Confined Spaces, Dangerous Places Life Saving Rules for Life Saving Roles Confined spaces can be extremely dangerous environments. They often contain multiple hazards which can be atmospheric, physical and/or biological in nature. That’s why anyone associated with a confined space entry must understand their role, as well as how their respective role fits into the big picture. Learning from our FAILURES When workers don’t fully understand their roles and responsiblities as it relates to a confined space entry operation, mistakes will happen. Confined space fatalities investigated by NIOSH revealed that only 15% of the victims studied were trained, while: EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES 95% of entries were AUTHORIZED by supervision 85% of the time a SUPERVISOR was present 29% of the deceased were SUPERVISORS 0% had a RESCUE PLAN 60% of “WOULD-BE” RESCUERS died 0% of the spaces were TESTED prior to entry 0% were VENTILATED OSHA requires that employers ensure the employees involved in, or who have the potential to be involved in a confined-space entry be trained before entering any space, as well as: • Whenever there is a change in the employee’s duties or assignment. • Whenever there is a change in the permit space itself. • Whenever it is determined that there have been or must be changes in or deviations from procedures. OSHA states, “The employer shall provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section.” (29 CFR 1910.145(g)(1) SAFETY
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