What is a permit-required confined space?

A permit-required confined space is characterized by the potential for serious hazards that could pose risks to workers entering the space. This includes conditions like the presence of toxic gases, low oxygen levels, or physical hazards that could lead to accidents or health issues. Due to these risks, special safety precautions and a permit system are essential to ensure the safety of anyone entering.

Spaces classified under this category often require that specific procedures be followed prior to entry, including continuous monitoring for air quality and the implementation of safety measures, such as having rescue teams on standby. The concept emphasizes that even if a space appears to be safe, the potential for serious hazards must be carefully evaluated and managed.

In contrast, a space with no potential hazards would not fit this definition, as it does not pose any risk to personnel. Similarly, while training is important for safely entering confined spaces, training alone does not determine if a space is permit-required; it is the potential hazards that establish this classification. Continuous monitoring is also a precautionary measure rather than a defining criterion for a permit-required confined space.