Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.
Issue link: https://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/518460
arly this month, OSHA fnalized a sweeping new rule designed to pro- tect workers in confned spaces like storage tanks, tunnels and manholes. And in so doing, the worker safety agency also specifes crawl spaces and attics, places residen- tial contractors access frequently. Te new rule, which takes efect Aug. 3, will add a new layer of compliance for general con- tractors and their trade partners, who are already coping with requirements for the EPA's lead-safe work practices. Now routine tasks like installing spray-foam insulation in attics or installing plumbing in a crawl space will require documented safety plans, and in some cases stationing an additional person outside the space to grant access. Announced May 1, the new rule specifes attics and crawl spaces because of recent fatalities. Two workers died in a fre applying a combustible primer in a crawl space, and a fash fre in an attic killed a worker applying spray foam in an enclosed attic. OSHA estimates the rule will prevent nearly 800 serious injuries per year. "Tis rule will save lives of construction workers," said Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. "Construction sites are continually evolving, with the number and characteristics of confned spaces changing as work progresses. Tis rule emphasizes training, continuous work site evaluation and communication requirements." DEFINITIONS, REQUIREMENTS AND RESOURCES Any work space that is large enough for a worker to enter, has limited means of entry and exit, and is not designed for continuous occupancy is deemed as a "confned space" under the new rule. Additionally, spaces might be deemed "permit required" if the space has a hazardous atmosphere with potential for engulfment or sufocation. It is important to note that the word "permit" in this case does not mean what it usually does — government issued permissions. Under the new rule, permits to access specifc confned spaces are granted by the general contractor or lead contractor on each job. Tere are numerous safe entry procedures requiring planning and preparation by the contractor ahead of time. ¡ ¡ A "competent person" needs to evaluate a jobsite for confned spaces including permit-required confned spaces. ¡ ¡ Permit-required spaces necessitate identifying means of entry and exit, proper ventilation and hazards control. ¡ ¡ Air testing may be required of oxygen levels and for the presence of hazards prior to a worker's entry. ¡ ¡ Rescue procedures must be identifed. ¡ ¡ Controls, protections and ventilation must be used if the air is not safe in a confned space. Details of the new rule can be found at OSHA.gov, but industry ex- perts are swinging into action with training, says Dan Taddei of NARI, who is planning a webinar with OSHA ofcials in the coming weeks. In addition, the NAHB Remodelers has prepared a Confned Spaces in Construction Toolkit on its website at NAHB.org, says NAHB leader on occupational health and safety issues Rob Matuga. Te organization is also planning a webcast on the topic sometime mid-June. | COMPLIANCE Study finds OSHA underestimated cost of silica rule A new report released by the Construction Industry Safety Coalition found that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's proposed silica standards for the U.S. construction industry will cost the industry $5 billion per year — roughly $4 .5 billion more per year, or 10 times OSHA's estimates. OSHA estimated that the proposed rule — intended to drastically reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of crys- talline silica for the construction industry — would cost the construction industry about $511 million a year. The CISC report estimates about 80 per- cent of the cost ($3.9 billion per year) will be direct compliance expenditures such as additional equipment, labor and record- keeping costs. The remaining 20 percent ($1.05 billion per year) will come in the form of increased prices that the industry will have to pay for construction materials and building products such as concrete block, glass, roofng shingles and more. OSHA Crawl spaces and attics on list of 'confned spaces' New OSHA rule mandates compliance by Aug. 3. Remodelers and home improvement pros forced to put new processes in place quickly. COMPLIANCE E Continued on page 12 10 May 2015 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com | ForResidentialPros.com IN BRIEF