Reply: Dock leveler pits could be confined spaces. A confined space means a space that: (1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and (2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and (3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. From the manufacturer literature you enclosed with your letter it appears that a dock leveler pit could meet each of the above criteria and hence be a confined space. Question 2: If a dock leveler pit is a confined space would a permit be required? Reply: That would depend on whether the dock leveler pit was a Permit-required confined space. A permit-required confined space means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: (1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; (2) Contains a material that has the potential