Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) provides this guidance to assist University personnel in recognizing and avoiding hazards associated with confined spaces on University property. This guidance applies to university employees, supervisors, and other personnel who may encounter confined spaces during their work activities or who may oversee contractors performing confined space operations. Personnel must be able to recognize confined spaces, understand associated hazards, and prevent unauthorized entry into these areas. UMES employees are not authorized to enter confined spaces.
Confined space entry activities, including evaluation, permitting, atmospheric testing, and rescue operations, are performed by qualified contractors who are responsible for complying with applicable regulatory requirements and implementing appropriate entry procedures. Associated hazards may include oxygen-deficient or hazardous atmospheres, engulfment hazards, restricted access or egress, mechanical hazards, and other conditions that may pose a risk to personnel entering the space. Examples of confined spaces may include tanks, pits, vaults, manholes, utility spaces, and other areas not designed for continuous occupancy.
EHS provides awareness training, consultation, and support to help employees identify confined space hazards, understand their responsibilities, and coordinate safely with contractors performing confined space entry activities. Employees who observe a suspected unauthorized entry or have concerns regarding confined space activities should contact EHS or appropriate University personnel.
