U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) EM 385-1-1 Practice Test

A permit-required confined space (PRCS) is defined by specific criteria laid out in safety regulations, particularly concerning potential hazards that could be present within the space. One significant characteristic of a PRCS is that it contains a material that can engulf an entrant. This characteristic is critical because it highlights the risks associated with entering such spaces. For example, if a confined space has the potential for suffocation or drowning due to a substance that can flow or cover an individual, stringent safety measures and permits are required to ensure safe entry and work conditions.

The presence of engulfing materials, such as liquids or loose solids, necessitates careful planning and specific safety protocols to protect workers. The need for monitoring and control measures arises from the potential hazards associated with materials that can lead to entrapment or engulfment, which could quickly become life-threatening. Therefore, a PRCS is specifically designated to ensure that entrants are adequately trained, equipped, and monitored to mitigate these risks effectively.