What is the minimum oxygen level required for safe entry into a confined space?

The minimum oxygen level required for safe entry into a confined space is 19.5%. This threshold is established by OSHA to ensure that workers are protected from hypoxia and other health risks associated with low oxygen environments. Levels below 19.5% can pose a serious risk to individuals entering confined spaces, as they may experience symptoms ranging from impaired judgment and coordination to unconsciousness and death.

In contrast, an oxygen level of 20.9% is typically found in normal atmospheric air and is considered safe, but it is not the minimum required for confined space entry. Levels such as 21.0% would be above the safe threshold, but they don't address the requirement that specifically indicates the minimum acceptable level for worker safety. An oxygen level of 18.5% is below the threshold and would also be unsafe for entry. Thus, 19.5% is the critical minimum that must be met to ensure a safe working environment within a confined space.