What is a confined space?

A confined space is defined as a space that is large enough for an employee to enter and perform work but has limited means for entry or exit. This definition is critical in ensuring that safety protocols are followed for work conducted in such areas. Confined spaces may include areas such as tanks, silos, and tunnels, where the configuration can complicate safe entry and exit.

The key elements of a confined space include not only the ability to physically enter the space but also the constraints that limit the ability to exit promptly in an emergency. Recognizing this ensures that appropriate safety measures are in place, including the need for training, ventilation, and potential rescue plans.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of a confined space. For instance, a space with no entry or exit points would not be considered a confined space since it cannot be entered. A workspace characterized by high levels of hazardous substances may or may not be confined, but this descriptor does not address the physical space's attributes necessary for classification as a confined space. Finally, a space that is always unventilated is similarly misleading; while ventilation can be a critical concern in confined spaces, the lack of ventilation alone does not define a space as "confined."