Confined Spaces

in Construction

Confined spaces can be deadly and are a leading cause of occupational fatalities.

Some confined spaces are more hazardous than others.

Confined space conditions can change rapidly from no hazards to life-threatening hazards.

Some confined spaces are so hazardous, a written permit system is required for entry.

The hazards of confined spaces can often be controlled or eliminated before entering.

Confined Space in Construction Large enough and so configured that an

employee can bodily enter it. Limited or restricted means of entry or exit Not designed for continuous occupancy

It must have all three characteristics to be a confined space.

OSHA specifically exempts the following:

Confined Spaces in Construction

• Construction work regulated by Subpart P excavations.

• Construction work regulated by Subpart S – underground

• Construction work regulated by Subpart Y – diving.

• Mining (MSHA), Shipyards (Part 1915), Agriculture (Part 1928).

TanksManholesBoilersFurnacesSewersSilosHoppersDigestersVaults

PipesTunnelsDuctsBinsPitsTrenchesAtticsCrawl Spaces

Hazardous (Permit-required) Confined Space Actual or potential hazardous atmosphere Materials could engulf entrant Internal shape could trap entrant Contains other serious hazards

Confined spaces such as manholes, crawl spaces, and tanks – are not designed for continuous occupancy and are difficult to exit in the event of an emergency.

Confined Spaces in Construction

Construction workers building or performing tasks in confined spaces face life-threatening hazards including toxic substances, electrocutions, explosions, and asphyxiation.

Confined Space Hazards

Physical hazards Engulfment hazards Entrapment Oxygen deficiency Combustibility Toxic air contaminants

Physical Hazards

Mechanical equipment Moving parts Gases, liquids, or fluids Heat and cold Excessive noise Excessive vibration

Hazardous Atmosphere A “hazardous atmosphere” in a confined space has one or

more of the following:

Flammable gas, mist, vapor, or dust

Oxygen content below 19.5% or above 23.5%

Air contaminant concentrations that would cause death, incapacitation, or permanent health problems

Toxic chemicals, mist, vapors, or dust

You must do air monitoring to determine if a hazardous

atmosphere exists!!!

Permit Space Entry

Entry into a permit-required confined space is not a one person job. It requires a team of individuals who work together and have the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the job safely.

Practices and Procedures Conduct hazard evaluations Post danger signs Develop a permit space program

Role of an ENTRY SUPERVISOR

Determine acceptable entry conditions Authorize entry and oversee operations Terminate entry if hazardous conditions

develop

Role of an ENTRY SUPERVISOR

Know hazards and symptoms of exposure Verify tests, procedures, and equipment Terminate entry and cancel entry permit

Role of an ENTRY SUPERVISOR

Verify rescue services are available and means to summon them is operable

Remove unauthorized individuals Determine that entry operations remain

consistent with entry permit

Role of an ATTENDANTOne role that can be performed by an entry supervisor, or another authorized person, is the role of an attendant as long as this person is trained and equipped to perform an attendant’s duties.

Role of an ATTENDANT

Know the hazards that may be faced Understand behavioral effects of exposure Maintain an accurate count of entrants

Monitor activities inside and outside space Remain outside the space until relieved by

another attendant

Role of an ATTENDANT

Communicate with entrants as necessary Protect the permit space during entry Perform non-entry rescues Know how to summon rescue services

Enter confined spaces Know hazards and symptoms of exposure Understand the PPE and equipment and

how to use it Communicate with attendant as necessary

Role of an AUTHORIZED ENTRANT

Role of an AUTHORIZED ENTRANT

Alert attendant to dangerous situations Exit permit space when:

Evacuation is ordered by attendant Dangerous situation is recognized Prohibited condition is detected Evacuation alarm is activated

Entry Permit

An entry permit is provided by the employer and authorizes entry into a permit space.

Coordinating Entry

When host and contractor employees participate in entry operations, the host employer must have procedures to coordinate entry operations.