Many workplaces contain spaces that are considered “confined” because their configurations hinder the activities of any employees who must enter, work in, and exit them. There are many instances where employees who work in confined spaces face increased risk of exposure to serious hazards. OSHA uses the term “permit-required confined space” (permit space) to describe those spaces that both meet the definition of “confined space” and pose health or safety hazards.
The purpose of Indiana University Northwest’s Confined Space & Permit Entry Written Program is to protect personnel from confined space hazards and comply with OSHA standards. Only those who have been properly trained to enter and work in confined spaces are authorized to do so. If you are assigned a job or task and find a sign that states “Danger Confined Space Authorized Personnel Only” or “Warning Confined Space Trained Personnel Only,” you must have received training and been authorized by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety to enter.
Confined Space Program
Evaluations to identify “confined spaces” and “permit-required confined spaces”
Maintain database of campus “confined” and “permit-required confined spaces”
OSHA Confined Spaces