Confined Space Entry

Important Documents, Resources, and Links

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Overview

The University of New Hampshire has developed a comprehensive Confined Space Entry Program to protect those employees that may be required to enter confined spaces as part of their daily activities. The program includes procedures to be used during entry operations.

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What is a Confined Space?

UNH is home to many work spaces that meet the definition of the OSHA standard for a confined space. A confined space is defined as a space that meets the following criteria:

Is large enough and configured that an employee can enter and perform assigned work
Has limited or restricted means for entry
Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy

Entry into these spaces can expose employees to a variety of hazards that can present a serious risk to health and safety. These hazards include hazardous atmospheres, materials that can engulf an entrant; inwardly converging walls that can trap entrants, or any other serious safety hazard that can impact an entrant. Should any of these hazards be present, or have the potential to be present, the confined space would be classified as a permit required confined space. Entry into a permit required confined space is restricted and restricted to those employees that have received training on safe entry procedures. In addition, as the definition indicates, entry is only allowed through the use of a permit system.

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Support from OEHS

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is available to provide technical support for those covered by the Confined Space Entry program to include: