Which organization sets the safety standards for confined spaces in the United States?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards in various workplaces, including those involving confined spaces. Specifically, OSHA's regulations regarding confined spaces are designed to protect workers by addressing potential hazards such as lack of oxygen, toxic atmosphere, or engulfment. These standards define the requirements for safe entry and work within confined spaces, ensuring that proper safety practices and protocols are followed to minimize risks.

The other organizations mentioned, while they may address various aspects of safety and health, do not set the specific regulatory standards governing confined spaces. The National Safety Council (NSC) focuses on overall safety education and awareness but does not create enforceable regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily deals with environmental protection and does not regulate workplace safety standards in the same manner as OSHA. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) develops consensus standards, but it does not have the regulatory authority to enforce safety rules like OSHA does. Thus, OSHA is the definitive authority on confined space safety standards in the U.S.