Protecting Construction Workers in Confined Spaces: Small Entity Compliance Guide

The special dangers of confined spaces

A confined space is a space whose configuration and/or contents may present special dangers not found in normal work areas. Confined spaces may be poorly ventilated and, as a result, contain insufficient oxygen or hazardous levels of toxic gases. Working in a tight space can prevent a worker from keeping a safe distance from mechanical and electrical hazards in the space. Fumes from a flammable liquid that is used in a poorly ventilated area can reach explosive levels. Such hazards endanger both the workers in the confined space and others who become exposed to the hazards when they attempt to rescue injured workers. In a number of cases, rescue workers have themselves died or been injured because they did not have the training and equipment necessary to conduct the rescue safely.

Source: https://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/publication.html

Glossary:

• Confined space –  espaço confinado
• Poorly ventilated – mal ventilado
• Tight  space  –  espaço apertado
• Reach –  alcançar/ atingir
• Such –  Tal
• Endanger –  pôr em perigo.

Aluna: Aline Cristina Mendes