New OSHA Fact Sheet on Confined Spaces in Residential Construction

OSHA recently released a new fact sheet to help builders and remodelers understand provisions of the OSHA standard for Confined Spaces in Construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA) regarding spaces such as attics, basements and crawl spaces.

The standard applies to any space that meets the following three criteria:

1. Is large enough for a worker to enter
2. Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit
3. Is not designed for continuous occupancy

A confined space that contains certain hazardous conditions may be considered a permit-required confined space under the standard.

According to the fact sheet, the vast majority of the standard’s requirements only apply to permit-required confined spaces. Attics, basements, and crawl spaces in a residential home will not typically trigger these requirements.

A permit-required confined space means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

• Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere
• Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant
• Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section
• Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard

Before work begins, employers must have a competent person identify all confined spaces where employees may work, and identify each space that is a permit-required confined space.

Additional Resources:

• Download the new fact sheet (pdf).
• Read a related FAQ.
• Review the Confined Spaces in Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA).
• Browse confined space signs and construction safety signs at ComplianceSigns.com.