1B      New Confined Space Standard
Frank Perrino – OSHA

The existing construction standard for confined spaces has been updated and comprehensively revised to better protect construc-tion employees from atmospheric and physical hazards. Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. has indicated that, “This rule will reduce the number of construction injuries and fatali-ties and greatly improve safety and health in the workplace.” The proposed rule addresses construction-specific issues and uses a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to confined space safety by setting out how to assess the hazards, classify the space, and imple-ment effective procedures to protect employees. The proposed rule would require controlling contractors to coordinate confined space operations among a site’s multiple employers. This session will pro-vide an overview of the new standard and answer questions from the construction community about it.