Chapter 1
STANDARDS, HAZARDS, AND HUMAN FACTORS
1. Construction Confined Space Requirements: 1926.21(b)(6)(i) require evaluation of and training in hazards, precautions (procedures), PPE, and training on emergency equipment. Use the attached Confined Space Job Safety Analysis to assist in determining these requirements. In 1996, congress added additional requirements to 1926.21(b)(6)(i) that placed construction confined spaces under any specific regulation. The regulations recognized by OSHA concerning construction-confined spaces are NFPA Stds. (also required by most state laws), and ANSI Z117.1 (almost the same as 1910.146). Prior to congress enacting "any specific regulation", OSHA had previously adopted ANSI Z117.1 and it provided the minimum safety requirements to be followed while entering, exiting, and working in confined spaces. To date, OSHA has not rescinded ANSI Z117.1. This book combines the 1926, the NFPA, and ANSI Z117.1 requirements as they apply to construction confined spaces.
For confined or enclosed spaces:
1926.352(g) welding hoses removed from.
1926.154 ventilation for heaters within.
1926.350(b)(4) cylinders not allowed within
1926.353(b)(1) ventilation required for hot work within.
1926.353(b)(3) must wear harness and lifeline within.
For manholes/vaults/underground:
1926.956(a)(1) warning signs posted
1926.956(a)(2) barriers, covers, or guards.
1926.956(a)(3)(iii) ventilation mandatory.
1926.956(a)(3)(ii) & (b)(3) testing mandatory.
1926.956(b)(1) attendant required.
Other:
1926.354(c )(1) toxic coating must be stripped 4" before hotwork within.
1926.302(c )(2) fueled power tools within - PPE or ventilation.
1926.550(a)(ii) internal combustion engines within - testing
1926.353(b)(3) an attendant with a pre-planned rescue procedure shall be stationed outside of.
1926.35(b)(4) requires appointing employees for rescue and medical duties.
1910.134(a) must prevent atmospheric contamination by engineering controls.
1910.134(d)(3) respirators are mandatory for routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations.
1910.134(d)(2)(B)(iii) All oxygen-deficient atmospheres shall be considered IDLH. Note: humans themselves create oxygen-deficient atmospheres by breathing. Rescues from confined spaces under such circumstances must comply with 1910.134 (g)(3).
1926.57(a) exposure limits cannot be exceeded for dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases.
1910.1200 Hazard Communications.
2. Hazards: Employees entering or working in confined spaces may encounter a number of potentially serious hazards. These may include atmospheric hazards such as lack of sufficient oxygen to support life, presence of flammable or explosive atmospheres and materials, or the presence of toxic gases or materials. In addition, the confined workspace may include electrical or mechanical hazards that must be locked out, or engulfment or entrapment hazards. Many of these hazards are not readily apparent, detectable by odor, or visible, which may result in workers entering confined spaces without consideration of the potential dangers. (See the Sample MEP, attendant, and entrant training outlines for detailed hazards). Workers must consider that all confined spaces contain the most unfavorable and unsafe conditions and will not enter or work in these spaces until tests, evaluations, and prescribed requirements of this standard and locally developed procedures are performed to ensure safe conditions exist prior to entry and are maintained during the entire work period.
3. Human Factors: Human factors fall into two major categories: mental, such as attitude, emotion, job or domestic pressure, distractions, job knowledge, and hurrying; or physical, such as fatigue, physical strength, and reactions to prescription medications or drugs. These factors may affect workers who, by their commission (what they do) or by their omission (what they fail to do), can contribute to or even be the cause of a mishap.
Some examples are:
Ignoring directions from entry supervisors.
Improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or tools while angry or distracted.
Being distracted from the job task while thinking about personal problems.
Not following established procedures or taking unauthorized shortcuts to save time.
Feeling drowsy or fatigued while performing job tasks caused by taking medically prescribed medications or improperly taking alcohol or illegal drugs.
Using equipment or performing tasks when not properly trained or qualified.
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