Is A Roof Space A Confined Space

Surprisingly though the employers i find who misunderstand the requirements of this osha regulation are often not the ones who have implemented a permit required confined space entry program at their.

Is a roof space a confined space.

Getting onto the roof of the car is usually done from the floor above by stepping horizontally with no restrictions from an open doorway onto the roof of the car. Confined spaces include but are not limited to tanks vessels silos storage bins hoppers vaults pits manholes tunnels equipment housings ductwork pipelines etc. Osha defines a permit required confined space as a confined space that meets one or more of the following characteristics. Designating such an area a confined space would alter current procedures and manpower associated with entering.

In order for a space to meet osha s definition of a confined space it must meet all three parts of the definition. Therefore the space above the car does not meet the definition of a confined space. Therein lies a problem. Hatch that needs to be cleaned it clearly is not designed for continuous employee occupancy and it has a limited means of entry.

Why are confined spaces so dangerous. Is a secondary containment area for example or the roof of a tank a confined space. So if i have a 2 x2 tank with a 12 sq. A confined space also has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy.

When a roofing contractor determines that confined spaces exist the next step is to determine whether the confined space is a permit required confined space. Our conclusion it is a confined space. August 1 2013 when osha published their permit required confined space standard 1910 146 it was inevitable that some people would misunderstand one or more parts of that complex standard. The roof cavity is enclosed it is not designed to be occupied by a person it is at atmospheric pressure but does not pose a risk to the entrant from airborne contaminants or gasses unsafe oxygen levels or engulfment.

Look out for any safety hazards loose materials or hazardous materials and put the proper safety procedures in place to minimise accident and injury. A confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed though not always entirely and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby e g.