Permit Required Confined Spaces

In 2012, Oregon OSHA adopted OAR 437-002-0146. That rule was initiated to address confined space hazards for the construction industry, as the previous rule, OAR 437-002-1910.146, did not apply to the construction industry. The goal in this process was to draft a rule that was significantly less confusing than the current rule, address shortcomings with the…...

On September 6, 2010, a 51-year-old male volunteer fire fighter (victim) died after being overcome by low oxygen and sewer gases while climbing down into a sewer manhole in an attempt to rescue a village utility worker. The utility worker had entered the manhole to investigate a reported sewer problem and was overcome by low…...

This incident is a PERFECT example of how work within the space can CREATE its own HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERE!  This tank was sitting in a lay-down yard and had been painted on the inside.  Not sure if it was a “new” tank or one that was being reworked, but nonetheless it was NOT attached to a…...

Cal/OSHA cited an industrial service provider following an investigation of a flash fire inside a metal tank that resulted in serious burns to an industrial painter. Cal/OSHA cited the employer for knowingly using an unauthorized electric lamp while the painter was working in an explosive atmosphere, for not having a permit to work in a…...

Several fatalities have occurred from off-gassing or oxygen depletion in storing wood pellets and chips. The use of these fuels is increasing rapidly in some parts of the world, so we bring these papers together and make them free to access to help publicize this problem. Simply click on the titles below to read the…...

This case is especially sad (or disgusting)… the company was cited a Willful in 2012 regarding a failed rescue attempt when a 37-year-old supervisor was nearly buried alive in a 25-foot silo containing 50,000 pounds of sand.  Plant employees allegedly attempted to rescue the supervisor after he became engulfed in a sand bin and suffered…...

OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB 09-30-2013) was issued on 9/30/2013.  The information in this Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) provides workers and employers guidance on calibrating and testing direct-reading portable gas monitors (hereafter, “DRPGMs” or “instruments”). These instruments protect workers from unseen workplace gas hazards. Proper maintenance and calibration of the instruments ensures…...

A concrete company has been cited for ten serious safety violations by OSHA after a plant operator, 39, was fatally engulfed in a fly-ash storage silo on Aug. 6. The worker entered the cone-bottom silo in an attempt to break up clumps of fly ash that had clogged the bottom discharge. After attempts to dislodge…...

By definition, confined spaces have limited or restricted access that may make rescue difficult. There must be written rescue procedures for confined spaces. Read this section for information on the responsibilities of rescue personnel and rescue procedures and equipment.  Some employers believe that having a good rescue team is the most important part of a…...