California ICC UST Inspector Practice Exam

Which statement about a confined space is TRUE?

1. It is designed for continuous employee occupancy

2. It has limited or restricted means of entry or exit

3. It must be equipped with a ventilation fan

4. It is large enough for an employee to enter and perform assigned work

The correct answer is: It has limited or restricted means of entry or exit

The statement regarding confined spaces that is accurate is that it has limited or restricted means of entry or exit. This characteristic is fundamental to the definition of a confined space. The limited means of entry or exit can pose significant dangers, as it may become difficult for individuals to enter or exit quickly in an emergency situation. This aspect is crucial for safety considerations when assessing confined spaces, especially in industries where workers may need to access these areas for maintenance, inspection, or task completion. While the design of a confined space does not include provisions for continuous employee occupancy (this is not a requirement), and ventilation fans are not mandatory for every confined space (although good ventilation is necessary for safety), it is essential that a confined space is indeed large enough for an employee to enter and perform work, but the emphasis on restricted entry or exit is what defines its classification. Recognizing these characteristics helps ensure proper safeguards and protocols are in place when working in or around confined spaces.