DESCRIPTION:
Confined spaces come with risks you might not even think about. This video breaks down what the definition of confined space, the difference between Permit and Non-permit spaces, and the 7 requirements of the standard.

Do you know what 3 parameters define a confined space? Steve puts that to the test with real-world examples that might surprise you. The definition is:
1. Bodily Entry
2. Limited Access
3. Not Designed for Continuous Occupancy

In just under 11 minutes, this video gives a thorough treatment of this topic and what a competent person must understand and be able to apply in order to implement the standard. Recognize the risks before they become emergencies. Because with confined spaces, you can't always see what can hurt you. This is the safety topic that sparked Steve's interest in safety and health back in 2002 when he was asked to enter manholes to inspect steam piping at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME.

A Permit Space has one or more of the following hazards:
1. Hazardous Atmosphere (Is there bad air?)
2. Engulfment (Could you be buried or drowned?)
3. Converging Geometry (Could you be trapped unknowingly?)
4. Other Serious Hazards (Is there some other serious safety or health hazard?)

The 7 Things Required by the Standard if you need to enter a Permit Space are:
1. Written Program
2. Written Permit
3. Authorized Entrant(s)
4. Attendant
5. Entry Supervisor
6. Emergency Rescue
7. Training!

TIPS TO PROMOTE PARTICIPATION:
I am very passionate about this topic because it is truly what birthed my interest in safety & health back in the early 2000s when I was working as a field engineer across New England. At 24-years-old I couldn't identify the hazard of lack of oxygen. It scared me to think that I could climb down a manhole ladder to my death and yet I couldn't see what would kill me. So before starting this video, get your crew thinking about the hidden hazards by asking questions like, “Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn't identify the hazard and only realized it later? When did you realize it? What was that like? What changes did you make?” Try to get them talking about this. Also, you could ask them what the definition of a Confined Space is. From experience, I'm very sure they won't be able to tell you the 3 parts of the definition unless they are well versed in this topic. If they cannot defined a confined space per OSHA's definition, then let them know they are missing some parts and queue them up to listen for the definition in the video.

After any video, always seek to promote the discussion by asking open-ended questions (those that require more than a one-word response): “What in the video changed the way you think about confined spaces?” “What spaces have you entered that you didn't even realize were a confined space?" Or ask a closed-ended question just to get a quick show of hands: "How many of you have entered a permit space without following the 7 things?" A closed-ended questions requires a one-word response (usually yes or no). Use the video combined with your experience to apply this to your work environment.

Finally, I want to give some credit to one of my biggest mentors in the safety world, Martha Catevenis. Martha runs her safety training and consulting business out of ME and across New England. She has mentored me in so many ways since 2006. Anyway, she was the one who taught me to call a non-permit space a CPTW (Crappy Place To Work); as compared to a PRCS (Permit-Required Confined Space). That wasn't my original idea. I learned it from Martha. It's memorable and gives a little chuckle. Look for it in this video and see if you like it. Heck, you could include that designation in your company's Confined Space Written Program if you want!

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