In 2015 OSHA released a new construction standard to address a hazard that takes the lives ofconstruction workers each year: Confined Spaces. According to OSHA, any space that meets thesethree criteria could be considered a Confined Space:
OSHA Standard 1926 Subpart AA ― ConfinedSpaces in Construction covers:1926.1202 Definitions1926.1203 General requirements1926.1204 Permit-required confined space program1926.1205 Permitting process1926.1206 Entry permit1926.1207 Training1926.1208 Duties of authorized entrants1926.1209 Duties of attendants1926.1210 Duties of entry supervisors1926.1211 Rescue and emergency services1926.1212 Employee participation
Not all confined spaces are easily identified as the ones in thesephotos! (Above *1; Below *2)
SITE SAFETY || Confined SpacesVolume 1 Issue 7
• Large enough for a worker to enter it,
• Has limited means of entry or exit, and
• Not designed for continuous occupancy.
Recognize, avoid, and protect workers who maybe working in or near confined spaces byfollowing the tips in this safety topic.
➢ Permit-required confined spaces are confined spacesthat have any hazard such as:
• hazardous atmosphere – such as low oxygen or atoxic gas
• potential for engulfment or suffocation – a risk ofdrowning or being buried
• a layout that might trap a worker throughconverging walls or a sloped floor
• or any other serious safety or health hazard
Permit-required confined spaces require workers to takesafety measures such as rescue equipment to safelyremove someone out of the space without entering.
Confined space entry into this concrete tunnel. Notethe small working space and gas mask worn by worker.(*3)
SITE SAFETY || Confined SpacesVolume 1 Issue 7
Crawlspaces under buildings and in attics could be considered confinedspaces and can pose dangers by trapping workers. (*4)
➢ Confined spaces may appear to be safe but can contain invisiblehazards such as dangerous fumes, vapors, or insufficient oxygen.
• Never enter a confined space unless you have the propertraining, equipment, and procedures!
• Determine if confined spaces have a potentially hazardousatmosphere before entering by using special air testingequipment.
The worker in these images is wearing a gas meter which constantly measure the air forsafe levels of oxygen and possible toxic or flammable gases. If the gas meter detects anunsafe atmosphere the device will signal the worker with loud alarms and flashinglights. (*5, *6, *7)
➢ Never assume that an open top pit is safe to enter, even if it is not labeled as a confined space.Pits, manholes, and tanks under construction could still pose dangers.
The persons entering this pit area could have beenseriously injured or killed. Note the unprotectedperson in the photo taken inside the pit. OSHArequires workers to be trained, authorized, andprotected before entering potentially dangerousconfined spaces. (*8, *9)
SITE SAFETY || Confined SpacesVolume 1 Issue 7
OSHA Standard 1926.1207(a) states thatthe employer must provide training to…ensure that the employee possesses theunderstanding, knowledge, and skillsnecessary for the safe performance of theduties…
➢ Remember these important safety precautionswhen working around confined spaces:
• Confined spaces may contain invisible hazardssuch as low oxygen or toxic/flammable gases.
• Permit-required confined spaces require safetymeasures like rescue equipment.
• Never enter a confined space unless you havethe proper training, equipment, andprocedures!
• Notify your supervisor if you believe an areacould be considered a confined space.
• Never enter a confined space to rescue a co-worker unless you have been specially trainedand authorized and also have back-up.
Image: Proper protective equipment worn by this workerbefore entering the confined space. The harness andtripod allow for a safe removal of the worker withoutrisk to others. (*10)
SITE SAFETY || Confined SpacesVolume 1 Issue 7
Confined Space – an area that:1. Is large enough for a worker to enter it,2. Has limited means of entry or exit, and3. Not designed for continuous occupancy.
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