Question: What is a “confined space”? The first step towards conducting a safe confined-space entry is to identify the space as potentially dangerous. Identify parts of the definition of a confined space.

Answer: Limited openings for entry and exit, Can be bodily entered, Not intended for continuous occupancy.

A confined space has limited openings, can be bodily entered, and isn’t meant for continuous occupancy.

Question: Rescuer cannot enter using SCBA

Answer: Portal Size

A restricted portal is one that is 24 inches or less in the least dimension. Portals of this size are too small to allow a rescuer to enter the space while using a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

Question: Open or obstructed space

Answer: Internal Configuration

A confined space’s internal configuration could be an open space with no obstacles within the space or an obstructed space with some type of obstruction that a rescuer would need to maneuver around.

Question: Requires knowledge of rope techniques

Answer: Space Access

A vertical portal is located either on the top of the confined space or at the bottom of the space. Vertical portals may require knowledge of rope techniques.

Question: Baffle or mixing blade

Answer: Internal Configuration

An obstructed space is a confined space that contains some type of obstruction that a rescuer would need to maneuver around. An example of this type of obstruction would be a baffle or mixing blade.

Question: Restricted or unrestricted

Answer: Portal Size

The portal of a confined space can be restricted or unrestricted. Notice how important characteristics are concerned with how easy or difficult it is for rescuers to get in and out of a space and maneuver around within it.

Question: Relatively free movement into and out of the space

Answer: Portal Size

An unrestricted portal is one that is greater than 24 inches in the least dimension. These portals allow relatively free movement into and out of the confined space.

Question: Rescuers must climb down or up to enter the space

Answer: Space Access

The access to a confined space can be horizontal or vertical. A horizontal portal is located on the side of the permit space. A vertical portal is located either on the top of the space (rescuers must climb down to enter the space) or at the bottom of the confined space (rescuers must climb up to enter the space).

Question: Difficult to use retrieval lines

Answer: Space Access

Use of retrieval lines could be difficult when using a horizontal portal to access a confined space.

Question: Water tank

Answer: Internal Configuration

A confined space’s internal configuration could be an open space with no obstacles, barriers, or obstructions within the space. One example of this type of space is a water tank.