Confined Spaces-Construction

CONFINED SPACES IN CONSTRUCTION Confined spaces in construction (i.e., tanks, silos, underground vaults, crawl spaces, and trenches in certain situations) pose serious safety and health risk. With limited openings for entry and exit, potential for toxic atmospheric conditions, or physical hazards such as fires and explosions, entering a confined space without complying with OSHA’s requirements can prove fatal. Leading cause of worker death in confined spaces is asphyxiation and exposure to fatal concentrations of carbon monoxide or hydron sulfide. Workers may face physical hazards, either becoming engulfed by flowable materials such as grains, soil or other product incorrectly stored materials. Tragically, and completely avoidable, is the fact that more than half of all confined space deaths are would-be rescuers entering the confined space without the employer’s required protective measures in place. Please take a few moments to watch the Focal Points Video on confined spaces to improve your understanding and safety practices in these hazardous environments.