Confined Space Entry In Construction
Table of contents
- Confined Space Entry In Construction
- What Is Confined Space Entry?
- Confined Space Entry Fatality Statistics
- Why Confined Space Work Is So Dangerous
- OSHA-Defined Confined Spaces
- How Construction Solutions, Inc. Approaches Confined Space Entry
- Conducting Confined Space Entry
- Common Confined Space Projects We Handle
- Why You Should Hire a Trained Crew
- Need a Confined Space Entry Project Completed?
What Is Confined Space Entry?
In construction and site work, confined space entry refers to working in areas that are not designed for continuous occupancy and have limited means of entry or exit, yet large enough for a worker to enter.
Some examples of these spaces include:
- Underground utility vaults
- manholes
- Sewer systems / Septic Tanks
- Storage tanks
- Trenches or pits deeper than 4 feet
- Stormwater detention systems
- Attics / Crawl Spaces
- HVAC ducts
- Sub-slab environments
These spaces often present serious hazards such as low oxygen levels, toxic gases, engulfment risks, and limited ventilation.
Confined Space Entry Fatality Statistics
Fatal Occupational injuries involving confined spaces from 2011-2018
Fatalities per year:
| 2011 | 120 |
| 2012 | 88 |
| 2013 | 112 |
| 2014 | 116 |
| 2015 | 136 |
| 2016 | 144 |
| 2017 | 166 |
| 2018 | 148 |
Construction Related Fatalities:
168 – Trench Collapse
156 – Falls to Lower Level
126 – Inhalation of Harmful Substance
98 – Engulfment
58 – Fires and Explosions
56 – Caught in Machinery
Trusted Reference:
Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/iif/factsheets/fatal-occupational-injuries-confined-spaces-2011-19.htm
Why Confined Space Work Is So Dangerous
OSHA defines confined space entry is among the most hazardous tasks in construction.
Key dangers include:
- Oxygen deficiency – Even a few minutes in a low-oxygen environment can be fatal.
- Toxic gases or fumes – Especially in older tanks, storm drains, or near chemical runoff.
- Limited exit routes – In an emergency, rescuing someone can be difficult and time-sensitive.
- Engulfment or entrapment – Loose soil, liquids, or unstable materials can collapse inward.
- Mechanical hazards – Rotating parts, moving equipment, or electrical sources.
- Explosive or Flammable atmospheres – Flammable liquids, gasses and other combustable dust can ignite.
- Visibility – Poor access to an adequate light source can create confusion or accidents.
- Bio hazards – such as the presence of viruses, bacteria or fungus can be present within the space
- Chemical exposure – through inhalation or skin contact
OSHA-Defined Confined Spaces
OSHA classifies confined spaces into two categories:
- Non-Permit Required Confined Spaces – Still hazardous, but without immediate life-threatening dangers.
- Permit-Required Confined Spaces – Contain or may contain serious hazards (e.g., toxic gases, engulfment risk, hazardous atmosphere).
If a confined space is permit-required, OSHA mandates specific procedures before and during entry.
How Construction Solutions, Inc. Approaches Confined Space Entry
At CSI, safety comes first. Our trained crews follow OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA and all state/local regulations when entering confined spaces. Here’s how we ensure safety and compliance:
- Identify confined spaces: We evaluate the worksite to identify all confined spaces and determine which are permit-required.
- Permit-required confined space program: CSI creates and implements a comprehensive program that includes:
- Permitting process: A system for issuing entry permits for specific spaces and tasks. Including identifying and detailing the specific hazards and properly listing the safety precautions to be implemented.
- Training: Ensuring all authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors are properly trained.
- Entry supervisors: The designated person to oversee the entry and ensure safety procedures are followed.
- Duties: Clearly defined responsibilities for authorized entrants and attendants.
- Rescue and emergency services: provide for timely rescue in case of an emergency.
Conducting Confined Space Entry
- Atmospheric Testing – We test oxygen levels and monitor for gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane and others using calibrated monitors.
- Ventilation and Monitoring – Forced-air ventilation is used when required, and continuous monitoring helps ensure safe breathing conditions inside the space.
- Rescue Plan and Standby Personnel – A trained attendant remains outside the confined space at all times, ready to call for rescue or act in an emergency. Tripods, harnesses, and retrieval systems are in place as needed.
- Training and PPE – All crew members receive confined space entry training, and wear proper PPE including harnesses, gas monitors, and communication devices.
- Permit System – We maintain written permits, checklists, and documentation for every entry — even in non-permit spaces — as part of our safety culture.
Review our Health and Safety Program
Common Confined Space Projects We Handle
- Excavation and installation of underground infrastructure
- Environmental Remediation
- Underground utility installation, trenching and repair
- Underground tank inspections
- Maintenance of detention ponds, vaults, and tanks
- Repairs in crawl spaces, cellars, or utility basements
- Sewer and stormwater system cleaning with jet vac services
Learn more about:
Why You Should Hire a Trained Crew
Confined space work should never be taken lightly. A misstep can lead to severe injury or loss of life — and liability for property owners.
When you work with Construction Solutions, Inc., you get a fully trained and insured team that handles confined space projects with professionalism, preparation, and precision.
Serving Massachusetts, Southern NH & Southern ME
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