Which statement describes a Permit Required Confined Space?

• A. May contain hazards that are IDLH or have a potential hazardous atmosphere.
• B. Contains no hazards.
• C. Is large enough to enter.
• D. Requires no permit process.

Answer: (A)

A permit-required confined space is defined by the presence or potential for hazards that require formal controls before entry. The defining feature is that it may contain hazards that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) or have some other hazardous atmosphere, which triggers the need for an entry permit, atmospheric monitoring, isolation, ventilation, and rescue readiness. That’s why the statement that it may contain hazards that are IDLH or have a potential hazardous atmosphere is the best description.

The other options don’t fit because a space that contains no hazards isn’t permit-required, simply being large enough to enter doesn’t by itself make a space permit-required, and requiring no permit process contradicts the purpose of the permit system used to control entry into spaces with hazards.