Why Do I Need Confined Space Signs?

Confined spaces are inherently unsafe work environments. Confined spaces have restricted means of entry and exit and usually have inadequate ventilation or air that is either oxygen deficient or contaminated.

To better understand what the definition of a confined space means in your workplace, common examples are boilers, silos, and vats.

If your workplace includes environments like these, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) may require signage that warns workers of the hazards.

Permit Required Confined Space Sign

OSHA only requires signage for “permit-required” confined spaces. There are also confined spaces that do not require a permit to work in, but to ensure the safety of your staff, industry best practices recommend the posting of signs for “non-permit required” spaces too.

“Permit-required” confined spaces contain hazards that could cause death or serious injury to workers. This is why OSHA requires the posting of confined space safety signs in OSHA standard 1910.146(c)(2) and the development and use of a written permit space program.

“Non-permit” confined spaces do not have hazards such as a hazardous atmosphere or a material that could engulf workers who enter it, but caution should still be used. “Non-permit” safety signs are recommended as a best practice to alert staff of safety and policy procedures for these areas.

By alerting your staff to the potential hazards associated with both “permit-required” and “non-permit” confined spaces, developing a permit space program that includes the use of necessary personal protective equipment, and by training staff on this program, your workplace will be better prepared to comply with OSHA regulations regarding confined spaces.


SafetySign.com does not recommend or specify the use of a specific safety sign because it does not have knowledge of the hazard(s) our customers are identifying. It is the customer’s sole responsibility to identify the hazard(s) that may be present and select one or more signs (stock or custom) that accurately identify their specific hazard(s) and complies with any applicable federal, state or local laws or regulations, any worksite specific rules or regulations and/or any applicable safety standards (including, without limitation, ANSI and/or OSHA standards). SafetySign.com disclaims any and all liability (excluding liability for our Product Warranty contained in our Terms and Conditions) for any sign selected by a customer and shall not be responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from the use of signs purchased from it or for the independent interpretation made of any applicable federal, state or local laws or regulations, any worksite specific rules or regulations, and/or any applicable safety standards (including, without limitation, ANSI and/or OSHA standards). Customer shall indemnify and hold SafetySign.com and its corporate parent and its officers, directors and affiliates harmless from and against any and all claims, loss or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising from or related to the purchase and use by customer or any third party of any sign purchased by customer from SafetySign.com.
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