What is the term for the passage through or the approach to a confined space portal?

The term "access" refers specifically to the means or method of entering or approaching a confined space portal. In the context of confined space operations, it signifies not only the physical passageway but also the procedural steps necessary to safely approach the site. Access is critical in rescue operations, as it determines how responders can enter and exit the space while ensuring safety.

"Entrance" might suggest the physical appearance of an opening, but it lacks the broader implication of the entire approach and methods required for entry. "Opening" is even more narrowly focused and doesn't inherently connect to the process of how one gets to that opening. "Entrapment," on the other hand, pertains to situations where an individual becomes stuck or is unable to exit a space, which is clearly outside the definition of how one gains entry to the confined space. Thus, access is the most suitable term in this context, as it encompasses both the physical and procedural elements involved in entering a confined space.