Page 50 - Confined Space Training - Student Manual 2021

Chapter 8 – Confined Spaces in Construction

Topics Presented in this Chapter
• Five differences between the General Industry and Construction Industry Confined
Spaces regulations.
• Additional sources of information on confined spaces.
•
OSHA 1926.1200 (Subpart AA)
On May 4, 2015, OSHA issued a new standard for construction work in confined space, which
became effective on August 3, 2015. This new standard was developed to address the specialized
situations that develop with confined spaces during construction.

There are five major differences between the new Construction Standard for Confined Spaces
and the existing General Industry Confined Space Standard.

1. The new standard provides more detailed provisions requiring coordinated activities
between the Controlling Employer, Entry Employer, and others when there are multiple
employers at the work site.

The standard will ensure hazards are not inadvertently introduced into a confined space by
workers performing task outside of the space.

An example of this situation would be a gasoline powered generator running near the entrance
of a confined space causing the accumulation of carbon monoxide within the confined space.

2. The Construction Standard requires a Competent Person to evaluate the worksite and
identify all the confined spaces, including Permit-Required Confined Spaces.

3. The Construction Standard requires continuous atmospheric monitoring whenever
possible.

4. The new standard requires that in the case of possible engulfment hazards the hazard
will be continuously monitored.

An example requiring continuous engulfment hazards would be when workers are performing
work in a storm sewer where a storm upstream from the workers could cause flash flooding.
In this case, an electronic sensor or observer posted upstream from the work site could alert
workers, in the space, at the first sign of the hazard. This would give the workers time to safely
evacuate the confined space.

5. The Construction Standard allows for the suspension of a Confined Space Entry Permit,
instead of cancellation, in the event of changes from the entry conditions listed on the
permit, or an unexpected event requiring evacuation of the space. The space must be

Confined Space Training for Entrants, Attendants & Supervisors 50