ABSTRACT
Preparation, entry, and work activity are the real world of confined spaces. The dynamics of interaction between people at the site and conditions is an important consideration. Human factors considerations include the timing and length of work shifts, and provision of sanitary facilities and comfort stations. The focus of workers and supervision alike is completion of the task in orderly, timely fashion. As a result, individuals who work in these surroundings may be considerably more tolerant of adverse conditions than workers who work in regular industrial workplaces. A higher level of education or status within an organization provides no guarantee of a difference in attitude about the conduct of work involving confined spaces. In a number of fatal accidents documented by Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a supervisory individual entered the confined space during the accident in an attempt to rescue the victim, a subordinate.
