OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewFocus Four HazardsMedium
A construction worker is assigned to clean out a large, enclosed tank that was previously used to store chemicals. The tank has limited entry and exit points, poor ventilation, and the potential for hazardous atmospheres. What type of space is this considered under OSHA regulations?
- AA general storage area
- BAn open work area with limited access
- CA permit-required confined space
- DA non-permit required confined space
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A permit-required confined space
This tank meets the definition of a permit-required confined space because it has limited entry/exit, is not designed for continuous occupancy, and contains recognized serious hazards like potential hazardous atmospheres due to previous chemical storage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A general storage area would not have the characteristics of limited entry/exit or hazardous atmospheres.
- B. An open work area implies ample entry/exit and ventilation, which contradicts the scenario.
- D. A non-permit required confined space lacks the serious hazards (like hazardous atmospheres) that would require a permit.
Permit-Required Confined Space
An OSHA classification for confined spaces that contain one or more serious hazards, requiring a specific entry permit system.
- Limited entry/exit, not for continuous occupancy.
- Contains or has potential for hazardous atmosphere.
- Contains material that could engulf an entrant.
- Has inwardly converging walls or a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section.
- Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
Memory trick: Permit-required: 'P'otential 'H'azards 'E'xist 'R'eally 'E'verywhere!