Confined Spaces in Residential Construction: OSHA Fact Sheet (Quick read)

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Working closely with the National Association of Home Builders, OSHA has released a new Fact Sheet.

It's well known that confined spaces can present potential hazards on construction sites and residences alike.

The purpose of the Fact Sheet is to 'how-to" guide for how employers can meet OSHA's standard for Confined Spaces in Construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA). Not included is enforcement actions.

The Fact Sheet is accompanied by a thorough FAQ, which lays out provisions and how they're applicable to residential construction.

YOU CAN ACCESS THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DOCUMENT HERE

These new standards apply to any space that meets at least one of the following three criteria:

1. Space is large enough for a worker to enter.
2. Space has limited/restricted means of entry and/or exit.
3. Space is not designed for continuous occupancy.

If a particular confined space contains specific hazardous conditions, it is considered a permit-required confined space.

Basically, these permit-required spaces are identified as threatening to a workers' safety or life if not properly evaluated.

If working in an attic, basement or crawl space, we recommend being vigilant and investigating whether or not you are dealing with a permit-required confined space.

• Already contains or has the potential to become a hazardous atmosphere
• Contains a material(s) that could potentially engulf an entrant
• Is internally-configured in such a way that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section
• Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards

For more information about how employers can determine if working in a space that's permit-required or how Residential Construction is impacted by this Standard, one should refer to the Fact Sheet or accompanying Frequently Asked Questions

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