The University of Arizona is committed to protecting workers from risks related to exposure to confined spaces, whether permit-required or non-permit required.
This program outlines the procedures, responsibilities and training required under Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (29 CFR 1910.146) to ensure compliance and protect our university community.
EHS provides support for all key requirements for confined space safety:
- Creating confined space inventory and characterization
- Confined space permitting and alternate entry authorization
- Assessing and inspecting confined space and equipment
- Training support for entrants, attendants, supervisors, and more
Confined Spaces & Coverage
The confined space program is a applicable to all university workers who may be authorized to enter a space, authorize or monitor space entry, or who may be affected by entry or confined spaces. All locations, equipment, and processes that may qualify as a confined space apply.
Confined spaces are defined as something that 1) has limited entry/egress, 2) can be bodily entered to perform work, and 3) is not designed for continuous occupancy. Permit-required spaces meet all three requirements and also have one or more of the following: 1) atmospheric hazards, 2) engulfment hazards, 3) configuration hazards, and/or 4) other serious hazard identified.
Confined Space Written Program
This written program details the confined space program requirements, roles and responsibilities, and provide templates to support compliance and safety.
Confined Space Training
Initial, periodic, and annual training are required for any entrants, attendants, and supervisors. EHS can provide onsite training upon request.
Permit & Assessment Processes
EHS provides a a pre-entry briefing form and maintains the evaluation and permit or alternative entry forms for confined space. Alternate entries and permit-required confined space entries require permitting by EHS -- permits issued without EHS involvement or approval are invalid. Please contact EHS at ehs-help@arizona.edu to request entry support, permitting, or other help for confined space assessments and entries.