Confined Space Awareness

SAFETY TOPIC: What is a confined space?

• Large enough for a person to enter and perform work in

• Limited opening for entry and exit

• Not intended for continuous human occupancy

What is a permit required confined space?

A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics capable of causing death or serious physical harm: 

(a)  Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. 

(b)  Contains a material with the potential for engulfing someone who enters. 

(c) Has an internal configuration that could allow someone entering to be trapped or asphyxiated

(d)  Contains any physical hazardincluding engulfment in solid or liquid material, electrical shock, or moving parts. 

CONFINED SPACES REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING, PERMITS, AND RESCUE TEAMS.  ALL CONFINED SPACES ON JOBSITES ARE REQUIRED TO BE IDENTIFIED AND MARKED BY A COMPETENT PERSON, EVEN IF YOUR EMPLOYEES DO NOT ENTER THE SPACES.

SAFETY ACTIVITY: Watch Confined Space Training Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDk2WGvRrjk

SUPERVISORS: Review all Confined Spaces on your company jobsites.

REFERENCE: WAC 296-809-40002

FREQUENCY: CONFINED SPACE SUPERVISOR, ATTENDANT, ENTRANT - 6 Hours   (INITIAL AND AS NEEDED)

NOTE: Contact nicasafety@gmail.com for training program quote.

SAFETY MEETING QUESTION (answer required as attendance at this Safety Meeting): What is a “confined space”?

Text this answer to your supervisor if participating in text safety meetings.