Confined Space

A confined space is any space that is large enough for an employee to enter, has restricted means of entry and egress, and is not designed for continuous human occupancy. Examples of confined spaces include, but are not limited to, tanks, boilers, utility vaults and tunnels, silos, large duct-work, and pits. Permit-required confined spaces are confined spaces that have potentially hazardous atmospheres or other serious hazards.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that written procedures are in place and that the employees they supervise are adequately trained and equipped before they are allowed to enter and work in permit-required confined spaces.

This webpage provides information on the University’s confined space policy, a list of confined spaces that have already been identified within University facilities, related safety training opportunities, a template supervisors can use to develop and implement a written confined space program, and the forms that must be completed and posted prior to entering permit-required confined spaces.