29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA
Manholes, crawl spaces, tanks and other confined spaces are not intended for continuous occupancy. They can also be difficult to exit in an emergency. People working in confined spaces face life threatening hazards including toxic substances, electrocution, explosion and asphyxiation.
Unlike most general industry work sites, construction sites are continually evolving with the number and characteristics of confined spaces changing as work progresses.
There are five key differences in OSHA’s construction rule and several areas where OSHA has clarified the existing requirements:
- When there are multiple employers at a worksite, detailed provisions are required to coordinate activities. An example of that would be a generator running near the entrance of a confined space causing a buildup of carbon monoxide within the space.
- A Competent Person must evaluate the work site and identify confined spaces, including permit spaces.
- Continuous atmospheric monitoring whenever possible.
- Continuous monitoring of engulfment hazards. For example, when workers are performing work in a storm sewer, a storm upstream of the workers could cause flash flooding. An electronic sensor or observer posted upstream from the work site could alert workers in the space at the first sign of the hazard, giving the workers time to evacuate the space safely.
- Allow for the suspension of a permit, instead of cancellation. In the event there are changes from the entry conditions listed on the permit due to an unexpected event requiring evacuation of the space, the space must be returned to the entry conditions listed on the permit before re-entry.
OSHA has added provisions to the new rule that clarify existing requirements in the general industry standard. These include:
- Employers who direct workers to enter a confined space without using a complete permit system must prevent worker exposure to physical hazards through elimination of the hazard or isolation methods such as lockout/tagout.
- Employers who rely on local emergency services for rescue must arrange for responders to give the employer advance notice if they will be unable to respond for a period of time (because they are responding to another emergency, attending department-wide training, etc.).
- Employers must provide training in a language and vocabulary that worker understand.
To read the new OSHA standard in its entirety visit:
https://www.osha.gov/confinedspaces/1926_subpart_aa.pdf
Maryland and Virginia have their own specific regulations for confined spaces. To read more visit the following:
Maryland Standard for Confined Spaces (COMAR 09.12.35):
http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/SubtitleSearch.aspx?search=09.12.35
Virginia Construction Confined Space Regulations:
http://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh_enforcement/pdfs/16vac25-140.pdf
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