confined space

Confined Space Entry in Construction: The Permit Program That Prevents the Worst Kind of Worker Death

Confined spaces — tanks, vaults, crawl spaces, sewers, silos — can kill workers through atmospheric hazards, engulfment, or entrapment. OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA governs construction confined spaces, requiring permit programs, atmospheric testing, attendants, rescue provisions, and specific training. Multi-victim incidents (workers collapsing trying to rescue other workers) are unfortunately common. Understanding confined space requirements is essential for any construction work in non-conventional spaces.