The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a final rule to increase protections for construction workers in confined spaces.
The agency says the rule, which matches those in manufacturing and other industries, could protect nearly 800 construction workers a year from serious injuries and reduce life-threatening hazards.
The rule applies to areas including manholes, crawl spaces, tanks, and other confined spaces that are not intended for continuous occupancy and are difficult to exit in an emergency.
People working in confined spaces face life-threatening hazards including toxic substances, electrocutions, explosions, and asphyxiation. The agency cited a case last year in which two workers were asphyxiated while repairing leaks in a manhole. The new rule was devised to prevent such incidents.
The new regulations include requirements to ensure that multiple employers share vital safety information and to continuously monitor hazards—a safety option made possible by technological advances after the manufacturing and general industry standards were originally created.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2018
L.A. must transition to cleaner energy, boost transit to reach sustainability goals
City aims to reduce GHGs 60% by 2035 and 80% by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2018
Washington D.C.’s flattened skyline can be a virtue
Zoning ordinance that ties building heights to width of streets dictates form.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018
Silicon Valley cities considering taxes aimed at large employers
The aim is to offset the impact on housing costs and homelessness by tech companies.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018
OSHA proposes new crane operator safety rule
Would provide long-term clarity on certification requirements.
Codes and Standards | May 29, 2018
Government support helping to drive demand for green building materials
Market projects to grow 12.5% annually between 2013 and 2019.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2018
‘Amazon tax’ could slow Seattle’s construction boom
City imposes employer head count tax to fund affordable housing.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2018
AAMA releases 2017/2018 fenestration market studies
Offers forecasts of industry trends.
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2018
Registration open for 2018 National Energy Codes Conference
U.S. Department of Energy event to be held July 15th-17th in Austin.
Codes and Standards | May 21, 2018
New standard tests quietness of floors
ASTM International method will help manufacturers test their flooring materials.
Codes and Standards | May 17, 2018
California will require solar panels on most new homes
Projected to add $10,000 to cost of new homes.