Confined space site in Vista, CA – Photo by Peter Kuchinsky II
Peter Kuchinsky II, CSP, CSM1
Some of the deadliest hazards we face are those found in confined spaces. Working to control these hazards and promote safe work practices can prevent injuries and save lives. In the water and wastewater industry, entering confined spaces is a routine aspect of an operator’s daily tasks. Common confined spaces include system pipelines, manholes, vaults, tanks, pump stations, headworks, sediment basins, sewers, wet or dry wells, trenches, and other similar enclosed structures.
A space can be regarded as a confined space if it meets the following criteria:
Spaces likely to contain serious safety or job-introduction hazards will be classified as permit-required confined spaces. Even non-permit confined spaces may have special entry requirements, including monitoring by an attendant, atmospheric testing, ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other necessary precautions.
Always conduct a confined space hazard assessment by identifying all hazards and necessary controls. Remember to include hazards created by the work itself. Based on the identified hazards, confined spaces can be classified as either permit-required or non-permit-required. Potential hazards of confined spaces include:
A confined space permit or space evaluation form must be signed by a confined space entry supervisor prior to entry by any entrant. The entry supervisor oversees the entry process and uses the written permit and hazard assessment as a checklist to verify that all necessary precautions are in place to control or eliminate hazards, thereby ensuring a safe entry. In non-permit spaces, the role and responsibilities of the supervisor may be combined with those of the attendant.
Ensure initial and ongoing monitoring of toxic substances, flammable materials, and oxygen levels. Continuously andventilate the supervise the area, particularly during hot work or when applying chemicals, whether in the space or in an adjacent area.
Lock-out energy sources may include hazards such as live electrical lines, pressurized lines, equipment, pumps, motors, rotating shafts, and cutting blades, as well as stored energy. Use appropriate PPE, which may consist of respiratory, skin, eye, head, foot, and fall protection.
Depending on the classification of confined spaces, rescue equipment should be readily available, or a retrieval device should be set up.
Confirm that training is up to date for entry personnel, attendants, supervisors, and rescue personnel. Ensure that rescue personnel are accessible. Rescue related to confined spaces does not involve calling 911. Rescue personnel must carry out annual rescue training and be familiar with the spaces and hazards regularly encountered in the workplace.
Ensure that the attendant is positioned at the entry point, continuously monitoring conditions and able to communicate with entry and rescue personnel. Entrants must understand the hazards of each space they enter, be aware of any symptoms of exposure, and recognize warning signs that indicate dangerous conditions, evacuating the space immediately upon the attendant’s direction.
For more information on confined space entries, refer to the Cal/OSHA Confined Space Guide and the Cal/OSHA Confined Space Hazard Alert.
CWEA’s Summer Safety Series on OWEN offers six on-demand safety classes you can watch anytime—covering confined spaces, workplace violence prevention, heat illness, and more.
Upcoming Safety Days:
Join us in October for CWEA’s Northern and Southern Safety Days—full-day events packed with safety training, networking, and hands-on learning.
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