 |
Safety and Health Topics: |
| Confined Spaces |
|
 |
In Focus |
 |
|
|
Many workplaces contain spaces that are considered "confined"
because their configurations hinder the activities of any employees who must
enter, work in, and exit them. For example, employees who work in process
vessels generally must squeeze in and out through narrow openings and perform
their tasks while cramped or contorted. OSHA uses the term "confined
space" to describe such spaces. In addition, there are many instances where
employees who work in confined spaces face increased risk of exposure to serious
hazards. In some cases, confinement itself poses entrapment hazards. In other
cases, confined space work keeps employees closer to hazards, such as
asphyxiating atmospheres or the moving parts of machinery. OSHA uses the
term "permit-required confined space" (permit space) to describe those
spaces that both meet the definition of "confined space" and pose
health or safety hazards. The following questions link to resources that provide
safety and health information relevant to confined spaces in the workplace.
|
|
In Focus |
|
 |
OSHA eTools
-
 Shipyard Employment eTool: Ship Repair.
OSHA (2002, October). Confined and enclosed space operations have a greater likelihood of causing fatalities, severe injuries, and
illnesses than any other type of shipyard work. Hazards include fires and explosions, falls, and hazardous atmospheres.
Because of these hazards, it is important that the shipyard have a Shipyard Competent Person (SCP)
evaluate required spaces to ensure safe entry and to maintain safe
conditions during work.
|
|
|
|
| |
| Revised: 22 December 2003 |
| |
| |
|
|
|
