Confined space hazards

Almost 500 deaths have occurred in confined spaces during the past five years, mostly skilled workers who were cleaning, repairing or performing routine maintenance. They died from oxygen deficiency, chemical exposure, entrapment and engulfment.

Despite the OSHA regulation (1910.146) and other guidelines, failure to recognize or understand the hazard of confined spaces is the leading cause of fatalities.

Companies must establish a Confined Space Work program that:

* ensures identification of all confined spaces and associated hazards
* restricts entry into confined spaces without management approval
* selects confined space work teams and provides proper training
* provides required PPE and trains workers in its use
* communicates all work requirements and confined space safety issues before work begins
* provides “stand alone” rescue equipment and conducts rescue drills regularly
* establishes safe exposure levels inside the confined space, conducts atmospheric monitoring and provides evacuation orders when safe exposure levels are exceeded
* maintains appropriate records for all confined space work projects