Confined spaces, a topic we have covered before, are a difficult hazard for most companies to handle. Even though the first regulation on confined spaces was enacted in 1935, they accounted for 96 fatalities and over 5,000 injuries in 2012.  The breakdown of the fatalities includes 61 from oxygen deficiency and 26 from the inhalation to toxic substances.

So what can be done to protect your employees who work in these dangerous environments? First, employers must identify all workplace hazards. Whether done internally or with the help of an auditor, you can’t prevent what you don’t know exists. Once you have identified all potential confined space hazards, you need to determine if they are permit required and if they have a potentially hazardous atmosphere. There are a number of factors which need to be considered as you make these determinations, and it is imperative you fully understand OSHA’s requirements per standard 1910.146.

Once you have taken care of the identification, it is time to implement a system for monitoring and tracking entry into the permit required confined spaces and a safety plan which covers personal protective equipment use, training, and the permit verification process. In addition, you need to specify the procedures which will be in effect for employees in the confined space. After you have decided upon all of this, you will need to put the plan into action by updating your signage, personal protective equipment, and staff training. Finally, you need to ensure constant compliance, so that you can ensure you will not be one of the 96 employers who put their employees in perilous risk.

If you have any questions about this difficult topic, please contact us. And if you have anything to add about confined spaces, please leave a comment.