OSHA Alters Confined Spaces Rule

 

On May 4, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a long-awaited final rule affecting the training requirements for employees working in confined spaces in construction, which now includes attics and crawlspaces — areas where HVAC equipment is frequently located.

The rule, which took effect Aug. 3 and will be enforceable after Oct. 2, adds a new subpart to the existing rule and includes a permit program designed to protect employees from exposure to the many hazards associated with work in confined spaces, including atmospheric and physical hazards.

While some industrial and commercial HVACR contractors are already acclimated to the OSHA requirements, which have long applied to confined spaces, such as tunnels and man holes, they, along with residential HVAC contractors, will need to make sure they are on top of the new requirements.

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