New OSHA Rescue Requirements for Confined Space Retrieval: What You Should Know.

C onfined spaces exist in nearly every industry, and many workers come into contact with at least one during the course of their work. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, about 90 deaths involving confined spaces occur every year across a wide range of industries. Unfortunately, two-thirds of those deaths are workers killed while trying to rescue someone else from a confined space. This is often due to the critical nature of these rescues, which sometimes lead to poorly planned retrieval attempts. Many workers and employers are unaware of the dangers confined spaces pose, which include: ■ Lack of oxygen ■ Poisonous gas, fume, or vapor ■ Liquids and solids suddenly filling the confined space or releasing gases into it when disturbed ■ Fire and explosions ■ Residues left behind that can give off gas, fume, or vapor ■ Hot working conditions ■ Falling objects ■ Moving parts of equipment and machinery ■ Electrical shock resulting from defective extension cords, welding cables, etc. ■ Poor visibility ■ Substances entering through piping such as gases, hot substances, or water Very often, injuries and deaths occur as a result of work being carried out in a confined space, such as welding, painting, flame cutting, or using chemicals.