OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course

Which of the following describes a confined space?

1. Restricted access and inadequate ventilation

2. Large enough for an employee to enter and work, with limited entry and exit

3. Designed for continuous employee occupancy

4. Confined vertical spaces only

The correct answer is: Large enough for an employee to enter and work, with limited entry and exit

A confined space is defined by specific characteristics that include having limited or restricted means of entry and exit and not being designed for continuous occupancy. The key aspect of a confined space is that it must be large enough for a person to enter and perform tasks inside. This description aligns perfectly with the correct answer, which emphasizes that the space allows for entry and work, while also noting the limitation on how individuals get in and out. While restrictions in access and ventilation are important elements of considering confined spaces, they do not encompass the entirety of what constitutes a confined space as defined by OSHA standards. Similarly, a confined space is not one intended for continuous employee occupancy; rather, it is a temporary work area. The option mentioning only vertical spaces overlooks the definition's applicability to horizontal spaces as well, which can also be considered confined. Hence, defining a confined space strictly in vertical terms significantly narrows down the understanding of what can be classified as such. Thus, the comprehensive definition highlighted in the correct answer serves to clarify that a confined space has both spatial and structural limitations suitable for work purposes.