ABSTRACT
This book develops the knowledge and skills needed to recognize a wide variety of confined space hazards. It explains how to use this knowledge and skill to develop an effective confined space entry program. The chapter shows how to implement this program through effective training of workers and supervisors. Confined space definitions have been published by national standards setting organizations, government agencies and industrial trade association. Both the maritime and construction standards date to the early 1970s and were among the first regulations adopted by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA maritime standard differentiates between confined spaces and encfosed spaces. Confined space hazards may be broadly divided into two categories: atmospheric hazards and physical hazards. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers also found that the greatest risk was posed by spaces where the potential for hazardous atmospheres was either not known or not recognized.
