Confined Space Identification
This Month EH&S will discuss how to properly identify a confined space and the training requirements for entering a confined space.
A confined space must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have limited mean of egress
- Manholes
- Removable Plates/Hatches
- Ladder as an Entrance/Exit
- Hole/Pit/Excavation Site with a depth of 5ft
- The space must be large enough to enter
- The space is not designed for continuous human occupancy
If you answer Yes to all of these questions, it is a confined space:
- Does the space have a sign from the Harvard University Confined Space Standard?
- If it does not and you think it could meet the criteria of a confined space, please contact EH&S for further assistance.
When is a Confined Space Entry Permit Needed?
- If a confined space has any recognized hazards such as an atmospheric hazard, an engulfment hazard or an entrapment hazard then a permit is required for entry. Remember that certain work activities in a Confined Space can make a permit necessary.
- Only workers that have attended the Confined Space Entry training or annual refresher training are allowed to enter a permit-required space.
Group Discussion Topics:
- Talk about entry procedures and any events that relate to your facility’s confined spaces.
- Ask the group if they have any questions or any stories about confined spaces.
- Identify how someone could be injured in the confined spaces in your facility, how can this be prevented?
- Determine if any of your personnel are in need of confined space training and contact EH&S for scheduling information.
