Is A Roof Space A Confined Space

Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.

Is a roof space a confined space.

Confined spaces include but are not limited to tanks vessels silos storage bins hoppers vaults pits manholes tunnels equipment housings ductwork pipelines etc. Is a secondary containment area for example or the roof of a tank a confined space. Look out for any safety hazards loose materials or hazardous materials and put the proper safety procedures in place to minimise accident and injury. When a roofing contractor determines that confined spaces exist the next step is to determine whether the confined space is a permit required confined space.

Our conclusion it is a confined space. So if i have a 2 x2 tank with a 12 sq. Getting onto the roof of the car is usually done from the floor above by stepping horizontally with no restrictions from an open doorway onto the roof of the car. Our conclusion not a confined space.

A confined space also has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. In order for a space to meet osha s definition of a confined space it must meet all three parts of the definition. Osha defines a permit required confined space as a confined space that meets one or more of the following characteristics. Why are confined spaces so dangerous.

Therein lies a problem. A confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed though not always entirely and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby e g. The roof cavity is enclosed it is not designed to be occupied by a person it is at atmospheric pressure but does not pose a risk to the entrant from airborne contaminants or gasses unsafe oxygen levels or engulfment. Designating such an area a confined space would alter current procedures and manpower associated with entering.

August 1 2013 when osha published their permit required confined space standard 1910 146 it was inevitable that some people would misunderstand one or more parts of that complex standard. If entry to a confined space can t be avoided it s important to carry out a risk assessment to identify any risks to health.