Safety Tip of the Week – Confined Spaces in Construction

Confined spaces can present conditions that are immediately dangerous to workers if not properly identified, evaluated, tested, and controlled.

OSHA has developed a new construction standard for Confined Spaces (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA)

Safe Entry Requirements:

The new Confined Spaces standard includes several requirements for safe entry.

Preparation: Before workers can enter a confined space, employers must provide pre-entry planning.

This includes:

• Having a competent person evaluate the work site for the presence of confined spaces, including permit-required confined spaces;
• Once the space is classified as a permit-required confined space, identifying the means of entry and exit, proper ventilation methods, and elimination or control of all potential hazards in the space;
• Ensuring that the air in a confined space is tested, before workers enter, for oxygen levels, flammable and toxic substances, and stratified atmospheres;
• If a permit is required for the space, removing or controlling hazards in the space and determining rescue procedures and necessary equipment; and
• If the air in a space is not safe for workers, ventilating or using whatever controls or protections are necessary so that employees can safely work in the space.

Safety is a frame of mind…so concentrate on it…all the time!!