New OSHA Confined Space Compliance

Beginning August 3^rd, 2015, OSHA has implemented a new subpart, Rule 29 CFR 1926 subpart AA, which will provide further protection to employees working in construction in confined spaces. The new subpart will replace OSHA’s current one training requirement for work in confined spaces with a more thorough permit program which is designed to protect employees from exposure to the many hazards involved in working in confined spaces.

 Key Differences in Construction Requirements:

• 1.More detailed provisions requiring coordinated activities when there are multiple employers at the worksite. This will ensure hazards are not introduced into a confined space by workers performing tasks outside the space. An example would be a generator running near the entrance of a confined space causing a buildup of carbon monoxide within the space
• 2.Requiring a competent person to evaluate the work site and identify confined spaces, including permit spaces.
• 3.Requiring continuous atmospheric monitoring whenever possible.
• 4.Requiring continuous monitoring of engulfment hazards. For example, when workers are performing work in a storm sewer, a storm upstream from 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.
• 5.Allowing for the suspension of a permit, instead of cancellation, in the event of changes from the entry conditions list on the permit or 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 also added provisions to the new rule which clarifies existing rules in the General Industry standard.

• 1.Requiring that employers who direct workers to enter a space without using a complete permit system prevent workers’ exposure to physical hazards through elimination of the hazard or isolation methods such as lock out/tag out.
• 2.Requiring that employers who are relying on local emergency services for emergency services 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.).
• 3.Requiring employers to provide training in a language and vocabulary that the worker understands.

With these new requirements, make sure that your work space is properly ventilated according to meet the new OSHA rule.

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New Products for Confined Space Entry

https://www.jendcosafety.com/confined-space/

SADDLE VENT 8" VENTILATION KIT FOR NON-HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS - SVF-8ACUP

• 8” Steel Axial Fan
• Industrial Saddle Vent®
• 15 ft. duct
• 6 ft. duct
• Duct canister (holds 50ft. of duct)
• Universal mount
• 90° elbow for Saddle Vent®

SADDLE VENT VENTILATION KIT FOR NON-HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS - SVF-10ECUP

Air Systems' SV™ Technology

10” standard electric fan kit, includes SVF-10E fan and SV-CUP accessory package

• 10” standard electric fan kit
• Industrial Saddle Vent®
• 15 ft. duct
• 6 ft. duct
• Duct canister (holds 50ft. of duct)
• Universal mount
• 90° elbow for Saddle Vent®