The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 85 percent of confined space-related incidents could have been prevented if proper precautions had been followed. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of all confined space fatalities could have been prevented if spaces had simply been tested for atmospheric hazards or ventilated prior to entry.

On January 14, 1993 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit Required Confined Space Standard, to assure that General Industry employees are protected from hazards of entry into confined spaces. As a result, all employers are required to evaluate their workplaces and determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces, develop a written program, train employees and provide necessary equipment. They must also inform any exposed employees of the location of these spaces and warn them of possible danger.

Confined spaces are enclosures that have limited means of entry and exit, and although they are large enough to get into, they are not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Examples include storage tanks, pits, vaults, vats, water towers, chemical reactors, process vessels, and manholes. Each year, over a million and a half workers enter confined spaces. Many are seriously injured or killed as a result of asphyxiation, electric shock, heat stress or engulfment by liquids or finely divided solids such as wood dust. Many incidents are exacerbated by ill-fated rescue attempts made by well meaning, but untrained, rescuers.

Entry into, or work in or on, such spaces should be prohibited until qualified personnel have performed the tests, evaluations and prescribed procedures to ensure that safe conditions exist and are maintained. Companies with confined spaces should develop a written program that explains the processes, means and methods used for recognizing, evaluating and controlling potential confined space hazards, and for communicating information concerning those hazards to employees. Our on-site Emergency Response/Confined Space Rescue Teams are professionally trained and have the best equipment available, giving you the confidence that your people will receive quick and proper care in the event of an emergency.