May 2025 Safety Topic of the Month: Confined Spaces

Certain workplaces on the CUIMC campus contain areas classified as confined spaces, meaning they have limited or restricted entry and exit and are not designed for continuous occupancy. Examples include utility vaults, water tanks, sewers, pipes, and boilers.

A Permit-Required Confined Space is a confined space that presents one or more of the following risks:

• Hazardous Atmosphere: May contain or has the potential to contain dangerous vapors or gases.
• Entrapment Risk: Has a layout that could lead to someone becoming trapped.
• Engulfment Hazard: Contains materials that could surround or overwhelm someone inside.
• Other Serious Safety or Health Hazards: Any additional recognized risks that could pose danger.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for Confined Spaces (29 CFR 1910.146) outlines practices and procedures to protect employees from the dangers of entering these spaces.

The Department of Facilities Management has implemented a written confined space safety program to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. The program focuses on:

• Hazard Control – Identifying and mitigating risks within confined spaces.
• Safe Entry Procedures – Providing the necessary equipment for safe access.
• Continuous Hazard Detection – Monitoring conditions while personnel are inside.

All confined spaces on campus are tracked, inventoried, and properly labeled. Spaces designated as Permit-Required Confined Spaces are clearly marked, indicating that entry requires proper authorization and a permit.