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.
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