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 | Feb 27, 2017
Green building saves operating costs and boosts asset value
A new report shows 14% cost savings and a 7% increase in value when green standards are met.
Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2017
Scant data hampering energy, water efficiency at sports venues
New NIBS report says baseline information needs further development.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017
Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards
The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017
Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis
Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2017
AISI publishes three new cold-formed steel framing research reports
Seismic simulation, roof trusses, steel-to-steel and sheathing-to-steel connections are examined in the reports.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2017
New energy design guide for metal building systems now available
The second edition incorporates more recent IECC and ASHRAE standards.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Paper outlines how BREEAM credits can be used for WELL standard compliance
The paper provides guidance on how to streamline pursuit of dual certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Evidence mounts on health, productivity benefits of sustainable work spaces
High-performance green buildings are linked to better job performance.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2017
Calif. commission approves ‘emergency’ balcony code changes
The changes apply to multifamily, hotels, state-owned buildings, and public schools.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2017
Google-initiated program aims to get construction industry to use healthier building materials
Portico platform features a database of products ranked on how they disclose ingredients.
