Confined spaces may contain hazards that can injure workers or quickly lead to death. Untrained and ill-equipped rescuers can easily become victims themselves. United Tribes Technical College departments must follow the requirements of the Confined Space Entry Program to ensure personnel working in or near confined spaces are protected from harm.

The Confined Space Entry Program applies to any United Tribes Technical College department that has space(s) that may potentially be hazardous when entered. A confined space is one configured so that a person can fully enter and work but is not designed for continuous human occupancy and has restricted or limited means of entry or exit.

Examples of confined spaces at United Tribes Technical College may include, but are not limited to:

• Boilers
• Sewers
• Vessels and Tanks
• Attics, crawlspaces
• Air handling units
• Sumps and pits
• Excavations

Confined spaces may contain a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment hazards or other hazards, such as electrical, mechanical and fall from a height. These spaces require entry permits that address the hazards, mitigations and required approvals.

Hazards may also be introduced by activities performed inside the space. Use of chemicals, painting, cleaning, grinding or sanding all create atmospheric hazards that can cause injury or illness without adequate ventilation or other controls. Hot work (e.g., welding, cutting, grinding, or brazing) in a confined space may release toxic gases or fumes.

United Tribes Technical College departments that do not expect to enter any confined spaces are not required to develop a confined space entry plan. If a department or its contractor needs to enter a confined space, they can contact the UTTC Safety & Security Director, for more information about the space.