Confined Space Safety Quiz

Confined spaces present unique and serious hazards that require specific safety knowledge to prevent injury and fatalities. This safety quiz is designed to test your understanding of characteristics, safety roles, hazards, critical entry procedures, and the purpose of confined spaces. Take this opportunity to refresh your knowledge and reinforce safe work practices!

1. According to OSHA, which of the following is a characteristic of a confined space? 

A. It is large enough for an employee to enter and perform work, is not designed for continuous occupancy, and has limited or restricted means for entry or exit.

B. It is designed for continuous employee occupancy.

C. It is always located underground.

D. It has an atmosphere that is always safe to breathe.

2. Before anyone can enter a permit-required confined space, what is the correct order for atmospheric testing? 

A. Toxic gases, then oxygen, then combustibles.

B. Combustibles, then oxygen, then toxic gases.

C. Oxygen, then combustibles, then toxic gases.

D. The order of testing does not matter as long as all three are checked.

3. What is the purpose of an entry permit for a confined space? 

A. To authorize the use of hot work tools.

B. To serve as a substitute for an attendant when one is unavailable.

C. To document that all pre-entry preparations have been completed and to list the acceptable conditions for entry.

D. To track the duration of the work being performed.

4. Which of the following is the primary responsibility of a confined space attendant? 

A. To supervise all work being done inside the confined space.

B. To perform a rescue entry whenever an entrant is in trouble.

C. To remain outside the space, monitor the entrant, and summon rescue services if needed.

D. To sign the entry permit and authorize the entry.

5. A confined space has an internal configuration that could trap or asphyxiate an entrant. What is this type of hazard called?

A. Configuration Hazard.

B. Engulfment Hazard.

C. Physical Hazard.

D. Atmospheric Hazard.

6. An employer must ensure that all workers who are required to work in confined spaces are adequately trained. When must this training occur?

A. Only when an employee’s job duties change.

B. Before the initial assignment, if job duties change, if new hazards arise, and when a deficiency in job performance is identified.

C. Only when a new confined space is introduced to the worksite.

D. At least once a year, regardless of other factors.

Weekly Safety Challenge

Scenario: A worker enters a manhole to perform a routine inspection. The attendant is a few feet away, on their phone, not paying attention. The worker inside suddenly stops responding to radio calls.

What went wrong here? What are the immediate dangers? What should have been done differently? Let us know!

Answers

1. A. It is large enough for an employee to enter and perform work, is not designed for continuous occupancy, and has limited or restricted means for entry or exit.
2. C. Oxygen, then combustibles, then toxic gases.
3. C. To document that all pre-entry preparations have been completed and to list the acceptable conditions for entry.
4.  C. To remain outside the space, monitor the entrant, and summon rescue services if needed.
5. A. Configuration Hazard.
6. B. Before the initial assignment, if job duties change, if new hazards arise, and when a deficiency in job performance is identified.