The term "confined space" is used quite often when discussing safety issues at industrial plants, municipalities and large complexes, even when discussing road and utility work. The term is not always applied correctly, however. The reason why it's important to know what constitutes a confined space is because OSHA has recently instituted some specific confined-space regulations that require employers to provide employees with selected personal-protection equipment. So it's important to know the basics on the topic: A confined space must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Limited means for worker entry and exit. 2. Large enough for a worker to completely enter. 3. Not designed for continuous worker occupancy. Typical confined space applications include:
It's quite a list that begs the question: Are your people protected? OSHA wants them to be, as do you. Here is an excerpt from the 8,770-word section of the subpart AA of 29 CFR 1926: “Before an employee enters the space, the internal atmosphere must be tested, with a calibrated direct-reading instrument, for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants, in that order.” The regulation also mandates that employers may provide, “at no cost to each employee,” the following equipment: testing, monitoring, ventilation, communications, respiratory, personal protection, lighting, barriers, shields, rescue and emergency. What about you? Do you have what is required by OSHA to keep your people safe? If not, we can help.
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