and which of those require a permit entry system. To start, a confined space, according to OSHA, is: any space which meets the following 3 criteria: it is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Determining which areas fit these three criteria is easy; determining which require a permit entry system is less easy. You can review standard 1910.146 to see what system, if any, is required for your facility. But with all of the nuances associated with confined spaces, it is often more practical to consult a professional occupational safety and health consulting firm.

If you have any questions about confined spaces and permit entry systems or their required signage, please contact us. If you have anything to add about confined space permit entry systems and their associated signage, please leave a comment.