OSHA Issues Proposed Confined Space Rule for Comment

New rule will require contractors to classify confined space in one of four categories

OSHA's proposed confined space rule for construction published in the Federal Register on Nov. 28 will require contractors to classify spaces by the type of hazard they represent. The four types of confined spaces in the proposed rule are: continuous-system permit-required spaces (CS-PRCS); permit-required spaces; controlled-atmosphere spaces; and isolated hazard spaces. The existing general industry rule has only two classifications-confined space and permit-required confined space.

The proposed rule includes a step-by-step procedure for employers to follow in deciding which of the four types of confined spaces is present, and how to address any hazards that exist in those spaces. Allowing employers to choose the most appropriate level of protection by classifying confined spaces themselves is a change in the original proposed rule that occurred after the small business review.

Continuous-system permit-required spaces are defined as those where workers cannot be isolated from a larger confined space and are subject to a potential hazard release that could overwhelm personal protective equipment or hazard controls. The permit-required confined space for construction is similar to the general industry rule in that it defines such spaces as having any of the following: a hazardous atmosphere that ventilation will not reduce to and maintain at a safe level; surfaces that could trap or asphyxiate a worker; or the presence of engulfment or other physical hazards.

A controlled-atmosphere confined space is defined as one in which ventilation will control the atmospheric hazards at safe levels and an isolated-hazard confined space is the lowest hazard level because it is one in which the employer can isolate all physical and atmospheric hazards.

An additional feature of the new proposed rule extends OSHA's multi-employer citation policy into the area of confined spaces by requiring controlling employers on construction work sites to coordinate confined-space entry operations and exchange information with other employers on site in order to protect workers. The draft rule also requires training of workers in or near permit-required confined spaces in the dangers of rescue operations and requires employer-provided retrieval systems for removing injured workers.

OSHA will accept comments on the proposed rule through January 28, which can be submitted online at http://www.regulations.gov.

To join in SSPC's response and learn more about government affairs contact Heather Bayne at 1-877-281-7772; bayne@sspc.org.

For further information: http://www.osha.gov