Permit-Required Confined Spaces: metal container curing ovens.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 15, 1993

Mr. Trey Mayfield
Can Manufacturers Institute
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036

Dear Mr. Mayfield:

This is in response to your letter of August 30, concerning the Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS) standard (1910.146) and a work practice in your Industry. Specifically you are seeking confirmation that the work practices outlined in your letter would constitute compliance with 1910.146(c)(7). Please accept our apology for the delay in this response.

Guidance in determining whether elevator pits meet the definition of confined spaces.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

October 27, 1995

Mr. Edward A. Donoghue Associates Inc.
[Donoghue Associates Inc.]
Code and Safety Consultant to NEII
Shushan Road, P.O. Box 201
Salem, NY 12865-0201

Dear Mr. Donoghue:

Requirements for PRCS attendants; Fall arrest system anchorage point

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 28, 1995

Christopher Seniuk M.P.A., C.S.P., C.I.H.
Assistant Vice President
Director of Safety and Health Services
Lovell Safety Management Co., Inc.
161 William Street
New York, N.Y. 10038-2675

Dear Mr. Seniuk:

This is response to the questions in your letter of May 10, 1995. The questions and responses are as follows:

Q 1.

Are attendants always required anytime employees enter a permit-required confined space (PRCS)?

R.

Elevator industry employees working in and around pits and equipment.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA"s interpretation of the requirements discussed.

Applicability of the confined-space standard to dock-leveler pits.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 2, 2002

Mr. Art Varga
Materials Handling Equipment Company
1740 West 13th Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80204

Dear Mr. Varga:

Clarification of "potential atmospheric hazard" when reclassifying a PRCS as a non-permit required confined space.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 2, 2005

Ms. Laura Johnson
Assistant Director
Iowa - Illinois Safety Council
8013 Douglas Avenue
Urbandale, Iowa 50322-2453

Dear Ms. Johnson:

Whether reclassification is available for permit-required confined spaces with potentially hazardous atmospheres.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.


August 6, 2007

Mr. Ken Wilcoxson
945 Calle Del Encanto
Las Cruces, NM 88005

Dear Mr. Wilcoxson:

Thank you for your September 19 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP). Your letter has been referred to DEP's Office of General Industry Enforcement (GIE) regarding an interpretation of 29 CFR 1910.146, the Permit-required confined spaces (PRCS) standard. Your scenario, diagram, and questions have been restated below for clarity.