At the recent National Safety Council‘s Labor Division Caucus, the subject of confined spaces was discussed in the Occupational & Environmental Health Committee. OSHA has recently enacted new standards to protect construction workers at the same level that is currently required in general industry.
Why the ruling? Work in confined spaces is dangerous. Workers can all too easily be sickened by toxic fumes, scorched by flammable vapors and a stray spark, or simply overcome by a lack of oxygen. U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez estimates this new OSHA ruling will save some 780 construction workers from suffering serious injury every year.
Like their counterparts elsewhere, construction employers will have to provide adequate air monitoring and a sufficient escape and rescue plan before sending an employee into such an environment.
Some of the guidelines for preventing injuries when entering a confined space are
- Treat all confined spaces as hazardous.
- Don’t enter a space until the air has been tested for oxygen, flammable vapors and toxic chemicals.
- Ensure that structures are safe from collapse prior to entering confined spaces.
- Use personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the hazards.
- Make sure a safe and dependable method of communication is available between the person entering the space and the work partner.
- Exit the space immediately if an unsafe condition develops.
- Provide for rescue, and practice realistic drills.
Dan Boschee is the Chairman of the Communications and Maritime Safety Committee for the national Safety Council Labor Division, and a member of the IBEW 1245 Health & Safety Committee.