This part applies to all confined spaces and provides requirements to protect employees from the hazards of entering and working in confined spaces. This part applies in any of the following circumstances:

(1) The employer has confined spaces in the workplace.

(2) Employees will enter another employer's confined spaces.

(3) A contractor will enter the employer's confined spaces.

(4) The employer provides confined space rescue services.

The employer can use Table 1 to help decide which requirements to follow for confined spaces.

Table 1

Requirements for Confined Spaces

For confined spaces that are		The requirements in the following sections apply
		644	646	648	650	652	654
	Permit-required confined spaces	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Entered by a contractor	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Nonpermit confined spaces	X					X
	Never entered	X
If the employer only:
	Uses alternate entry procedures	X	X	X		X
	Has a contractor enter the space	X
	Is a rescue service provider		X	X	X

Definition:

Confined space. A space that is all of the following:

(a) Large enough and arranged so an employee could fully enter the space and work.

(b) Has limited or restricted entry or exit. Examples of spaces with limited or restricted entry are tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, excavations, and pits.

Notes:	1. Requirements in other chapters may apply to the employer's work. The employer will find some safety and health requirements are addressed on a broad level in this part, while being addressed for a specific application in another rule. When this happens, both requirements apply and should not conflict. When a conflict does occur, the employer needs to follow the more specific requirement.
	2. If the employer is uncertain which requirements to follow, contact the local labor and industries (L&I) office.

PDFWAC 296-307-642

Scope.