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40 SEPTEMBER 2015 COATINGSPROMAG.COM Defining Confined Spaces A confned space constitutes a space that has the following three characteristics: 1. It is large enough for a worker; 2. It has limited entry and exit; 3. It is not designed for continuous occupancy. Te new Confned Space Standard in construction in 1926.1201(a) gives more than 30 examples of confned spaces, although this list is not exhaustive. Common examples include bins, boilers, manholes, tanks, storm drains, and air conditioning ducts. Additionally, a confned space may also qualify as a permit-required confned space (permit space) if it presents other potential dangers, such as a hazardous atmosphere, an engulfment hazard, or other serious hazard that might impede a worker exiting the space. Other provisions apply to a permit space, such as if employers require employees to enter permit spaces, they will frst be required to have a written confned space program. A permit-required confned space refers to a confned space that has one or more of the follow- ing characteristics: 1. It has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; 2. It has material(s) with the potential for engulfing entrants; 3. It has an internal configuration that could result in entrants becoming trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a downward-sloping floor that narrows to a smaller area; 4. It has other recognized serious safety or health hazards. Difference in Standards In OSHA's Frequently Asked Questions, OSHA identifes fve diferences between the construc- tion standard and the general industry rule. Tey are as follows: 1. Recognizing multi-employer work sites. The construction industry often involves many different contractors and subcontractors, and the rule provides for a more coordinated approach. This includes pre-entry planning, including having a competent person identify the confined spaces, further identify Host Employer Controlling Contractor Sub Contractor Post entry Post entry Post entry Pre entry Coordinate during entry Pre entry Post entry Sub Contractor Diagram 1: Information flow and coordination between these employers. The standard requires employers to test or monitor for oxygen, combustible gases and vapors, toxic gases and vapors (in a specifc order), and other OSHA-specifed atmospheric hazards using properly calibrated, direct reading instruments. Safety Watch