Despite regulatory enforcement and an increased awareness of the dangers associated with confined space entry, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that about 63 workers die and 5,000 workers are injured per year either entering confined space or attempting to rescue those who did.

These fatalities occurred because workers were not cognizant of or not prepared for the hazards involved with entering and working in confined space. Do you have a confined space program? Have your employees received confined space training?

Confined space is any area that has limited or restricted means for entry and exit, is configured so that a person can enter and perform assigned work, has unfavorable ventilation conditions, or is not designed for continuous worker occupancy. Anyone who is required to work in pipes, manholes, storage tanks, utility vaults, sewage digesters, pump stations, holding tanks, and trenches or pits, is working in a confined space.

Since confined spaces may be encountered virtually anywhere, their recognition is the first step in preventing fatalities. This can be done by preparing an active health and safety program that deals with the identification and management of confined space hazards specific to your workplace. Specifically, your confined space program must include:

Recognition: establishing a procedure that defines a confined space.
Testing and Evaluation: providing guidance for testing, evaluation, and safe entry.
Rescue: providing equipment and training for rescue procedures.
Authorization: establishing a permit system that includes the signature of a knowledgeable and responsible person.
Education: establishing training for all employees who might have the occasion to enter a confined space.

After establishing your confined space program, an annual program review must be performed to ensure that your program is up to date. When was the last time you reviewed yours?

For additional information on confined space requirements, visit the OSHA website and associated links at www.osha.gov.