Obtaining a brand-new office space for your business requires you to jump through a variety of legal hoops before you can start using it. One of these legal hoops involves getting the right permits, such as the OSHA permit for confined spaces.

Before you start moving in, use this helpful guide to figure out whether or not you have an OSHA permit-required confined space.

What Qualifies as an OSHA Permit-Required Confined Space?

Confined spaces need a permit if it holds potentially hazardous materials or presents risks to employees in some way. They are deemed OSHA-certified if they follow a specific set of conditions. These standards ensure the safety of those who enter and exit the confined space.

Acceptable Entry Conditions

This condition needs confined spaces to have a designated route for entering and exiting without blockage. Blockage refers to hazards that get in the way of properly entering and exiting the space. Hazards typically include debris, columns, or shelving units.

Each pathway must be cleared to meet this condition. Entry and exits must also be big enough for an employee's body to enter without issue.

Limited Entry and Exit Options

Besides making it easy for employees to enter and exit, these paths must also stay limited. This means there can only be a restricted number of designated entrances and exits per confined space, depending on the space itself.

For example, a vault must have a limited number of ways an employee can enter and exit, and these routes must be easy to navigate in case an evacuation is necessary.

Limited Employee Occupancy

An OSHA confined space cannot serve as a permanent working space for employees. These spaces should either work as temporary workspaces or designated for employee occupancy for a limited amount of time.

Non-Hazardous Atmosphere

The confined space must meet standards that ensure the air does not create a hazardous work environment. Hazardous materials and chemicals must not exceed a specific level, depending on the material.

My Confined Space Needs a Permit, Now What?

If your business has a confined space that needs a confined space entry permit, it's vital to ensure the space is ready for an inspection. Take a look at the main requirements and make the necessary changes to the space. Make sure to purchase necessary safety supplies to make the confined space ready for certification.

Once you're prepared for an inspection, it's time to start the permit process. The permit process will follow a flowchart related to confined spaces. Meeting the requirements leads to an official permit, allowing you and your employees to use the confined space.

Preparing With Permits

Getting your OSHA permit-required confined space in order is an essential legal step for your new space. As soon as you get all of the necessary permits out of the way, your new office will be ready to furnish and fill with employees.

From large warehouses to small commercial spaces, every business needs safety and office supplies. The Safety Source LLC provides a wide variety of commercial safety supplies for every situation. We also provide industrial services such as energy efficiency implementation, lighting, and vending solutions.