A client at a large steel mill recently contacted me concerning my article on performing a confined space assessment:

http://www.workplace-safety-nc.com/articles/conf-space-assessments.html

One of OSHA’s 3 criteria to be considered a confined space is:

Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.)… 

In my article, I discuss OSHA’s interpretation of restricted entry as a space where you must bend or stoop to enter. Also, if you must access space with a ladder – this is considered restricted entry/exit. My client requested the source of my interpretation.

To obtain additional guidance on OSHA’s perspective on the confined space standard please refer to the following documents – OSHA’s Compliance Directive on confined spaces as well as OSHA’s confined space preamble:

1. CPL O2-00-100- CPL Application of the Permit-Required Confined Space Standard:

This is a long HTML document – Go to Appendix E – Section B: Definitions –

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_id=1582

2. OSHA’s preamble on confined spaces:

Federal Register, Vol.58, No.9, January 14, 1993, pages 4462-4563, Permit-Required Confined Spaces, Final Rule, 29 CFR 1910.146.

Jon