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Confined Space Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a confined space as a workplace where workers have limited movement or limited access to entrances and exits. Confined space safety includes avoiding heat injuries, asphyxiation and being trapped inside.

  1. Statistics

    • According to the latest data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, confined-space related incidents cause an average of 67 worker deaths each year. Over half of these deaths were caused by lack of oxygen.

    Regulations

    • OSHA uses federal regulations 29 CFR 1910.146 for general industry and 29 CFR 1915 Subpart B for the maritime industry to enforce safety standards in confined spaces. Confined spaces are more common aboard ships and that regulation is far more extensive in its scope.

    Hazards and Solutions

    • The most common safety issues in a confined space are heat-related injuries and asphyxiation. To protect workers, employers are required to provide ventilation and respirators. The time workers are allowed to remain in a confined space is also limited.

    Safety Program

    • OSHA provides eTools to provide employers guidance for creating and maintaining a workplace safety program.

    Training

    • Training in confined space safety includes recognizing a confined space, awareness of potential hazards, knowledge of adverse health effects, recognizing symptoms of exposure to hazards and proper use of personal protective equipment.

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