ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

JANUARY, 2006

Confined Space: Any enclosed space with limited means of entry or egress, which is not designed for continuous occupation. Examples are signal manholes, electrical manholes, vaults, sewers, tunnels or other structures similarly surrounded by confining surfaces so as to permit the accumulation of dangerous gases, vapors or the exclusion of oxygen.

Entry: Physical act of entering a confined space. An entry occurs when a worker's face breaks the plane of the confined space opening.

 IMPORTANT:

Ventilation alone cannot reduce some atmospheric hazards to safe levels. Use atmospheric testing to confirm whether the ventilation system has been successful.

 Emergency procedure. If a worker is unable to evacuate the confined space during an emergency, the Authorized Safety Attendant and workers should attempt to hoist the worker out of the confined space using a lifeline.