The Dangers of Confined Spaces
Statistics suggest that about 50% of deaths in confined spaces resulted from oxygen deficiency.
Confined Spaces are easily misunderstood, which leads to hundreds of serious injuries and fatalities each year. For this reason, OSHA has written a new Confined Space standard in which they estimate will prevent up to 780 serious incidents a year. We will focus on the potentially dangerous task of Confined Space Entry and help empower you with the tools and training to be safe.
If you search for definitions for a “Confined Space”, you will find lots of generic work areas, like: tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, manholes, tunnels, equipment housings, ductwork, pipelines, crawl spaces, etc. However, some aforementioned work areas can be misclassified if they do not meet the OSHA criteria of a Confined Space. To truly define a confined space, we must break down and interpret the definition, as described below.
OSHA's Definition of a “Confined Space”:
1. Is large enough and arranged in such a manner that employees can enter the space
If you can enter a space enough to become downed or trapped (with your head) inside
2. Has limited or restricted means of entry/exit
Does NOT mean “one way in or out”, instead means “a condition that has potential to impede an employee’s movement into or out of a confined space”
“Any space where an employee must crawl, climb, twist, follow a narrow opening or a lengthy path, exert unusual effort to enter/leave, or where the entry becomes sealed.
OSHA says “doorways and other portals in which a person can walk are NOT limited entry/exit however, may still be deemed a confined space if an entrant’s ability to escape is hindered”.
3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy
Are you prepared?
1. A competent person shall evaluate the work site and identify confined spaces.
Complete a pre-job Confined Space Checklist
Some sites have already labeled their confined spaces, but do not rely on this!
Employees need training for the space and authorization to enter from their supervision.
2. Continuous atmospheric monitoring is recommended.
Required to document readings at least every 60-minutes.
Complete a CS Permit
3. When entry is required, an attendant shall continuously monitor engulfment (i.e.: water, soil) hazards.
Hazards both inside and outside the space
4. Notify your Supervisor or Safety Department before entering a confined space.
If you are interested in partnering with ColonialWebb to create a confined space checklist specific to your facility please contact us at 757-962-9908.
OSHA’s Confined Space Pre-Entry Check List can be found here.
