What can cause entrapment in a permit space?

Entrapment in a permit space can often be attributed to the shape or design of the space. Certain configurations, such as having narrow openings, deep pits, or unusual contours, can create conditions that trap individuals who may enter the space. For example, a confined area with sloped walls could lead to a situation where a person slides down and is unable to climb back out, resulting in entrapment.

While factors like human error, temperature changes, or even the details of the permit itself are certainly relevant to safety concerns in permit spaces, they do not specifically or directly contribute to the physical realities of entrapment as clearly as the inherent shape or design of the space does. Understanding the structural aspects of a space is crucial to ensuring that it doesn’t pose a risk for entrapment, making it a fundamental consideration in safety assessments for permit-required confined spaces.