When employees must enter into spaces that have limited or restricted means of access or egress and are not designed for continuous occupancy, they are most likely working in what OSHA defines as a confined space work environment. If that space contains, or has the potential to contain, any atmospheric, mechanical or physical hazards then it is further classified as a permit required confined space.

These spaces can be very dangerous. Only authorized employees who are trained to recognize and avoid those hazards shall work in permit required confined spaces. This training must prepare workers to recognize the signs and / or symptoms of atmospheric hazards, means to measure the pre-entry atmospheric conditions, the selection and use of any necessary PPE, including respiratory protection, as well as retrieval and rescue procedures.

These training requirements are clearly outlined in OSHA’s general industry standard but not so in their construction standard. Last year, Federal OSHA proposed a new confined space for construction regulation but it has yet - if ever - to be formally adopted. Oregon OSHA is taking the lead by proposing their own standard. The draft version is out for stakeholder review at this time. NECA contractor safety managers and myself are involved with this review process as we must ensure uniformity from one standard to another. Our electrical work exposes electricians and technicians to confined spaces regulated under both construction and general industry standards.

To better prepare our workforce for this potentially hazardous environment, a series of confined space classes will be held this fall at the NIETC. These classes will involve the use of a confined space simulator and will address common scenarios found in the workplace. The classes will address the roles of the worker, both entrant and attendant, as well as that of the supervisor. Using the permit process, students will control or eliminate hazards and prepare for any emergency situations. Retrieval equipment will be used and students will receive entry level certification. If you have any questions regarding this class or confined space work, please contact me at the Training Center.