You're a safety professional giving a presentation on the common misconceptions and errors of confined space work in the construction industry. The presentation is geared toward safety professionals who may have some knowledge of confined spaces, or may be working in confined space environments and not know it. Create a 30 minute presentation that covers the basics of what a confined space is, what it is not, what common examples are found on construction sites including sites that may be demolition/renovation projects. Include the possible hazards that go along with the examples. Include the differences between OSHA general industry OSHA construction confined space standards and best practices. Use sources like ABC, AGC, ASSA, OSHA, NFPA, etc. Site your sources. Provide results in an easy to follow outline that flows from high level understanding, to specific standards, and concludes with the examples as case study discussion topics.

Confined spaces in construction present unique hazards that require specific safety procedures. OSHA regulations, particularly Subpart AA of Part 1926, outline the requirements for confined spaces in construction. This standard does not apply to excavations, underground construction, caissons, cofferdams, or commercial diving. [5]

A confined space is defined as a space that is large enough for an employee to enter, has limited means of entry and exit, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. [2]

Examples of locations where confined spaces may occur include storm drains, water mains, precast concrete manhole units, drilled shafts, and enclosed beams. Other examples include bins, boilers, pits, manholes, tanks, incinerators, scrubbers, concrete pier columns, sewers, transformer vaults, and HVAC ducts. [1] [3]

Hazards within confined spaces can include poor air quality, chemical exposures, fire hazards, process-related hazards, and physical safety hazards. Poor air quality can result from insufficient oxygen, toxic gases, or asphyxiants. [6] [6]

The general requirements of the standard include posting danger signs to inform employees of the existence and location of permit spaces. [4]

If employees will enter a permit space, a written permit space program must be implemented, which includes measures to prevent unauthorized entry, hazard identification and evaluation, and safe entry procedures. [5]

The entry permit should identify the permit space, the purpose of entry, the date and duration of the permit, authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors. It should also detail the hazards of the space, measures used to isolate the space, and acceptable entry conditions. [7]

Before entry, a competent person must identify all confined spaces and evaluate each space to determine if it is a permit space. [4]

The entry supervisor is responsible for verifying that all tests have been conducted, procedures and equipment are in place, and rescue services are available. [9]

The attendant must be familiar with the hazards, maintain an accurate count of entrants, and remain outside the permit space during entry operations. [10]

Control methods include engineering controls like ventilation and administrative controls such as the permit system. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is also commonly used, but its limitations must be recognized. [8]