• Some permit spaces may be reclassified as non-permit confined spaces if they no longer contain certain hazards.

A permit space that contains only physical hazards may be reclassified as a non-permit space if:

1. The physical hazards have been eliminated or isolated without entering the space; or
2. The physical hazards have been eliminated or isolated by entering the space using permit space procedures.

Physical hazards include all hazards that are not atmospheric hazards, including:

• Explosives (other than explosive atmospheres);
• Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic energy;
• Radiation;
• Temperature extremes;
• Engulfment;
• Noise;
• Inwardly converging surfaces; and
• Chemicals that can cause death or serious physical harm through skin or eye contact (rather than through inhalation).

If a permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and all physical hazards within the space are eliminated without entry into the space, the permit space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space for as long as the hazards are eliminated.

If the permit space must be entered to eliminate hazards, the entry must be done following the steps required by the employer’s permit space program. Once tests and the inspection during the entry show that the hazards have been eliminated, the space may be reclassified as a non-permit space for as long as the hazards are eliminated.

If hazards ever arise in a space that has been reclassified as a non-permit space, all entrants must immediately evacuate the space. Following evacuation, the space must be reevaluated to determine whether it must be reclassified as a permit space again.

Whenever a permit space is reclassified, the employer must document the basis for determining that all hazards have been eliminated. The certification needs to include:

• Date,
• Location of the space, and
• Signature of the person determining the reclassification.