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Confined Spaces – A Brief Overview
What is a Confined Space?
OSHA defines a confined space (non-permit and permit-required) as a space that is:
- Large enough for an employee to enter and perform work
- Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit
- Is not designed for continuous occupancy
What is the difference between a "permit-required" and "non-permit" confined space?
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Permit-Required
Confined SpacesNon-Permit
Confined SpacesContains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere 
Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant Could trap or asphyxiate an entrant with inwardly converging walls Could trap or asphyxiate an entrant with a floor
that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-sectionContains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard Contains hazards capable of causing death or serious physical harm
From the chart above we can see that permit-required confined spaces can be extremely dangerous for workers, while non-permit confined spaces are not considered life-threatening. This doesn't mean precautionary steps shouldn't be taken before entering a non-permit space. Safety is essential no matter what the conditions are and because there is still the possibility of an injury occurring, only authorized personnel should enter the space.
OSHA states that if the workplace contains permit spaces, the employer shall inform exposed employees by posting danger signs, or by any other equally effective means, making them aware of the existence, location of, and the danger posed by the permit spaces.
Here are some examples of signs from SafetySign.com that would meet the requirements from OSHA:
Signs for Permit Required Confined Spaces
Signs for Non-Permit Confined Spaces
For more information about confined spaces please visit our help center.
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.
