1. Confined Spaces in Construction

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Confined Spaces in Construction
OSHA specifically exempts the following:
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).

5. Tanks
Manholes
Boilers
Furnaces
Sewers
Silos
Hoppers
Digesters
Vaults
Pipes
Tunnels
Ducts
Bins
Pits
Trenches
Attics
Crawl Spaces

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

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

8. Confined Space Hazards
Physical hazards
Engulfment hazards
Entrapment
Oxygen deficiency
Combustibility
Toxic air contaminants

9. Physical Hazards Mechanical equipment Moving parts
Gases, liquids, or fluids
Heat and cold
Excessive noise
Excessive vibration

10. Hazardous Atmosphere
A “hazardous atmosphere” in a confined space has one or more of the following:
Oxygen content below 19.5% or above 23.5%
Flammable gas, mist, vapor, or dust
Toxic chemicals, mist, vapors, or dust
Air contaminant concentrations that would cause death, incapacitation, or permanent health problems

11. You must do air monitoring to determine if a hazardous atmosphere exists!!!

12. 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.

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

14. Role of an ENTRY SUPERVISOR
Determine acceptable entry conditions
Authorize entry and oversee operations
Terminate entry if hazardous conditions develop

15. Role of an ENTRY SUPERVISOR
Know hazards and symptoms of exposure
Verify tests, procedures, and equipment
Terminate entry and cancel entry permit

16. 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

17. Role of an ATTENDANT
One 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.

18. 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

19. 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

20. Role of an AUTHORIZED ENTRANT
Enter confined spaces
Know hazards and symptoms of exposure
Understand the PPE and equipment and how to use it
Communicate with attendant as necessary

21. 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

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

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