Maximizing Safety In Confined Spaces
Many construction sites contain spaces that are considered “confined” because their configurations hinder the activities of any employee who must enter, work in and exit them. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 85 percent of deaths and injuries in confined spaces could be prevented with a complete, carefully planned confined space safety program.
THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST FROM OSHA WILL HELP YOU ESTABLISH SUCH A PROGRAM.
- ____ Are confined spaces thoroughly emptied of any corrosive or hazardous substance, such as acids or caustics, before entry?
- ____ Is there either natural or mechanical ventilation provided prior to confined space entry?
- ____ Is adequate illumination provided for the work to be performed in the confined space?
- ____ Is the atmosphere inside the confined space frequently tested or continuously monitored during conduct of work?
- ____ Is there an assigned safety standby employee outside of the confined space when required, whose sole responsibility is to watch the work in progress, sound an alarm if necessary and render assistance?
- ____ Is the standby employee appropriately trained and equipped in case of an emergency?
- ____ Are the standby employee and other employees prohibited from entering the confined space without lifelines and respiratory equipment if there is any question as to the cause of an emergency?
- ____ Is all portable electrical equipment used inside confined spaces either grounded and insulated, or equipped with ground fault protection?
- ____ If employees will be using oxygen-consuming equipment, such as salamanders, torches and furnaces, in a confined space, is sufficient air provided to assure combustion without reducing the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere below 19.5 percent by volume?
- ____ Is each confined space checked for decaying vegetation or animal matter which may produce methane?
- ____ If the confined space is below the ground and near areas where motor vehicles will be operating, is it possible for vehicle exhaust or carbon monoxide to enter the space?
