McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas,

Confined Space

The primary objective of this page is to provide safety information on Confined Spaces and the hazards that exist across diverse work environments. This page is not all inclusive of those hazards and DAFMAN 91-203, Chapter 23, Confined Spaces and 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces should be reviewed.

Danger Confined Space graphic

There are two (2) classifications of Confined Spaces

1) Permit-Required Confined Space - spaces that may contain or has potential to contain hazardous atmosphere or contains a material that has the potential of engulfing an entrant, also the internal configuration such that an entrant could become trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section.

2) Non-Permit Confined Space - spaces that do not contain, or with respect to atmospheric hazards, do not have the potential to contain any hazards capable of causing death or serious physical damage.

military member with harness in a confined space peering up

Permit-Required Confined Space

Permit-required confined spaces can contain hazardous gases which can cause impairment or illness. It is imperative that all who enter a permit-required confined space have the correct training and personal protective equipment on or serious injuries can occur. 

Confined Space training, military member pulling another out of a tube

Non-Permit Confined Spaces

 Non-permit confined spaces do not contain, atmospheric hazards, or do not have the potential to contain hazards capable of causing death or serious physical injuries. 

Confined Space flowchart

By following this flowchart can help you determine whether you are entering a permit-required confined space or a non-permit confined space. If you determine it is a permit-required confined space and it is not annotated as one, contact the Confined Space Program Team or your Occupational Safety Office. Do Not Enter without verifying the Master Entry Plan!

Text/HTML

Training members on Confined space

Text/HTML

Commanders and Functional Managers are required to identify, in writing, to the Occupational Safety Manager their designated representative(s) to the Confined Space Program Team and certify they are competent in confined space program requirements and are properly trained.